Off-Road Automotive: SUVs vs. Trucks

Off-road adventures require vehicles that excel in resilience, power, and adaptability. But which SUVs and trucks truly stand out in this space? At Hooke Road, we specialize in designing and producing off-road parts for a variety of automotive models. Through rigorous testing of our products, installed on these vehicles, we’ve gained valuable insights into their performance. As we continue to explore and push the limits of off-road capability, we’re on a mission to identify the best off-road automotive for conquering any trail.

Part 1: Best Off-Road SUVs

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are versatile vehicles designed to combine the practicality of a car with the ruggedness of an off-road vehicle. They typically feature higher ground clearance, all-wheel or four-wheel drive systems, and spacious interiors, making them ideal for both urban and outdoor adventures.

1. Jeep Wrangler (JK & JL)

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most recognizable off-road vehicles in the world. Jeep Wrangler features a solid front axle, which provides exceptional wheel articulation for tackling rugged terrains. Its removable doors and roof offer a unique open-air driving experience. Additionally, the Wrangler Rubicon is available with heavy-duty Dana 44 axles and lockers, ensuring unparalleled durability and traction on the most challenging trails. The Jeep Wrangler lineup offers a variety of trims, each tailored to different preferences and levels of off-road performance. 

Visit this blog for more information on ”why many people consider the Jeep Wrangler to be superior for off-road driving“.

The Wrangler lineup offers trims tailored to different preferences:

• Sport: Entry-level, offering the essential Jeep experience.
• Sahara: A mid-level trim for a more refined driving experience.
• Rubicon: The ultimate off-road model, built for dominating trails.

According to MotorTrend, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is unmatched in rock crawling due to its solid axles and impressive wheel articulation (source: MotorTrend).

2. Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco is a rugged, off-road-focused SUV designed to compete with vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler. Just like the Jeep Wrangler, the roof and doors of the Bronco are also removable, offering that sought-after open-air experience. What sets the Bronco apart is its advanced G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) Modes, which optimize performance for different landscapes—whether it’s mud, sand, or rock crawling. The available Sasquatch Package takes it further with 35-inch tires, high-clearance suspension, and front/rear locking differentials, making it one of the most capable factory-built off-roaders on the market.

For more details, check out our blog: “Ford Bronco Off-Roading: Advanced Tips & Upgrades."

According to Car and Driver, the Bronco Sasquatch is one of the most versatile factory-built off-roaders, offering superior traction and adaptability compared to competitors (source: Car and Driver).

3. Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is a legend in the off-road community, known for its reliability and go-anywhere attitude. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to unibody designs, the 4Runner retains a body-on-frame construction, giving it exceptional durability on rough trails. The TRD Pro trim enhances its off-road prowess with Fox shocks, a reinforced suspension, and Multi-Terrain Select, allowing drivers to fine-tune traction for different surfaces. Whether you’re overlanding through remote terrain or navigating rocky inclines, the 4Runner delivers consistent performance with minimal fuss.

From the article "Toyota 4Runner: Guide to Trims, Capabilities & Bronco Comparison", you may know more in detail.

J.D. Power ranks the 4Runner among the most reliable SUVs, making it a top choice for overlanders seeking longevity and minimal maintenance (source: J.D. Power).

Part 2: Best Off-Road Trucks

Trucks offer higher payload and towing capacity, making them ideal for overlanding, heavy-duty recovery, and work-play balance. Unlike SUVs, which prioritize agility, trucks bring brute strength and versatility to the table, allowing you to haul gear, tow trailers, and still tackle challenging off-road conditions.

1. Jeep Gladiator (JT)

The Jeep Gladiator combines the best of both worlds—the off-road capability of a Wrangler with the utility of a pickup truck. Its solid front axle and available locking differentials make it a formidable crawler, while the truck bed adds practicality for hauling gear. The Rubicon trim, in particular, is built for serious off-roaders, featuring heavy-duty axles, rock rails, and an electronically disconnecting sway bar for maximum wheel articulation.

2. Ford F-Series (F-150 Raptor, F-250 Tremor, F-350)

Ford’s F-Series trucks are powerhouses, with different models catering to varying levels of off-road intensity. The F-150 Raptor is a high-speed desert runner, equipped with a twin-turbo V6, specialized FOX shocks, and an advanced Terrain Management System. Meanwhile, the F-250 and F-350 Tremor models are built for heavy-duty off-roading, featuring reinforced frames, off-road-tuned suspension, and massive tires to conquer rocky trails while still maintaining impressive towing capacity.

3. Chevy Colorado & Silverado

Chevy’s midsize Colorado and full-size Silverado offer strong off-road variants, such as the Colorado ZR2 and Silverado ZR2. The Colorado ZR2 stands out with its Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear lockers, and aggressive approach/departure angles. The Silverado ZR2, on the other hand, brings full-size muscle with a 6.2L V8, 35-inch tires, and an upgraded suspension system designed for both trail performance and towing strength.

Car and Driver describes the Silverado ZR2 as a "beast of a truck" that balances off-road performance with everyday usability (source: Car and Driver).

4. Ram 1500/2500/3500 (Power Wagon & Rebel)

Ram’s Power Wagon is a beast designed for extreme off-road recovery, featuring a factory-installed 12,000-lb winch, disconnecting sway bars, and locking differentials. The Rebel trim, available on the 1500, offers a more balanced approach with air suspension, all-terrain tires, and a comfortable interior—making it ideal for those who want off-road capability without sacrificing daily drivability.

MotorTrend calls the Power Wagon "the most capable off-road truck in the heavy-duty category" (source: MotorTrend).

5. Toyota Tacoma & Tundra (TRD Pro & TRD Off-Road)

Toyota’s Tacoma and Tundra are renowned for their reliability and off-road prowess. The Tacoma TRD Pro comes equipped with Fox shocks, Crawl Control, and a terrain-select system, making it a favorite among overlanders. The Tundra TRD Pro, with its available hybrid powertrain and reinforced suspension, offers full-size capability for those who need extra towing power without compromising off-road performance.

Final Verdict: SUV vs. Truck for Off-Roading