Off-roading can be a great adventure, but you need a truck with the right features to get through the worst terrain and, more importantly, have the most fun. See our list of the best new and used off-road trucks chosen by our experts. You can also find out what off-road equipment will make traveling off-pavement safer and smarter.
What are the Best Types of Trucks for Off-Roading?
That large “4×4” sticker on the bedside of so many new pickup trucks means it has serious 4-wheel-drive (4WD) capability, right? Sometimes, yes that’s true. And other times, it’s not that simple. Before we get to the finer details, let’s start with some broad strokes. What does 4WD really mean, and how is it different from all-wheel drive (AWD)?
All-Wheel Drive
Cars, SUVs, and trucks with AWD are great for on-road traction. They can seamlessly drive on dry, wet, or slippery pavement and the driver can trust that the system will deliver torque to the wheels that need them. So how does AWD work? Most systems proportion torque fore and aft to the front and rear differentials when slip is detected. These systems are somewhat fluid in the way they split up the vehicle’s torque. And that’s important for pavement driving because it makes the system’s moves nearly transparent to the driver.
These systems are wonderful for snowy roads or the occasional dirt 2-track. “On snow and ice, AWD does a really good job of balancing lateral traction with forward traction,” says Dave Harriton, founder of American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), a premier builder of parts and complete vehicles for off-road expeditions.
All-Wheel-Drive Capability
The range of AWD capability varies quite a bit between manufacturers. Most systems are active all the time, meaning you will have all-wheel-drive traction without turning a knob or placing the vehicle in a special mode setting. However, some systems do have modes like “snow” or “slippery” that can help the system make the most of the conditions and adjust other vehicle controls like throttle mapping, vehicle stability control, ABS, and traction control to match. And manufacturers can calibrate the traction control system to make AWD vehicles fairly capable dirt performers.
Every new AWD vehicle has a traction control system that will use the brakes to slow a spinning tire and send torque to another tire that may have traction. Some systems work better than others. Manufacturers like Jeep, Subaru, and Toyota offer AWD vehicles with enhanced capability for traveling off-road. These automakers use more sophisticated electronic controls and stability control systems better suited to off-road travel. Some of these systems can tackle rougher conditions than a typical AWD vehicle. But as good as they are, most AWD systems have limited capability for serious off-roading.
“On pavement, all four wheels typically have equal weighting so AWD works well,” says Harriton. “But in off-road conditions, that’s not the case. As soon as the suspension flexes and one tire gets light, all the power will typically go to that tire.” And if the vehicle’s stability control system isn’t programmed to react quickly and strongly enough to reroute torque effectively, you’re stuck.
Part-Time 4-Wheel Drive
Part-time 4-wheel-drive systems do two things that AWD systems cannot do. First, they have the ability to lock the drivetrain into an equal torque split between the front and rear axles. Second, they provide low-range gearing to help the vehicle crawl over rough terrain. When both of these features are combined, it adds up to serious traction capability. And though we’re referring to this type of 4WD system as “part-time,” there are plenty of part-time systems that have an AWD mode — so you’ll have that effortless foul-weather traction, too.
But when faced with a difficult off-road obstacle, AWD will struggle to send torque fore and aft to slipping tires. Some systems will even overheat while trying to limit slip and route torque to wheels that have traction.
By shifting the system (with a button, knob, or lever) into 4WD high range, each axle receives an equal serving of torque, which can really boost traction. This locking function creates the best traction driving off-road. But 4WD high range should only be used when off-pavement or in deep snow. Otherwise, it can negatively affect the vehicle’s handling, bind up the drivetrain, or create excessive tire wear.
“You can feel that lack of a differential between the front and rear axles when you’re going around a corner on dry pavement,” says Harriton. “And what you’re feeling is also hard on the vehicle. You don’t want to drive on dry pavement with a part-time 4WD system engaged.”
