OffRoadXtreme’s Best Factory Off-Road Trucks, Part 1

If you are interested in an off-road truck, you’ll face two main challenges: a wide range of options and the fact that they are all pretty expensive when new. Used models tend to be a bit more affordable. OffroadXtreme.com put together a list of no fewer than 22 of the best off-road trucks currently available, and some of these may enter the Alderman Automotive inventory within the next few years or sooner. Of the 22, half are from GM, which is what this post will focus on today.   

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 / GMC Canyon AT4X 

These two GM midsize trucks share much of the same chassis, 310-hp 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 (with 430-lb-ft of torque), 8-speed automatic, and off-road hardware. What makes these stand out from lower 4×4 trims in their model lines is 10.7 inches of ground clearance, providing enough height for the 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, and the critically acclaimed Multimatic DSSV dampers that can handle all the abuse off-road terrains throw at them while still delivering a comfortable highway ride. Approach and departure angles are 38.6 and 27.7 degrees, respectively. 

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 / GMC Sierra AT4X 

These two vehicles take everything from the midsize trucks mentioned above and expand it to full-size. The standard engine is a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbodiesel with 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. An available option is a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. These models also feature innovative Multimatic DSSV dampers to control the vertical movement of the 35-inch tires, along with rock sliders and front and rear locking differentials. Ground clearance measures 11.2 inches, although the approach angles are lower than their midsize counterparts at 31.8 and 23.3 degrees, respectively.   

Chevrolet Colorado/Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison & GMC Canyon/Sierra AT4X AEV Edition 

When your interest in off-roading becomes a passion, these two models are ready for you. Both the midsize and full-size models include several components from the off-road aftermarket supplier American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), such as stamped steel replacements for the front and rear bumpers, recovery points, and skid plates protecting the front, steering gear, transfer case, and exhaust system. Both midsize models also upgraded to 35-inch tires. The engine remains the same for these models, although the full-size versions add a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 with 401 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque. 

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 ZR2 / GMC Sierra 2500 AT4X 

Starting in 2024, Chevrolet and GMC added these off-road-focused models to their 2500 HD truck lines to combine off-road ability with increased payload and towing capacity. The treatment is similar to the 1500 series trucks, featuring a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch tires, stronger suspension components, Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers, a locking rear differential, and skid plates in all necessary areas. Engine options include the 401-hp 6.6-liter V8 with 464 lb-ft of torque or the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 with 470-hp and 975 lb-ft of torque. They may not fit as easily in narrow spaces as the smaller trucks. 

GMC Hummer EV 

It’s big and heavy, but with the name “Hummer” across the front, off-roading is definitely in the cards, and the electric drivetrain isn’t a drawback. In fact, it can be a plus, especially in terms of power. The Hummer EV Pickup offers options with two-motor and three-motor setups. The 2x models have one motor in the front and one in the rear, each driving its respective wheels. They produce a combined 570 horsepower and 770 lb-ft of torque. The 3X models feature two rear motors along with the one in front, resulting in an impressive four-figure output of 1000 horsepower and 1200 lb-ft of torque.   

The Hummers on this list include the Extreme Off-Road Package, which features a locking differential at the front and a rear locking differential for the 2x. The twin rear motors provide similar capability for the 3x. Skid plates protect the motors, and 35-inch tires (with room for 37s) offer 10.1 inches of ground clearance. When the tires are pushed all the way to the front, it has an impressive 41.5-degree approach angle and a 34.6-degree departure angle. Rear-wheel steering and the unique crab-walk feature make this large vehicle surprisingly nimble when the terrain gets tight. A removable roof over each door enhances the off-road experience.  

All of these GM models have been available for at least two model years, so it might not be long before some start appearing in the Alderman Automotive inventory. Fortunately, our website makes it easy to shop and see what arrives, which can change weekly.