These Are The Best Off-Road Trucks
If you’re in the market for a truck that can handle more than just the daily commute, off-road capabilities are likely at the top of your list.
Whether you're tackling rugged trails, navigating rocky terrain, or simply looking for a vehicle that can go where others can't, today's market offers a variety of trucks built to take on the challenge. Here’s a look at the best off-road trucks currently available, designed to get you through the toughest conditions with confidence.
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Ford F-150 Raptor remains a leader in the off-road truck segment. Built for high-performance off-roading, the Raptor is powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Raptor’s suspension features Fox Racing shocks, providing up to 14 inches of front suspension travel and 15 inches at the rear, making it highly capable on rough terrain.
The Terrain Management System offers seven selectable drive modes, including Baja and Rock Crawl, adjusting the truck’s handling for various off-road conditions. The Raptor is also equipped with 35-inch all-terrain tires, with an option for 37-inch tires, enhancing its ground clearance and off-road capabilities. Skid plates protect critical underbody components, solidifying the Raptor as a top choice for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Ram 1500 TRX
The Ram 1500 TRX is engineered for extreme off-road performance, standing out as one of the most powerful trucks in its class. It features a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The TRX’s off-road suspension includes adaptive Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shocks, offering 13 inches of front suspension travel and 14 inches at the rear. The truck is equipped with 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires and comes with steel skid plates for underbody protection.
The TRX also includes a drive mode selector with settings for Mud/Sand, Rock, Baja, and Custom, optimizing performance based on terrain. With its robust powertrain, high ground clearance, and advanced off-road features, the Ram 1500 TRX is well-equipped for the most challenging off-road adventures.
Promoted Product: Sailun TerraMax Tires
The Sailun Terramax tire family has the right tires for your truck or SUV, no matter what type of terrain you spend the majority of your time on. The most aggressive is the Terramax RT, with open tread blocks and deep cleaning channels to funnel mud, snow, and water away from your contact patch, keeping you on the trail or the road. Specifically cut siping and tire compounds make the RT Three Peak certified for winter conditions and a wide range of sizes fit just about every vehicle out there.
The Terramax AT line consists of two models the AT2 and the AT4. The AT2 is more aggressive and has excellent traction on wet and slippery roads and trails. The AT4 is a value-packed tire with solid road manners, aggressive tread for any terrain type and quiet rides. It is also Three-Peak Certified for wintery conditions. The Terramax HLT is an all-season highway tire with excellent wet-weather grip, a quiet ride and long tread life. No matter where the road take you, there is a Terramax tire perfect for the ride.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 is Chevrolet’s dedicated off-road variant of the Silverado lineup. The 1500 is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The ZR2 is designed for off-road adventures, featuring Multimatic DSSV dampers that enhance suspension performance and provide greater control over rough terrain. The truck’s front and rear e-lockers help maintain traction in challenging conditions by locking the differential, ensuring power is evenly distributed to the wheels.
The ZR2 also includes a two-inch factory lift, increasing ground clearance and approach angles. The truck rides on 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, providing added grip on unpaved surfaces. Additionally, the ZR2 is equipped with skid plates to protect vital components such as the oil pan and transfer case, making it a strong contender for off-road enthusiasts. The Silverado ZR2 is also available in HD varients for those needing more workhorse capabilities, along with the Bison models which up the truck's capabilities even further.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a popular choice for those seeking a mid-size truck with off-road capabilities. It is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Pro is equipped with Fox internal bypass shocks and TRD-tuned front springs, enhancing off-road performance and providing a smooth ride over rough terrain.
The Tacoma TRD Pro features a robust four-wheel-drive system with a locking rear differential and Multi-Terrain Select, allowing the driver to adjust the truck’s traction control system for different types of terrain. Crawl Control, a low-speed off-road cruise control, automatically manages the throttle and brakes on difficult terrain. With a one-inch lift in the front and a 1.5-inch lift in the rear, the TRD Pro offers better ground clearance and approach angles, making it a reliable performer in off-road conditions.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon combines Jeep’s off-road prowess with the utility of a pickup truck. It is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with the option of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Gladiator Rubicon comes standard with Jeep’s Rock-Trac 4x4 system, which includes front and rear locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar, and a 4:1 low-range transfer case.
The Gladiator Rubicon is equipped with Fox 2.0 performance shocks and has a high ground clearance of 11.1 inches, allowing it to tackle challenging off-road terrain. It rides on 33-inch all-terrain tires, with 35-inch tires available for even greater capability. The Gladiator’s bed adds versatility, making it a practical option for those who need a truck that can handle both off-road adventures and everyday tasks. The combination of Jeep’s legendary off-road capability and pickup functionality makes the Gladiator Rubicon a unique choice in the off-road truck market.
Ford Ranger Raptor
The Ford Ranger Raptor is a mid-size off-road truck designed to bring the same high-performance capabilities as its larger sibling, the F-150 Raptor, into a more compact package. The Ranger Raptor is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and comes with standard four-wheel drive, ensuring strong performance across various terrains.
The Ranger Raptor features a specially tuned suspension system with Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve shocks, providing up to 11.5 inches of front suspension travel and 12 inches at the rear. This setup allows the Ranger Raptor to handle rough off-road conditions with ease, absorbing bumps and dips while maintaining stability. The truck also comes equipped with 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, which offer excellent grip on unpaved surfaces, and a set of skid plates that protect the underbody, including the engine and transfer case.
Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
The Nissan Frontier PRO-4X is designed with off-road capabilities in mind. It is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The PRO-4X comes standard with a part-time four-wheel-drive system and an electronic locking rear differential, enhancing traction on challenging surfaces. The Frontier PRO-4X is equipped with Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, providing better handling and stability over rough terrain.
It also features skid plates to protect the engine, fuel tank, and transfer case from damage. The truck rides on 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, offering a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort. The Frontier’s compact size and maneuverability make it well-suited for tight trails and off-road driving, while still providing the utility needed for everyday use. The Nissan Frontier PRO-4X is a solid choice for those looking for a capable mid-size off-road truck.
GMC Canyon AT4X
The GMC Canyon AT4X is the off-road-focused version of GMC’s mid-size pickup. It comes equipped with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The AT4X features Multimatic DSSV dampers, which provide advanced off-road suspension capabilities, and a factory lift that increases ground clearance.
The truck includes front and rear e-lockers to ensure that power is evenly distributed to all wheels, enhancing traction in difficult conditions. The Canyon AT4X rides on 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, which are designed to perform well on various off-road surfaces. Skid plates protect the truck’s underbody, including the engine and transfer case. With its advanced off-road features and powerful engine, the GMC Canyon AT4X is a strong competitor in the mid-size off-road truck segment.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is another mid-size truck built for off-road performance. It shares many of its features with the GMC Canyon AT4X, including the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ZR2 is equipped with Multimatic DSSV dampers, which provide superior suspension performance on rough terrain. The ZR2 also includes front and rear locking differentials, enhancing its ability to maintain traction on challenging surfaces.
The truck’s two-inch lift increases ground clearance, while the 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires provide added grip on unpaved surfaces. Skid plates protect critical underbody components, including the oil pan and transfer case. The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 offers a strong combination of power, suspension capability, and off-road features, making it a top choice for those seeking a mid-size truck with serious off-road capabilities.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
More by AutoGuide.com Staff
Comments
Join the conversation