Trucks are the most popular vehicle in the United States, which makes them widely available in dealerships around the nation. But, of course, that doesn’t mean they’re all going to be the same. There are a lot of different brands, each with their own unique styles and features, especially when it comes to the pickup market. Additionally, each brand then has its own unique model lines and well-known names. However, if you want to see some of the best used trucks for sale, you should check out many of the different off-road trucks out there.
A truck aimed at off-roading isn’t the run-of-the-mill pickup that you’ll see on a daily basis. Rather, it’s a well-built machine that’s absolutely loaded with features that will put it a few trims (or more) above your standard options. You can usually expect some decent off-road capabilities and luxury or convenience options that are built into the base trim level, but it’s not even close to what you can get with an off-road specific trim. This will normally mean the price will be a bit higher than the standard fare, but since we’re talking about used trucks you can definitely still find good deals.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss
The LT Trail Boss is Chevy’s foray into the off-road pickup market with their most popular truck, the Silverado 1500. It makes sense to have a trim level that’s solely dedicated to the off-road enthusiasts of the truck world, but still versatile enough to function as a truck (it’s still a Silverado, after all).
The LT Trail Boss is the second most expensive trim level on the Silverado 1500, right behind the High Country, starting at $48,500 for the 2020 model. This means there are a lot of features that come standard, including the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine with DFM, which will generate 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic Fuel Management technology helps the truck to be more efficient with its gas mileage.
Standard off-road features on 2020 models include a 2-inch factory suspension lift with Z71 Off-Road Package and 18-inch High Gloss Black-painted aluminum wheels with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires.
The 2020 Silverado 1500 introduces a brand new 3.0L turbo-diesel engine as an available option, as well as adaptive cruise control. If you happen across a used 2019 model, you’ll find almost all of the same features that are on the 2020 model except for the diesel engine. The 2018 Silverado 1500 model year was the first year to make the rearview camera and 7-inch touchscreen standard across all trim levels.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
The Gladiator is Jeep’s newest addition to their lineup and also their very first pickup truck option. The premise is simple; it’s basically a Wrangler that’s been turned into a truck. And, although it may sound simple, the results are anything but. A truck that has the off-road capability of a Jeep Wrangler is something that just hasn’t existed until this point in time.
The Rubicon name is already familiar to Jeep enthusiasts, as it’s normally the top trim level available on the Wrangler. It’s the same with the 2020 Gladiator.
The only engine option for all 2020 Gladiators is the 3.6L V6 24V VVT Engine w/ ESS, although the Rubicon is the only trim that comes with the 4:1 Rock-Trac Heavy-Duty Part-Time 4WD System. This system allows for greater off-road capability with more control at lower speeds. In addition, the Gladiator Rubicon also comes with a performance suspension.
Since this is a brand new model, you probably won’t find it used, but we thought it was good to mention with our list of off-road worthy trucks.
Ram 2500 Power Wagon
According to Ram, the Ram 2500 Power Wagon is “The Most Capable Off-Road Full-Size Pickup.” It’s hard to argue that point when there are some great features to back it up, like a 12,000-pound WARN winch, front and rear axle lockers, and a front disconnecting sway bar.
The 2500 Power Wagon also comes equipped with 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac all-terrain tires. There’s also plenty of power under the hood with the 6.4-Liter Heavy-Duty V8 HEMI with MDS engine, which gets up to 410 horsepower.
The 2019 Ram 2500 is a complete redesign, which means there are a lot of options for upgrades in the powertrain and transmission departments. Also, you can expect the frame itself to be made slightly different than previous years, and, in this case, the differences make the entire pickup both stronger and lighter.
Ford F-150 Raptor
The F-150 Raptor has been a true off-road king since its introduction less than a decade ago, and it continues that trend today. Although there are now a few different model years out there, the newest will always have the best features.
On the 2020 F-150 Raptor, you’ll find equipped a High-Output 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine with 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, allowing for an extremely powerful machine. The Trail Control system, included with the F-150 Raptor, is basically cruise control for off-road terrain, which is quite remarkable. You just set the speed, and the system takes care of the rest, automatically managing both acceleration and braking as the terrain dictates. Also included are High-Output, Off-Road FOX Live Valve Racing Shox, which constantly adjust to changing off-road conditions.
All 2020 F-150 models will come standard with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, which is new for this model year. The 2019 F-150 model year is the first time you’ll find the 3.0L diesel V6 available. It’s also the first year you can find the 3.5L V6 engine come standard on the Limited and Raptor trims. Finding a used 2019 Raptor, will you give you almost everything that is on the 2020 model.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The Toyota Tacoma has long been seen as a reliable and trusted pickup that consistently wins awards for its resale value from Kelley Blue Book. And, the TRD Pro is the best trim available for this award-winner.
Highlights include:
- TRD-tuned high-performance FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks
- Rigid Industries LED fog lights
- TRD Pro skid plate
- TRD Pro cat-back exhaust
- Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P)
It’s becoming more common for safety features to be included on higher trim levels (especially the highest trim level available), so it’s not surprising to find Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of features included on the TRD Pro. It is interesting to note, however, that the TSS-P is actually included on all trim levels of the 2020 Tacoma and not just the higher levels. This is actually quite rare to see on any standard vehicle and is a testament to Toyota’s push for staying up-to-date and innovative with their technology. TSS-P includes features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
This reliable off-road machine comes included with a 3.5-Liter V6 DOHC 24-Valve direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine, with 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.
All 2020 Tacoma models will include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Starting with the 2018 model year, Tacomas come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P. Additionally, 2019 TRD Pro models will come with even more off-road equipment than previous years.
Find What You Want
As you may have noticed, there are a lot of options when it comes to off-roading trucks. In fact, it can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, each brand has reliable choices that could definitely fit the criteria of what it is you’re wanting or needing. Off-road truck options are some of the most rugged pickups around because of the many features that come attached, but it’s not really about the flash — it’s more about how they’ll get the job done. They have the off-road attachments to make them capable enough to be available for both work and play, which is incredibly versatile. Also, since they are generally higher up the ladder on trims, they do tend to come packed with a lot of convenience and luxury features, which isn’t a bad thing.
