Trucks for the Off-Road Life

We’re used to pickups that can handle hauling and towing without breaking a sweat. But today’s generation of drivers wants a truck that works hard and plays harder. Here are five trucks made for the off-road Life.

What Makes a Truck Truly Off-Road Capable?

While every make and model of pickup comes with optional all-wheel drive, there are some important differences that set off-road trucks apart. In addition to full- or part-time 4×4 capability, these trucks have:

• Large, off-road tires
• A heavy-duty suspension
• Protective skid plates
• Engines that deliver more power and torque

Let’s take a look at our top 5 off-road-ready pickups.

For Business and Adventure: Ford F-150 Raptor

It’s categorized as a “light-duty” truck, but when you get it out on the trails, the Ford F-150 Raptor is anything but lightweight. Its 450-horsepower twin-turbo V6 power plant and intelligent technology help the Raptor soar over sand dunes, trample over trails, and get down and dirty in the mud. And because these trucks are expected to clock in for work, the Ford F-150 Raptor also cleans up real nice and is well-behaved on the pavement.

The Legend Lives On: Jeep Gladiator

No list of off-road trucks is complete if it doesn’t include the Jeep Gladiator. Like its Wrangler sibling, the Gladiator Rubicon can climb trails and crawl over boulders that make most other midsize pickups turn tail and run. And for those who like to blow through sand dunes, the Mojave is purpose-built for faster off-road trails. The Gladiator has all of the off-road bona fides worthy of the Jeep name, plus it adds hauling capability, making it a great choice for weekend projects and adventures.

Affordable Capability: Ford Ranger Tremor

If you’re looking for an off-road truck for weekend getaways that can also handle the Monday-Friday commute, check out a Ford Ranger for sale with the Tremor performance package. The Tremor upgrade gives the Ranger a wider stance, plus a higher suspension with greater wheel travel. It’s built to play in the dirt and mud and can handle moderate debris crawling. But where the other trucks might feel harsh on paved roads, the Ford Ranger is actually pretty comfortable and the most affordable option on our list.

Yes, it’s a Toyota: the Tacoma TRD Pro

If you’ve been sleeping on Toyota’s lineup of trucks with their TRD off-road package, here’s your wake-up call. Its 278-horsepower V6 is beefy enough for climbing and towing, yet smooth and efficient for everyday driving. Beyond its upgraded suspension and Fox dampers, every Tacoma TRD Pro comes with Crawl Control. Toyota’s off-road cruise control technology lets you concentrate on piloting your truck through challenging climbs. It’s big and smart.

The New Beast on the Block: Ram 1500 TRX

This beast of burden was built to go hood-to-hood with the Ford Raptor. The supercharged 1500 TRX packs a 6.2L 702-horsepower engine. And with its super-strength frame, Bilstein E2 dampers, and long-travel suspension, this is your dream truck if you love getting muddy or swirling through sand. It’s making its mark in extreme off-roading while being extremely capable at hauling and towing.

A Wealth of Options

These five trucks aren’t just off-road monsters. They’re also good all-around pickups if you need an everyday truck or don’t have space in your driveway for multiple vehicles. It’s worth taking the time to test drive all of them to find your perfect fit.