The 7 Undisputed Best Off-Road Trucks of All Time

When wheels hit the dirt, you want a tough vehicle to get to your destination. Therefore, only the best off-road trucks of all time can get the job done. That’s why pick-up trucks have reigned supreme over the mountain paths and desert hills for decades.

Off-road vehicles come in many shapes and sizes, but trucks have strength and power that SUVs or 4x4s can rarely match. Which ones are the best? Let’s dive right in and give proper recognition. Here are the 11 most capable off-road trucks of all time.

11. Dodge Power Wagon (1945-1980)

The old Dodge Power Wagons weren’t as powerful as the modern Ram trucks. However, they have a place in history as one of the first mass-produced trucks for off-roading. Dodge designed the truck in the 1930s for military purposes, implementing a four-wheel design and Army-approved ruggedness for combat. By 1946, it was ready for civilian use. 

Dodge produced the Power Wagon from 1946 to 1980 to compete with Ford and the other larger automakers at the time. However, the Detroit-based company stood out by producing an off-road truck for everyday use. Prominent features included a flathead six-cylinder engine, a beefed-up suspension and increased traction. Once the war ended, Americans could more easily work on their farms and drive on the roads less traveled. 

10. Jeep Gladiator (2021-2023)

The Jeep Gladiator is a fan favorite because of its unconventional body kit designs and long history. Since World War II, the truck has made its name on ruggedness and power on unpaved roads. The Gladiator’s 2021 through 2023 models stand out because their towing capacity and bed are larger than the Wrangler. 

While the Gladiator differs from Jeep’s famous box-like SUV, it maintains plenty of the trademark features. From detachable doors to an open sunroof, you get the classic Jeep experience in one of the best trucks for off-roading. You also get respectable horsepower and torque in your trusty truck. The Jeep Gladiator could be even better, but Stellantis has had hardships and can’t get out of its own way.

9. Nissan Frontier (2012-2019)

The Nissan Frontier is one of the best underrated off-road trucks of all time, so it deserves more credit. Since 1997, the Japanese automaker has produced solid trucks for asphalt roads and dirt paths, depending on your needs. For off-roading, the 2012 to 2019 Frontiers lead the pack because of their reliability and features. These trucks get you from point A to point B without sacrificing quality. 

If you want the full off-roading experience in a Frontier, get the PRO-4X trim for four-wheel drive capabilities. This edition makes your truck ready for adventure by adding a two-speed transfer case and all-terrain tires. Dirt and mud can be tough on your underbody, so Nissan installed underbody skid plates to protect the chassis from deterioration. 

8.Toyota Hilux (1988-1997)

Even the best 4×4 truck of all time takes a beating when driving dirt and gravel. Which manufacturer makes the longest-lasting vehicles? Toyota is the top dog, according to the ranking of 26 brands by Consumer Reports. If you look on the streets, you can find plenty of fifth-generation Toyota Hiluxes made from 1988 to 1997.

This generation of Hiluxes was the last to be sold in the U.S., as Toyota discontinued it. However, the truck left a lasting impression on its last stand with a longer wheelbase. Off-road enthusiasts also benefited from more room behind the front seats, allowing you to store more backpacking gear and hiking essentials. While the Hilux left the U.S., it made room for another terrific Toyota truck.

7. Ford Ranger (2019-present)

The older Ford Rangers were smaller trucks that could still get the job done for any off-road enthusiast. While it left the U.S. market for a few years, it returned in 2019 and became better than ever. Nowadays, the Ranger uses the T6 platform to boost the rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive on the midsize truck. 

While smaller than the Ford F-Series, the Ranger still packs a punch. The 2025 model gets up to 405 horsepower with the 3.0L V6 engine and 430 lbs-ft of torque. If you want more power from a midsize truck, you’d be hard-pressed to find it outside the Ranger. Off-roading becomes even easier through the FX4 package, featuring hill descent control and improved suspension features. 

6. Dodge Ram 1500 TRX (2013-2023)

The Dodge Ram looks like a machine of pure brute force, but it has much more finesse than most people realize. Hidden under the hood is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, the same engine found in the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. This amazing feature allows you to go from 0-60 in under four seconds, which is a whole new level of speed and acceleration for pick-ups.

