2024 F-150 Tremor Review: New Face, Same Awesome Off-Roader

2024 F-150 Tremor delivers off-roading performance without sacrificing daily-driving comfort. But the ones you see here cost almost as much as a Raptor, creating a buyer’s dilemma between two great trucks.

Full disclosure: Ford provided transportation and accommodations for Ford Truck Enthusiasts to attend a two-day press event where we drove the 2024 F-150 Tremor, F-150 PowerBoost, BlueCruise 1.2 hands-free driver assist, and F-150 Raptor R.

The Tremor nameplate has adorned a variety of Ford trucks since 2002. The first iteration was — we kid you not — named for a 485-watt Pioneer sound system on the Ranger. Then came a regular cab street performance F-150 variant in 2013. And finally, circa 2019, Tremor rebranded into an off-roading package for Super Duty, Ranger and, most recently, F-150 where it exists as its own model.

Three models into its F-150 debut, the 2024 Tremor returns as part of a mid-cycle facelift along with some hefty new price tags. Does the new Tremor live up to the hype? And is it worth your hard-earned coin? Let’s dive in.

What is an F-150 Tremor?

Philosophically, the Tremor splits difference between the FX4 off-roading package — available on many F-150 models — and the Ford Performance Raptor family. The Tremor boasts a 1-inch wider track and a 1-inch lift compared to the standard F-150. Some of this thanks to 33″ General Grabber A/T tires on unique 18″ dark grey wheels. That’s a nice, meaty upgrade over the FX4’s Goodyear Wrangler A/Ts. Ford also tuned the front and rear Tremor-specific shocks to be softer during the harder hits. That being said, leaf springs remain out back instead of a 4-or-5-link system. This of course, helps with towing.

Other exterior details include orange accents and Tremor badges, Raptor-inspired running boards, and a dual exhaust exiting through the rear bumper. Underneath, much like the FX4 package, the Tremor protects vital components with skid plates and includes a locking rear differential. 4WD is, of course, standard, as is a 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 410 ft.-lbs. of torque. For those who want more twist off the line, a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 is available with the same horsepower, but an extra 90 ft.-lbs. of torque.

Inside, Ford welcomes drivers and passengers with more orange accents and Tremor logos on unique cloth or leather seating surfaces. The cloth front seats are heated, while the optional leather includes heating and ventilation along with a number of other goodies listed below. Ford rounds out the package with a few extra off-roading focused driving modes and driver assist features. More on that soon.

What’s New for 2024?

The current F-150 Tremor dates back to the 2022 model year. It debuted with three different equipment group levels (base, mid, and high) and only one engine, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. In 2023, Ford made the 5.0L Coyote V8 standard and the EcoBoost a $90 option. The base equipment group — which was effectively an XL grade interior — exited the chat last year as well.

The 2024 F-150 Tremor is nearly identical to 2022 and 2023 models in terms of performance and off-roading bonafides. But, thanks to the F-150’s mid-cylce refresh, there are five key differences —

1. A new front end shows off a new “coast-to-coast” style grille with amber daytime running lights and new headlights
2. Revised rear taillights
3. An optional modular bumper (Tremor 402A) that can be outfitted with accessories like winches
4. An optional power up/down Pro Access tailgate (Tremor 402A)
5. Prices are up pretty dramatically versus 2023

2024 F-150 Tremor Pricing & Features

Tremor 402A featuring the new-for-2024 Pro Access Tailgate

Speaking of which, the base equipment group for the 2024 F-150 Tremor is 401A. Effectively an F-150 XLT with off-roading goodies, a no-option Tremor 401A starts at $66,255 (including destination & delivery). That’s up from $63,325 last year and includes everything from the XLT, plus —

• 18″ Alloy Wheels with Dark Matte Finish
• 5.0L V8 with Auto Start-Stop Technology
• Selectable Drive Modes
• Unique Dual-Outlet Exhaust​
• Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
• Heated Front Seat
• Adaptive Cruise Control​
• 6 Upfitter Switches
• Unique Tremor Style Running Boards

For context, we currently have a $65,035 XLT Mid Package on loan. It features the 3.5L PowerBoost, FX4 package, 7.2 kW ProPower On Board,  tow/haul package, a premium paint color, bedliner, and a few other features. So the Tremor’s not too far off there.

3.5L EcoBoost V6 (left); 5.0L Coyote V8 (right)

The Tremor 402A equipment group, pictured throughout this review, is effectively a Lariat built for off-roading. It starts at $77,965 (including destination & delivery), a massive jump up from last year’s $71,495. Tremor 402A includes everything from 401A, plus —

For context, the Tremor High Package costs only few thousand less than a base F-150 Raptor ($80,435), which includes 35-inch tires, a hotter version of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and a dramatically better long-travel suspension. Ouch.

Off-Roading Features

Tremor includes a suite of off-road driving modes and driver assist features. Off-Road mode operates in 4-High and turns off traction control to let the wheels spin as they hunt for grip on loose surfaces. (Stability control remains on.) Each time Off-Road mode is selected, the Tremor automatically engages its rear e-locker, which you can turn off by pressing the button at the center of the Drive Mode dial. Rock Crawl mode operates in 4-Low and is designed for, you guessed, steep hills and rocky terrain.

In addition to the modes, the Tremor includes Trail Turn Assist (TTA) to improve the large truck’s turning radious. Toggled on and off via the Features menu in the infotainment screen, TTA automatically engages at slow speeds when the steering wheel is at full lock. It then locks the inner, rear wheel, which causes the truck to pivot around that tire like an anchor. If you click on the above pictures you can see the rear wheel spinning in the first two pictures, and locked in the last (right) photo.

