This Ford F-150 FX4 vs Tremor comparison gets a little…scratchy.
With this fourteenth-generation Ford F-150, there’s a new choice if you’re looking to buy a more serious off-roader. Thanks to the new Tremor, you no longer have as wide a gulf between your standard FX4-equipped truck and the hardcore, high-dollar Raptor. Granted, it can still get a little pricey with some options, but the Tremor’s $51,200 starting MSRP is a bit easier to swallow than the top-dog’s $65,840 price tag — and let’s not forget how much options run up the cost there as well. (Hint: it’s pretty easy to run a Raptor over $80,000, before the sigh-inducing dealer markup.)
Before getting into that, let’s go over our comparison truck — Andre’s F-150 XL PowerBoost with the FX4 off-road package. Unlike the Tremor or the Raptor, you can get the off-road kit the FX4 adds in nearly every 4×4 configuration of the F-150. The package, as equipped on PowerBoost hybrid models, includes a 3.73 locking rear differential, off-road tuned front shocks, more skid plates and more off-road worthy tires. In this case, Andre has Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires on his PowerBoost FX4. It does not bring better ground clearance from the factory, though, which you do get with a Tremor or a Raptor.
In terms of trail running and rock climbing, which we do a lot here in the Colorado Rockies, the F-150 Tremor hits a lot of sweet spots. Beyond the FX4, you get 1.2 inches of extra ground clearance, for a total of 10.9 inches. 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist are also nice features that come as part of the Tremor package. Like the Bronco, TTA locks the inside rear wheel when full-lock turning around a tight corner, offering better maneuverability. As of this moment, the F-150 Tremor also gets the 3.5-liter EcoBoost as its standard engine, making 400 horsepower.
How does it actually work in practice?
In the video below, we took both trucks up the Ironclads off-road trail to test their mettle. It’s worth noting that the F-150 Tremor we tested did not have the Torsen limited-slip front differential, though you can spec that on the truck.
Nevertheless, the Tremor’s kit makes the challenge easier for Nathan. As for Andre? Not so much, as his truck picked up another (albeit small) battle scar as he takes a different line to avoid more serious damage.
