2023 Ford Maverick Tremor: More might off-road

The Maverick has been a smash hit since Ford launched the compact truck in 2021, capturing 2022 North American Truck of the Year honors and enjoying some of the highest monthly churn rates of all Ford nameplates. U.S. sales tallied 68,492 through November, making it Ford's No. 2 pickup behind the F-Series and ahead of the Ranger.

Fans of the truck who want more off-road versatility now have an option: the 2023 Maverick Tremor.

The Tremor offers a 1-inch lift for improved ground clearance, specially designed front and rear suspension to boost off-road capabilities, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, with advanced all-wheel drive with four-wheel-drive lock.

It also features Trail Control, which functions similarly to cruise control for off-road driving, and five selectable drive modes so customers can switch between on- and off-road capabilities.

Customers who opt for the off-road package can also purchase the Tremor Appearance Package with a carbonized gray painted roof, mirror caps, and hood and side graphics.

The 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor Off-Road Package is $2,995 and the appearance package is $1,495.

The 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor is "as compelling as the base model" and "armed with some serious hardware in addition to its upgraded drivetrain," The Detroit News says.

We've collected some early reviews of the Maverick Tremor.

"The Ford Maverick is the mini-truck America needs to unclog thoroughfares and parking lots packed with oversize four-by-fours. Not only is the Maverick a terrific tool in its fundamental form, but it becomes ruggedly cool when outfitted with the new-for-2023 Tremor off-road package.

"As with its Badlands sibling, the Tremor is the only member of the Maverick family to feature an all-wheel-drive system with a torque-vectoring rear differential. With its aggressively treaded Falken WildPeak all-terrain tires that stand 30 inches tall, the Tremor is well equipped to crawl up, over, or through rocky, sticky, or slippery surfaces. Helping it conquer diverse terrain are selectable drive modes, including Mud & Ruts, Rock Crawl, and Sand. A Trail Control feature that automatically adjusts the accelerator and brakes to maintain a set speed — think of it like off-road cruise control.

"Don't confuse the Maverick for a dedicated off-roader like the Jeep Gladiator or even consider it on par with the Ranger, its body-on-frame kin. Ford's tiniest truck has its limitations and won't make it far on truly difficult trail systems. However, it has the hardware to take on obstacles most owners would likely shy away from.

"While we didn't have the chance to push the entry-level Tremor to its limits, we did take it off the beaten path and came out the other end pretty dirty. It flexed its suspension, which features unique dampers as well as retuned front and rear springs. We felt the all-wheel-drive setup effectively transfer power to the wheels with traction, which was even more obvious when one of the rears is hung helplessly in the air.

"We enjoyed mundanely driving the Maverick Tremor as much as we liked tossing it around on the trails. That duality makes it a compelling package. Granted, its force-fed four-pot buzzes rather loudly at idle, and heavy doses of throttle cause coarse engine sounds to penetrate the cabin. But with 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, the 2.0-liter packs a satisfying punch. "

— Eric Stafford, Car and Driver

"Is the premium-priced Tremor deserving of Maverick's value label? It's a tougher sell, especially as my Lariat's $40K price tag is the same as the midsize unibody Honda Ridgeline pickup. But price my Tremor with the cloth-seat XLT package and it's a $34K bargain next to a ladder-frame Ranger Tremor asking $46,495, similarly equipped. It's also the only game in town from the Detroit Three – in addition to the stylish unibody-based Santa Cruz Night model that is more sport oriented than off-grid bruiser. Big Brother F-150 is king, but Maverick Tremor expands little brother's appeal."

— Henry Payne, The Detroit News

"On the dirt roads of rural Michigan, the Maverick Tremor felt right at home. The upgraded suspension and tires manage the high-frequency, low-amplitude washboard roads of the countryside with ease. Steering isolation is excellent, and the body's reactions are predictable and composed, much as on the Bronco Sport Badlands, so carrying speed along the rutted tracks pretending to be a WRC ace is a viable option with this wee truck. And when it comes time to slow down and tackle more technical terrain, the Tremor's standard Trail Control system is on hand to reduce the driver's off-road workload.

"Beyond the suspension changes, this Maverick remains a likable thing. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and eight-speed automatic are able partners, with 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque from the former and snappy behavior from the latter. The Tremor may not be as thrifty as the Hybrid – and I remain hopeful Ford will offer an all-wheel-drive gas-electric – but the turbocharged engine makes up for that deficiency with up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity.

"By all accounts, then, the Maverick Tremor takes a good thing and makes it better, cooler, and a bit more functional. But there are a couple of notable shortcomings and the first was a surprise: the cabin feels cheap. Now, yes, plastic has always dominated the Maverick's cabin, but I gave it a pass in my last review because the colors, textures, and shapes of that plastic – not to mention solid build quality – made for an entertaining and interesting environment."

— Brandon Turkus, motor1.com