From FX4 to Raptor and Now "Rattler": Picking the Ideal F-150 For Off-Roading

• March 29, 2022
• Story By
  Mike Garrett

This week, Ford debuted a new member of the F-150 Lineup, called the Rattler. This package adds some off-road hardware to the ultra-popular Ford half-ton, along with some unique visual elements. 

The Rattler also represents another step on the F-150 ladder that goes from your basic XL work trucks all the way up to the legendary Raptor. So with the addition of this new midrange off-road model, we thought we'd do a quick breakdown on the current F-150 off-road offerings that might help you when choosing your next truck.

The Basic 4x4

The first step on the ladder is simply upgrading the base F-150 from a 4x2 to a 4x4. Depending on specific trim, moving to four-wheel drive will be around $3000 more.

You can also option any of the F-150's engines as a basic 4x4, including the base naturally-aspirated 3.3L V6 — not that we'd particularly recommend that engine for 4x4 use.  

FX4 Off-Road Package

Next comes the FX4 Off-Road Package. This package can be added to any 4x4-equipped F-150 from the XL High on up to the Platinum trim. And if you want the FX4 package you'll also need to step up to at least the 2.7L EcoBoost engine, as it's not available with the base V6. 

Priced at just over $1,000, the FX4 Package should be a no-brainer option for anyone buying a new 4x4 F-150. For that relatively small amount of money Ford gives you a locking rear axle, hill descent control, rock crawl mode and off-road tuned shocks.

You also get skid plates to protect the fuel tank, transfer case and front differential and FX4 decals on the side of the bed. Given how cheap the FX4 package is, we can't imagine buying a four-wheel drive F-150 without it.

Rattler

Now we get to the just-announced Rattler package. As far as off-road hardware goes, the Rattler Package doesn't differ much from the FX4, but it does add some unique branding and throws in some visual upgrades as well.

Based on the affordable XL model, Rattler Package-equipped F-150s get all of the off-road upgrades from the FX4 package along with unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, Rattler badging and a dual exhaust system.

It also gets unique trim and badging inside the cabin to help differentiate it from the standard F-150. Ford hasn't announced pricing yet, but we expect the Rattler package to deliver good value for off-roaders who don't want to break the bank and don't need all the luxury toys from the more expensive models.

Tremor

Moving up the ladder, we get to the F-150 Tremor. This is a dedicated trim that slots just below the F-150 Raptor in the 4x4 F-150 hierarchy. It's powered by the same 3.5L EcoBoost V6 as the Raptor, though at 400hp its output is down a little bit from the top-dog Raptor.

Along with the 3.5 EcoBoost, the Tremor gets all of the equipment from the FX4 but with upgraded Tremor-specific shocks, 33-inch all-terrain tires, painted tow hooks and Tremor-branded visual upgrades both inside and out.

While it's significantly cheaper than the Raptor, the F-150 Tremor isn't necessarily "cheap" with a starting MSRP just over $52,000. But looking at pickup prices in 2022, it's not an outrageous figure. 

Raptor

Finally, we get to the flagship off-road-ready F-150: the Raptor. With a starting MSRP above $68,000, the Raptor isn't for everyone. But if it fits your price range, you get a lot for the money.

Among the fun stuff you get when buying the Raptor is the high output 3.5 EcoBoost engine that makes 450hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, widened body panels, high-end FOX suspension, steel bumpers and a whole lot more.

As you can see, the Raptor currently comfortably sits at the top of the F-150 pyramid — at least until the oft-rumored V8-powered Raptor R arrives.

Whether  you are looking for a budget-friendly off-roader like the new Rattler, or all-out monster like the Raptor it's great that Ford has so many different options for off-roaders looking for a capable rig right off the showroom floor.

Combine that with the endless selection of aftermarket upgrades out there, from wheels and tires to power enhancements and there's never been a better time to be in the market for an F-150.