These days, every serious automaker manufactures at least one off-road package. From the Colorado ZR2 to the Tacoma TRD Pro, this article will compare the top contenders so you can find the right one.
There are few things more fun than spending a weekend in the great outdoors off-roading in your pickup truck. Until relatively recently, serious off-roaders had to spend big bucks to get their trucks prepared to take on the trails, but thankfully, that’s no longer the case.
Now, every major automotive brand has at least one off-road-ready package, and these rough-and-ready pickups get more serious every year. From AT tires and skid plates to high-tech dampers, these midsize trucks have everything you need to hit the trails in comfort and styleyle.
1. Chevy Colorado ZR2
The Chevy Colorado ZR2 is one of the best midsize trucks for off-roading. With a three-inch lift, 3.5-inch wider track width, and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, the truck’s very form has been redesigned to tackle tough trails.
The Colorado ZR2 sports Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and a purpose-built off-road mode that turns off traction and stability control. Upgrade to a Colorado ZR2 Bison for an even more impressive off-road package.
2. Ford Ranger Raptor
Ford began embracing the off-road trend by outfitting its full-size F-150 to hit the trails with its impressive Raptor package. Now, the midsize Ford Ranger gets the same treatment. Covered with steel skidplates and outfitted with 33-inch BFGoodrich AT T/A KO3 tires, this pickup is seriously rugged.
The Ranger Raptor boasts 10.7 inches of clearance, plus an additional 1.4 and 2.7 inches of suspension travel in the front and rear. It features new upper and lower aluminum control arms, an upgraded upper shock mount, and front and rear locking differentials borrowed from the Bronco Raptor.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
The Jeep Gladiator is one of the most unique trucks on this list. It’s essentially a Wrangler with a pickup bed. While this midsize truck may look a little unusual, it performs up to speed with the other top contenders on this list.
The Gladiator Rubicon features front and rear electronic differentials, a 4.0:1 low-range gear in its transfer case, and other helpful upgrades. The Rubicon X also comes with an Off-Road+ drive mode that tailors throttle and transmission shift strategies to sand and rocks.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Toyota’s most impressive off-road pickup is the Tacoma TRD Pro. The TRD Pro features special hardware designed to make off-road high-speed desert racing more fun, which is what sets it apart from the competition.
This mid-size off-road truck features 2.5-inch Fox Racing QS3 internal bypass shocks, a manually adjustable electronically disconnecting front anti-roll bar, and Toyota’s new IsoDynamic performance seats with integrated shock absorbers for a surprisingly comfortable ride.
Which Off-Road Truck Should I Buy?
All the models on this list are eminently capable off-road. The Toyota TRD Pro and Jeep Gladiator Rubicon are both good options for desert driving, while the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Ford Raptor Ranger are more traditional off-roaders. All will take you off the beaten path in comfort and style.
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