Best Off-Road Trucks In 2021

Off-roading can be a great adventure, but you need a truck with the right features to get through the worst terrain and, more importantly, have the most fun.

Nowadays, you’re likely to find a trim level or an available package that focuses on off-roading in nearly every pickup truck’s lineup. These off-roading-oriented trucks come with rugged skid plates, high-performance suspension, off-road tires, and capable four-wheel-drive systems.

Here is a list of the best off-road trucks, and find out what off-road equipment will make travelling off-pavement safer and smarter.

All-Wheel-Drive vs 4-Wheel-Drive

That large “4×4” sticker on the side of pickup trucks means it has serious 4-wheel-drive (4WD) capability, right? Sometimes that’s true, and other times, it’s not that simple.

Before we get into it, let’s start with what 4WD means and how it is different from the all-wheel-drive (AWD)?

All-Wheel Drive

Cars, SUVs, and trucks with AWD are great for on-road traction. They can drive on dry, wet, or slippery pavement seamlessly, and the driver can trust that the system will deliver torque to the wheels that need them.

So, how does AWD work?

Most systems use torque fore and aft to the front and rear differentials. These systems are somewhat fluid in how they split up the vehicle’s torque. And that’s important for pavement driving because it makes the system’s moves nearly transparent to the driver.

4-Wheel Drive

It is a part-time system engineered more for off-road driving than dealing with roads affected by foul weather. In most cases, the driver must shift in and out of 4WD.

Some 4WD systems are more complex and capable than others. But when the driver shifts into 4WD, it locks the front and rear axles together, meaning all four wheels receive equal power and rotate at the same speed. Once engaged, 4WD systems don’t rely on a computer to sense wheel slip.

The best types of trucks for off-roading

4 Great All-Wheel-Drive

1. 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

The ZR2 package features a 2-inch taller suspension with increased wheel travel thanks to a broader track. This helps the truck tackle off-camber and rocky terrain without losing the grip.

The ZR2 excels at slow-speed crawling thanks to the selectable front and rear locking differentials and more aggressive tires. It comes with a powerful 3.6-litre gas V6 engine or torque-rich diesel for increased efficiency and range, great for long-distance off-road camping thanks to its 20 mpg average combined rating.

2. 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor

Ford’s new Tremor package for the Ranger brings a slightly taller suspension with more wheel travel, 32-inch tall tires, a locking rear differential, and a wider stance. That equipment helps create nearly 10 inches of ground clearance and improvements in approach and departure angles.

3. 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

The Rubicon is geared for slow-speed trails and wider tracks, bringing extra stability, plus locking differentials and specialized suspensions, a well-respected third-party supplier.

The Rubicon underlines its off-road credentials with an electronically disconnecting front anti-roll bar for optimum axle articulation.

This model has just about every off-road tech tool. Options include all-terrain or mud tires and a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. And there are three engine options: a potent 4-cylinder turbo, a V6, or a diesel.

4. 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4

The Sierra package comes with a 2-inch lift and 32-inch Goodyear Duratrac tires and the Z71 and X31. The Z71/X31 package includes Rancho shocks, a 2-speed transfer case, locking rear diff, skid plates, hill descent control, high-capacity air cleaner, and integrated dual exhaust.

The ride quality on-road and off is smooth, and the chassis has just enough off-road capability to have fun in the dirt.

The GMC AT4 comes standard with a 5.3-litre V8. And it can be optioned with the efficient, 26 highway mpg, 3.0-liter turbo-diesel straight 6-cylinder or the stout 420-horsepower, 6.2-litre V8.

4 Great 4-Wheel-Drive

1. 2016-2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD

The company offers a TRD Off-Road package. The package includes an electronically locking rear differential, skid-plating, and Bilstein dampers. The 265/70R16 all-terrain tires provide almost 10 inches under the front skid plate when it comes to ground clearance.

The 3.5-litre V6 can feel like it needs more torque, but this is generally a smooth, quiet V6.

The Tacoma is an excellent platform for moderate off-roading. Because Tacomas have a solid rep for quality and reliability, you have the peace of mind that your new, used truck won’t spend most of its life in the repair shop.

2. 2015-2020 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

The Pro-4X offers Bilstein shocks and large 265/75R16 tires. The suspension isn’t raised, but it does ride amazingly smoothly on-road and off.

Pro-4X trucks have skid plates for the oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case, and an electronically locking rear differential. The torquey 4.0-litre V6 is excellent off-road, too.

The soft suspension, large squishy tire sidewalls, and excellent traction make the Nissan fun in the dirt. Around town, the Frontier has steering that feels heavy combined with a wide turning circle.

3. 2015-2018 Ram 1500 Rebel

The Rebel is an excellent 4×4. Every one of these trucks comes with an air suspension taller than the optional suspension on every other Ram. These tires have a nice thick sidewall that makes them excellent for off-road use.

Most Rebels come packing the powerful 395-horsepower 5.7-litre V8 hitched to an 8-speed automatic and turning 3.92:1 gear. That’s a recipe for one quick truck.

The Rebel is one excellent driving package that’s smooth-riding on the street and surprisingly capable off-road.

4. 2013-2018 Ram/Dodge Power Wagon

The Dodge Power Wagon was an immediate hit with 4-wheel-drive enthusiasts, thanks to the taller suspension, 33-inch tires, locking differentials, and that innovative sway bar disconnect system.

It comes equipped with a heavy-duty Warn electric winch. It uses an electronic locking differential in each axle and disconnects the front sway bar.

Getting the best off-road truck for your next adventure

Although they are all great for off-roading, it can be tricky knowing which one is the right one.

If you’re interested in going off-roading in one of these pickup trucks, explore the House of Cars website to find the best used truck for sale in Calgary.

House of Cars prides itself on being a company of opportunity and offering the public quality pre-owned vehicles.

Whether you need a new vehicle or need parts/services for your current vehicle, House of Cars is here to assist you with any of your automotive needs.

With over 400+ vehicles in stock between our Alberta locations, we’ll be sure to find you the car you desire!

Click here to talk to our sales expert for more information