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A white 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 Trail Boss is shown from the front at an angle.

When Did Full-Size Truck Models Get Their Off-Road Trims, and What Do They Have to Offer?

It seems as though trucks have been exploring the great outdoors for as long as we can remember, but actually off-road oriented trims just started making their way into truck lineups in more recent years. From the Trail Boss to the AT4, Tremor to the Rebel, there’s an off-road variant suited for any type of adventurer out there. When purchased used, drivers are able to take advantage of the features they really want in their fearless explorer instead of being dictated by price.

When exploring used trucks for sale, pay attention to what’s lying in wait on the lot, especially when it comes to off-road ready full-size trucks. So, when did the various full-size truck models get their off-road trims? Let’s meet some of the favorites on the trails, when they made their debut on the market, and see how they’ve impacted the industry with their unbridled ferocity.

Chevy Silverado 1500 Trail Boss (2019)

The Trail Boss comes in several flavors, available as the LT Trail Boss and the Custom Trail Boss; the latter is more affordable and includes fewer off-road-ready features. From a factory-installed suspension lift to a two-speed transfer case, auto locking rear differential to reinforced skid plates, the Silverado 1500 Trail Boss is a force, no matter where it travels. It’s not only ready to tackle the elements with its fearless engineering and durable features, but it also looks like a seasoned explorer. With mud-terrain tires, durable cloth seating elements, and exclusive badging, the Trail Boss models draw attention while cruising on any surface with a tenacity that can only come from a Chevy.

GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 (2019)

In 2019, another full-size truck received its off-road badge of honor in the form of the AT4. Not only did the stylish and sophisticated Sierra 1500 become more in tune with traversing challenging terrain, but it also received a boost in power with a 6.2L V8 engine. The AT4 takes the Sierra 1500 to a new level of excitement with a more robust build and bolder features, standard four-wheel drive, and a two-speed transfer case. Of course, in true GMC fashion, you can expect the Sierra 1500 AT4 to offer compelling design elements to really intensify its appeal. This is in the form of unique AT4 badging, embroidered headrests, and more dazzling design details to make the Sierra a highly desirable pickup truck anywhere it dares to travel.

A grey 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 is shown from the side while parked off-road after leaving a dealer that has used trucks for sale.

Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 (2022)

The full-size Silverado 1500 finally got its ZR2 badge of honor in 2022, making it the most thrilling off-road Silverado yet. From Multimatic DSSV dampers to e-locking front and rear differentials, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and assertive styling, the Silverado 1500 ZR2 makes its presence known, whether on the trails, on mountain roads, or coasting through the dense wilderness. A durable skid plate and more ready-for-anything elements come to the rescue out in nature, while its commanding grille design and menacing stance make quite a statement anywhere it travels. The ZR2 models are a bit higher off the ground than other off-road oriented Silverado models, like the Trail Boss variants, and they showcase helpful features like Terrain Mode to assist with climbing rocky environments, as well as a specially tuned suspension to help adventurers explore with maximum confidence.

Ford F-150 Tremor (2021)

Another rival that decided to toss its hat into the off-road trim ring is Ford with the F-150 Tremor, which debuted for the 2021 model year. The Tremor can be enjoyed as a trim on the F-150, whereas midsize models, like the Ranger, only offer it as a special package. You’ll find that the F-150 Tremor offers skillful elements to elevate the off-road experience, including 33-inch all-terrain tires, a rear locking differential, and a V6 engine that powers forward with gusto. Higher ground clearance, a four-wheel drive transfer case, and a Torsen front limited-slip differential help the F-150 Tremor take on any terrain it comes across next. It also looks the part of a confident adventurer, with 18-inch matte-finished wheels, Tremor graphics, vibrant orange accents, and thrilling elements inside and out. For drivers who don’t want to break the bank with the Raptor, the Tremor is a great solution that will allow outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the terrain without overspending.

Ram 1500 Rebel (2015)

Ram is another stellar truck brand out there, recognized for its one-of-a-kind style and impressive performance. The Rebel has been a trim on the popular Ram 1500 since 2015, offering drivers the chance to harness fearless capabilities in a head-turning truck. From an available V8 engine to amp up the power to a lifted suspension, performance shocks, and durable design elements, the Ram 1500 Rebel surely takes center stage on the trails. Ideal for light off-roading, the Ram 1500 Rebel is just as at home on the highway as it is off the pavement, making it easy for those who don’t want to spend $100K on the TRX to take advantage of off-road capabilities for weekends out in nature with fellow adventure enthusiasts.

A red 2021 Nissan Titan PRO-4x is shown from the rear at an angle.

Nissan Titan PRO-4X (2008)

Perhaps the longest-running off-road trim out there is the PRO-4X, which was introduced back in 2008. Arming the fierce Titan with these capabilities will allow it to trek through unsavory conditions with poise, with a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, Bilstein off-road performance shocks, and a powerful V8 engine that can deliver the thrills again and again. With an electronic transfer case, a rear locking differential, and a reinforced skid plate, the Titan PRO-4X can take to the trails with ultimate certainty. Plus, with an off-road-tuned suspension, the Titan PRO-4X makes it easy to take on any environment with control and confidence, providing everyone on board with a stable and exhilarating ride.

Toyota Tundra TRD Pro (2015)

Of course, no list would be complete without a TRD on it, which is where the Tundra TRD Pro comes in to wow you. It’s been around since 2015, and during this time, it has taken the Tundra to new levels of excitement off the beaten path. Whether it’s the tough-as-nails appearance inside and out that impresses you or the off-road-ready features, like FOX shocks, a specialized TRD skid plate, and an e-locking rear differential that maximizes its appeal, the Tundra TRD Pro doesn’t mess around on the trails. You’ll also find a Multi-Terrain Select system to help maneuver over obstacles, as well as crawling capabilities to navigate over rocky environments with finesse. In addition, Toyota is an ultra-reliable brand, and Tundra is a top pick for many adventurers.

Full-Size Fun on the Trails

There’s no denying that there are plenty of options when it comes to off-road credibility. Whether it’s the spirited ZR2 or the ferocious Tremor that has captured your obsession, there’s surely a model out there that will intrigue you. The fact that there are so many different brands offering off-road capabilities makes it even more appealing to those shopping for these trucks. From stylish explorers like the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 and Ram 1500 Rebel to OGs in the industry like the Nissan Titan PRO-4X, the versatility found within this lineup is captivating. If you’re an off-road enthusiast, chances are you’ve seen quite a few of these trucks coasting by you on the trails, and the next time you venture out into parts unknown, pay special attention to these models and how they act in their element.

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