Ford has finally invited the charming Maverick into the Tremor club, whose membership requirements include “be a Ford truck” and “have accent badging.” The littlest truck in Ford’s lineup celebrates its membership in the Tremor club with a one-inch lift and a few new bits and bobs for off-roading.
Editor’s note: Initially, this article stated that the Tremor package was available with the base-model hybrid/FWD drivetrain. That’s not true, and was a mistaken reading on my part. I’ve updated the article to remove that error, and to clarify details on the towing capacity of the Maverick Tremor. I apologize for my sloppiness. -Bob
Available on both XLT and Lariat models, the Tremor package can only be had with the upgrade 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo four (250 hp, 277 lb-ft). Tremor models get a new all-wheel drive system with a twin-clutch locking rear differential. Tremors also get five selectable drive modes and Trail Control, which works like cruise control for off-road crawling, with the vehicle handling throttle and brake inputs to maintain a steady speed on challenging terrain.
In addition to the one-inch suspension lift, Tremors get a heavy-duty transmission cooler, stronger half-shafts, unique springs and shocks, a higher-clearance lower front fascia, and steel skid plates.
The Tremor has a slightly lower payload capacity than other Maverick models, including the front-drive hybrid model: 1,200 pounds for the Tremor, compared to 1,500 pounds for hybrid and non-Tremor AWD models. More puzzlingly, the Tremor is not available with the optional “4K Tow Package,” meaning this off-road sub-model is stuck with the basic truck’s 2,000-pound maximum towing capacity. We’ve asked Ford for clarification on why the Tremor can’t be had with the towing package, and will update this article with any answer we receive.
Update: A Ford spokesperson responded to Jalopnik’s question, explaining, “We don’t have the towing package on Maverick Tremor because its specialized capabilities are optimized for off-road usage.”
The Tremor package brings blacked-out badges, smoked headlights and taillights, a unique matte gray grille with yellow accents, and of course, those yellow front tow hooks. An optional Tremor Appearance Package gives you Carbonized Gray accent paint on the roof and mirror caps, along with black graphics on the hood and doors, though Ford didn’t give us photos to show what that package looks like.
Inside, you get Tremor Orange accents and Tremor stitching on your Tremor seats to remind everyone your Tremor is a Tremor.
The Tremor Off-Road Package adds $3,000 to the price of your Maverick, while the Tremor Appearance Package commands an additional $1,500. After closing the order books for awhile, Ford will resume taking orders for new Mavericks in September, at which point, you’ll be able to put in your order for your 2023 Maverick Tremor.