Some of the best vehicles to put through the most punishment that mother nature has to offer are off-road vehicles. They’re designed with a completely different anatomy than the typical vehicle. They’re built with extra toughness, reinforced frames, stiffer suspension, and transfer cases to push as much torque as possible through each and every wheel. If you want a vehicle that can take whatever you can throw at it, you need to head to an off-road truck dealer. You’ll get your hands on a truck or SUV designed to get the most out of your off-road travels. Without wasting time, let’s run through the top 2022 model year off-road vehicles for hardcore enthusiasts.
2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2
Made available as a production trim for the very first time, the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 is a trim worth pursuing for those who love the Silverado but want more off-road capable functionality out of the light-duty truck. It’s been a long time coming since the ZR2 trim has been available for the Silverado’s midsize sibling, the Colorado, in 2017. The ZR2 has also been tearing it up on the track for the Silverado in motorsports, but 2022 is the first year it makes its way to dealerships. It only took a few years, but, as the old saying goes: better late than never, right? Equipped with Multimatic’s DSSV spool-valve dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and 33-in. mud tires, the Silverado 1500 ZR2 is definitely designed to tackle all sorts of off-road challenges.
2022 Honda Ridgeline Sport
With many trucks, you have to choose the most expensive trim to unlock their full off-road capability. However, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline stands out for giving you all its available performance features standard on every trim. This midsize model comes with a 3.5L V6 and Honda’s world-class i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system for reliable power wherever your adventure takes you. “All-wheel drive?” Yes, that’s right, the Ridgeline doesn’t have traditional four-wheel drive and it’s not a problem. The i-VTM4 system is a dual-clutch system that can shift power between the rear wheels, providing similar capability to a rear locker. Honda also took advantage of the extra gears in the 9-speed transmission to provide a 20:1 ratio in first, giving the Ridgeline significantly more torque than other trucks in 4Hi. And of course, an all-wheel drive system is always active, ready to kick in the moment traction is lost.
2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
It absolutely does not get enough respect around a lot of top lists, but the 2022 Toyota Tacoma has made a quiet comeback recently—due to a facelift and some new off-road inspired features, including an upgraded lift-kit. The TRD Pro in particular comes with some cat-back exhaust, so you get additional power while keeping it clean with a catalytic converter. You also have a standard deck rail system, TRD Pro skid plates, special badging, and FOX internal bypass shocks. You can basically dish out all the punishment you want and the TRD Pro can take it like…a pro. The great part about the Tacoma is that even the higher-end off-road edition is still reasonably priced, making it a great pick among entry-level enthusiasts looking for something spiffy and affordable from an off-road truck dealer.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Another 4xe on the list? Why not! Unlike the other vehicles on this list, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a three-row SUV—and it’s capable of going off-road, too. It’s the perfect combination of a full-size SUV—able to tackle hills, climb rocks, conquer dirt trails, and overcome mountain passes—all while being eco-friendly! The added benefit of the Cherokee 4xe is that, much like its Wrangler 4xe relative, it also comes with a hybrid powertrain setup. The added benefits of the Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system with real-time dynamic four-wheel traction control are just an added cherry on top.
2022 Ford F-150 Raptor
It’s easy to forget that the F-150 is still highly capable of more than just towing; trailering; and being America’s favorite full-size, light-duty workhorse. The truck also has a couple of off-road-tuned trims, too, such as the Tremor and Raptor. However, the Tremor is more off-road lite, and the Raptor is off-road extreme. It’s easy for it to be overlooked by more pronounced entries in the segment, but with a five-link rear suspension, FOX’s patented Racing Shox, and electronically managed stability and traction control, the F-150 Raptor is more than capable of competing with every other off-road vehicle on the list. The huge wheels, exterior protections, and more aggressive styling all help sell the off-road capabilities of the F-150 Raptor.
2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Maybe the midsize Tacoma just isn’t your cup of tea? Or maybe, you want something with a brawnier stance and a lot more gusto? The fully redesigned and absolutely awesome-looking Tundra TRD Pro is the off-road truck to give notice to all other off-road trucks. With 18-in. BBS aluminum wheels covered in Falken’s Wildpeak all-terrain tires, a 1.1-in. lift kit to raise the ground clearance, and off-road-tuned suspension with FOX shock absorbers, you have an optimized take on the long-running Tundra nameplate. This truck has been retooled and redesigned for hardcore off-road use. It’s definitely a truck to keep on your wishlist if you’re thinking about buying a 2022 model.
2022 Ram 1500 TRX
How can you have a list of some of the top off-road vehicles and not include the light-duty “T-Rex”? The Ram 1500 TRX is one of the more popular off-road trucks to stay on the lips and minds of truck enthusiasts across the entire market. The 2022 model year TRX doesn’t make any major alterations to an already seemingly perfect formula, but it is available in a very limited edition—not that it changes the truck’s actual performance or capabilities. Even still, the supercharged HEMI V8 provides lightning-fast performance thanks to launch control, combined with all the necessary adjustments to take on the most demanding off-road challenges. The Ram 1500 TRX is a beast, whether you’re on pavement or dirt. Sporting a broader stance, reinforced suspension, Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks with active damping, and 18-in. wheels fitted to 35-in. Goodyear tires, there isn’t a dirt trail or off-road challenge Ram’s “T-Rex” can’t tackle. If you can find this truck at an off-road dealer (they usually sell out quickly), it’s well worth the price of admission.
2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is basically the pinnacle of power-focused, off-road enthusiasm. Stocked with a massive 6.4-L HEMI V8 and a reinforced design from top to bottom, including heavy-duty brakes, you get more power while trekking out in the middle of nowhere. Other notable features include FOX shock absorbers, 17-in. beadlock wheels available with 35-in. all-terrain tires from BFGoodrich, and improved airflow thanks to the Hydro-Guide Induction System. The infotainment system is also linked to the off-road capabilities, allowing you to view, modify, and load up pages and profiles to best suit your experience. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the real deal through and through.
2022 Ford Bronco Raptor
Ford has made the Bronco the talk of the town when it comes to off-road SUVs. Available across a number of different trims, pretty much anything from the Big Bend on up will get you all the off-road features you could need for mountain trekking, water fording, and more. But, if you want the best of the best that the Bronco has to offer, the Wildtrak or Raptor is the way to go. Both come standard with the Sasquatch Package for additional equipment and suspension improvements. However, the Raptor comes with further performance improvements for additional wheel travel and 37-in. all-terrain tires on 17-in. beadlock wheels. Any place you can think about traveling with a vehicle, no matter how harsh, the 2022 Bronco Raptor can definitely get you there and back.