Low Range
When the trail gets really rough, part-time 4WD systems typically offer additional gearing accessed in a “4WD low range” or “4 Low” setting. A typical 4WD pickup truck has a low range of around 2.7:1, but a highly capable Jeep Gladiator Rubicon has a low range of 4.0:1, allowing it to creep very slowly. Harriton says, “Generally the lower the low range ratio is, the more off-road oriented the vehicle is.”
That gearing acts as a torque multiplier, so you’ll have the engine’s full power band available, but the tires will be turning much more slowly. It’s the key to slow-speed off-roading like traveling over large rocks or through deep sand or mud.
“You really want a 4×4 with low range because it gives you more fidelity in terms of off-pavement control,” says Harriton. “You can pull your tire right up to a rock and then ease up onto it at engine idle speed or close to it.”
And he says using low range can really reduce heat and stress in the drivetrain compared to high range. Low range can be smart to use even in situations that at first don’t appear to be that difficult.
“I’ve seen people drive out onto the beach, and they won’t use 4WD low range because they don’t think the terrain is difficult,” says Harriton. “But when they start spinning the tires, struggling through the deep sand, and building up a lot of heat in the drivetrain, they might ruin a brand new transmission. If they had just put the truck in 4WD low range, they would’ve been fine.”
Off-Road Tires
A standard 4WD truck will certainly get you far. But larger and more aggressive (knobby) tires are perhaps the most transformative off-road option you can select when buying a new truck.
The standard wheels and tires on most 4×4 trucks are mild in their sizing and tread design, so they handle well on pavement while providing a quiet, comfortable ride and good fuel economy. But the standard tires don’t typically offer the height, traction, or durability off-roaders need. The optional tires available from the factory are usually a small step in the right direction.
“Off-road-tuned original equipment tires in practice end up having to juggle a lot of requirements and strike a lot of compromises,” says Woody Rogers, VP of Marketing for Tire Rack. “And that makes them fine for mild off-roading but not well suited to anything more than that.”
The OEM optional tires will usually have a tread pattern that offers a little more traction. And the overall diameter could be taller too, which will increase the ground clearance underneath the vehicle and keeps the mechanical bits clear from scraping on rocks, dirt mounds, and logs.
Should You Consider Aftermarket Tires?
Tires in the aftermarket can offer a much wider breadth of capability. There are plenty of great all-terrain tires that walk a nice line between added dirt traction and good road manners as well as winter grip.
“A good aftermarket tire will give you a traction improvement in mud and across rocks and in sand. In most cases, sidewall and tread durability are improved as well,” says Rogers. “The chip- and tear-resistance in the tread is enhanced, too.”
Whether you move to the optional OEM tires or go for a new set of aftermarket tires, pay attention to the wheel size. Generally, a smaller wheel size is better for off-road use. So if given the option, go for the largest diameter tire on the smallest diameter wheel size. In other words, you want a thick, cushy sidewall for off-roading — not a low-profile one.
“A smaller wheel with more sidewall height really improves the ability of the tire to conform to irregular surfaces like rocks,” says Rogers. “And it gives you more latitude when you want to air down for traction.”
The online forums about your specific vehicle can be a great source for tire knowledge. In terms of sizing, forum members can let you know what tires hit and which ones fit — specifically in off-road scenarios. And they might have personal experiences with certain tires that could also be helpful.
Must-Have Off-Road Features
This is a great time to buy an off-road-focused truck. That’s because there’s some fantastic off-road equipment and technology that can be ordered individually or bundled into an off-road-specific package. Here are the features that are most valuable when you venture off the pavement.
Larger Tires
Selecting a larger and most aggressive tire from the factory will often increase ground clearance and help make the most of your 4-wheel-drive truck’s performance on the trail. But keep the wheel size in mind. A 32-inch tall tire on an 18-inch wheel is better than a 32-inch tall tire on a 20-inch rim for off-road work because there’s more sidewall available to conform to obstacles.
“Bigger wheels look really cool, but that’s not really that practical for going off-road,” says Rogers. “Less sidewall height puts the wheels at greater risk along with the sidewall itself from a pinch or cut situation.”
