When you think of trucks, the image of a burly workhorse hauling lumber, towing boats, or just looking tough in the driveway might come to mind. However, the modern truck is a versatile beast that can conquer terrains you wouldn’t dare tackle on foot. From navigating rocky trails to forging through muddy bogs, these trucks are ready to unleash their wild side. Here are 10 trucks that have unexpected off-road prowess.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline might look like it belongs in a suburban driveway. However, beneath its unibody construction lies a superhero. Equipped with Honda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive system, the Ridgeline can channel power to where it’s needed most, making it surprisingly capable when the pavement ends. The Ridgeline’s off-road abilities are enhanced by its 7.87 inches of ground clearance (which, while not massive, is still enough to clear some modest obstacles) and a suspension system that is more than ready to absorb the shocks of uneven terrain. Plus, the Ridgeline’s bed, which doubles as a giant cooler, means you can celebrate your off-road conquests with a cold one.
Ford F-150 Raptor
When the F-150 Raptor is mentioned, you might already think “off-road,” but you might not realize just how far Ford has gone to make this truck the ultimate off-road predator. The Raptor features a high-output, twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft of torque. But the real magic is in its long-travel suspension, featuring Fox Racing Shox, which allows it to quickly eat up desert dunes and rocky paths. With 13 inches of clearance in the rear, the Raptor can leap over obstacles that would stop lesser trucks in their tracks. And with a Terrain Management System that adjusts the truck’s behavior based on the ground underfoot, the Raptor makes off-roading feel more like a video game with real consequences.
Ram 1500 Rebel
The Ram 1500 Rebel is like the kid in school who got into a few fights but always helped the teacher carry books after class. It’s tough, rugged, and ready to take on some gnarly trails, but it also has a cushy side that makes it a joy to drive on-road. Under the hood, the Rebel often sports a 5.7L HEMI V8, churning out 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft of torque, which gives it plenty of grunt to tackle off-road challenges. It’s equipped with an electronic locking rear differential for added traction in slippery or uneven conditions, and the optional air suspension can raise the truck by 2 inches, giving it more clearance to avoid those pesky rocks that want to ding your undercarriage.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
If the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro were a person, it would be the quiet, unassuming guy in the corner who turns out to be a black belt in three martial arts. This midsize truck is equipped with Fox 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks and TRD-tuned front springs, allowing it to handle everything from deep mud to steep, rocky inclines. The 4.0L V6 engine provides a solid 278 horsepower, more than enough to power through off-road adventures. It also comes with crawl control, an off-road cruise control system that modulates throttle and braking, so all you need to worry about is steering. The Tacoma TRD Pro is a testament to the idea that you don’t need to be the biggest to be the worst.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Chevrolet might be better known for its Silverado when it comes to trucks, but the Colorado ZR2 is the underdog that can surprise you. Think of it as the scrappy fighter who doesn’t talk big but can throw a punch that’ll knock you out. What makes the ZR2 special is its Multimatic DSSV dampers—a high-tech suspension system typically reserved for race cars. These dampers allow the ZR2 to transition seamlessly between highway cruising and rock crawling. The truck’s 3.6L V6 engine produces 308 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft of torque, giving it plenty of muscle to tackle challenging terrain. Additionally, the ZR2 has front and rear electronic locking differentials—a rare feature in this segment and incredibly useful for maintaining traction on uneven surfaces.
Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
The Nissan Frontier has been around for what seems like forever, quietly going about its business as a solid, dependable midsize truck. But slap a PRO-4X badge on it, and suddenly, this everyday work truck is ready to roll with the big boys on the trail. The Frontier PRO-4X has Bilstein off-road performance shocks, skid plates to protect the underbody, and an electronic locking rear differential to help you conquer loose gravel, mud, or even a riverbed or two.
Jeep Gladiator
It’s no surprise that a Jeep can handle off-road conditions, but what is surprising is just how good the Jeep Gladiator is at it. Imagine a Wrangler and a pickup truck having a kid who inherited all the best traits of both—then put that kid on steroids. That’s the Gladiator. The Gladiator’s off-road chops are no joke. With a solid front and rear axle, the Gladiator Rubicon variant comes with 33-inch all-terrain tires, locking differentials, and a disconnecting sway bar—features that are typically found on hardcore off-roaders. The 3.6L V6 engine, with 285 horsepower, isn’t the most powerful in its class, but it’s paired with a manual or automatic transmission that’s geared perfectly for climbing over rocks and trudging through deep mud.
GMC Sierra AT4: The Gentleman’s Off-Roader
The GMC Sierra AT4 blends the luxury and refinement you expect from GMC with serious off-road capability, making it the perfect ride for those who like their adventure with a side of comfort. The AT4 package adds a 2-inch factory lift, skid plates, and off-road-tuned Rancho shocks, allowing the Sierra to handle rough terrain without breaking a sweat. And because this is a GMC, the interior is loaded with leather, high-end tech, and plenty of space, making it easy to forget that you’re not in a luxury SUV. But the mud on the tires will remind you soon enough.
Ford Ranger FX4
After a brief hiatus from the U.S. market, the Ford Ranger returned and came back ready to rumble. The FX4 package transforms the Ranger from a capable midsize pickup into a true off-road contender, ready to easily take on the wildest trails. The FX4 Off-Road Package includes skid plates, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Terrain Management System with four distinct drive modes to adapt to whatever the trail throws at you. Additionally, the Ranger’s nimble size is an advantage on tight trails where larger trucks would struggle, and with its solid off-road credentials, the FX4 proves that good things can come in smaller packages.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class
You might not expect to see the three-pointed star on a muddy trail, but the Mercedes-Benz X-Class is more than just a pretty face. This truck combines the luxury and refinement you’d expect from Mercedes with serious off-road capabilities, making it a standout in the luxury truck segment. Underneath its stylish exterior, the X-Class is built on the same platform as the Nissan Navara, but with Mercedes’ touch, it’s transformed into something special. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system ensures that power is distributed where needed most, and the X-Class’s suspension is tuned to handle rough terrain gracefully. While the X-Class may be more at home cruising the streets of Monaco, it’s perfectly capable of tackling a challenging trail in style.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
When you think of supercars, names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren often come to mind, along with their staggering price tags. However, high-performance vehicles aren’t exclusively reserved for the super-rich. There exists a sweet spot where speed, style, and (relatively) sensible pricing converge, offering thrilling rides without completely obliterating your bank account. Hop in as we explore 14 underrated supercars under $100K.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
