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Tested: Ford F-250 FX4 Off-Road Review Has Us Wanting the Tremor Package
Ford F-250 FX4 Off-Road Package: Heavy-Duty Capability Tested
Key Takeaways:
- The $790 FX4 package adds meaningful off-road enhancements to the F-250
- Proven capable in loose terrain without requiring 4-Low engagement
- Size becomes the limiting factor in technical off-road situations
- Upcoming Tremor package promises more extreme capability
Putting the FX4 Package to the Test at Badlands Off Road Park
During comparative testing of mid-size off-road trucks, our team needed a support vehicle capable of handling rugged terrain while carrying heavy equipment. The 2019 Ford F-250 Limited with FX4 Off-Road Package emerged as the perfect solution, demonstrating that heavy-duty trucks can venture far beyond job sites and onto challenging trails.
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What Does the FX4 Off-Road Package Include?
For $790 (including required axle options), Ford's FX4 package transforms the F-250 with:
- Off-road tuned shock absorbers for improved rough terrain compliance
- Protective skid plates for the transfer case and fuel tank
- Hill descent control for controlled downhill progress
- Electronic locking rear axle (required with package)
- FX4 badging that actually represents functional upgrades
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Performance in Actual Off-Road Conditions
While we didn't attempt extreme rock crawling with our $84,000 test vehicle, the F-250 FX4 impressed across multiple challenging surfaces:
Loose Surface Mastery
The truck's substantial weight and torque-rich Power Stroke diesel (producing 450 horsepower and 935 lb-ft) provided exceptional traction in:
- Deep sand washes that would stall lesser vehicles
- Pea gravel beds that typically cause wheel spin
- Whooped-out trails that test suspension durability
Remarkably, the F-250 often maintained momentum in 2WD, allowing for controlled slides that revealed surprising agility for a 8,000+ pound vehicle.
Suspension and Tire Performance
The factory-equipped 275/65R18 Michelin LTX A/T2 tires performed adequately without needing air-down adjustments. The FX4's specially-tuned shocks absorbed repeated impacts, though the heavy-duty suspension's limited travel became apparent during high-speed sections with successive bumps.
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Limitations of the Heavy-Duty Platform
Three factors constrained the F-250's off-road performance compared to mid-size trucks:
Factor | Impact |
---|---|
Vehicle Size | Couldn't access narrow trails or tight switchbacks |
Approach/Departure Angles | Standard bumper configuration limited steep obstacle clearance |
Suspension Travel | Heavy-duty springs prioritized load capacity over articulation |
How the FX4 Compares to Ford's Upcoming Tremor Package
Ford's announcement of the 2020 F-250 Tremor highlights the FX4's positioning as a moderate off-road enhancement rather than an extreme package. Key differences:
- Tire Size: Tremor gets 35-inch tires vs FX4's 32-inch
- Lift: Tremor features a factory lift for improved clearance
- Axle Ratios: More aggressive gearing in Tremor models
- Recovery Points: Tremor adds front hooks for extraction
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Competitive Landscape: F-250 FX4 vs Rivals
When cross-shopping heavy-duty off-road trucks, consider these alternatives:
Ram 2500 Power Wagon
The Power Wagon's factory winch and disconnecting sway bars offer capabilities beyond the FX4 package, though with reduced payload capacity.
Chevrolet Silverado AT4
Chevy's answer to the FX4 includes a 2-inch lift and hill descent control, but lacks the Ford's available diesel torque.
GMC Sierra AT4
Similar to the Chevy but with more luxury appointments, competing directly with the F-250 Limited trim.
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Who Should Consider the F-250 FX4 Package?
This configuration makes sense for buyers who:
- Need heavy-duty capability but occasionally venture off pavement
- Want factory-backed off-road enhancements without aftermarket modifications
- Prefer a more subtle appearance than extreme off-road packages provide
- Require the Power Stroke diesel's exceptional towing capacity
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Final Verdict: Capable Within Its Class
The F-250 FX4 package delivers meaningful off-road improvements that transform the heavy-duty pickup into a surprisingly competent trail vehicle. While size limitations prevent it from matching mid-size trucks in technical terrain, it excels in loose surface conditions that would stop conventional heavy-duty pickups. For most buyers needing occasional off-road capability without sacrificing towing or payload, the FX4 hits the sweet spot between workhorse and adventure vehicle.
Those requiring more extreme capability should wait for the Tremor package or consider the Ram Power Wagon, while occasional off-roaders will find the FX4 more than adequate for forest service roads, job site access, and moderate trails.

motorverorachael
Last Updated On Apr, 18-2025