The battle for off-road supremacy accelerates with the debut of the 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor.
The latest entry into the expanding F-Series line-up, the Tremor adds an array of rugged upgrades to Ford’s popular pickup family, including a standard locking rear differential, beefed up suspension and driveline gear, greater shock travel, improved approach, breakover and departure angles and an optional front Torsen limited-slip differential.
New off-road focused functions also will be added to the 2021 truck, including Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist.
(First Drive: 2021 Ford F-150.)
A step up from the familiar FX4 package, but slightly less aggressive of-roader than the Ford Raptor – which is taking a brief hiatus as an all-new version of the F-150 debuts – the Tremor will be offered in three distinct versions for 2021.
“Like Super Duty Tremor and Ranger Tremor, introducing the all-new F-150 Tremor is a direct response to seeing how customers use our trucks to enable their outdoor lifestyles,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “F-150 Tremor provides the additional off-road capability they’re looking for with our latest off-road technologies.”
The various Tremor packages will come exclusively on the F-150 with four-door SuperCrew cabs and a 5.5-foot cargo box.
Power will come from a twin-turbo 3.5-liter Ecoboost V-6 paired with a 10-speed automatic. As you’d expect of any serious off-roader, you’ll only be able to order the Tremor with all-wheel-drive.
There will be three distinct versions of the Tremor, explains Ford, a statement noting it will be “available in standard, mid and high equipment groups,” and will “include a range of standard and available features. All equipment levels share core suspension hardware that helps balance work with off-road prowess.”
(First Look: 2021 Ford F-150 puts premium on power, features — and adds first hybrid.)
The suspension upgrade includes retuned springs front and rear, added ground clearance, monotube shocks up front and twin tube shocks in the rear.
The Tremor will ride on new 33-inch General Grabber tires fitted on matte-finish 18-inch wheels. There’s a “Raptor-style” bash plate to protect underbody components. And, with all the modifications the Tremor will “handle an approach angle of 27.6 degrees, breakover angle of 21.2 degrees and departure angle of 24.3 degrees,” explains Ford.
The new technologies introduced on Tremor each have distinct advantages for off-roaders and come as part of the Ford Trail Toolbox:
- Trail Control combines both Hill Climb and Hill Descent Control, letting you set a fixed speed to make it easier to climb and descend without having to work the throttle and brake. Think of it as a low-speed cruise control;
- Trail One-Pedal Drive will modulate the brakes for you simply by working the throttle; and
- Trail Turn Assist helps a driver make tighter turns at low speeds by applying brakes on the inside rear wheel.
(Ford Ranger fans getting off-road beast option in Tremor.)
Ford hasn’t announced pricing for the F-150 Tremor yet. But the automaker says it will join the line-up just in time for off-country adventuring next summer.
