Adventure is calling! If you want to get way off the beaten path then there may be no better option than an off-road-oriented new pickup truck. We’ve compiled a list of the best 4×4 truck options you can buy new at your local dealership today.
We, and so many others out there are longing for the great outdoors. We want fresh air, solitude in the woods or the middle of nowhere, and a solid way to get there. It doesn’t matter if it’s muddy, rocky, snowy, or dirty—we just all want to get out and play.
Best 4×4 Truck
If you want the best 4×4 truck out there and are in the market for a new vehicle, one of these machines is what you’re looking for:
- Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
- Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss
- Ford F-150 Raptor
- GMC Sierra AT4
- Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
- Nissan Titan PRO-4X
- Ram Power Wagon
- Ram Rebel
- Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
- Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Which do you think is the best new 4×4 truck?
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2/Bison
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 has a history among Chevy fans of being a capable mid-size off-road truck. Driven by a standard 3.6L V-6 or available Duramax 2.8L turbo-diesel engine, coupled with segment-exclusive components such as Multimatic shocks, any trip to the unknown can be an adventure. The available 2.8L turbo-diesel powerplant (a rarity among mid-size trucks in the US) boasts 186 hp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque, and has a 5,000 pound towing capacity. It’s a great option when pulling a toy-hauling trailer for a weekend of fun.
Add to that an Autotrac transfer case and tube-style rock rails, the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is ready for action—even in stock form. The Colorado ZR2 Bison is a partnership with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) and Chevy. The Bison model is specifically designed to take off-road capability even further. AEV upgrades include: five steel skid plates, AEV-designed wheel flares, 17-inch wheels, stamped-steel front and rear bumpers; as well as provisions for a front winch and rear recovery points. EPA-estimated MPGs: 16 city/18 highway for 3.6L V-6, 18 city/22 highway 2.8L diesel. Colorado ZR2 prices start at $41,400.
Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss
Stepping up in Chevy size is the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss. Offered up in either Custom or LT trim levels, this 4×4 Chevy has several configurations to choose from. The Custom variant boasts three different engine configurations. The LT trim level showcases either a 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management with 10-speed automatic (for $50,395) or a 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 engine with 10-speed auto (starting at $52,890). Both Custom and LT Trail Bosses are offered with short or standard bed options with the crew cab configuration. The Custom also offers up a double-cab option with a standard bed.
Chevy Trail Boss Silverado 4x4s come standard with skid plates, an automatic locking rear differential, hill descent control, and 32-inch mud-terrain tires. Trail Bosses also come with an off-pavement-ready tuned suspension from Rancho. Various upgrades and optional trim packages are available should you want to beef up your truck. Silverado offers best-in-class standard cargo volume. EPA-estimated MPGs: 16 city/21 highway for 5.3L V-8, the 6.2L V-8 has not yet been EPA rated.
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Ford F-150 Raptor is top dog among many off-roaders and desert runners. Starting at $53,455, the Raptor includes a high-output 3.5L twin-turbo V-6 EcoBoost engine, Fox Racing shock absorbers, and Trail Control. This system allows drivers to set a desired speed via off-pavement terrain, and the system manages braking and acceleration allowing pilots to concentrate on steering.
The Raptor boasts 450 hefty horses and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. Offering up heavy-duty front and engine skid plates and factory-supplied long-travel suspension, Raptor owners are ready to play in the dunes at any given moment. BF Goodrich all-terrain tires wrapped around 17-inch forged aluminum bead-lock-capable wheels. EPA-estimated MPG: 15 city/18 highway.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 packs a lot of off-road punch for adventure enthusiasts. Offering up a two-inch factory-installed lift kit, along with a tow capacity of up to 9,800 pounds, the GMC Sierra AT4 would make for a fun runner. It wouldn’t matter if you’re towing a trailer or tackling trails with it.
The GMC Sierra AT4 comes standard with a 5.3L V-8 powerplant offering 355 hp with 383 lb.-ft. torque. Additional engine options are: 6.2L V-8 producing 420 hp with 460 lb.-ft. torque or a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel generating 277 hp and 460 lb.-ft. torque. EPA-estimated MPGs: 16 city/21 highway for the 5.3L V-8, 15 city/19 highway for 6.2L V-8, and 22 city/26 highway for 3.0L turbo-diesel. GMC Sierra AT4 prices start at $51,300.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon combines the undeniable capability of a Jeep while adding the versatility of a five-foot truck bed with a three-position tailgate. The Gladiator Rubicon comes with a 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine and standard 6-speed manual transmission. An optional 8-speed automatic is also available. This powerplant generates 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
Gladiator Rubicon’s off-road features include front and rear steel bumpers (front is winch-ready), front and rear lockers, Dana 44 front and rear axles, a front disconnecting sway bar, all-terrain tires, Fox shocks. The off-road-ready Gladiator Rubicon also boasts lots of safety features, 1,600 pounds of payload capacity, and 7,650 pounds of towing capacity. EPA-estimated MPG: 16 city/23 highway. The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon starts at $43,875.
