Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or you’re just getting started creating memories off-road, you need a pickup truck like the Chevrolet Colorado that can handle anything you throw at it. With so many new trucks hitting the market, it can be challenging to know which truck is your best bet.
Here are some of the top off-road trucks for the new year. You won’t be surprised to find that the chart-toppers come from GMC and Chevrolet.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
While the Chevrolet Colorado has four distinct trim options, the ZR2 model was made to traverse the mud. It comes with unique multimatic shocks, a lift kit, skid plates, rock sliders, and both front and rear electronic locking differentials. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a terrain that this pickup can’t tackle.
If you want to take things a step further, check out the ZR2 Bison model that comes with additional skid plates, rear recovery points, and front winch provisions. When you enact the Chevrolet Colorado’s four-wheel drive, even the loosest dirt won’t stand in your way.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
The Sierra 1500 AT4 is another pickup truck that doesn’t back down from rough terrain. The 5.3-liter V8 engine certainly doesn’t hurt your off-road adventures. Of course, the available 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine takes things to an entirely new level.
The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 is loaded with plenty of off-road features: two-inch suspension lift, specialized shock absorbers, vertical recovery hooks, and 18-inch mud-terrain Blackwall Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires.
What To Look For On Your Next Off-Road Truck
While the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Sierra are two of the most capable off-road pickups o the road, they aren’t your only option. Whether you’re exploring used options or want to try out another brand, here are some things you should consider for an incredible off-road experience:
Traction
Hitting the open trail typically means losing the traction of the paved highway. A good set of all-terrain or mud tires will make a huge difference. These tires are meant to grip just about anything. Some trucks are also equipped with systems that make a huge difference. The leading option is four-wheel drive. Switching to this mode allows wheels to spin at the right speeds to keep you moving.
Angles Matter
To have a successful off-road trip, you want to avoid getting stuck. Clearance is one of the primary factors that keep you moving. Of course, just having a few inches of clearance isn’t going to be a big deal. What you want to look at is the approach angle, break-over angle, and departure angle. These numbers impact what kinds of obstacles will get in your way. Along with angels, having the right kinds of protection underneath your truck will help. That’s where skid plates come in handy.
The Rest
Obviously, elements like engine size and power output, off-road technologies, drive-train, and more can play a role in your truck’s ability to hand the unexplored path. You can also shop for trucks that can handle the specific kind of terrain you expect to encounter. A truck made for the snow is different than one built for sand, even though some vehicles truly can handle it all.
The Final Word
It’s no surprise that Chevrolet and GMC build the most rugged off-road capable trucks on the road today. That doesn’t mean there aren’t other options out there, but you’ll never go wrong with something like a Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Sierra 1500. Stop by your local auto dealer and take a look for yourself. The fun is about to begin.
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