From lifted behemoths to small and cheap dailies, there’s a truck for everyone. But not all trucks are created equal – their capabilities, driveability, and resale value vary greatly.
Especially when it comes to off-roading. Fortunately, many models have been modified for the trail with features like Bilstein dampers and skid plates.
Off-Road Capabilities
The best 4x4 trucks are capable off-roaders, designed to tackle tough trails and rocky terrain. They often have a high ground clearance, four-wheel drive, and special off-road tires. They may also have a locking rear differential, skid plates, and a large selection of aftermarket equipment.
A rugged and reliable truck can handle almost any trail, even if it's muddy or sandy. If you're planning to do a lot of off-road driving, look for a truck with a low range gear set and a dedicated 4x4 mode that offers lower gearing for slow speed.
The Jeep Wrangler is the most popular rig for overlanding, and it's hard to beat its legendary capability. It has a simple design that's easy to customize and a wide selection of aftermarket components. Other rigs to consider include the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road and Nissan Frontier Pro-4X, which have Bilstein shocks and other off-road equipment. The newest addition to this list is the Ram 1500 TRX, which is the most off-road-oriented full-size pickup. It has a rear electronic locking differential, rock sliders, and front and rear Bilstein dampers.
Towing Capabilities
One of the primary reasons that people purchase trucks is for their towing capabilities. The best trucks in the class can haul heavy loads, making them ideal for pulling trailers and moving large cargo around town or on long cross-country drives.
The most capable pickup trucks boast towing capacities in the 14,000-pound range. However, it's important to remember that a truck's towing capacity depends on its GVWR — the maximum weight that the truck can carry when fully loaded with all the equipment and occupants.
That means that when you see a truck's advertised towing capacity, make sure you know what configuration it's for - the ratings are often for a regular-cab 4x2 with minimal options. Even so, the top full-size pickups, like the Ford F-150, have towing capacities that are impressive, while the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 can tow nearly as much in a similar configuration. The towing numbers for the heavy-duty Ram 3500 HD, meanwhile, climb to an incredible 37,100 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch.
Reliability
When you’re going to be spending a lot of time on the road, you want to know that your truck is going to hold up. The good news is that many trucks have strong reliability ratings.
One of the top-rated full-size pickups is the Toyota Tundra. It can tow up to 13,000 pounds and has a top-notch 84-point quality and reliability score.
In the small truck category, the Honda Ridgeline is another reliable choice. It has a comfortable and upscale cabin with plenty of features, including a 7.3-cubic-foot storage trunk below the bed floor that can be lowered or swung open from the side.
When you’re off-roading, skid plates are a must. These are thick metal sheets that protect important components like the radiator, transmission, differential, and fuel tank from damage. The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, for example, has super-strong boron steel skid plates that can withstand punishing off-road terrain. Taking care of your truck will ensure it stays in great shape for years to come.
Comfort
Most modern pickup trucks offer a wide range of comfort and convenience features. Buyers can choose from extended-cab and crew-cab body styles; two-, four-, or all-wheel drive; and a variety of engine and transmission combinations. Many also include options for luxury amenities like heated or cooled seats, panoramic sunroofs, and massive touch-screen infotainment systems.
But despite all these comforts, most trucks still have clumsy and ponderous handling that's often at odds with their gargantuan dimensions. As a result, they're not ideal vehicles for navigating city streets or driving on winding mountain roads.
That said, many midsize trucks, including the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, offer a balance of comfort and off-road capability. And while full-size trucks are still the best option for heavy hauling and off-road capabilities, some compact pickups are starting to challenge them in those areas. For example, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma have nimble handling and excellent fuel economy ratings. They also earn high marks in crash-test and reliability ratings from Consumer Reports.
