Off-road trucks are designed specifically for driving on and off paved surfaces. Generally, great off-road vehicles come with rugged features that make them ply multiple terrains, including mud, rocks, sand, and grassland, among others. Plus, they serve various purposes, ranging from adventure to hauling heavy loads.
In 2021, several off-road trucks boast significant improvements in features and overall performance. Just when we thought it could not get any better, new run-around beasts hit the market this year with an amazing combination of awesome specs that had our jaws dropping. If you are not sure about off-road trucks to buy on a budget, here is a list of the most reliable off-road trucks blazing the trails at the moment.
10 Ram TRX
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The 2021 Ram TRX boasts of 702hp engine, which provides a near-instantaneous torque of 650lb-ft. It has a top speed of 118 mph and accelerates from 0–60mph in 4.5 seconds. This high-performance truck delivers across different terrains. Apart from its 32 inches of water fording depth, it has tuned engine and body mounts, and a suspension that works well on bumps. This is no surprise with its 11.8 inches of ground clearance, 13 inches front and 14 inches rear suspension travels, and the massive 35-inch tires.
The driver can switch between the Sport mode and Baja mode for the best driving experiences across terrains. The Bilstein shock system, the most sophisticated system offered on a production truck, provides a smooth ride no matter the terrain. The wide fenders, intake scoop, and flow-through RAM badge are not only aesthetically appealing but also ensure unobstructed airflow to the engine.
9 Ford F-150 Raptor
The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is a high-power pickup truck suitable for both on-road and off-road driving. Although the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine produces only 450hp, this twin-turbo engine is assisted by a paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
The Raptor offers massive 37-inch tires, improving the off-road driving experience, and giving the vehicle better approach, departure, and breakover angles. Also, the 3-inch exhaust system gives the vehicle an enhanced soundtrack. The use of the next-generation Fox shocks with Live Valve technology also contributes to a smooth driving experience.
8 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
The jury is still out on whether this is a ‘jeepy truck' or a ‘trucky Jeep'. The Gladiator Rubicon is a Jeep designed to conquer nearly any terrain. It is desert and trail rated. These badges are testaments to the vehicle's ruggedness and ability to withstand harsh conditions and terrains. It is easily maneuverable, and it has higher levels of articulation that ensure all four wheels are stable. The wheels are wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires. Its 11.1 inches of ground clearance help in driving over obstacles.
The Gladiator Rubicon also comes with Fox shock absorbers for off-road driving. One major exciting feature of the Gladiator Rubicon is the Off-Road camera, which helps in off-road navigation. Two engine options are available: a 3.6-liter V6 with 285hp and 260lb-ft of torque, and a diesel-powered turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 260hp and 442lb-ft.
7 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is one macho-looking, impressive off-roader. It comes with either a 3.6-liter V6 or a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. With an 8-speed automatic transmission, 308hp, and 275lb-ft of torque, the four-wheel-drive performs excellently as an off-roader.
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 has 10 inches of ground clearance and a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 pounds (with the V6) and 7,700 pounds (with the diesel). It is further equipped with front and rear electronic locking differentials for maximum traction off-road, as well as exotic spool-valve shock absorbers for a smoother ride.
6 Ford Ranger Tremor
This crew-cab-only Tremor package from Ford boasts 32-inch all-terrain tires, an electronically locking rear differential for better traction, skid plates, fixed metal side steps, Tremor graphics, and six auxiliary power switches for accessories. It also features an upgraded suspension, with upper and lower arms separated by 2.0-inch Fox dampers in all four corners.
The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor has a 9.7 inches ground clearance. The maximum approach and departure angles are 30.9 and 25.5 degrees, respectively. And it has a breakover angle of 24.2 degrees. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine has 270hp and 310lb-ft of torque. It also provides four drive modes: Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand.
5 Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss
The Silverado Trail Boss comes with three engine options: the standard engine is the 4.3-liter V6, while the other options include the 5.3-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8. The standard engine produces a horsepower of 285 and a torque of 305lb-ft. Its maximum towing capacity is 7,300 pounds.
The pickup has a 4-wheel drive with a standard 6-speed automatic, electronically controlled transmission. There is an option, however, for a 10-speed automatic, electronically controlled transmission. The aluminum wheels are 18 inches, and it has a ground clearance of 10.88 inches.
4 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The Tacoma TRD Pro is equipped with the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265lb-ft of torque. The vehicle is excellent on both the highway and off-road. It has approach and departure angles of 35 and 23.9 angles, respectively, and a breakover angle of 23.9 degrees. It also has 9.4 inches of ground clearance. Its 16 inches wheels are wrapped in Goodyear All-Terrain tires. The tires are not just good for plowing through rough terrains, but they also do a great job at limiting road noise.
The 2.5-inch Fox Racing Shocks and TRD-tuned front springs, as well as the electronically controlled locking rear differential, make the TRD Pro a functional off-roader. It also possesses unique features such as the Multi-Terrain Monitor, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control which acts like cruise control but for off-roading. Even better, buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
3 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
The Sierra 1500 AT4 is a sturdy off-roader that comes with two engine options: the 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine and the 6.2L V8 engine. Both have a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2L V8 gas engine produces a maximum horsepower of 420 and 460lb-ft of torque.
The truck has a good ground clearance of 10.7 inches and is equipped with Rancho shock absorbers for a smoother off-road drive. It also comes with two tires options: the 18-inch and the 20-inch Mud-Terrain Goodyear tires. It provides five modes, including Tour, Sport, Terrain, Tour/Haul, and Off Road.
2 Ford Super Duty Tremor
Built for performance, the 2021 Ford Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup with a rugged personality. All models of the truck combine 7.3-liter OHV gas V8 and the available Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel with a rugged frame and an impressive chassis engineering, making it the 2021 Super Duty one of the best trucks out there.
Outfitting the Super Duty with the new Tremor-Off-Road package improves the off-road performance by offering 35-inch maximum-traction tires and off-road-tuned front and rear suspension. With features like selectable Rock Crawl and Trail Control modes, the Super Duty keeps going on all terrains.
1 Ram 2500 Power Wagon
The 2021 Ram 2500 Power Wagon comes equipped with a 6.4-liter V8 engine that delivers 410hp and 429lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels are wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires. It also features a unique suspension, and factory suspension lift locking front and rear differentials.
The vehicle can tow up to 9,910 pounds and even has a WARN that can pull up to 12,000 pounds. The approach and departure angles are 29.4 and 26 degrees, respectively, and the ground clearance is 14.2 inches.