Ford recently unveiled the new 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor, a new off-road-ready model variant designed to take the fight to the Chevy Colorado ZR2.
Offered as the most off-road capable factory-built North American Ford Ranger model ever produced, the new Ranger Tremor is even more hardcore than the FX4 package, offering more ground clearance, new suspension, and other dirt-duty equipment, all without compromising the pickup’s tow and payload ratings.
The new 2021 Ford Ranger offers 9.7 inches of ground clearance, up 0.8 inches compared to the base Ranger SuperCrew 4×4. Making the traction are 32-inch Continental General Grabber A/TX all-terrain tires, which wrap 17-inch Magnetic-painted wheels.
Suspension highlights include Fox 2.0 monotube dampers with hydraulic rebound stops and remote rear reservoirs. The front and rear springs were also tuned for greater off-road composure, while a multi-leaf rear spring provides greater travel. Suspension travel is now up to 6.5 inches in front, while rear suspension travel is up to 8.1 inches. Anti-roll stiffness was softened as well, while various digital systems (including the Terrain Management System) are in place to maximize control on various surfaces.
Approach angle, departure angle, and breakover angle are all improved as well, up to 31 degrees for approach, 26.6 degrees for departure, and 24.2 degrees for breakover. Steel underbody plates protects the greasy bits.
Outside, we find things like new rear recovery hooks, wider wheel well moldings, and new hoop steps, not to mention a new grille treatment, new badging, and the option for special hood and body graphics. Inside, the Tremor logo was stitched into the seat backs, and there are new black accents as well.
Motivation is sourced from the same Ford 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine as the rest of the Ranger line, with 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission. An electronic locking rear differential is standard. Payload is set at 1,430 pounds, while towing capacity is 7,500 pounds.
The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor package is offered on XLT and Lariat trim levels with a SuperCrew 4×4 configuration. Package pricing is set at $4,290.
Does the new Ford Ranger Tremor have what it takes to rival the Chevy Colorado ZR2? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Colorado news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
This post was created in collaboration with our sister publication, Ford Authority.
Comments
The ZR2 has front and back locking diffs. In addition, the DSSV shocks on the ZR2 are second to none. Not saying this Ranger edition is bad, it just isn’t a ZR2.
Also high frequency gps and free off-road recovery subscription when you eventually break-down off road, well because…….
Dead Rides Offender’s Foundation…..
The ZR2 is still a better truck at a better price.
This package is just to pacify the Ranger fans for the lack of 5be a Raptor at this time.
When you compare the ZR to the Tremor you will find the Tremor is on shaky ground.
Might note the FX4 sticker was already matching the ZR. So this will be a more expensive truck. I see ZR models for sale below $40k now.
It depends on what you like Chevy customers will like the ZR2, Ford customers will like the Tremor.
At least Ford takes an appropriate answer to the ZR2 unlike GM taking 10+ years to answer the Raptor
In my opinion it is really more of a competitor of the Z71 Colorado. The ZR2 has more toys than this Ford edition.
Totally agree, this is more in line with Z71 not the ZR2…
Only the Ranger Raptor is on par with the ZR2 if it didn’t have the diesel. 3yrs now with my ZR2 and still no competition in its class.
It’s also competing with the tacos. The off road, sport, and pro series. But this still does not have a locking front diff (only the ZR2 and jeeps do) and GM is still the only one offering a Diesel engine.
Well folks, I have a ZR2, and have had other 4X4’s. The ZR2 is great, esp. love the ground clearance, attack angle, AWD/FWD trans, and locking diff’s. But, way back had a ’79 Ramcharger, 360-1, 4 spd std trans (granny gear), NP203 transfer case (full time). Actually got 23mpg with road tires! But threw on 32-11.50-15 TruTrak radials on the beast, and it was much more capable. Not sure, but the wheelbase seems close to the ZR2. I just remember in the snow, downshift into 2’nd and stomp on the gas and she went where you pointed the wheels. Took it onto a steep rock cliff, and it dripped a bit of oil out of the tranny, but never lost traction (and didn’t lose enough oil to replace it – and the tranny’s used motor oil, not trans fluid!). Great at crawling over stumps and fallen trees.
The ZR-2 is close, but needs better bumpers, a V-8 and a std transmission.