The Ram also has the typical features you’d expect from one of the best off-road pickup trucks of all time. 11.8 inches of ground clearance is elite, and the 702 maximum horsepower is the highest on the list by far. Dodge doesn’t get as much love as Ford, Chevy or Toyota, but the Ram undeniably belongs with the F-150, Colorado and Tacoma.

5. Toyota Tacoma (2000-2004, 2013-2015)

The Tacoma isn’t the biggest or boldest Toyota, but it’s a better off-road vehicle than the Tundra or 4Runner for several reasons. For starters, it has a whopping towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, fantastic driving performance and a bed width of about 60 inches. The late second-gen and third-gen models  also have the greatest reputations for durability of any truck on this list.

Additionally, since the Tacoma is one of Toyota’s longest-running lines of vehicles, you have access to many off-road modifications and spare parts. You can keep upgrading your Tacoma and improving its off-road performance for years to come.

4. GMC Canyon AT4X (2014-2023)

The GMC Canyon AT4X comes from the General Motors (GM) camp, so you can expect the same quality you’d get from a Chevrolet. Canyon AT4X trucks from this generation boast excellent ground clearance and mud-terrain tires that are fit for weekends at the bog. While the traditional GMC Canyon can last on dirt roads, the AT4X takes it to the next level as one of the best off-road trucks of all time. 

Starting in 2023, GMC improved the Canyon’s approach angle to 36.9 degrees and added new 17-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud terrain tires — the same tires on the Colorado. These features combine to provide optimal traction and navigation in suboptimal road conditions. Don’t underestimate the 2.7-liter engine either — it still packs a punch with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.

3. Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 (2010-2021)

The best trucks for off-roading don’t get much better than the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2. Chevy has used the Silverado name since 1975, making it the premier trim level for all its trucks. Then, 1999 came around and saw the first standalone Silverado roll off the production line. However, the best line of this Chevy truck came between 2010 and 2021, thanks to the ZR2 platform. A V-6 engine produces mean horsepower to tackle any hill or rock. 

The Silverado also boasts some monstrous 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud terrain tires, which is a huge game changer for off-roaders. This truck has the size and strength to get you out of any rough terrain.

2. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 (2007-2023)

The Colorado ZR2 is Chevy’s best off-road truck and easily one of the most elite trucks of all time. We could have included all of the Colorado variations on this list, but the ZR2 is the cream of the crop. Chevy has added numerous off-road upgrades to the ZR2 over the years, including these notable features:

• 3.5” wider track
• 2″ suspension lift
• Wider fender flares
• Aluminum skid plates
• Rock Sliders
• Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) Dampers
• Aggressive bumper and grille designs for improved departure angle
• New “Off-road Mode” that alters throttle progression, shift calibration, traction control, stability control, and ABS for different terrain.

Aside from its off-road features, the ZR2 has plenty of raw power. The latest models deliver 310 horsepower, 430 foot-pounds of torque and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. This beauty belongs right next to the F-150 as the kings of off-road trucks.ng capacity of 6,000 pounds.

1. Ford F-150 (2009-2020)

The Ford F-150 has been the best full-size off-road truck for decades, with the 12th generation from 2009 to 2014 being the most successful. It was the first generation to offer two new powerful 4.6 and 5.4 liter V8 engines. This generation also enhanced the interior and exterior trim, simultaneously making the truck more durable and luxurious.

The 13th generation from 2015 to 2020 continued to build on the previous generation’s success. These models have beds that are about 50 inches wide — more than big enough to fit a four-wheeler and other off-roading equipment. This generation also got a big strength boost, boasting up to 450 horsepower and a towing capacity up to 8,000 pounds.

Driving Cool Off-Road Trucks With Mother Nature

All off-roading enthusiasts have a personal preference for a specific brand. Ford, Chevy and Toyota are certainly the most popular, but other automakers have created their own elite off-road vehicles. You can hit the trails with any vehicle brand thanks to these seven behemoths, which belong among the best off-road trucks of all time.

Originally posted 8/3/2023 – Updated 4/9/2025