LONG-TERM UPDATE 3 | Unpacking the standout attributes of our Ford Ranger Tremor

There are 29 Ford Ranger models on the market right now, encompassing single, super and double cabs. Our Ranger Tremor long-term test unit, along with its posh Ranger Platinum cousin, blew up the range options earlier in the year.

The Tremor is our third Ford Ranger long-term adoptee, including the latest generation Ranger Wildtrak X and the previous-generation Ranger Raptor. If other derivatives that have arrived for the regular road test regiment are to be included, we’ve become accustomed to life with this line of double-cab bakkies. 

The Tremor model is a locally developed model that’s based on the XLT trim, profiting from specific off-road driving wares also found in the Wildtrak X. These include the huge Grabber All-Terrain rubber, Trail control and Trail turn assist. The latter system allows the hefty Ranger to swiftly make it through tight turns without needing three-point turns, and the Trail control is an off-road cruise control, in a nutshell.

We’ve previously covered our Ranger Tremor’s technical bits and its on-and-off road escapades, but now I want to discuss the looks and styling. There’s no denying that aesthetics play a role in the purchase decision. With so many models on offer, Ford designers had their work cut out to differentiate them.

Our Tremor is painted Frozen white, but you can opt for Agate black, Carbonised grey, Blue lighting or Lucid red. Model specific decals aside, the Tremor largely mimics the Wildtrak X frontal features of a gloss black Ford badge, the trio of dotted auxiliary lights and a honeycomb grille, however, our car hasn’t the angled H-bar design. It’s got the horizontal version, and it also lacks the Luxe yellow strip surrounding a similar lower bumper. 

The Tremor is distinguished further by black alloy wheels instead of its cousin’s diamond-cut units and the lack of the Flexible Rack System (FRS) — a cost option that introduces a functional rear cowling that slides back with five lockable positions along the length of the load bed. 

It’s a handy feature for carting long items that also brings roof racks. The Tremor appears lower and sleeker with a rear sports bar, and it’s a look that’s growing on me more than the over-the-top tailoring of the Wildtrak X.

Outside its posing abilities, the Tremor continues the standout attributes of its XLT donor model as a sensible buy that’s just as capable as the Wildtrak X but costs R68,000 less. Our bakkie is also now averaging 9.6l/100km — impressive in urban settings, but still far off the OEM claims of 7.5l/100km.

So far no technical or digital interface glitch has surfaced. It’s purring along healthily, and buying tips would be to consider the fitment of a roller-shutter or the hard tonneau cover for peace of mind against the elements and criminality when carrying cargo.