Review: 2024 Ford Ranger Tremor
If you like your pick-ups tough but not completely bonkers, the Ford Ranger Tremor slots in as the middle ground between your standard workhorse and the full-fat Raptor. It’s got the looks, the off-road gear, and enough practicality to make you feel less guilty about buying one. But with rising prices and the UK taxman looming, is it still worth it?
First Impressions
Straight off the bat, the Tremor looks the part. It’s got a beefier stance than your bog-standard Ranger, with lifted suspension, all-terrain tyres, and just enough aggressive styling to hint at its off-road credentials without going full ‘look at me’. The extra cladding and Tremor badging give it a rugged edge, but thankfully, it stops short of Raptor-esque levels of ‘overcompensating’.
The Tremor isn’t about showboating - it’s more ‘serious off-road adventurer’ than ‘shopping-centre crawling poser’. Ford has made sure it stands out from the regular Ranger without going overboard. And in a world where many pickups are just dressed-up lifestyle vehicles, it’s nice to see one that actually has the hardware to back up the look.
On the Road
For a pickup, the Tremor drives surprisingly well. The upgraded suspension and chassis tweaks mean it’s more composed on tarmac than you might expect. Sure, it’s still a pickup, so don’t expect it to glide like a luxury SUV, but it soaks up bumps very well. Steering is precise enough for something this big, and while the off-road tyres add a bit of road noise, it’s nothing you won’t get used to.
One thing to note is the engine. Under the bonnet, the Tremor comes with Ford’s wet-belt design 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel that puts out 205bhp and 500Nm of torque. It’s got enough grunt to pull a trailer, a load of camping gear, or just to make you feel like you’re driving something substantial. The 10-speed automatic gearbox is smooth for the most part, though it can sometimes feel like it’s hunting for the right gear when you put your foot down.
Where the Tremor really makes sense is for those who need a vehicle that can handle daily life as well as the odd muddy adventure. It’s far less bouncy than some rivals, and while fuel economy isn’t great (thanks to the added weight and chunky tyres), you’re not buying this for its MPG figures, are you? Expect somewhere in the mid-20s if you’re being sensible – less if you’re having too much fun.
Off-Road Capability
This is where the Tremor earns its keep. With its lifted suspension, Bilstein dampers, and chunky off-road rubber, it’s more than happy to tackle ruts, mud, and rocky trails. Ford’s Terrain Management System and low-range gearbox give it serious go-anywhere ability, even if it’s not quite on the same level as the Raptor. It might not have that truck’s high-speed desert-running capabilities, but let’s be honest – how many people in the UK actually need that?
The Tremor also comes with Trail Control – essentially off-road cruise control. It allows you to focus on steering while the truck takes care of the throttle and braking on tricky terrain. It’s a genuinely useful feature, especially if you’re not an experienced off-roader. Hill descent control, locking rear differential, and underbody protection all add to its impressive credentials.
If you’re planning on taking it seriously off-road, the 800mm wading depth is handy for those surprise river crossings (or just getting through particularly deep potholes on the commute). The extra ground clearance also helps when tackling rocky paths or rutted green lanes. It’s safe to say that the Tremor is more than capable of handling whatever the British countryside can throw at it. That said, it’s a bit on the wide-side, so negotiating narrow gates can give you palpitations, especially if you’re venturing out alone.
Interior & Practicality
Inside, the Tremor is a mix of rugged and refined. You get Ford’s excellent Sync 4 infotainment system, a well-laid-out cabin, and seats that are comfortable enough for long journeys. It’s not plush, but it doesn’t feel like a bare-bones work truck either. The all-weather floor mats and durable upholstery make it feel ready for a proper adventure without worrying about muddy boots ruining the interior.
Storage is decent, with plenty of cubbies and compartments for your bits and bobs. The load bed is as practical as ever, big enough for work tools or weekend adventure gear, and the tailgate’s built-in ruler is a small but oddly satisfying touch. It’s the sort of feature you never think you’ll use – until you do, and then you wonder how you ever lived without it.
In terms of towing, the Tremor doesn’t disappoint. With a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg, it’ll tow a decent-sized trailer, caravan, or even a small boat. Whether you’re heading to a job site or a weekend away in the Lake District, it’s got the muscle to get you there.
The Tremor also includes a couple of plug sockets in the back - perfect for charging things and making a quick meal!
The UK Tax Sting
Now, here’s where things get frustrating. The UK government is changing how double-cab and extra cab pickups are taxed, hitting them with higher Benefit in Kind (BiK) rates as they reclassify them as cars. This will make running a Ranger Tremor as a company vehicle much pricier, which is something to factor in if you’re looking at one as a business expense.
For years, double-cab pickups have been taxed as commercial vehicles, making them an attractive option for business owners looking to save a few quid. But when the new rules come into play in April ‘25, the tax advantages will shrink dramatically.
Wet-Belt engine
This is something else to consider.
For those unfamiliar, Ford replaced the traditional timing chain with a belt submerged in oil, supposedly to reduce friction, improve efficiency, and make engines quieter. In theory, it’s a brilliant idea. In practice, well… that depends on how much you trust a rubber belt bathing in hot oil for years on end.
One undeniable advantage of the wet-belt setup is its smooth and silent operation. Unlike timing chains, which can rattle like a bag of spanners if neglected, these belts keep the engine humming along nicely. They also contribute to slightly better fuel economy, which sounds great until you realise the potential cost of failure. And that’s where the trouble begins.
Ford claims these belts can last over 100,000 miles, but plenty of owners have discovered otherwise. When a wet belt fails, it’s not just a simple swap-out, it often leads to total engine destruction, and that’s when the repair bill really starts to hurt. Replacing a belt isn’t exactly a quick job either, since it involves stripping down half the engine. To make matters worse, using the wrong oil or skipping a service can accelerate belt degradation, turning your engine into an expensive paperweight.
In short, Ford’s wet-belt engines are a fantastic innovation, right up until they aren’t. If you’re meticulous with maintenance, they might serve you well. If not, be prepared for an intimate relationship with your local mechanic and a very empty wallet.
I know quite a number of mechanics who say they won’t touch a Ford wet-belt engine (or any Ecoboost), as they’re just too much hassle, and a few who will want around £1,500 alone just to change the timing belt.
Conclusion
I thoroughly enjoyed my week with the Tremor, it was a solid all-rounder, especially for someone who will use it for the weekly commute, and quite tricky green-lanes.. It looks and feels tough, drives well, and has the off-road capability to back up its rugged image. It’s not cheap, and with tax changes on the horizon, running one could get pricier. But if you want a pickup that can do a bit of everything without going full Raptor, it’s a cracking choice.
It’s practical, comfortable enough for daily use, and has genuine off-road ability. It’s also one of the few pick-ups that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to be ‘cool’ – it just gets on with the job without any fuss. The only real downsides? Arguably the price tag, fuel economy, Wet-Belt engine and the potential tax sting and width whilst negotiating narrow gate posts that litter your favourite green-lanes.
Would I have one? If money was no object, absolutely. If you need a proper off-road workhorse with well-thought out accessories, it’s worth every penny. If you just fancy the look, maybe have a word with yourself first!
Website: Ford Ranger UK
Price: £35,550 (Incl VAT £42,660)
