Ford Teases Explorer Tremor as Replacement for Timberline Package

There’s a new off-roader coming to Ford and while the automaker is being coy about specifics, it looks like it’s planning to replace the Explorer Timberline with a new Tremor package more in line with what we’ve seen on other model lines, such as the F-150 and Ranger pickups.

We’ll have to wait to find out the full details but, based on new teaser images dropped by Ford Motor Co., it’s all but confirmed that the Ford Explorer Timberline package will be driving off into the sunset to be replaced by an off-road alternative.

What is clearly a Ford Explorer Tremor package will bring things more in line with what Ford has done with off-road versions of other truck packages, notably Tremor versions of both the F-150 and Ranger pickups. It most recently added a Tremor take on the little Maverick pickup.

While Ford didn’t officially confirm the new addition to the Tremor family will be an Explorer, it did nothing to disguise that likelihood with the teaser image released on social media. There’s the clearly visible Tremor badge, as well as blurry writing on the lip above the license plate that, with squinted eyes, seems to say, “Explorer.”

Bye-bye, Timberline

Over the past decade we’ve seen a surge in demand for off-road ready vehicles – and the emergence of a number of ruggedized sub-brands, such as Subaru Wilderness. Ford, of course, has scored big with Bronco, but the automaker also saw the possibility of creating a collection of different ruggedized options. At the extremes it has Raptor and Raptor R models. Timberline was targeted at those who weren’t necessarily heading out to Moab or planning to attack Baja or the Rubicon Trail.

During a May 2021 reveal, Lee Newcombie, the marketing manager for the Explorer line-up, said Ford saw “a little white space” for a new trim package “well balanced in terms of on-road manners…as well as some good off-roading capability.”

It originally saw Timberline as “something we’ll be looking to expand into the rest of the Ford SUV line-up.” But, as it turns out, Ford apparently doesn’t see the logic of slicing and dicing its off-road line-up so finely it confuses customers – and might have to bust it marketing budget to keep things straight.

Hello, Tremor

The Tremor badge was first bolted onto a Ford pickup back in 2002 – but the original purpose focused on a different aspect of that name, suggesting the sort of earth-shaking experience owners would have with the truck’s 485-watt Pioneer sound system. It added an upgraded alternator to power it. There were some minor physical upgrades, including unique 5-spoke wheels, three exclusive paint colors, white gauges and a choice of bed sides.

It wasn’t until 2013, however, before the Tremor name took on a more rugged meaning, It was an F-150 option package offered in a variety of body configurations, but Ford also made it available as an upgrade for the off-road-focused FX2 and FX4 trims.

Ford grew increasingly serious about giving Tremor a unique identity with the 2022 F-150, and then the 2024 makeover of the full-size truck. As before, there were a number of appearance upgrades, but plenty more focused on functional attributes, such as a standard locking rear differential, beefed up suspension and driveline gear, greater shock travel, improved approach, breakover and departure angles and an optional front Torsen limited-slip differential. Add software-controlled features like Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist.

We’ve now seen Tremor packages added to Ranger and Maverick, albeit those smaller trucks not carrying over all those functions and features. The question is what we’ll see on the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor.

More Ford News

• 2025 Ford Expedition Adds Tremor Package
• First Drive: 2025 Ford Explorer
• First Drive: Ford Maverick Hybrid

What to expect from Ford Tremor

While Ford first focused on its pickup line-up This won’t be the first SUV model, the automaker rolling out a first-time Expedition Tremor last autumn as a 2025 model.

So, what to expect from an Explorer Tremor? At the very least:

• A raised and specially tuned suspension providing added ground clearance off-roading requires;
• Chunkier all-terrain tires;
• One or more skid plates;
• Some of the unique orange accents that highlight other Tremor models.

If it follows the Expedition playbook, the smaller Tremor SUV could also add a unique grille with built-in auxiliary lights, front tow hooks and additional driving modes.

The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor will certainly pick up on other updates the midsize SUV got for 2025, such as the hands-free BlueCruise system and Google-based navigation. It might also add some of the software-controlled functions found in other Tremor packages, such as Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist.

Expect to see more in the next month or two, with the production version likely to follow sometime after mid-year.