Skid Plates
These are thick, protective sheets of steel or aluminum mounted to the frame on the undercarriage of the truck. They are located in spots to specifically cover vulnerable components like the radiator, transmission, differential, fuel tank, and more from taking on damage while off-roading. Some protection packages are better than others. The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, developed in partnership with AEV, has super-strong skid plates made with boron steel.
“In general, I’d say skid plates are definitely worth it if you plan to take the vehicle off-road,” says Harriton. “They really protect components in a major impact.”
Off-Road Suspension
Hit a higher-speed trail in a stock 4×4, and the ride might get very bouncy very quickly. That’s especially true in desert environments. Most manufacturers offer upgraded dampers (shock absorbers) as part of an off-road package. But some are better than others.
The very best ones allow for a smoother ride at much higher speeds over rough terrain than a standard truck can handle. These dampers are better at managing heat that can degrade a shock’s performance.
“It pays to know what type of terrain you plan to drive on and what dampers are included in the package,” says Harriton. “Look for larger reservoirs for cooling, larger diameters in the shock body which will slow the fluid down and can indicate the dampers have bigger, beefier components inside.”
Locking Differentials
A part-time 4WD system is really only 2-wheel drive if you have open differentials in the front and rear axles. That’s because the tire with the least traction will slip first. To make sure your 4×4 has all four wheels pulling when the trail gets tough, opt for selectable locking differentials in the axles. On many vehicles, this feature is integrated into an off-road package. At the push of a button, these diffs can electronically lock for difficult trails. Push the button again, and the diffs are open (unlocked) and ready for street use.
“There’s no real downside to having factory selectable lockers, except for cost. It’s probably the single best upgrade you can have for any sort of off-road performance,” says Harriton. “Just having a rear locker is about 70% of the improvement, because you typically need lockers when climbing and the weight transfers to the rear axle.”
Disconnecting Front Swaybar
All new vehicles have front swaybars to add handling stability and counteract body roll when driving on pavement. But these swaybars can limit the flex and movement of the front suspension when driving off-road. That can result in a tire spinning or lifting off the ground as it hunts for traction. Swaybar disconnect systems unlock that additional suspension movement, creating more traction, improved ride comfort, and the ability to tackle harder trails.
“It’s a pretty amazing device. It makes a huge difference off-road for increasing articulation,” says Harriton. “To be able to keep the tires planted over uneven terrain and then still allow excellent on-road manners is very impressive.”
Electric Winch
A winch mounted on the front of your truck can help pull you out of trouble when your truck is stuck and no one else is around to offer a yank from a tow strap. The best part about buying one from the factory or through your dealer? Often times they’ve been crash-tested to make sure the winch system conforms to stringent safety regulations. Ford offers a dealer-installed winch on its Super Duty Tremor, and every Ram Power Wagon comes with one factory installed.
It’s an expensive but valuable piece of equipment. “A winch can be a real lifesaver,” says Harriton. “But there are a lot of nuances to safely using a winch. We offer our customers training on recovery techniques using winches and other devices. A winch is one of those pieces of equipment that you really need to understand before using it.”
The alternative to using a winch? Make sure your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks front and rear. And always head onto the trail with a friend in another 4×4. Bring along a recovery strap in case either vehicle needs to get unstuck. –Advice by Ben Stewart
Our 2023 List Best of New Off-Road Trucks — The Dirty Dozen
1. 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Starting Price: $46,800 | Rating: 4.6
Launching an all-new generation this year, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is the most expensive variant of the Colorado line, but it’s also the one with the greatest breadth of capability. It functions well as everything from a comfortable on-road utility truck to a beastly off-road boss.
Being a midsize truck, the Colorado is more maneuverable than a full-size truck, yet it can still tow up to 6,000 pounds thanks to its 2.7-liter turbo high-output engine, rated for up to 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. That engine replaces last year’s choice of gasoline V6 or diesel 4-cylinder.
