Al-Qalam 
Swapping out the Wildtrak X for the Tremor proves you don’t have to choose between rugged and refined, writes Imraan Buccus.
Rugged, luxurious, and tech-laden are words that immediately come to mind. Irrespective of whether you’re on the N3 highway to Pietermaritzburg or the rugged terrain within the Hluhluwe game reserve, there isn’t a hint of a squeak from the suspension or a crick in our backs.
There’s a rugged honesty to the cabin, with durable finishes and clever touches that hint at the hard work it’s ready for, yet comfort hasn’t been an afterthought.
The Tremor growls luxury and readiness. Based on the XLT, the Tremor isn’t pretending to be flashy. It’s kitted out for adventure, not adoration — though, to be fair, it’s no eyesore either.
Rugged on the Outside, Clever on the Inside
On paper, it’s the same 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine you’ll find in the Wildtrak X — 154kW and 500Nm, paired to a 10-speed automatic — but under the surface, it’s a different beast entirely. Steel bash plates, cast aluminium side steps, underbody protection for just about every vulnerable bit you can name, and 265/70 R17 General Grabbers wrapped around black alloys. It’s ready to rumble.
That darkened grille, accented by those blacked-out badges, brings an edge that feels quietly confident, not screaming for attention, but commanding it all the same.
You also get Bilstein Position-Sensitive dampers — the same as the Wildtrak X — which bump up the ground clearance to 261mm and widen the track by 30mm. The Tremor doesn’t just look ready for anything — it is.
Interior: Practicality with Purpose
Climb inside and things get… well, smarter. Vehicles like these are often in muddy, wet terrain and don’t need the plush carpets of the Wildtrak X. The rubberised vinyl flooring and water-resistant black vinyl seats are welcomed, practical and necessary. The seats, finished in a sturdy, tactile material, offer the kind of bolstering that keeps you snugly in place whether you’re crawling over rocky trails or cruising the open road.
So, post-hike and water-soaked sections of various off-road trails, and no problem now. The interior is prepped and will remain protected, well, significantly so.
You’ll still find the same impressive tech — a 12-inch SYNC screen (bigger than the XLT’s standard 10.1), 360-degree cameras, and a bank of roof-mounted auxiliary switches ready to support your weekend warrior dreams. There’s even a provision for a second battery, which overlanders will appreciate.
Off-Road Confidence, On-Road Comfort
The Tremor comes loaded with all the off-road wizardry you’d expect. Permanent 4WD with 4A, 4H, and 4L settings. Terrain modes for sand, mud, rocks, and the rest. It even gets Trail Turn Assist, which brakes the inside rear wheel to pivot the vehicle tighter on tricky corners. Effective, yes. But the crunching mechanical groans make you want to use it sparingly — or with a wince.
Out on the dirt, the Tremor’s specially tuned suspension soaks up the bumps with a grace that’s almost unexpected from such a capable off-roader. You don’t bounce around; you glide, cushioned from the worst of it while still feeling connected to the terrain. Even at highway speeds, wind and road noise are kept respectfully low, making longer journeys a pleasure rather than a chore. There’s confidence in the way it moves, a solid, sure-footedness that makes you relax your grip on the wheel and just enjoy the drive. The Ford Ranger Tremor is more than just tough; it’s a comforting companion, ready to go wherever you dare point its broad nose.
Also worth exploring is Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist— a clever trick that uses cameras and a dial to guide your trailer while you just sit back and steer via the knob. Once calibrated, it does the work for you.
Final Thoughts
There’s something unapologetically bold about the Ford Ranger Tremor that catches your eye long before the engine growls to life. It’s not just a bakkie; it’s a statement. From the first glance, the raised suspension and chunky all-terrain tyres hint at adventure, even if it’s just a quick stop at the shops.
The Tremor is Ford’s answer to the question: Can I get the tough stuff without sacrificing daily usability? The Tremor is ever ready for the open road and the city, but the Tremor is the one you take when the tar ends — and you don’t want to look back.
That darkened grille, accented by those blacked-out badges, brings an edge that feels quietly confident, not screaming for attention, but commanding it all the same.
November 2024