Nissan Titan PRO-4X
Nissan Titan PRO-4X 4x 4 trucks boasts niceties like Bilstein shocks, an electronic locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires. Also packed into this adventure-ready 4×4 truck are hill descent control and a front skid plate to keep critical components from damage while traversing tricky ground.
Similar to other off-road 4×4 vehicles, the 2020 Nissan Titan PRO-4X showcases off-road gauges that delineate pitch, roll, 4×4 stats, and differential lock updates. Available in a king or crew cab, the Titan PRO-4X 4×4 Nissan includes a 5.6L DOHC V-8 engine, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated MPG: 15 city/21 highway. The king cab PRO-4X starts at $47,590, whereas the crew cab variant starts at $49,790.
Ram Power Wagon
Boasting a two-inch factory lift with Bilstein shocks, the heavy-duty 2020 Ram Power Wagon packs a mean-sounding 6.4L V-8 Hemi under its hood. The Hemi is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and generates 410 hp and 429 lb.-ft. torque. Built atop the 2500 chassis, the 2020 Ram Power Wagon growls as drivers navigate it both on- and off-road.
Whereas it certainly has power and 4×4 accouterments that would make any adventurer smile from ear-to-ear, its oversized demeanor can make navigating tight trails a challenge. But, features like a front disconnecting sway bar, front and rear axle lockers, and a 12,000-pound WARN winch will keep offroaders happy. The 2020 Ram Power Wagon starts at $53,550.
Check out the AEV Prospector XL for the ultimate big RAM off-road truck: The AEV RAM Prospector XL is an Off-Road Beast!
Ram 1500 Rebel
Starting at $48,240, the factory lifted 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel 4×4 boasts many adventure-ready off-road features, like aggressive 33-inch all-terrain tires and standard electronic locking rear axle. Although smaller than the Power Wagon, the full-size 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel is offered as either a crew or quad cab. Other features that make the Rebel off-road worthy are Bilstein shocks, skid plates, and an optional air suspension that rides higher than other 1500 counterparts.
The Rebel’s engine opportunities are a 3.0L V-6 diesel generating 260 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft torque or a 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine that makes 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. torque. Additionally, adventure seekers can opt for the powerful 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft torque. The2020 Ram 1500 Rebel is a smaller variant of the Power Wagon but will have you smiling just the same.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Toyota has long been a favorite among the adventure crowd. The mid-size 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro (double cab) boasts many amenities to make it a successful adventuremobile. The Tacoma TRD Pro offers a 3.5L V-6 powerplant making 278 hp and 265 lb.-ft. torque. It also has a ¼” thick aluminum skid plate and Crawl Control system that modulates throttle control and braking when on off-tarmac terrain. This helps to ensure a successful trip without getting stuck. Also on board is an electronically locking rear differential, hill start assist control, and a nifty multi-terrain camera monitor. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro truck boasts a TRD-tuned Fox suspension with remote reservoirs. It also offers all-terrain tires with a mid-size configuration to maneuver successfully in tighter situations.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is offered up with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The manual boasts an EPA-estimated MPG of 17 city/20 highway. However, the automatic improves numbers a bit by offering an 18 city/22 highway rating. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro manual starts at $43,960. The automatic variant is a few grand more, starting at $46,665.
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
The larger of two Toyota trucks, the full-size Tundra, has been a mainstay for the moniker. The 2020 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro truck offers up many 4×4 amenities. This includes TRD-tuned Fox suspension with remote reservoirs, a beefy ¼” thick aluminum skid plate, and improved ground clearance.
The 2020 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro truck brings to the table a 5.7L V-8 mated to a six-speed auto transmission. This produces 381 hp with 401 lb.-ft. torque. Also on board is an electronically controlled transfer case, Toyota’s Active Traction Control (A-TRAC system) and an automatic limited-slip differential. The 2020 Tundra TRD Pro is offered in a double cab or crewmax cab. Both options retain the same powerplant. The double cab starts from $48,655 and offers up an EPA-estimated MPG of 13 city/17 highway. The crewmax cab starts from $52,930 and dons the same EPA-estimated MPG rating.
Which of These Best 4×4 Trucks is Best For You?
No matter which off-road 4×4 truck you purchase, all of these are great opinions worth considering. With varying engine sizes, off-road features, and varying fuel economy, each truck has its pros and cons.
