What Is Ford's FX4?

This equipment package adds off-road goodies to almost any pickup.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Jun 14, 2024 | 3 min read

Ford

Off-roading has become a big part of the image that helps automakers sell millions of trucks every year. Although most pickups are already decent when the going gets rough, both the marketing department and loyal customers are eager to embrace anything that will enhance the ability to make it that much farther down the trail.

To that end, companies such as Ford have introduced options packages that put an emphasis on going rugged. For Blue Oval fans, the past two decades have revolved around the FX4 package, which is the next step up from stock when building an off-road rig.

Ford

The History of Ford FX4 Spans Just Over Two Decades

Unlike some of its rivals, Ford's FX4 trim is a relative newcomer to the off-road party. Initially offered as a package, it first hit the order sheet back in 2002, where it was available for both the Ford Ranger compact pickup as well as the Ford F-Series full-size truck.

For both the Ranger and the F-Series, the FX4 edition provided a step up from the standard truck's capabilities when leaving the pavement behind. These included a more rugged suspension setup, a limited-slip rear differential, more aggressive gearing, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Other details such as tow hooks, unique wheels, and exterior styling cues were also part of the FX4 package. It was occasionally offered in standard and Level II versions.

Although previous Ford pickups equipped with off-road gear had flown largely under the radar, with FX4 the company made sure to emblazon large decals on the vehicles' flanks in order to advertise its new collection of features.

Ford

FX4 Trim Includes Lots of Off-Road Gear

Today, the Ford FX4 package boasts off-road-specific shock absorbers, skid plates, and different gear ratios. Underneath, an electronically locking rear differential splits the power between the wheels when traction is limited off-road.

Other notable upgrades come in the form of software, such as unique drive modes (Terrain Management) as well as hill-descent control. These features are similar for both the full-size F-Series as well as the midsize Ranger, which adds Trail Control that can be used as an off-road cruise-control system.

The compact Maverick FX4 also comes with off-road drive modes but makes use of a simpler hill-descent control system and also features all-wheel drive instead of low-range four-wheel drive. Its suspension system is tuned for tougher conditions, but mechanically is the same as any other AWD trim level.

Ford

Ford Vehicles Offered With FX4

Ford makes the FX4 package available only on specific trims. For the Ranger, these include the XLT and Lariat trim levels. For the F-150, the FX4 package is available nearly across the board, starting with the XLT.

For both of these vehicles, it's necessary to specify four-wheel drive in order to make FX4 available. The Maverick offers FX4 on XLT and Lariat trims equipped with AWD.

While the Super Duty F-250 and F-350 pickups also have access to the FX4 package, the Ford F-150 Lightning EV does not. Ford offered an Expedition FX4 through the 2021 model year, when it was replaced by the Timberline trim level.