Overlanding Vehicles: Best New Pickup Trucks for Off-Roading

New for 2023, the mid-size Chevrolet Colorado enters its third generation with an even more impressive range-topping ZR2 trim package. Selecting this version of Chevy’s smallest body-on-frame pickup adds revised suspension mounting points, a set of unbelievable Multimatic DSSV dampers, front- and rear-locking differentials, and a new powertrain. Perhaps the only downside is a sole crew cab and short 5’2” bed configuration, but luckily about a million companies sell rooftop tents that can replace a true camper shell setup.

Chevy’s confidence in the Colorado ZR2 goes so far as to allow a group of amateur journalists to make an attempt at the legit Vegas to Reno off-road race course, where the truck’s impressive driving dynamics paired with an obviously improved interior make for three spectacular days of four-wheeling. 

For overlanders, the forthcoming ZR2 Bison with a bevy of AEV upgrades may sound even more attractive—but a starting sticker of $48,295 for a “base” ZR2 allows for more money to go toward aftermarket accessories later in the build process.

[From $48,295; chevrolet.com]

No list of overlanders would be complete without at least one Toyota, but the popularity of 80 and 100 Series Land Cruisers or second- and third-gen 4Runners can often overshadow the capabilities of the venerable Tacoma pickup. 

A new Tacoma just debuted in May 2023 at Overland Expo West and to Toyota’s credit, the fourth generation will retain a manual-transmission option and add a hybrid engine (though the two cannot come paired together). Toyota clearly recognizes the growing popularity of overlanding by introducing the new Trailhunter package that doubles down on the TRD Pro and Off-Road versions from the current third-gen truck.

While the third-gen TRD variants were available with a six-speed stick shift, the Trailhunter will come only with an automatic. Upgrades for this newest generation include a switch to a coil-sprung rear axle for additional articulation on every trim other than TRD PreRunner, plus a disconnecting sway bar and a set of completely unnecessary bouncy seats designed to help with driver energy levels during long off-road drives.

As a bonus, Toyota resale values always stay high—barring any ugly lapses in judgment while four-wheeling—and the bulletproof reliability that makes Land Cruisers, 4Runners, and Tacomas so popular only becomes all the more important while overlanding far off the grid.

[From $28,600; toyota.com]

For overlanders who prioritize fun at an entry-level price point more than serious off-roading chops, Ford’s unibody Maverick pickup truck provides an excellent alternative to the more traditional body-on-frame pickups that most buyers tend to want. But the Maverick knows exactly what it is—namely, the cheapest pickup truck on the market in the United States, with a spartanly simple interior and absolutely zero frills.

An optional Tremor package adds a bit more capability with Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, an additional inch of suspension lift, more ground clearance, a better approach angle, and even a steel skid plate. Don’t mistake those goodies for anything too hardcore though, as the Maverick still only uses an all-wheel-drive system rather than true lockers. Sadly, the fuel-sipping hybrid can't send power to all four wheels either.

[From $22.595; ford.com]

Mid-sized pickups might be enjoying an upswing in popularity this year, but for longer overlanding stints, the advantages of a full-size truck are plentiful in terms of comfort and capability alone. Ram might build the single best three-quarter-ton truck for off-roading, the 2500’s Power Wagon package. 

With solid front and rear axles that each house locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar for additional articulation, and a suspension lift that creates 2.4 more inches of ground clearance than the gobsmacking 1500 TRX, the Power Wagon also boasts a full-on luxurious interior for long days out on the trail.

A sole Hemi V8 engine pairs to an eight-speed automatic with a true transfer case allowing for 2Hi, making the Power Wagon able to haul at highway speeds equally as well as it crawls over obstacles. The sheer size of this 2500-class pickup will make tighter technical trails somewhat trickier, but in reality, even the most dedicated overlanders still spend the majority of time driving on-road, not off, so improved comfort and space the rest of the time makes a solid case for this full-sized truck.

[From $70,100; ramtrucks.com]

The current Tacoma offers an old-world style of off-roading capability that sits at the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Ford’s completely over-the-top F-150 Raptor. The Raptor package includes electronically adjustable Fox shocks, locking differentials, a disconnecting sway bar, and standard 35-inch tires from the factory (with 37s optional). Plus, stepping up to the new Raptor R package doubles down on the insanity by replacing the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, already a potent engine option, with a 700-horsepower supercharged V8 borrowed from the Mustang GT500.

For the most hardcore dune-charging on the planet, pick that R—otherwise, for overlanding, the “base” F-150 Raptor actually provides a better overall package than perhaps expected. Nobody can argue against the ride quality with those Fox shocks, plus the interior truly borders on full luxury status to the extent that Ford somehow engineered a headrest ventilation option. A short bed means that a rooftop tent will probably add to the already stunning starting sticker of $76,775, but not many trucks can touch the Raptor’s all-around capability.

[From $76,775; ford.com]

In the modern era, most automakers know that switching to hybrid powertrains makes a big difference in fuel economy and emissions for pickup trucks. But Toyota probably leads the charge with the new hybrid Tacoma and the current hybrid option on the full-sized Tundra. 

Tundra clearly now aims to compete more seriously with American pickups, with big-time output from the hybrid twin-turbo V6 rated at 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Tundra’s hybrid package does add about $15,000 of sticker shock, though, while also making river crossings something to avoid—plus, an eight-foot bed went out the window for the current generation. 

On the inside, the Tundra steps up in the creature comforts department significantly, with a redesigned dash that borrows from the rest-of-world Land Cruiser—and its Lexus LC, LX, and now GX SUV siblings. In other words, plenty of aftermarket gear will be shared by every Toyota and Lexus overlanding build. That's a serious plus, given how many overlanders also want an SUV for the added versatility of an enclosed cabin.

[From $38,965; toyota.com]