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Ready For Adventure: The 17 Best Off-Roading Trucks Available

Written by CarPro | Aug 3, 2022 7:45:00 PM

This week we bring you a great list of the top 17 off-roading trucks on the market. Some new and a few used, as compiled by Kelley Blue Book.  KBB says its list of 17 Best Off-Road Trucks in 2022  is designed to help off-road enthusiasts maximize their skills and understand which vehicles they should consider buying,

"Summer is the perfect time to enjoy off-road adventures with a capable truck," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Kelley Blue Book. "To make traveling off-pavement safer and smarter – and to have the most fun – you need a truck with the right features to power through even the worst terrain. Kelley Blue Book's experts have unpacked everything drivers need to know about off-roading, from detailing the basics to lists of must-have features and technology, along with their recommendations for the best new and used off-road trucks for car shoppers to consider."

Off-Roading Pickups


Understanding the Basics

First things first. If you're new to off-roading you'll want to check out some basic definitions and differences between things like all-wheel drive (AWD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD), off-road tires vs. aftermarket tires in KBB's post here. It also has information about all-wheel-drive capability, part-time 4-wheel drive, low range and more. 

KBB's Must-Have Off-Road Features

In it's press release, KBB suggests several helpful off-road equipment and technology features for venturing off the pavement. Some can be ordered individually or bundled into an off-road-specific package.

  • Larger Tires – Selecting a larger and more aggressive tire from the factory will increase ground clearance and help make the most of your 4WD truck's performance on the trail. However, shoppers also should keep wheel size in mind to maximize sidewall availability for conforming to obstacles.
  • Skid Plates – Skid plates are thick, protective sheets of steel or aluminum mounted to the frame on the undercarriage of the truck to protect vulnerable components from taking on damage while off-roading.
  • Off-Road Suspension – Most manufacturers offer upgraded dampers (shock absorbers) as part of an off-road package, and the best ones allow for a smoother ride at much higher speeds over rough terrain.
  • Locking Differentials – To make sure your 4x4 has all four wheels pulling when the trail gets tough, opt for selectable locking differentials in the axles. This feature often is integrated into off-road packages.
  • Disconnecting Front Swaybar – Swaybar disconnect systems unlock additional suspension movement creating more traction, improved ride comfort, and the ability to tackle harder trails.
  • Electric Winch – A winch mounted to the front of the truck can help pull you out of trouble if you get stuck with no one else around to offer a yank from a tow strap. If you buy one from the factory or through a dealer, oftentimes they have been crash-tested to ensure the winch system conforms to stringent safety regulations.

KBB's Best New Off-Road Trucks for 2022


1. 2022 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

In the world of midsize pickups, KBB dubs the Chevy Colorado ZR2 is one of the most capable and versatile. The new ZR2 package features a two-inch taller suspension with increased wheel travel thanks to a wider track.

2. 2022 Ram 2500 Power Wagon

KBB calls the Power Wagon nameplate the granddaddy of off-road pickups. It boasts a long history as a heavy-duty workhorse, and KBB calls the current model an ideal truck for owners who need a pickup that can handle work and play.

3. 2022 Ford Raptor

As the original extreme off-roader, the Raptor is a full-size light-duty pickup truck that excels at higher-speed off-roading. KBB also says it's designed to swallow up big bumps at speed and take a lot of abuse yet ride smoothly on pavement.

 

4. 2022 Ram TRX

Ram introduced the TRX two years ago to compete with the Ford Raptor. KBB calls the TRX a high-speed off-roader with a supercharged V8 that offers incredible acceleration on road or off thanks to the full-time 4WD system.

5. 2022 Ford Ranger Tremor

The midsize truck segment is heating up when it comes to off-road performance, and Ford's new Tremor package for the Ranger adds a lot of great off-road equipment at what KBB calls its fairly economical price.

6. 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

Jeep products are always known for their legendary off-roading capabilities. KBB says even the lowest-priced Gladiator has off-road abilities that exceed most midsize pickups – it basically uses a stretched Wrangler chassis with a durable solid axle suspension at each end that flexes well across difficult terrain.

7. 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Toyota pickups are well-known both for their reliability and off-road capabilities. KBB says the TRD Pro model was improved for 2022 to offer even more capability, performing equally well for high-speed off-roading and slow-speed technical challenges.

2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro in Solar Octane. Credit: Toyota.

8. 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X

GMC has introduced an even more capable version of its Sierra 1500 AT4 off-road package in the AT4X. KBB says the new X includes even more hardcore off-road equipment, including new electronic locking front and rear differentials.

9. 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty Tremor

The Super Duty is America's most popular heavy-duty pickup, and KBB says the Tremor off-road package complements the truck's rugged personality to produce a capable off-roader that can haul a serious load.

10. 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel

KBB says to think of the Ram Rebel as the more sedate and sensible older brother of the TRX.   While not as extreme as the TRX, KBB says it's still an excellent off-road performer plus a great deal.

11. 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup

If you want the most capable pickup you can buy,  at this time KBB says it's the GMC Hummer EV pickup with  serious off-road DNA with major capability.

2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup. Credit: GMC.

12. 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2

The Silverado ZR2 slots one notch down from the Raptor or TRX. KBB considers the keys to the Silverado ZR2's capabilities to be its front and rear locking differentials ( neither Raptor nor TRX offer a front locker), which allow this Chevy to hold its own in terms of slow-speed climbing.

KBB's 5 Great Used 4x4s for 2022


Photo Credit:  2022 Colorado ZR2. Chevrolet.