The ZR2 is also the highest-riding Colorado, with 10.7 inches of ground clearance, beating out the Colorado Trail Boss trim and its 9.5 inches. Other off-road upgrades for the ZR2 package include standard 4WD, Multimatic dampers for better high-speed wheel control, a wider track for better roll control at its higher ride height, frame-mounted recovery hooks, and selectable front and rear locking differentials for low-speed crawling. A drive mode selector offers dedicated traction and powertrain modes for gravel/dirt, rock-crawling, and Baja-style desert driving. GMC also offers the similar but more upscale (and more expensive) Canyon AT4X. Chevy has also announced that an even more intense Colorado ZR2 Bison will return for the 2024 model year, again made in partnership with American Expedition Vehicles. See 2023 Chevrolet Colorado models for sale near you
2. 2023 Ram 2500 Power Wagon
Starting Price: $70,100 | Rating: 4.5
A legendary nameplate with a deep history in off-roading, the 2023 Ram Power Wagon builds its off-road capabilities on the heavy-duty foundation of the Ram 2500, meaning it’s ready to work as hard as it can play should the need arise. Its stout 410-horsepower 6.4-liter gasoline V8 is ready to tow up to 10,590 pounds or haul 1,630 in the bed. Because of its size and heft (the Power Wagon tips the scales at 6,939 pounds), it’s not ideal for high-speed desert runs, but point it up a steep, slow trail and prepare to be impressed. See 2023 Ram 2500 models for sale near you
3. 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor
Starting Price: $76,775 | Rating: 4.7
With our Full-Size Truck Best Buy of 2023 as its basis, it’s no wonder the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor is on the podium of our best new off-road trucks list, but the Raptor is by no means resting on its laurels, its 450-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 providing the motivation, but the Fox Racing Shox sport-tuned shock absorbers and long-travel suspension are where the high-speed Baja magic lives, helping the Raptor to achieve heroic off-road pace. How long is the long-travel suspension? The wheels can travel up to 15 inches in the rear and 14 inches up front, despite the massive 35-inch tires tucked into each wheel well. However, if you opt for the even larger 37-inch tires, you’ll end up with slightly limited wheel travel.
For even more mental fun, there’s the Raptor R, which adds the 700-horsepower supercharged 5.2-liter V8 from the Mustang Shelby GT500 to the already potent Raptor formula and makes the 37-inch tires standard. That truck’s pricing starts at $107,350. See 2023 Ford F-150 models for sale near you
4. 2023 Ram 1500 TRX
Starting Price: $85,050 | Rating: 4.5
Built explicitly with the goal of taking the extreme off-road pickup fight to the Ford Raptor, the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX comes in guns blazing, a 702-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged V8 under the hood driving all four wheels. Long-travel suspension lifts the beefed-up frame to clear the 35-inch tires, and Bilstein E2 dampers help control them over the bumps. The tall ride height gives the TRX a 32-inch fording depth, meaning it should be great even in deep mud, and the 13-inch front and 14-inch rear suspension travel give it ample pace off-road — so much so that Ford decided it needed to fire back at the TRX with the Raptor R. See 2023 Ram 1500 models for sale near you
5. 2023 Ford Ranger Tremor
Starting Price: $42,865 | Rating: 4.4
The 2023 Ford Ranger Tremor, unlike many of the trucks on this list, isn’t a standalone trim line or model, but a package that can be added to XLT and Lariat trims of the 2023 Ranger. The Tremor package also requires buyers to select 4WD and the SuperCrew cab configuration.
In return for the $42,865 price of entry, the Tremor Off-Road package adds Fox dampers with rear reservoirs, an electronic locking rear differential, and magnetic front and rear bumpers. It also includes skid plates under the radiator, power steering assist, transfer case, and tank, as well as a range of design and equipment upgrades. The Tremor gets Trail Control, effectively off-road cruise control, and Ford’s Terrain Management System. An all-new Ranger is on the way next year, likely bringing with it a new Tremor, so stay tuned for more. Ford has already confirmed there will be a Ranger Raptor for the 2024 model year. See 2023 Ford Ranger models for sale near you
6. 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Starting Price: $51,740 | Rating: 4.0
One of the most iconic faces in off-roading anywhere on Earth, the Jeep brand is well-known for its ability to build seriously capable vehicles for the most difficult terrain around. The 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is the midsize pickup truck embodiment of that reputation, with all of the trail-climbing ability you’d expect. While the Rubicon is the range-topping off-roader, it’s the one that’s biased toward rocks and trails — like the famous one of the same name — rather than the desert-oriented Mojave. It’s also not the most expensive Gladiator; that honor goes to the High Altitude, the luxurious one of the bunch.
