Worth-Buying 2023 Pickup Trucks Known for Off-roading Prowess and Reliability

It is not surprising to be overwhelmed with the myriad of pickup truck selections from manufacturers like Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, Toyota, and more. To keep customers loyal, automakers want their truck models to stand out from the competition. Aside from coming in different sizes, some trucks boast towing power, ride quality, payload capacity, off-road performance, and other diverse capabilities.

But if you’re looking for a vehicle made with off-roading capabilities and offers undeniable reliability, then this article might help.

Mid-size options

Here are the vehicles you should include in your selection:

Honda Ridgeline

Many people have been curious when Honda released a mid-size truck that was out of the ordinary. Instead of the traditional body-on-frame structure, the automaker created a truck with unibody construction. Due to its car-like comfortable ride, it can be appealing for those who want a pickup but are not into a lot of truck things. While other mid-size truck models saw a decline, the Honda Ridgeline sales are up year over year.

It may not be as powerful as other mid-size truck options, but it has limited off-road capabilities that can handle undemanding adventures. The Ridgeline has a traction management system and an all-wheel-drive system.

Jeep Gladiator

Anyone who hears the word Jeep may correlate it to off-roading. The Gladiator takes design cues from its quintessential SUV sibling, the Wrangler. It may seem like a Wrangler on the front end but with a truck bed—combining the versatility of a pickup with the open-freedom experience. A remedy to scratch the off-road itch is the Gladiator Mojave trim.

The Jeep Gladiator allows you to fully immerse yourself in the outdoors as you can remove the doors and roof (whether you replace them with a Jeep top or retain an open setup). The five-foot bed lets you put your camping gear, off-road essentials, or simply items from your grocery run. It has a 3.6-liter V-6 six-speed engine that outputs 280 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque.

Toyota Tacoma

If you want a reliable basic work truck, the entry-level Tacoma may be the one you need. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) SR trim with a 4-cylinder engine that outputs 159 horsepower should be ideal. You can choose from a larger Double Cab option with four full-size doors or the simple Access Cab.

Toyota Tacoma is also a perfect off-road rig, especially if you need 4-wheel drive (4WD). Whether work or play, you can customize your ideal Tacoma with more than 30 possible combinations. It has been Toyota’s best-selling mid-size truck in America for 17 years running.

Full-size options

Heavy-duty pickups are best suited for towing travel trailers or hauling heavy cargo. But did you know it can also be an ideal rig for off-roading? Full-size pickup trucks that have off-road capabilities are hitting the dirt.

Ram 1500

Recognized for impressive full-size vehicles, Ram has received a high score for their large trucks. The Ram 1500 has repeated success from its 2022 model year, receiving a score of 80 out of hundred from J.D Power. Reliability has been a highlight for Ram trucks, so you can install headache racks, tonneau covers, mud flaps, and other accessories to improve the truck’s functionality—not only for off-roading but also for personal use.

The Ram 1500 Rebel can handle various terrains. It comes in rear-wheel drive (RDW) and four-wheel drive (4WD), which works impressively with 8-speed automatic transmission and an off-road suspension system. The beadlock wheels can be mounted with off-road-worthy 35-inch to help power through any trails. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, it boasts control and stability when driven on terrains.

Ford F-150

Ford’s famous F-150 is another truck you should consider when looking for a vehicle for off-road, even for daily driving. The Ford F-150 Raptor R is worthy of overlanding. It has a high ground clearance that makes it challenging to climb in and out, as well as Baja mode that’s great to use during your off-road adventure.

The F-150 Raptor shows impressive performance as it is powered by a supercharged V-8 similar to the engine of the Mustang Shelby GT500. The truck spews out 700 horsepower, which is 250-hp more than the standard earlier model of the F-150 Raptor. Aside from high performance in and out of the road, it comes with safety features, such as a lane-departure system.

GMC Sierra

According to J.D Power, GMC Sierra 1500 is the best choice when it comes to reliability. Based on their 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the GMC Sierra 1500 earned the top spot, while the Toyota Tundra took second place.

Over the previous year, J.D. Power has surveyed thousands of vehicle owners. Based on the surveys, owners have reported issues in different problem areas, including features, powertrain, exterior and interior qualities, driving experience, driving assistance, and other factors. The GMC Sierra 1500 had the least number of issues, making it the most reliable full-size pickup.

Compact truck options

Back then, truck buyers typically choose from mid and full-size pickups. However, compact trucks have become increasingly popular not only with long-time truck fans but also with younger buyers. A mini truck may have been a solution to what America needs to unclog the parking lots and roads packed with oversize vehicles

Ford Maverick

When first unveiled to the public, Ford’s compact truck Maverick ignited the interest of many truck enthusiasts. Outstanding due to its impressive reliability, making it a reliable daily driver and a rig for light off-roading. But when outfitted with a Tremor off-road package available only for 2023, it turns into a better truck that is ruggedly cool.

Maverick’s unibody construction is made with off-road-oriented treatment. Only the Lariat and XLT trims with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine apply to the Tremor package. Aside from the bedside graphics, the looks have been elevated by the orange body accents and smoked headlights and taillights. It comes with 17-inch wheels designed with an orange pocket that pops out, so it’s easier to find the valve stem. If you want it bigger, you may upgrade it to 18 inches and pair it with Nitto tires. You may also choose a Tremor-specific appearance package, which includes a gray-painted roof and black exterior graphics.

Choosing the right truck

The market for pickup trucks continues to reign not only because of their functionality. It is also the preferred vehicle for people who enjoys off-roading. More than ever, many people want to travel off the beaten path, whether for overlanding adventures, low-speed crawls, or exciting high-speed thrills.

But when it comes to purchasing a pickup truck, the capability for off-roading should not only be the focus. Selecting a suitable vehicle for your outdoor lifestyle should have a balance of power, functionality, and reliability. So, are you ready to buy a new truck for your adventures? The truck selections in this article may help you find the right one.