The new 2021 Tremor was an earth-shaking addition to the Ford Ranger lineup, instantly establishing itself as the best-driving, best-riding, and best-wheeling version of the aging midsize pickup.
Credit goes almost entirely to the Tremor’s upgraded suspension and rolling stock. Its off-road tires’ taller sidewalls are first into the refinement breach, taking the initial edges off impacts that set teeth clacking in regular Rangers, and the Tremor’s Fox dampers—the rears have remote reservoirs—and revised rear springs take care of the rest. Mostly. It’s still a firmly suspended truck, but with much improved ride refinement and body control over bumps, lumps, and yumps.
Power comes from the same 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder and 10-speed automatic transmission found in every U.S.-spec Ranger. Output stands at a beefy 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and the judges at our 2022 Truck of the Year contest sang its praises. “Good power,” senior editor Alex Kierstein said, “with almost turbodiesel-like grunt. Torque is king in a truck, and this 2.3T beats any base gas V-6 around.” Features editor Christian Seabaugh agreed: “Love this powertrain and its bucketfuls of low-end torque and wide powerband.”