Of course, this being a Jeep, even the base model is a great off-roader, but with the Rubicon you get a vehicle that’s ready to tackle exceptionally tough terrain right off the dealer lot. Two engine options allow you to tailor the Gladiator Rubicon to your individual needs, either a torquey V6 turbodiesel (a $4,150 option) or a punchy 3.6-liter gasoline V6. However you configure your Gladiator, you can rest assured you’re driving one of the best low-speed midsize pickups available. See 2023 Jeep Gladiator models for sale near you
7. 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Starting Price: $48,035 | Rating: 4.6
Reliable, capable, affordable, and with huge aftermarket support, the Toyota Tacoma might not have the pedigree of the Jeep or the Power Wagon, but it has won a legion of fans over the past few decades. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro puts Toyota’s best off-road foot forward, with larger tires and an electronic locking rear differential contributing to its increased capacity for trail climbing. The suspension is raised 1.5 inches in the front and 0.5 inches in the rear, and revised control arms allow the rear suspension an extra inch of downward travel, which is controlled by Fox internal bypass dampers.
Given the spec sheet, it’s no surprise the Tacoma is equally good at low-speed crawling and high-speed bombing, with low-speed performance enhanced by Toyota’s Crawl Control feature, included as standard equipment on the TRD Pro. Despite putting the focus on off-road ability, the TRD Pro can also tow up to 6,400 pounds and comes with the Toyota Safety Sense P advanced driver assist suite. See 2023 Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you
8. 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
Starting Price: $81,700 | Rating: 4.3
It’s easy to dismiss the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X as just a different look for the Silverado 1500 ZR2. While they are nearly identical under the skin, there are some important brand differences between GMC and Chevy. The extra $8,000 you’ll spend to get into the GMC brings with it some more luxurious features, like massaging seats, a power sunroof, Bose 12-speaker audio, and more, because it is based on the Denali Ultimate trim.
Otherwise, it’s essentially the same pickup truck as the Silverado ZR2. It uses a 2-inch suspension lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and driver-selectable electronic locking front and rear differentials. The result is a balanced truck that’s good at everything, but better at slower-speed crawling. Still, the Chevy’s higher approach angle gives it the nod for off-road capability, though just barely. If you’re looking for a truck that can tow and haul as well as it off-roads, with an extra dose of luxury, take a hard look at the AT4X. See 2023 GMC Sierra models for sale near you
9. 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty Tremor
Starting Price: $58,885 | Rating: 4.7
Despite being the leader in pickup truck sales — Ford’s F-Series is the most popular truck line, and the Super Duty is the most popular heavy-duty line — and despite leading the way in extreme-performance off-road trucks with the Raptor, the brand has only recently delved into the heavy-duty off-road performance sector. On the 2023 Ford F-250, the Tremor package is the primary way into that realm, with 35-inch tires, a lifted and retuned suspension sporting upgraded dampers, a limited-slip front differential and an electronic locking rear differential, and lots of underbody skid plates.
Like the Ranger Tremor, the F-250 Tremor is an option package rather than a trim line, and it’s fitted to the XLT or higher trim levels, meaning you can option your Tremor well into luxury territory. Ticking the box for the Tremor package means you’ll have to upgrade to the 475-horsepower 7.3-liter V8 engine, though you can also opt for the 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel in either standard output or high-output form, the latter of which is rated at 500 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet of torque. See 2023 Ford F-250 models for sale near you
10. 2023 Ram 1500 Rebel
Starting Price: $53,935 | Rating: 4.5
The desert-dominating Ram TRX isn’t the only off-road fun to be had with a Ram, and you don’t even have to break the bank. The 2023 Ram 1500 Rebel is the least expensive full-size truck on this list. As you might expect of a considerably more affordable truck, the Ram Rebel is less about crazy horsepower — though it can be upgraded from the standard V6 to a 395-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 — and more about continuing to go when the going gets rough.
