Having lived with a Ford Ranger Wildtrak X for a six-month evaluation, we swapped it for the recently introduced Ranger Tremor model for an extended test.
Like the Wildtrak X, the new Tremor is an off-road focused double cab with widened tracks and an elevated ride height, and mechanically there’s nothing to tell the two double cab models apart. They differ in luxury specification with the Wildtrak X positioned higher at a price of R1,040,600 while the Tremor is based on the mid-spec Ranger XLT and sells for R978,600.
For under the psychological R1m mark, the Tremor dispenses with high-end comforts such as electrically adjustable front seats, making do with manual adjusters instead. The seats are clad in artificial leather embroidered with a “Tremor” logo instead of the smarter-looking suede/leather combo in the Wildtrak X and it has a vinyl in place of a leather-covered steering wheel.
Vinyl flooring takes the place of carpets, making the interior easier to clean after muddy adventures.
The Tremor has normal cruise control vs the Wildtrak X’s distance-sensing adaptive system and its LED headlights don’t have an adaptive matrix function. For the R62,000 price difference the self-parking function is also absent in the cheaper model. The rear USB charging ports have been removed as well, which may be a recipe for family strife, though rear passengers get a 12V socket that can be used with a phone charging accessory.
The Tremor retains a generous array of luxuries such as climate control, digital instrument panel, a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone charger, navigation and auto-on wipers and headlights. The driver has a digital instrument cluster while the 12" touchscreen infotainment supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A FordPass Connect modem enables over the air software updates.
To make it easier to latch a trailer or caravan, the Tremor has a camera-based Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance.
The Ranger has a roomy cabin for four to five adults and the rear backrests are comfortably angled, making it a suitable long-distance family hauler.
In both models the safety features comprise a tyre pressure monitor, seven airbags, lane keeping assist, electronic stability control, blind spot monitor and surround view camera. The Tremor has a lane-keeping system that can be adjusted via the infotainment screen to three levels of intensity. It cannot be disabled but in its lowest setting it’s not intrusive as these systems can often be.
The Tremor stands out with extrovert design touches including a black honeycomb radiator grille, black Ford Oval badges, LED auxiliary driving lights, “Tremor” decals and dark grey exterior garnishes.
The macho-styled Tremor can be considered a junior Raptor in that, compared with normal Ranger double cabs, it has an uprated suspension system with Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers, a 30mm wider track and 24mm more ground clearance so off-road obstacles can be tackled with confidence.
The Tremor is a compelling new model in the extensive Ranger double cab line-up for those who plan to explore trails less travelled
The 17" black alloy wheels wear all-terrain General Grabber AT3 265/70 tyres, which are accommodated by extended wheel arch mouldings finished in dark grey.
Aside from providing good traction on and off road, the high-profile tyres help to give the big bakkie a comfortable, bump-soaking ride so rough roads can be tackled with confidence. The Tremor takes rough surfaces and medium-sized potholes in its stride and the big tyres ride ripples without transferring uncomfortable jarring into the cabin.
Off road, the elevated ground clearance keeps the vehicle belly out of harm’s way and the undersides are protected by a steel bash plate.
With select on the fly 4x4, generous entry and departure angles ensure the Tremor makes child’s play of traversing dongas and churning through soft sand. In tight terrain, a Trail Turn Assist system applies brake pressure to the inside rear wheel to reduce the turning circle. It can be engaged in 4H or 4L mode when the rear differential is unlocked.
The on-demand four-wheel drive system has seven preset drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Rock Crawl.
For its size this double cab is an unexpectedly easy steer with a light turning effort, while a 360º camera system helps to avoid off-road obstacles and takes some of the sweat out of squeezing the burly vehicle into parking bays.
Under the bonnet is the 2.0l four-cylinder biturbo diesel engine inherited from the last-generation Raptor, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Outputs of 154kW and 500Nm propel the big bakkie with satisfying oomph once it shakes off a touch of turbo lag in a standing start. There’s a broad spread of cruising and overtaking grunt and it’s refined without the tractor-like acoustics of some diesels.
The test car is averaging about 11.2l/100km but has just 2,500km on the odometer. With more mileage to loosen up the engine we expect the fuel economy will improve to just over 10l, as we achieved in the mechanically identical Wildtrak X. An 80l fuel tank ensures a long range between pit stops and is useful when exploring the sticks.
The Tremor is a compelling new model in the extensive Ranger double cab line-up for those who plan to explore trails less travelled. It offers all the Wildtrak X’s performance and gravel-tackling abilities at a lower price and minus a few frills. We’ll be tackling some off-road adventures over the next few months and report back.
Tech specs
ENGINE
Type: Four-cylinder diesel turbo
Capacity: 2.0l
Power: 154kW
Torque: 500Nm
TRANSMISSION
Type: 10-speed auto
DRIVETRAIN
Type: selectable 4x4, low-range transfer case
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: N/A
0-100km/h: 10.6 seconds (as tested)
Fuel consumption: 7.5l/100km (claimed), 11.2l/100km (as tested)
Emissions: 195g/km
STANDARD FEATURES
12V power sockets front + rear, Bluetooth, multifunction steering wheel, daytime driving running lights, auto on/off lights, 360° camera, keyless access, cruise control, driving mode switch, rain sensor wipers, climate control, USB A&C ports, touchscreen infotainment system, hill descent control, downhill brake control, tow bar trailer hitch, artificial leather upholstery, seven airbags, ABS brakes, stability control,
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Warranty: Four years/120,000km
Maintenance plan: Optional up to eight years/135,000km
Price: R978,600
Lease*: R21,740 per month
* at 10% interest over 60 months no deposit
Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab Tremor 4WD
WE LIKE: Off-road ability, comfort
WE DISLIKE: Not as luxurious as a Wildtrak X
VERDICT: An adventure double cab for less money
Star rating
***** Design
**** Performance
**** Economy
**** Ride
*** Handling
***** Safety
***** Value For Money
**** Overall
Competition
* Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 D-ID 4x4 Xtreme, 133kW/430Nm — R808,900
* Nissan Navara 2.5D DTi double cab PRO-4X 4x4, 140kW/450Nm — R832,400
* Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 4x4 Raider, 150kW/500Nm — R858,600
* Isuzu D-Max 3.0 TD double cab V-Cross 4x4, 140kW/450Nm — R916,400
* Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 double cab 4x4 GR-Sport, 165kW/550Nm — R999,000
* Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD double cab AT35 4x4, 140kW/450Nm — R1,170,339
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