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If you are an off-roading fan, you may probably be already aware that not all 4-wheel drive vehicles are created equal and that a cute 4×4 decal on the side doesn’t automatically mean that it’s off-road-ready. In fact, only a few of them are regarded as true off-road vehicles. If you are looking to buy a new pickup truck and you are already planning to take it off the beaten path regularly, getting your hands on a vehicle with real off-roading capabilities is essential. To help you with that, we’ve created this list outlining some of the best off-road pickup trucks the market has to offer.
Before we move on, however, I like to lay out the methodology used to choose the pickups on this list. For starters, I only took the newer-generation trucks into consideration. This means that, although it’s proven its off-road valor, I won’t include the original Dodge Power Wagon from the post-WW2 era. The same goes for the Dodge Macho Power Wagon of the late seventies. These vehicles are extremely hard to find, and those of us with pockets deep enough to buy or resto-mod one probably don’t need the list below anyway.
At the same time, I’ve only taken into account mass-production pickup trucks. Thus, the Dodge Ram Rod Hall Signature Edition wasn’t taken into consideration, either. Only 47 of these trucks have ever been assembled, and even fewer are still around to tell the tale.
Without further ado, let’s get on to it!
Ford Ranger
The Ranger nameplate has made its way back to the U.S. after almost a decade-long hiatus. The new model is seamlessly integrated with the rest of the mid-size pickup truck market. Although available in a limited number of configurations that don’t (yet) include the Australian-spec Ranger Raptor, the U.S.-spec Ford Ranger is still a highly capable off-roader. That’s especially true after receiving three dealer-installed off-road performance spec packages during mid-2020.
The packages include a unique off-road suspension with Fox shocks, which complements already available skid plates, beefier tires, and locking rear diff. Besides, FoMoCo also employs the off-road Tremor package as of MY 2021. Once the Raptor badge becomes available in the U.S., the Ranger will become one of the best off-road pickup trucks.
Chevy Colorado ZR2
The Chevrolet Colorado and its mechanical twin GMC Canyon singlehandedly resurrected the mid-size truck market in the mid-2010s. Fast forward a few years, and they’re now one of many available offerings within the segment.
However, the Chevrolet Colorado does offer the ZR2 off-road package. It stands out as GM’s ultimate choice when it comes to driving off the beaten track. The Colorado ZR2 also received a substantial facelift for MY 2021, making it more appealing than ever.
Compared to its more conventional siblings, the ZR2 boasts a wide array of off-road-oriented amenities. These include a unique suspension, wider track, higher lift, electronic locking front and rear differentials, aluminum skid plates, etc. It even comes with an available Duramax turbodiesel engine for maximum torque. Nonetheless, its standard 3.6L V6 doesn’t fall too far behind either.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Although prospective pickup truck buyers in the U.S. can’t get their hands on the legendary Hilux, Toyota does offer a worthy substitute. The Toyota Tacoma has been one of the best-selling mid-size pickup trucks in the U.S. for almost three decades.
The off-road-oriented Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro further raises the appeal of the truck. It’s got a lifted suspension with Fox shocks, aluminum skid plate up front, and beefier wheels and tires.
Not to mention that – just like the conventional Tacomas – the TRD Pro models stand out as one of the most reliable trucks on the market. Thus, the model has potentially excellent resale value on the other side of a six-digit odometer reading.
Ram 1500 Rebel
After overtaking the Chevy Silverado in 2019, the second spot among the best-selling full-size pickup trucks (behind the undisputed Ford F Series) now belongs to the Ram 1500 half-ton lineup of trucks.
Among numerous Ram 1500 trim levels and cab/bed configurations, it’s the Rebel that stands out in terms of off-road capabilities. Introduced back in 2015, the Ram 1500 Rebel has managed to capture the attention of more adventurous pickup truck buyers. This model comes with 33-inch-diameter all-terrain Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, an additional inch of lift, an electronically-controlled locking rear differential, and improved suspension.
Buyers can order the Ram 1500 Rebel with either a 3.6L V6 or a pushrod 5.7L V8 engine. The former also comes with a helping mild-hybrid assist system, while the small electric motor and battery pack are optional on the latter.
