Pickup trucks are always competing to be king of the mountain and crowing about their latest tow ratings, payload ratings, bed size , and crew capacity. Off-road capabilities usually aren’t at the top of the manufacturer’s list of “can-dos”, but it is certainly a serious consideration to anyone who uses a truck for more than carting home patio furniture from Home Depot.
In previous years, the FX4 package was more of an appearance package over increasing trail capability. Enter the 2015 Ford F-150 FX4 trim package that is targeted towards serving as a true off-road performance package. Key components of the 2015 FX4 package include Hill Descent Control, an electronic locking rear axle, off-road tuned shock absorbers and underbody skid plates – a set of features that help make any 4×4 F-150 more capable on any off-road trail or under extreme weather conditions.
The FX4 off-road package can be added to most 4-wheel drive F-150 models (dealer code 55A).
2015 Ford F-150 Specs:
- Engine: 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6
- Power: 365 hp @ 5000 rpm
- Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- MSRP price as tested: $61,675
FX4 Specs:
- Hill descent control
- Electronic locking rear axle
- Off-road tune shock absorbers
- Underbody skid plates
The 2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is built to go exploring wherever you heart desires. Be ready to tackle demanding, off-road terrain by choosing to roll in the TRD Pro line up of vehicles from Toyota. This package, back by the manufacturer’s warranty is being offered on the Tundra, Tacoma, and the 4Runner sets up these trucks to be trail-ready right out of the box.
For the Tundra, the key upgrades start with the suspension, as 2.5-inch remote-reservoir Bilstein shocks with TRD-tuned Eibach springs are fitted up front to offer considerably improved off-road performance, as well as provide an additional 2 inches of lift for added clearance. The Bilstein monotube shocks feature a 60mm piston that is significantly larger than the 46mm pistons found in the OE shock. The new Bilsteins also offer three-stage position-sensitive valving to help soak up the ever-changing off-road terrain. Out back, TRD fits the rear suspension with the same 2.5-inch remote-reservoir Bilstieins to help compliment the TRD off-road leaf springs.
2015 Toyota Tundra Specs:
- Engine: 5.7L V8
- Power: 381 hp
- Torque: 401 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- MSRP price as tested: $46,259
TRD Pro Specs:
- TRD Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs that enable additional wheel travel (front=1.4 inches, rear 1.5 inches)
- TRD-tuned front springs
- TRD front skid plate
- TRD-tuned springs with 2-inches of front lift
- 18-inch all black TRD alloy wheels with Michelin off-road tires designed specifically for the Tundra
- TRD dual exhaust system
- TRD Pro quarter panel bed stamping
- Unique front grille with TOYOTA badging
- Unique TRD Pro instrument panel ornament insert
- TRD floor mats
- TRD shift knobs
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Tundra TRD Pro will range from $41,285 for the Double Cab with a 5.7-liter V8 and 6-speed automatic transmission to $43,900 for the CrewMax V8 with a 6-speed automatic.
Watch Andre and Emme work out their differences after taking the F-150 FX4 and Tundra TRD Pro for a Colorado off-road excursion.