To help climb trails at slow speeds, tap the truck-on-rugged-terrain-looking button above the infotainment screen once to engage Trail 1-Pedal Drive. In this mode, the Tremor acts like a giant golf cart; press the accelerator pedal to go; lift your foot to stop.  With Trail 1-Pedal Drive already on, Trail Control activates when the “Set+” or “Set-” buttons on the steering wheel are used to set a speed between 1 mph and 20 mph. The truck will then drive at that speed until the brake pedal is pressed.

Off-Road Performance

General Grabber tires aired down, chewing dirt, a line of 2024 Tremors crawl up into the mountains above Big Bear and Baldwin Lakes. We’re in the rugged San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. The desolate Johnson Valley to the north. The scorching deserts of Palm Springs to the east. These winding trails are a mix of fire and ranch roads cut into the terrain, routes to long forgotten mines transformed into a recreational playground for off-roaders . They aren’t exceptionally dangerous or technical.

But the sun is out, the views are stunning, and it’s a lovely place to test out the new full-sized Tremor.

What used to take hours of research and wrenching in the garage can now be ordered directly from the factory. With algorithms, sensors, and computers ready to help novices learn and experts excel. The new Tremors are at home in the mountains. Grippy tires grab dirt, gravel, and rock-faces. And all of the driving modes and trail assist features impress.  Climbing up and descending 27-degree trails is as simple as pressing a button and point the steering wheel. And Trail Turn Assist is equal parts useful for slaloming around tree trunks as it is for doing donuts in the dirt around the fire pit.

To be fair, off-roading purists probably look at the Tremor and all of its technology as a 4WD cheat code. And that’s probably fair. The trucks can practically drive themselves. And there’s enough power on board to run an air compressor along with a freezer/cooler filled with drinks and ice cream snacks. But at its heart — its very expensive heart — the Tremor is an express pass for seeking adventures and making new memories with family and friends.

The only thing it truly lacks is long-travel suspension comfort. The Tremor, for all of its capability, may be a step up from the FX4 Package, but it’s (naturally) not as capable as the Raptors at absorbing hard hits or traveling at higher speeds. A long day in the seat bouncing up and down can wear on one’s back.

Which we’d argue make the Tremor exactly one set of aftermarket shocks or coilovers away from perfection.

On-Road Performance & Comfort

On road, running errands and cruising interstates, the Tremor is second only to the Raptor in the F-150 family for comfort and handling. In fact, rather than requiring some sort of sacrifice or tradeoff, the Tremor makes a good argument that all F-150s should be tuned for off-roading. The ride is supple and compliant, erasing cracks in the road and demolishing speed bumps. And, yet, while no one’s ever going to mistake a half-ton pickup truck for a Mustang, it also handles reasonably well in the corners. Brakes are also pretty good, but I wouldn’t push them too hard too many times.

Toss in features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Assist, or Ford’s updated BlueCruise 1.2 system, and you’ve got the makings of a roadtrip warrior. Just add a family of four with a smartphone map and a gas card. The two engine options — the 5.0L V8 and 3.5L twin-turbo V6 — fit the truck’s needs thanks to the taller rear gearing and Ford’s brilliant 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.0 has my heart of course — even if the factory exhaust is too quiet — but the 3.5 delivers gobs of addicting torque that make it a terrific option as well.

Final Thoughts

The Tremor is everything Ford promises and more. It’s probably Ford’s best regular F-150 for the way it blends practicality, capability, features, and performance. And, purely subjectively speaking, the refreshed grille and modular bumper look amazing. Sure, it’s not quite as crazy and capable as the Raptor, but that’s ultimately forgivable…

Or is it?

Thanks to a massive price jump between the 2023 and 2024 model years, the most expensive Tremor is now almost the same price as a no-option Raptor. And the Raptor is wider with more power, bigger tires, a better suspension, and includes most of the same features (except the modular bumper and new fancy tailgate). And, wow, does this create a dilemma. To be fair, Raptors are usually much harder to come by than the Tremors. (And I’m not sure about the current state of the dealer markups). Still, the base Raptor is a better truck, albeit one that cannot be ordered with a 5.0L Coyote V8.

All of which is to say that, if you’re looking to by a Tremor — either 401A and 402A — you won’t be disappointed. It might be the most versatile truck in Ford’s lineup. But if you’re looking at the 402A at $78 grand before any options, do yourself a favor and see if you can drive a base Raptor as well.

Images: Michael S. Palmer

Michael S. Palmer

Michael S. Palmer began his career assisting and developing content for Academy Award-winning and studio-based film and television producers. He has been a professional writer since 2008, when he joined the Writers Guild of America West (WGAw). As a journalist and Content Editor/Manager, he has covered numerous emerging imaging, theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, and automotive technologies. He currently spends his days creating original content at the Internet Brands Automotive Group for some of the world's largest online automotive communities, including Ford Truck Enthusiasts, CorvetteForum, ClubLexus, AudiWorld, and LS1Tech. He still owns his first car, a 1987 Mercury Cougar; adores driving his Boss 302 Mustang; and recently teamed with Chevrolet Performance, Holley, Magnaflow, Eaton, Wilwood, Michelin, Chemical Guys, and Summit Racing to build his first project car. Installing an LS3 E-ROD Connect & Cruise system into a 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon made his eight-passenger wagon faster than a C5 Corvette to 60mph and 50 state emissions legal. His wife and daughter are very patient.