If you have the skills and deep enough pockets, you can turn practically any truck into a powerful offroad machine. It makes you wonder why manufacturers aren’t rolling an off-road truck straight from their factories. Or are they? Today, we will look at 11 of the best stock trucks that make fantastic off-road trucks.
Let’s get started!
What Is an Off-Road Truck?
An off-road truck can handle rough and ever-changing conditions found when taking the road less traveled. These trucks typically are perfectly capable of driving on and off the road. They have larger tires, enhanced suspension systems, and higher clearances.
You may see these vehicles on the highway or flying over dunes or rough terrain. They can be used as daily commuter vehicles or for overlanding adventures. Off-road trucks are tremendously versatile and can be incredibly fun to drive.
11 Best Stock Trucks for Off-Roading Adventures
If you’re not a wrench monkey and don’t want to go through the process of modifying your truck for off-roading, some stock trucks can do the job. Let’s look at 11 of the best options we think you should consider.
1. 2022 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
About: The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 comes in both gas and diesel engine options. The gas version gets 16 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.
However, the diesel engine gets 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. It’s loaded with great features to be an everyday vehicle or for some off-roading adventures.
The ZR2 has a 48 mm front suspension leveling kit and front and mid skid plates to protect your sensitive components underneath. You’ll also find Multimatic shocks that are adjustable based on the conditions.
Whether you’re looking for light pressure or a more firm shock, the ZR2 provides an amazingly smooth ride no matter the road conditions. If you want to enhance the ZR2 further, you can upgrade to the Bison package, which provides a redesigned front bumper, fender flares, and unique 12-spoke wheels.
MSRP: $42,600
2. 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor
About: The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is not only beautiful, but it’s also an off-roading machine. It has a five-link rear suspension that uses sophisticated engine management software to produce more torque for quicker starts and better responsiveness from the throttle. Drivers love the comfort, stability, and handling Ford has worked so hard to achieve.
Ford uses Fox Racing Shox with live valve technology to adjust for ever-changing road and environmental conditions. This reduces heat buildups and friction inside the suspension system.
With high-powered fans built into the cooling system, you don’t have to worry about sensitive components overheating, even in the most extreme off-roading adventures.
MSRP: $64,145
3. 2022 Ram 1500 TRX
About: The 2022 Ram 1500 TRX is the type of truck every little kid dreams of driving someday while playing with cars. A V-8 engine that produces an incredible 702 horsepower can achieve 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest stock pickups ever. The massive fenders and scooped hood look good while showing off.
No off-road truck would be complete without underbody plating. The TRX uses a beef plating system to protect the remote-reservoir dampers, locking rear differential, and 15-inch front brakes.
This is a monster truck that is fun to drive and will have you feeling like you’re playing with trucks in the dirt all over again.
MSRP: $75,680
4. 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
About: Jeep is no stranger when it comes to off-roading. It’s one of the first manufacturers that come to mind when people think about off-roading. While some Jeep owners will customize practically every aspect of their Jeep, when you buy the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, you can take it off-roading on the way home from the dealership.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon comes with a cargo bed, which isn’t a common sight on many Jeeps. You can fill it up with camping gear and other supplies as you head out to go off-road and explore remote locations. With removable body and roof panels, you can feel the wind in your hair as you’re adventuring.
One of the most loved capabilities of the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is the off-road equipment. There are plenty of skid plates to keep everything underneath safe, but also axle ratios for rock-crawling and being able to traverse up to 30 inches of water. You won’t have to worry about your approach or departure angles, as the Gladiator has a tremendous amount of ground clearance.
MSRP: $45,240
Pro Tip: Want to turn you Gladiator into an off-road camping machine? We uncovered Can You Put a Camper on a Jeep Gladiator?
5. 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
About: The Tacoma TRD Pro practically winks at the competition as it comes to the scene. It used forged aluminum upper control arms to help traverse rocks and other extreme obstacles.
The 1.5-inch front lift and 0.5-inch rear lift give it optimal clearance to help avoid damage caused by rocks and other road hazards. It even provides a 36.4-degree approach angle and 24.7-degree departure angle, so you can go up and down the hills and valleys with no worries. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Tacoma TRD Pro produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.
