Pickup trucks make up an important segment of the automobile industry. Once seen as strictly work trucks, they have since evolved to satisfy a more diverse range of customer needs. Today, it's not just about how much cargo a truck can haul but you also have to consider other factors like handling, comfort, performance, and of course, off-road capabilities.
There are trucks today that will do what's expected of them efficiently enough, as long as your expectations are tied to smooth surfaces or at best a beaten dirt path. These trucks will struggle mightily once you drive them over rough ground. There are others though that will eagerly take on the most challenging terrains with little fuss - those ones are the real off-road monsters.
10 Off-Road Monster - Ford F-150 Raptor
There's a reason why the F-150 series rules the roost as the most popular pickup truck series in the world today. The F-150 Raptor is one of such reasons; a truck that is just as competent on tarmac as it is off-road. The only black marks against an otherwise stellar performance scorecard is the expensive price tag and an engine that's extremely thirsty but really, who cares?
The mighty Ford F-150 Raptor has ruled unchallenged for so long but now, it looks like there's a worthy challenger for the title of 'King of the Hill.' Read on to find out who that is.
9 Never Leave The Tarmac - Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is a decent mid-sized truck that's been in the market since 2005. There have been 2 generations and the current models are only offered in a crew-cab configuration. There are 4 different model trims for the 2021 model year but they all get to share one powertrain; a 280-hp V6 that can generate a maximum torque of 262 pound-feet of torque.
The Ridgeline is practical enough, as long as it mostly rides on smooth surfaces. It is not a truck for rough terrain though, especially when there are much more capable rivals with genuine off-road credentials.
8 Off-Road Monster - Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
This Japanese product lags behind its country rival, the Honda Ridgeline, when it comes to matters like interior layout and cabin space. However, these 'deficiencies' will quickly fade into the background when you factor in the Tacoma's off-road prowess.
It will out-perform the Ridgeline and a lot of other rivals in that area with a host of driver-assistance technology and ruggedness. Powering the Tacoma TRD Pro is a chunky V6 powerplant that's best mated to the optional 6-speed manual transmission for optimum results.
7 Never Leave The Tarmac - Dodge Ram SRT 10
Here's a brutal force of automotive engineering that only unlocks its mojo if the road ahead is smooth and long enough. It was one of the fastest production trucks when it debuted in 2004.
A powerful engine lifted straight from a sports car provided a massive 500-hp-kick that could rocket the bulky vehicle to 60 mph in a mind-numbing 4.8 seconds. However, a short trip over uneven ground will quickly expose the truck's Achilles heel. That front bumper will probably get ripped off on the first rocky outcrop you encounter.
6 Never Leave The Tarmac - Chevrolet SSR
The Chevrolet SSR was introduced for the 2004 model year as a retractible hardtop convertible pickup truck; a interesting idea in theory but sadly one which never really caught on in the real world.
The unique retro-looks was influenced by the styling of Chevy-Advance design trucks from the late '40s. in that regard, the SSR certainly achieved its aim but it's not the kind of truck you will want to take off-road. Ground clearance is non-existent and you will do a lot more harm and good ipf you take it off-road.
5 Never Leave The Tarmac - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
This black monstrosity was one of the biggest modern missteps of the Ford Motor Company; an embarrassing failure that was quietly swept under the carpet after 2 model years (1 in the US market). For one, it was ridiculously expensive with a base price of about $52,000 when it launched.
Then many people viewed the Blackwood as nothing more than a rebadged Ford F-150, equipped with a few fancy features in an attempt to justify the price tag. It was not very good off-road too; not like you would find many people back then who would dare take the Blackwood away from the nice smooth road.
4 Off-Road Monster - Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The Colorado ZR2 is another very capable mid-sized truck that roars onto the scene with class-leading handling capabilities and a comfortable driving position. The pickup is equipped with a few bits of fancy gadgetry like the Front Long Travel Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) shocks.
It was specifically designed for off-road use by Chevrolet Performance, working with Multimatic and provides up to a 15% increase in overall suspension travel on rough ground. The overall package and off-road performance claims should take the driver's mind off the annoying abundance of plastic bits in the interior.
3 Never Leave The Tarmac - Mercedes Benz X-Class
Mercedes Benz had very high hopes for their foray into the pickup segment when it entered into partnership with Nissan to build a line of luxury premium pickups. Those expectations quickly came crashing down to earth with a puff of dirty brown smoke.
The X-Class had its debut in November 2017 and by 2020, it was gone, slain by abysmal sales. The public saw no reason to pay so much for a truck that was unable to shake off its Nissan Navarra connections. To be fair, the X-Class did look good from an aesthetic point of view but that was about it. it's unfortunate that there was nothing exceptional about its performance too, regardless of whether it ran on tarmac or rough ground.
2 Never Leave The Tarmac - Subaru Baja
Subaru executives touted the Subaru Baja as the ideal vehicle for young daring adventurers with a strong love for the outdoors. They were right in the sense that the Subaru Baja could function as a daily driver; with a cushy ride quality and a precise steering feel.
It's only when you take the car off-road that the flaws in the car's design and ultimately, marketing strategy begin to emerge. The only engine option available could only muster a maximum of 90 pound-feet of torque. Also, the long pickup bed and front-end design greatly limits the Baja's already minimal approach and departure angles.
1 Off-Road Monster - RAM 1500 TRX
The all-new RAM 1500 TRX has managed to combine the best of both worlds in an amazingly tidy package. Introduced in 2020 for the 2021 model year, this is the most powerful production pickup in stock form with an engine that cranks out just over 700 horses and 650 pound-feet of torque.
It is power that the truck puts to good use both on paved surfaces and off-road terrain. There's also a ton of cutting-edge technology at work in parts like the chassis, powertrain and transmission to ensure that the RAM 150 TRX delivers either as a performance vehicle on-road or a proper off-road weapon. if there's any truck that can challenge the Ford F-150 Raptor's supremacy; this is it.