2021 Ford Ranger Tremor

The new 2021 Tremor was an earth-shaking addition to the Ford Ranger lineup, instantly establishing itself as the best-driving, best-riding, and best-wheeling version of the aging midsize pickup.

- By Erik Johnson

PROS The best Ford Ranger you can buy • Loves the dirt • Top-notch powertrain

CONS Tinny doors and structure • Ancient interior • Few if any clever features

VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door truck ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.3L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 10-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,621 lb (57/43%) WHEELBASE 126.8 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 210.8 x 73.3 x 71.5 in EPA City/Hwy/Comb 19/19/19 mpg

Credit goes almost entirely to the upgraded suspension and rolling stock. Its off-road tires’ taller sidewalls are first into the refinement breach, taking the initial edges off impacts that set teeth clacking in regular Rangers, and the Tremor’s Fox dampers—the rears have remote reservoirs—and revised rear springs take care of the rest. Mostly. It’s still a firmly suspended truck, but with much-improved ride refinement and body control over bumps, lumps, and yumps.