When it comes to off-roading or overlanding, most think of a 4×4 vehicle that can take on any terrain. More than just a modern-day workhorse however, the pickup truck is a great candidate for off-road adventure and one of the best vehicles for overlanding. Here Off-Roading Pro explains why:
“The venerable Jeep fleet leads the charge for these fantastic vehicles, followed by the equally reputable Land Rover, Ford Raptor, and Toyota Hilux, among others. While these examples include SUVs and pickup trucks, more enthusiasts are leaning towards the latter, with payload capacity and utility topping their considerations. While these features are not unique to pickup trucks, they are better known for them, giving them the upper hand.”
…and the perks don’t end there. The safety features, on-road capabilities, towing ability, and versatility of the average pickup makes it the top choice for work and leisure. But, as is true in the world of 4x4s, not all pickup trucks were created equal. Read on to discover the best pickup trucks for the job!
Toyota Hilux
Having recently penned a blog post detailing exactly why Toyota is king, it’s only right that we begin our rundown with the Hilux!
As an off-roader, it is pretty invincible, offering a selection of features, generous cargo capacity, a powerful and reliable engine, and a body-on-frame construction that’s well known for its durability to help the driver enjoy the best of both on and off-road driving. The Hilux has a long history providing fantastic driving experiences, with its 2021 model delivering notable improvements thanks to adjustments to its suspension and steering.
For older models, the right upgrades will make all the difference to on-road handling and off-road control. Shop Toyota Hilux upgrades right here to get started.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is equally well regarded for its off-road capabilities, with models new and old providing the opportunity and ease to explore a wide range of terrains and overcome any challenge.
The fourth generation, 2022 Ford Ranger transformed the already best selling pickup truck into an off-road force to be reckoned with. Amongst other features, its improved approach angle made taking on steeper obstacles a breeze. No pickup is beyond improvement however, with a vast selection of Ranger upgrades just waiting to be explored.
Mitsubishi L200
Lightweight, agile and sporting a market-leading 4WD system with rear diff lock, the Mitsubishi L200 is another pickup truck that’s great for camping and green laning. This all-purpose family truck can be adapted for more rigorous, off-road use however with our huge range of available upgrades. This includes giving its synonymously low chassis a much-needed lift courtesy of the right suspension kit.
Nissan Navara
The Nissan Navara once held the title of the UK’s best selling pickup, and for good reason. Now just as popular for green laning and off-road builds, the Navara’s safety features and drive comfort makes for a great ride across unpredictable terrain. It is also exhilarating to drive, especially when enhanced with the following Nissan Navara upgrades.
Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series
We’ll end our rundown on a high with, in our opinion, the best pickup truck for off-road adventure – the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series. The iconic make and model may be much less common than the pickups detailed above, but it’s a great choice for off-roading, especially if you plan to travel for extended periods of time.
Rugged, reliable and ready for anything, the Land Cruiser’s improved fuel consumption and remarkable off-road capabilities continue to impress. Check out our Toyota Land Cruiser upgrades to customise your setup further.