The TRD Pro’s interior is equally as impressive as the exterior and what’s under the hood. You’ll find all-black leather-trimmed front seats, a moonroof, and all of the safety features you’re used to seeing in Toyotas. You can stay safe whether you’re cruising down the highway or off-roading with your friends and family.
MSRP: $46,135
➡ Are Toyota Tacomas as good at overlanding as they say? Find out before you hit the trail.
6. 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor
About: With the Ford Ranger back on the scene, Ford continually looks for ways to beef it up. The Ranger’s Tremor off-road package is the beefiest-looking stock Ford Ranger you’ve ever seen. This trim level comes with painted alloy wheels, a skid plate, off-road suspension, and Upfitter switches to help with any accessories you want to add on later.
The Tremor comes with a tough-looking grille. However, the Tremor is more than just tough looking. It comes with both Trail Control and Terrain Management Systems to maximize your control during your off-road adventures.
Combine these features with beefier wheels, increased shock absorbers, and advanced rear springs. It’s hard to ask for a better truck in its class.
MSRP: $46,275
7. 2022 Ram 2500 Power Wagon
About: The 2022 Ram 2500 Power Wagon comes with a 6.4-liter V-8 engine that cranks out a massive 410 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. This truck is the perfect combination of work and play.
It comes equipped with everything you need for some fun off-roading adventures and can tow over 10,000 lbs. The suspension, locking differentials, and sway bar makes a tremendously powerful and capable off-roading truck.
It doesn’t just perform. It looks good too. The Power Wagon comes with a unique grille, headlights, and an electronic transfer case. You can also enjoy the ride in comfort with many luxuries like heated seats in the front and back of the truck.
MSRP: $57,390
8. 2021 Nissan Titan PRO-4X
About: The Titan PRO-4X is not your ordinary Nissan truck. This version of the Titan is built for the road less traveled. You’ll find massive amounts of clearance, all-terrain tires, and steel skid plates to protect components in even the toughest of terrains.
Nissan installed Blistein shocks to provide the smoothest ride possible. If you’re a thrill-seeker and love Nissan trucks, this truck will help you climb, crawl, and conquer even the most challenging terrain.
MSRP: $48,470
9. 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
About: The Sierra 1500 AT4 is GMC jumping into the off-roading arena. It comes with a factory-installed 2” lift and a standard Duramax 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine.
The Duramax engine cranks out 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. With 20 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway, you’ll find yourself passing the fuel station more often than you might be used to in other off-roading trucks.
The truck stands in confidence with its off-road tires and dark accents all around. It’s as tough as it looks and ready to get the job done. The carbon-fiber composite bed provides plenty of room for supplies and toys. The GMC Sierra 1500AT4 is a respectable off-road truck.
MSRP: $56,800
10. 2022 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss
About: The Silverado LT Trail Boss is, as its name implies, a boss. You can pick from a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine, a 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel, and a 6.2-liter EcTec3 V8 engine.
You’ll range from 277 to 420 horsepower based on which engine you pick. The Trail Boss V8 engine lets you tow just over 13,000 lbs, which is impressive for a truck this size.
Chevrolet has done a tremendous job on this truck by making it not only perform but look good while doing it. You get plenty of legroom for the driver and passengers, and the comfort continues with a smooth ride on and off the road.
With DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and a high-approach front bumper, you’ll have a good time taking this truck off the road.
MSRP: $52,500
11. 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel
About: The 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel comes with a 1-inch factory lift and all-terrain tires. It also comes with tow hooks and an electronic locking rear axle, and the cockpit is loaded with impressive technology inside.
An 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen makes it easy to see all the information you could need while off-roading. The LED headlamps, taillamps, and fog lamps not only make sure you’re seen, but also that you can see while adventuring.
The Rebel is one of the best off-roading trucks in its class. The skid plates, locking differential, and off-road suspension make it one of the most capable trucks for off-roading. You’ll have a tremendous experience traveling the roads and making off-roading memories.
