The idea behind the Maverick was easy enough to understand. Not everyone who could use an open bed needs a burly body-on-frame truck. A small, inexpensive crossover-like pickup, which also happened to be Ford’s least expensive model line, would be useful to many people. That proved to be the case, as Benna Ford had trouble keeping them in stock. Over 94,000 units were sold last year, and that was limited by production. Sales are over double that pace for 2024.
So, now that the Maverick’s positioning is well established in the automotive world, Ford threw a curveball by launching the Maverick Tremor. Is this contradictory? Not really. It is worth pointing out that Ford has experience in beefing up its unibody crossovers before, and the results were quite effective. Think of the Bronco Sport, for example, which shares the Maverick’s platform.
Can be Added to XLT and Lariat
The Maverick Tremor is not a trim level but a unique $3,495 package that can be added to the AWD XLT or Lariat grades. As expected from the Tremor name, the package brings additional off-road capability through a 0.8 lift, Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, a suspension modified for greater articulation, and an electronically locking rear differential. Specific off-road modes are added to the driver mode selector, and a steel skid plate protects the crankcase. The lift and tires are the most obvious appearance differences, along with additional cladding and orange trim on the grille and tow hooks that match the Tremor labeling on the bed.
The Tremor package is only available with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine rated at 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for the small truck, even in the rough. The lift results in 9.4 inches of ground clearance, which is loftier than the base Bronco Sport (8.8 inches) and, for reference, the Subaru Forester Wilderness (9.2), neither of which are likely to be cross-shopped because you either want an open bed or you don’t. The Maverick’s 121.1-inch wheelbase, which is 16 inches longer than the Bronco Sport, limits the crossover angle to 19.9 degrees.
Significantly Improved Off-Road Ability
So, while the Maverick Tremor is not the best tool for rock-hopping, its added height and all-terrain tires easily handle more deeply rutted trails, and the combination of the locking rear differential and dedicated off-road modes can keep you going when the going gets moderately rough.
The Maverick Tremor is never going to rival a well-equipped Ranger 4×4 on the trail, but it does add some off-pavement capability while still offering a more comfortable on-pavement ride and a lower price point. Mavericks with the newly announced Tremor Package will undoubtedly soon arrive in Benna Ford’s inventory. You can have one of our Benna Ford sales professionals inform you when the first model arrives.
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