Toyota started the trend of announcing truck bed capability years ago. Since then, each manufacturer has used a billboard-sized space to advertise their special editions, special features, or off-road prowess. More often than not, you’ll see a truck, whether it’s an F-150, Ranger, or Maverick, with the letters FX4 on the bed. This is Ford’s rating for its off-road truck range..
What is the Ford FX4 package?
FX4 simply stands for Ford 4×4. In many ways it is what it is, except that the FX4 adds more than just a four-wheel-drive transfer case. In the case of Ford, standard 4×4 F-150 trucks come with a two-speed manual transfer case, which can help you get out of some tough situations.
The package adds up: It includes Rancho shocks with a slight lift. FX4 trucks also get a limited-slip differential, and often an automatic shift transfer case. It also gets electronic locking axle and hill descent control, both important features for off-road driving. The package also includes skid plates that cover the transfer case, front differential, and fuel tank. The new Rattler model, pictured above, is an FX4 package with a few minor changes.
Although these are just a few minor upgrades, FX4 trucks can tackle trails that many trucks would encounter. However, the Tremor and Raptor packages include more off-road features. And in case you were wondering, the Expedition Timberline replaced the FX4 version of that SUV, according to .
What’s Included in the Ranger’s FX4 Package?
The FX4 package is available on Ford’s F-Series trucks and even Super Duty versions. However, the Ranger 4×4 FX4 package is a little different. In the case of the Ranger, you get a Dyna front axle and a solid rear axle. It also gets an advanced terrain management system that allows the driver to select the drive mode. Like the F-150, it has frame-mounted skid plates. However, it does come with two reinforced hitch loops up front so you can pull a buddy out of a ditch (or get your truck unstuck).
In Sentinel 2023, the package costs an additional $1,295. You can also choose 17-inch or 18-inch wheels. It is not available on any 4×2 or base XL model of the Ranger.
What is the FX4 package on Maverick?
The FX4’s package is very different from the packages found on the Ranger or F-150. The Maverick is base on the Ford Bronco Sport platform, so it’s more of an SUV underneath than a pickup truck. However, this does not mean that it is not capable of off-road driving.
Just like its SUV cousin, the Bronco Sport, it gets all-wheel drive. But that means you have to get a more powerful 2.0-liter engine. You also get (yay!) tow hooks and skid plates, and the drive mode selector gets a couple more clicks for sand and mud/ruts. But, it only has 8.6 inches of ground clearance, which means the split angles are somewhat shallow for hard off-road work. However, it does add a lot of capability to Ford’s entry-level pickup truck.
The FX4 package over the Maverick costs $800 more and adds an off-road smart display in the dash.
