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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.