Over the last few weeks, the CAR and Leisure Wheels teams just spoke about the recently-concluded 2024 SUV Shootout. How each SUV fared and how astounded everyone was with how good the vehicles were in their respective right.
![](https://www.leisurewheels.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/tremor-2-1024x683.jpg)
Yet, each conversation pivoted towards perhaps the real hero of the gruelling test: Ford’s newly launched Ranger Tremor. Based on the XLT double cab, the Tremor boasts an impressive suspension system that was borrowed from the Wildtrak X. Now, while it may not look impressive on paper, this setup’s impact in the real world is a completely different story.
On the shootout, the Ranger Tremor’s first order of business was hauling the 1 200 kg trailer from AXL Outdoor in Brackenfell to Worcester. The bakkie didn’t miss a beat and took on the N1 with zero trouble. The 500 N.m of torque ensured that the bakkie was absolutely on point with hauling duties and it ran impeccably towards each stop.
![ford ranger tremor](https://www.carmag.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ranger-1-jpg.webp)
Gravel eater
With the SUVs each taking turns to pull the trailer, it opened the Ranger Tremor to explore some of its limits, especially on gravel roads. On the R355 between Ceres and Calvinia, the first opportunity to put the bakkie to the test presented itself. It was scary, in a good way, how easily the bakkie picked up speed while maintaining stability on the corrugated terrain.
In its wake? Bellowing dust that could be seen from miles away.
Where the team really took note of the Ranger Tremor’s prowess was when the contingency ascended Ouberg Pass. Almost deserted, the heavily corrugated track presented little room for error as one wrong move could leave the team stranded on the single-lane road. And the Tremor? Well, it hauled the trailer for the entirety of the second day, including up Ouberg Pass.
With Kyle Kock tasked with commandeering the bakkie and the hooked R500 000 trailer, everyone took position in the convoy led by CAR’s road test engineer. Looking back on the Tremor’s performance, Kock said:
“One of the highlights of towing the 1 200 kg Infanta Enkulu 2 up Ouberg Pass was the Ford Ranger Tremor displaying just how sophisticated its ECU really is, as I left the transmission in four high. The full suite of new tech was used to full effect, from the towing reverse assist to the slippery mode, to tow/haul and trailer sway assist, and even the trail turn function that locks up the inside rear wheel to tighten the turning circle. The entire towing combination was shod in the same size General Grabber AT3 tyres and, ultimately, I think that added to the effortlessness of towing. It’s hands-down the best vehicle I’ve ever towed with.”
![Infanta Enkulu 2](https://www.carmag.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/infanta-jpg.webp)
A tremor at the volcano
On the final day, before heading back to Cape Town, the team made a quick stop at Rogge Cloof some 20 km outside Sutherland on the R354. A prominent attraction in the area, Rogge Cloof also plays home to an inactive volcano, called Salpeterkop.
The volcano was last active some 70 million years ago, but it is a major attraction in the region. It was also right, then, that we gave the volcano its first tremor in a very long time.
With farm manager Ulli Gerntholtz in the bakkie, we drove the Tremor up the volcano. It’s a slow climb as we navigate the corrugations and steep inclines. Here, the 4×4 system worked an absolute charm, with little to no wheelspin at any point. Gerntholtz, a dedicated Mitsubishi fan, was left pondering his next purchasing decision and admitted that this Ranger changed his perception.
FAST FACTS:
- Price: R978 600
- Engine: 2.0-litre, bi-turbodiesel
- Transmission: 10-speed, automatic
- Power: 154 kW @ 3 750 r/min
- Torque: 500 N.m @ 1 750 – 2 000 r/min
- Ground clearance: 261 mm
- Fuel consumption: 7.5 L/100 km (claimed)
- Service/Maintenance plan: Optional
- Warranty: Four-years/120 000 km
2024 Ford Ranger Tremor