There are several upgrade packages that you can consider that add various options like the diesel engine, leather seats, and even wireless device charging. Ram didn’t just build a truck for off-roading, but they made it comfortable for an everyday driver too.
MSRP: $48,140
Pro Tip: Unsure what truck is best for you? Join The Best Truck Debate: Ram Versus Ford Versus Chevy.
The Benefits of an Off-Road Truck
Having a truck can be very beneficial. However, an off-road truck is loaded with benefits that standard trucks simply can’t match. They’re typically able to do many of the same jobs that you would expect from a traditional truck when it comes to work. Their fun factor is where they differ from standard trucks.
An off-road truck makes it much easier to go, well, off-road. The high clearance increases power and performance, making them loved by overlanders and those looking to take their adventures away from the smooth paved roads. Many remote roads may have rocks, ruts, and low traction surfaces that may be impossible to conquer without an off-road truck.
Being able to reach remote areas makes it possible to avoid crowds. Some incredible places are easily accessible by standard vehicles, but they’ve become so crowded that it makes it difficult to enjoy them fully.
When you take your adventures off the road, some locations are equally or possibly even more epic than the other spots, but since they require a capable vehicle, you won’t have to fight the crowds.
What Makes a Truck Good Off-Road?
While there are many great trucks available on the market, there are a handful of things you want to look for in an off-road truck. These are typically the key areas where off-road trucks separate themselves from standard trucks. Let’s take a look!
All-Terrain or Mud Tires
Having off-road tires is practically essential for any off-roading truck. These tires help trucks increase traction as they travel through the mud and dirt found in many off-roading situations. They make a tremendous difference and help drivers avoid getting stuck, which is never enjoyable, especially when you’re in remote locations.
While these tires are great for off-roading, they tend to be noisier than standard tires. They’re designed specifically for off-roading conditions, and driving on paved roads can accelerate the wear and tear on them. Not only will you need to replace them more often, but they’re typically more expensive tires as well.
Pro Tip: If you love off-roading, mud tires can make a huge difference. Still unsure if they’re worth the investment? Discover Should I Put Mud Tires on My Truck?
Four-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive can improve traction in dangerous conditions like snow, mud, and rocks. However, these are often the conditions craved by those who enjoy off-roading.
Shifting into four-wheel drive mode can improve your control while traveling some of these tricky terrains. It can also help give you the power to push through some sticky situations, especially in muddy or snowy conditions.
Locking Differentials
Having a vehicle with locking differentials is helpful as it allows both wheels to travel at the same speed. This helps drivers avoid getting stuck, especially while driving on rocky, muddy, or other loose terrains. These vehicles can even continue to turn at the same speed when a wheel is off the ground.
Locking differentials are essential if you’re planning to take your off-roading. A truck without locking differentials won’t perform as well as many off-roaders would prefer.
Off-Road Suspension
An off-road suspension provides a tremendous boost to an off-roading experience. It maximizes the handling, increases stability, and provides a smoother ride during rough terrain.
While off-roading can be fun, you don’t want to feel like you’ve been beaten up at the end of every trip. Trucks with a better suspension system will provide a much more comfortable off-roading experience for both drivers and passengers.
Do Stock Trucks Make Good Off-Road Vehicles?
There certainly are some stock trucks that make good off-road vehicles. These are typically upper-level trim levels made with off-roading in mind. While many trucks are built tough and have plenty of power, they may not have the right tires, suspension, or components for doing intense off-roading.
All of the major manufacturers produce stock trucks that are great for off-roading. If your truck isn’t specifically designed with off-roading in mind, it might be a good idea to test the waters with off-roading, but don’t get carried away. You don’t want to go big and cause damage to you or your vehicle.
Can You See Yourself in an Off-Road Truck?
If you want to wet your feet when it comes to the world of off-roading, these 11 trucks are all great options. You’ll love the smooth ride, and they provide as a daily vehicle and for your off-road adventures.
You don’t have to spend thousands of extra dollars after purchasing your truck to make it capable of going off-roading. Manufacturers are doing a great job of making trucks ready for the dirt and other roads less traveled.
Would you buy an off-road truck? Drop a comment below!
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