A 1-inch suspension lift, Bilstein dampers, a front skidplate, an electronic locking rear differential, and 33-inch tires contribute to the Rebel’s off-road ability, which is best demonstrated on slower crawling trails, but despite this off-road focus, the Ram 1500 Rebel is still comfortable on the road. A new feature for the 2023 Rebel is Selec-Speed Control, which enables low-speed cruise control for tricky ascents and descents. Ram sells a rear-wheel-drive Rebel. To get the 4-wheel-drive model, the price goes up to $57,785. See 2023 Ram 1500 models for sale near you
11. 2023 GMC Hummer EV Pickup
Starting Price: $84,650 | Rating: 4.2
Brutal design meets brute force in the 2023 GMC Hummer EV Pickup, a study in the thesis that if more is better, even more is better still. As an off-road EV, it offers features and performance that are essentially unmatched, though vehicles like the F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T aim to get close. Despite weighing 9,000 pounds, the Hummer pickup can tow 7,500 pounds, hit 60 mph in 3 seconds, and achieve a range of 329 miles.
The base Hummer EV2 is rear-wheel drive, while the EV2X pickup gets a 2-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration good for about 625 horsepower. At the top of the Hummer pickup range is the tri-motor EV3X, good for 830 horsepower. These monstrous output figures also come with enormous torque, and an optional CrabWalk system allows the Hummer pickup to use 4-wheel steering to get around off-road obstacles like rocks, ruts, and roots. The CrabWalk system also helps the Hummer overcome its massive size on tight trails. None of this is to say the Hummer doesn’t have some good old-fashioned off-roading hardware, too. It’s outfitted with an electronic locking front differential, 35-inch tires, 16 inches of ground clearance (maximum), and 13 inches of wheel travel. See 2023 GMC Hummer models for sale near you
12. 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2
Starting Price: $71,500 | Rating: 4.3
Like the smaller Colorado ZR2, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is the model line’s range-topper, only here everything is full-size rather than midsize. That up-sizing includes the Silverado ZR2’s engine, a 420-horsepower, 460-pound-foot 6.2-liter V8, the 2-inch lifted suspension, and Multimatic DSSV dampers. Durability upgrades for off-road use include underbody skidplates for the oil pan, differential case, and transfer case, driver-selectable locking front and rear differentials, a 2-speed Autotrac transfer case. It also includes a heavy-duty transmission cooler that improves hot weather or heavy load durability off-road as well as when towing or hauling.
The Silverado ZR2’s real strength, therefore, lies not in high-speed desert runs but rather in slower-speed climbs, where its 31.8-degree approach angle helps it negotiate steep rises without damaging the truck and the rear bumper protects the exhaust outlets from being crushed as the 33-inch tires drag the nose skyward. See 2023 Chevrolet Silverado models for sale near you
5 Great Used 4x4s
1. 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD
Starting Price Range: $25,000-$46,000
The Tacoma TRD Pro above is the latest and greatest in midsize truck off-roading from the brand, but since 2015, the Toyota Tacoma has been available in TRD Off-Road form. While it’s not quite as extreme as the TRD Pro treatment, the TRD Off-Road’s upgrades still make for significant improvements in off-road ability and durability. The TRD Off-Road’s equipment has varied a bit over the years, but all of them get an electronic locking rear differential, skid plates, and Bilstein dampers.