See also: Ram 1500 TRX is an Off-Road Edition with a 702 HP Supercharged V8
Nissan Titan XD Pro-4X
The heavy-duty Nissan Titan XD is an in-betweener of sorts. The Japanese truck doesn’t provide the high towing and payload rates of its competitors but offers a more comfortable ride instead. This puts it in an awkward, almost niche-like spot. Nonetheless, having an off-road-oriented model within the lineup helps diversify things a little bit.
Aside from being intended for backroads and harder to reach places, the mid-range Nissan Titan XD Pro-4X provides several welcome cosmetic touches like the red badging and interior stitching. It also comes with a standard set of active safety gear that’s only optional in lower tiers. Additionally, there is a leather-rich cabin and a swathe of convenience features.
Ram Power Wagon
Much like its aforementioned distant predecessors, the modern-day Power Wagon also plays on the off-road capability card. Today’s Power Wagon is based on the three-quarter-ton Ram 2500 HD. Moreover, the truck does a lot more than merely providing its owners with some off-road pizzazz in a more extreme package.
The Ram Power Wagon boasts some serious off-road hardware, including a winch that can handle 12,000 pounds. One of the precious few heavy-duty off-road-oriented trucks gets the same 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires as its smaller Ram 1500 Rebel sibling, which allows it to wade through 30 inches of water. It’s also got electronically locking differential – front and rear – and a two-speed, four-wheel-drive transfer case for rock crawling. Power comes from a 410-horsepower 6.4L HEMI V8, so the Power Wagon hardly lacks in that department.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
The AT4 package represents the ultimate off-road expression in GMC’s camp. It’s only available with the half-ton GMC Sierra 1500. Meanwhile, heavy-duty Sierras make do with a less expensive (and capable) X31 off-road package.
The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 receives a rear electronic-locking differential, Rancho monotube shocks, hill-descent control, a two-speed transfer case. It also features skid plates that are even available across the heavy-duty lineup. However, a two-inch suspension lift is exclusive to the AT4 badge. So is a unique off-road drive mode that allows higher speeds across uneven surfaces.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss
Much like the case with GMC’s Sierra lineup, the more popular of two GM twins also utilizes two different off-road sets between the light and heavy-duty lineups. And, while the Z71 off-road package from the Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD is more than capable off the beaten track, the Chevy Silverado 1500 Trail Boss goes a step further.
Like the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss adds a 2-inch suspension lift with increased approach and departure angles. Moreover, Chevy utilized 32-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires for added off-road traction.
Jeep Gladiator
The first Jeep pickup truck since the XJ Cherokee-based Comanche in 1992 instantly became one of the most capable off-road trucks available. This doesn’t strictly come as a surprise, though. Jeep has a longstanding and proven track record when it comes to everything off-road related.
Furthermore, based on the long-time off-road favorite Jeep Wrangler, the Gladiator has a great starting position. Adding 18 inches of wheelbase, the Gladiator benefits from improved ride quality, but otherwise doesn’t differ much.
It’s mainly got the same powertrain lineup, comes with removable doors and roof, and boasts corresponding trim level classifications. These also include the ultimate off-road experience in the face of the Rubicon.
Ford F-150 Raptor
Arguably the most capable mass-production pickup truck in the world right now, the Ford F-150 Raptor absolutely stuns with its capabilities and feature set. The fact it’s offered with a 450-horsepower 3.5L twin-turbo V6 mill as its sole option should tell you everything about its purpose.
This Baja racer in spirit might not be at its best while crawling over rocks. However, it’ll gobble up most other uneven terrains at high speeds. Moreover, being one of the more expensive trucks on the market overall, the F Series Raptor is stacked with safety and convenience gear.
See also: Ford Employee Leaks the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor Sports SUV
Of course, it also gets more than its fair share of off-road equipment, including a long-travel suspension with Fox internal-bypass dampers and shocks, a standard rear electronic-locking differential, and an optional Torsen limited-slip diff. For the tires, Ford decided to use the famous BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 34-inch model.
In Brief…
These ten modern trucks are not only the best off-road-oriented pickups money can buy but some of the best off-road vehicles on the market; period. They’re the ultimate expression of the industry’s willingness to provide us with both capable and practical off-roaders, and things can only get better from here.
Find a repair manual for your off-road pickup truck here!
