2023 Ford Ranger Tremor is a cut-price Wildtrak X

Just days after the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X was confirmed in Australia, the Blue Oval brand has launched another appealing new Ranger 4x4 ute model – but there’s a catch.

The Aussie-developed 2023 Ford Ranger Tremor will not be sold Down Under – at least, not yet – after being revealed overnight in the UK alongside the Wildtrak X.

Featuring a wider track and higher ground clearance, the forthcoming new Wildtrak X is priced from $75,990 plus on-road costs in Australia and is designed to bridge the gap between the range-topping Ford Ranger Raptor (from $86,790) and the regular Wildtrak variants (from $67,990).

The Tremor, on the other hand, has the same off-road-oriented features as the Wildtrak X but is based on the more affordable XLT 4x4 model grade (from $59,990 in Australia), just as the Nissan Navara SL Warrior undercuts the PRO-4X Warrior.

That sees the UK-spec Tremor with the Wildtrak X’s same increased ride height (+26mm) and wider wheel tracks (+30mm), as well as Bilstein shock absorbers, heavy-duty power steering system, beefier underbody protection, and 17-inch alloy wheels with aggressive 285/70 General Grabber AT3 tyres.

The uprated hardware is paired with the same Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist systems as the Wildtrak X.

As per the X, the Tremor is also only available with the 2.0-litre biturbo four-cylinder diesel engine, not the new V6, driving through a full-time (rather than part-time) 4x4 system with low-range and locking rear differential.

A Ford Australia spokesperson said that while the Tremor was an “exciting new addition to the global Ranger line-up” there was “no news to share” regarding a local introduction.

That’s not to say the Tremor or an equivalent variant won’t materialise Down Under at some stage. Ford secured both the Tremor and Wolftrak nameplates with IP Australia last year, and local executives previously let slip there were “five future variants” in the pipeline.

We’ve since seen the Platinum and Wildtrak X emerge, so there’s still at least three to come.

The Tremor advertises its extra capability via its integrated wheel-arch extensions, long-leg tubular sports bar, cast aluminium side steps, exposed twin front tow hooks and a darkened grille.

If this recipe of a pumped-up XLT sounds familiar it’s because Ford used the same methodology when cooking up the previous-generation Ranger FX4 Max, albeit with Fox shocks instead of Bilsteins. The sports bar is almost identical.

“The new Ranger Wildtrak X and Tremor series follow the same recipe as our iconic Ranger Raptor; each one adds even more off-road ability and stunning looks to Europe’s most popular pick-up,” said Ford Pro Europe general manager Hans Schep in a statement.

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