Sam Krahn 
Earlier this summer, Ford Performance unveiled a three-level off-road upgrade package for the mid-size Ranger pickup. From suspension lift/leveling upgrades to boosting power, these packages seemed like a no-brainer for anyone wanting more capability from Ford’s smallest U.S. pickup. Now, Ford Performance has released a video of the truck in action with full kit, and it handles a tricky climb rather well. Perhaps this is what the Ford Ranger Tremor will be capable of, as well.
While Ford doesn’t say what Level pack this is, the listed upgrades indicate it’s somewhere between a One and Two. Level One upgrades fitted to the Ranger in the video include Fox “Tuned by Ford Performance” Leveling Off-Road Suspension and Shock Kit and unique 17-inch Dyno Gray wheels. Level Two Upgrades are BF Goodrich KO2 All-Terrain T/A tires (which can also be found on the Ford Bronco), and the Ford Performance Engine Calibration. The engine tune boosts the EcoBoost four cylinder’s output to 315 hp and 370 lb.-ft of torque.
The added suspension height appears to help this Ranger tackle the rocky climb with ease, especially this step-up at the beginning. The knobby tires also grip the loose rock well, with little wheelspin throughout.
While the Ford Bronco certainly has the off-road spotlight at the moment, the Ranger shouldn’t be glossed over when looking for an adventure vehicle from the Blue Oval. The added length doesn’t help breaker angles, and the Bronco is purpose built to tackle off-road environments. But, the truck bed delivers some added practicality for those who need it. And based on this video, it would seem that a full kitted Ranger, or Ford Ranger Tremor, will be able to follow a Ford Bronco Badlands pretty far into the wild.
Ford is building a massive portfolio of adventure vehicles, and it’s likely only getting started.
Spec a new Ranger with one of Ford Performance’s off road packs, and you’ll have a pickup that can go just about anywhere with ease, even if it doesn’t have quite the trendy image the Bronco is enjoying. Plus, you can go out and buy one right now, and it it could be cheaper than a Bronco with similar equipment and capability.
