Ford FX4 Off-Road Package: Is It Worth It?
I think it’s fair to say that, in the automotive world, labels matter. Whether it’s a Jeep Rubicon, Z71 Silverado, or even an R/T Challenger, that side badge tells you a whole hell of a lot about the vehicle… and a little about the owner too. The same follows for Fords—and no, we’re not talking about the Mustang. We’re talking about the FX4 Off-Road Package.
What is the FX4 Package?
Even if you’ve paid no mind to the truck industry, chances are you’d recognize the FX4 logo. But what exactly does this badge stand for? Launched in 2002, the FX4 distinction carries with it some specific off-road upgrades intended to boost the rugged abilities of the standard Ford 4×4. While it varies a little on each vehicle, some features are shared across all models. Namely, all FX4-equipped trucks gain a lift, off-road-tuned shock absorbers, an electronic locking rear differential, skid plates, Hill Descent control system, and special badging.
So, how do these trucks compare to their standard 4×4 counterparts? To answer that, let’s see what’s included in the current FX4 package for the Ford Ranger, F-150, Super Duty, and Expedition to determine if they’re worth the upgrade.
2019 Ford Ranger FX4
Recently returned to the domestic market (something I’m very excited about), the new Ranger seems to receive more tweaks from the FX4 package than its Ford siblings. The resurrected mid-sizer packs a capable 270-hp turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder with a maximum payload capacity of 1,860-lbs and maximum towing capacity of 7,500-lbs, a strong steel frame, three trims, and two cab configurations. All that packed in a vehicle that weighs only about 4,500 pounds? A solid little workhorse, I think we would all agree.
Throw on that optional FX4 package though, and you kick things up a notch.
Starting with traction, the FX4 Ranger is set up with the package-promised locking rear diff and Hill Descent Control, adding a Terrain Management System and Trail Control. Appearance wise, 17” or 18” OWL Off-Road tires are hooked up, plus a steel front bash plate and tow hooks, along with an FX4 decal. To help with off-road performance, Rancho shocks and frame-mounted skid plates are also fitted to the truck.
It’s no doubt that the light powerful footprint combined with the FX4 package makes for one capable Ranger. For an additional $1,295, we’d say you’re getting quite a bit of bang for your buck.
Verdict: If you’re after the recently-revived Ranger, you might as well set yourself up with the FX4 package, as it completely transforms the truck.
2019 Ford F-150 FX4
Standing tall as America’s best-selling truck for forty consecutive years, the Ford F-150 already packs some serious power in stock form. And with six trims, three cab and bed styles, six engine options, and a bevy of appearance packages, there’s no shortage of personalization opportunities.
Since the F-150 is bulkier than the Ranger, and therefore a little less nimble off-road, its FX4 package isn’t quite as robust. Additionally, it cannot be paired with the 3.3L Ti-VCT engine option. That said, those who opt for the upgrade gain the expected electronic-locking rear diff, Hill Descent Control, and Rancho shocks, plus skid plates on the fuel tank, transfer case, and front differential, and that snazzy FX4 badge.
Verdict: At a price increase of $905, we’d say this is only worth it if you actually plan on spending some decent time off-road, otherwise hit the aftermarket for those upgraded shocks and other targeted goodies. Besides, if you’re really looking to get radical, you’ve likely already started pricing out the Raptor of your dreams.
2019 Ford Super Duty FX4
As Ford likes to say, “There’s capability. And then there’s Super Duty capability.” With class-best conventional towing, maximum towing, maximum payload, and maximum GCWR when properly configured, the Super Duty lineup doesn’t mess around.
When fitted with the FX4 package, it almost seems like very little is added. Along with the Rancho shock upgrade and FX4 decal, the Super Duty reaps the rewards of an electronically locking 3.73 differential, Hill Descent Control, and skid plates for the transfer case and fuel tank.
It may seem like the Super Duty was ripped off, but let’s not forget that this is a plenty capable platform. Being able to fit 30+ inch tires underneath the truck with stock suspension and sporting powerful engine options like a Power Stroke diesel and a gas-powered V8 leave little room for improvement.
Verdict: If you find yourself doing heavy-duty towing in some particularly rugged terrains, it might be worth the extra $400 for the FX4 package. Keep in mind, the lineup gets a serious refresh for 2020, with bigger, better engines and a host of new driver assistance technology.
2019 Ford Expedition FX4
Now let’s move to the Expedition. Settle down, now—I thought the same thing. Domestic off-road SUVs are as dead as disco, man. Well to my surprise, the Expedition FX4 is actually killing it right now. So much so that Offroadextreme.com labeled a 2018 FX4-equipped model, as the “Unassuming Offroad Superstar,” while KBB named the stock model its Best Buy Award Winner.
The FX4 package for the Expedition includes locking limited slip differentials, 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels wrapped in all-terrain OWL tires, chrome-plated running boards, skid plates, premium shocks, a heavy-duty radiator upgrade, and the same Terrain Management goodies as the other trucks.
Perhaps what aids this model the most though, is that Ford opted to smack the FX4 models with a twin-turbo V6 under the hood as standard equipment. This powerhouse of an engine delivers 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque which certainly helps this 5,400-lb SUV boogie down the trails. The availability of this package on the Expedition is still relative new to the market and it adds a pretty hefty $1,650 to the price tag, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the FX4 Expedition fitting right in with the overland crowd.
Verdict: It ain’t cheap, but the Expedition FX4 may be the last SUV you’ll ever need to buy.
So, is the FX4 package worth it? You tell us.