TRD Off-Road models equipped with a manual transmission get Active Traction Control, but Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select are only equipped on Tacoma TRD Off-Roads with an automatic transmission. A 278-horsepower V6 engine is standard with the TRD Off-Road, as is 4WD, and you’ll have a choice of 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. See Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you
2. 2015-2021 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
Starting Price Range: $24,000-$45,000
The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X is an off-road-focused midsize pickup truck with Bilstein dampers, off-road tires, underbody skid plates, and an electronic locking rear differential. If that sounds very similar to the Tacoma TRD Off-Road’s formula, that’s because it is, and the formula works no matter who’s doing it. Under the hood, the 261-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 also packs 281 pound-feet of torque, and while it’s not especially efficient, it is robust.
Daily driving the Frontier is likely to be comfortable thanks to the plush suspension, and entry and exit are easier than with some off-road trucks because the PRO-4X isn’t lifted. Nissan has been slow to update the Frontier at times, so the interior can feel dated, but it is still well-equipped. See Nissan Frontier models for sale near you
3. 2015-2018 Ram 1500 Rebel
Starting Price Range: $27,000-$54,000
The Ram 1500 Rebel made its debut for the 2015 model year as a special edition, eventually arriving as a normal production trim for the 2016 model year, with a 1-inch lift, air suspension, Bilstein dampers, upgraded 33-inch tires, and a new interior look. A 305-horsepower V6 was standard, with a 395-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 available.
If you’re wondering if this Ram Rebel is related to the new one above, the answer is a definite yes, with the current model offering the same 1-inch lift, as well as Bilstein dampers and 33-inch tires. On the other hand, the 2015-2018 Rebel’s relationship to the new model above is more ancestral; it’s based on the fourth-generation Ram 1500, while the current Rebel is based on the current fifth-generation Ram 1500. See Ram 1500 models for sale near you
4. 2010-2014 Ford F-150 Raptor
Starting Price Range: $25,000-$60,000
Based on the 12th-generation Ford F-Series truck, the Ford F-150 Raptor was initially available with a 5.4-liter V8, but its 320-horsepower output was quickly upgraded to a 6.2-liter V8 and 411 horsepower. Power wasn’t the standout feature of the Raptor on its debut, however. The Raptor’s biggest impact factor was its imposing width and its long-travel suspension. With 11 inches of front and 13 inches of rear wheel travel and Fox Racing shock absorbers, the Raptor was capable of high-speed feats of desert-blasting that were previously the sole province of dedicated off-road vehicles.
You don’t need a reason to buy a used Raptor if you’re into having fun in the dirt, because you have every reason you could ever need. You just need an excuse. See Ford F-150 models for sale near you
5. 2013-2018 Ram/Dodge Power Wagon
Starting Price Range: $20,000-$46,000
Once again, we have a repeat of one of the brand-new trucks listed above, only this time in its 5-to-10-year-older form. Why? Because these trucks have been great off-roaders for a decade or more, and that doesn’t change just because a new model comes out. If you’re in the market for a Power Wagon but $60,000 sounds more like a salary than the price of your new truck, it’s possible to get a great Power Wagon for off-roading for less than $30,000.
What does an early Power Wagon have to offer? Like the current model, it’s based on the Ram 2500, but in this case, that’s the fourth-generation truck, while the current Power Wagon is based on the fifth generation. Still, the fourth-generation Ram 2500 was massively capable, too, and in Power Wagon form, it got a 2-inch lift, 33-inch tires, and a heavy-duty Warn winch as standard equipment. Earlier models came with a 383-horsepower 5.7-liter V8, while later Power Wagons of this era were fitted with a 6.4-liter V8 good for 410 horsepower. See Ram 2500 models for sale near you
Our 2023 List Best of New Off-Road Trucks — The Dirty Dozen
- 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
- 2023 Ram 2500 Power Wagon
- 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor
- 2023 Ram 1500 TRX
- 2023 Ford Ranger Tremor
- 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
- 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
- 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
- 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty Tremor
- 2023 Ram 1500 Rebel
- 2023 GMC Hummer EV Pickup
- 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2
5 Great Used 4x4s
- 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD
- 2015-2021 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
- 2015-2018 Ram Rebel
- 2010-2014 Ford F-150 Raptor
- 2013-2018 Ram/Dodge Power Wagon
