We hear that Ford is planning to release the Tremor version of the current PY-series Ranger ute in Australia – but not just yet.
Unveiled in Europe in late March alongside the Wildtrak X, both models are designed with greater off-roading in mind, bringing longer-travel suspension, uprated dampers, off-road driver-assist technologies, greater ground clearance, more-suitable tyres and various other 4×4-focused accoutrements.
The difference is that the Tremor is based on the regular XLS grade as an entry-level off-roader in the mould of the Nissan Navara SL Warrior, while the Wildtrak X builds on the titular up-spec grade with literally extra features and a 10 per cent-plus premium – hence the name – to take on the Navara PRO-4X Warrior.
But while Ford has confirmed the Wildtrak X for Australia later in the second half of this year, it has remained conspicuously quiet on the future of the Tremor for our market.
However, a dealer source told CarsGuide that the Blue Oval is simply biding its time, holding off releasing the Tremor in Australia for the time being for a number of financial, marketing and strategic reasons.
For starters, with demand far exceeding supply for several Ranger grades while wait times continue to drag on, there is no sense in rushing the Tremor’s local release. Ford has its plate full trying to keep impatient buyers happy.
Secondly, it comes down to economics and choosing the model that makes more money for the company – something that makes perfect sense when you take in the Wildtrak X’s premium positioning between the Wildtrak and flagship Raptor.
Additionally, Ford is likely electing to keep some of its powder dry as a number of fresh competitors loom just over the horizon to rain on the Ranger’s parade – including the next-generation Mitsubishi Triton for 2024, its related 2025 Nissan Navara cousin, an all-new Toyota HiLux and the long-awaited utes from Hyundai and Kia. And these are merely the ones we know about.
To that end, a belated successor to the previous-gen PX III Ranger’s limited-edition FX4 off-road model – but positioned as a range mainstay – is a sure way to deflect some of the attention away from the massive publicity blitz that each of these deadly rivals will undertake.
Which leads to the question of when we can expect to see the Tremor in Australia.
Our source suggests that towards the end of next year might be a logical time to tap into the value off-road experience in the mould of the old FX4 that the Tremor is so clearly aimed at, to broaden the PY Ranger’s appeal.
Like the Wildtrak X, the Tremor boasts a number of features designed to appeal to hardcore 4×4 enthusiasts, including what Ford calls a “substantially reworked chassis” featuring greater ride height, wider tracks, longer-travel springs, specific Bilstein dampers, a heavy-duty electric power steering set-up and a beefier underbody bash plate.
Both models also gain electronic off-road driver-assist systems, starting with the 4A all-wheel-drive 4WD system from the Wildtrak and Raptor, which constantly adjusts the amount of torque to whichever wheel requires it most.
There’s Trail Turn Assist that uses brake-based torque vectoring to reduce the turning radius by up to 25 per cent in tight situations. Trail Control is a very low-speed cruise control system so the driver can focus on the terrain up ahead. And Rock Crawl mode works with the throttle response, traction control and transmission “…for optimum slow-speed, controlled crossing of uneven and rocky terrain”. That was previously Raptor-only tech.
Like the old FX4, the extra height and track width are telegraphed by extended wheelarch mouldings, while a darker grille, grey body detailing, a sports bar, aluminium side steps, exposed twin front tow hooks give the Tremor a distinct look from other Rangers.
Whether sophisticated buyers appreciate the very old-fashioned halogen headlights in lieu of LEDs in 2024 or 2025 remains to be seen.
At least owners will be able to hose out their Tremors’ seats and vinyl floors as Ford claims they’re water-resistant, while – as with other grades – there’s a pre-wired overhead switch pack for aftermarket items like light bars, winches and other off-road-enhancing accessories. This stops the need for holes to be drilled in the dash to house unsightly switches. Clever.
Speaking of handy things, Ford’s tub-to-roof rack stand dubbed ‘Flexible Rack System’ is available as an option, to help with items that are longer than the Ranger’s bed dimensions.
Ford sat on the previous FX4 for some time before releasing it in Australia, to help boost the Ranger when competing utes underwent facelifts, and it seems the Tremor will be no exception.
Keyword: Better late than never: Ford Ranger Tremor set for Australia to take on the Nissan Navara Warrior and Toyota HiLux Rugged X as the belated Ranger FX4 replacement - but when?