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The Best 5 Used Off Road Trucks To Buy And Truck Features To Consider
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Your morning commute looks a little different. It starts on a highway but ends on a dirt road, the asphalt eventually fading into mud and foliage. Work then begins, as you haul tools and product across mud-drenched paths, and back again.
A Prius wouldn’t last a day here. You need a truck. But not all trucks are equal, and some are better suited to life off the beaten path.
Here’s what you need to know about buying an off-road truck.
Buy used trucks
It’s all about the traction
Light trucks account for the vast majority of cars sold on the US market. But not all trucks are well-suited for off-road driving. A typical crossover SUV is fine for the school run, but might struggle when faced with a steep unpaved path.
So, what do you look for? It starts with the fundamentals.
- Pick a truck that supports low-range gearing. This feature, often found in trucks designed for off-roading, will allow you to switch to a gear with the highest amount of torque, making it easier to tackle rough terrain and steep inclines. It’ll also make it easier to descend steep unpaved hills without having to apply the brakes.
- It also follows that you’ll want an engine with large amounts of torque, as well as tires with plenty of grip. While some trucks come with off-road tyres pre-installed, many don’t.
- A higher ground clearance will also prove essential. If the car’s body sits too close to the floor, there’s the potential it may scrape the ground.
- Although a 4WD/AWD will prove more capable than a two-wheel drive, make sure the drivetrain on whatever you pick features a locking differential. This will make it easier to traverse corners safely.
Check off every item on this list, and you’ll be ready to tackle even the muddiest of fields.
The right off-road truck for you
Looking for some inspiration? We’ve listed some of the best off-road trucks available on the used market. From bargain SUVs to rugged pick-ups, there’s something for everyone.
2008 Honda CR-V EX-L
The Honda CR-V EX-L is an unassuming little SUV. At first glance, it doesn’t look well-suited to the great outdoors. But looks can be misleading.
Lurking under the chassis is a 4WD drivetrain with Honda’s Real Time 4WD system, which can compensate for rough weather conditions by increasing the amount of torque applied. Its 2.4L 4-cylinder engine isn’t the meanest, by any stretch of the imagination, but it should prove capable when tackling unpaved terrain.
Fuel efficiency is solid, helped by the CR-V’s small frame. Expect to get 20MPG on city roads and 26MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, with a price of roughly $10,700, the Honda CR-V EX-L is an even more tempting proposition.
The Honda CR-V EX-L is an unassuming little SUV. At first glance, it doesn’t look well-suited to the great outdoors. But looks can be misleading.
Lurking under the chassis is a 4WD drivetrain with Honda’s Real Time 4WD system, which can compensate for rough weather conditions by increasing the amount of torque applied. Its 2.4L 4-cylinder engine isn’t the meanest, by any stretch of the imagination, but it should prove capable when tackling unpaved terrain.
Fuel efficiency is solid, helped by the CR-V’s small frame. Expect to get 20MPG on city roads and 26MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, with a price of roughly $10,700, the Honda CR-V EX-L is an even more tempting proposition.
2016 Jeep Cherokee Latitude
Jeep has long enjoyed a reputation for off-road performance. The Cherokee Latitude carries that reputation, thanks to its wide ground clearance, high suspension, and highly capable 4WD drivetrain.
Under the hood is a 2.4L four-cylinder engine, capable of delivering up to 171 lbs of torque at 4600 RPM, paired with a nine-gear automatic transmission.
Despite its off-road chops, the Cherokee isn’t short of interior comforts, ranging from a powerful media and sound system, to integrated Wi-Fi and parking aids. Expect to pay around $16,000, depending on mileage.
Jeep has long enjoyed a reputation for off-road performance. The Cherokee Latitude carries that reputation, thanks to its wide ground clearance, high suspension, and highly capable 4WD drivetrain.
Under the hood is a 2.4L four-cylinder engine, capable of delivering up to 171 lbs of torque at 4600 RPM, paired with a nine-gear automatic transmission.
Despite its off-road chops, the Cherokee isn’t short of interior comforts, ranging from a powerful media and sound system, to integrated Wi-Fi and parking aids. Expect to pay around $16,000, depending on mileage.
2012 Nissan Frontier
We’re now entering pick-up territory. Where better to start than the Frontier? From a lengthy flatbed to a powerful 4L V6 engine with 281 lbs of torque, this is a truck that can perform on the worksite.
Although it suffers from poor fuel consumption (14MPG in the city and 19MPG on the highway), the Frontier redeems itself by its reputation for reliability, as well as a comfortable and spacious cabin. For this, you can expect to pay around $19,000.
We’re now entering pick-up territory. Where better to start than the Frontier? From a lengthy flatbed to a powerful 4L V6 engine with 281 lbs of torque, this is a truck that can perform on the worksite.
Although it suffers from poor fuel consumption (14MPG in the city and 19MPG on the highway), the Frontier redeems itself by its reputation for reliability, as well as a comfortable and spacious cabin. For this, you can expect to pay around $19,000.
2016 RAM 1500 Sierra
Ram’s long-running 1500 Sierra has a reputation for solid off-road performance. That’s because it delivers on the essentials well.
Even if (like most pick-ups) it suffers from an unevenly distributed weight, it comes with a capable 4WD drivetrain, respectable levels of ground clearance, and one of the most capable engines you could wish for.
Powering the RAM 1500 Sierra is a 5.7L V8 engine, which delivers an incredible 410 pounds of torque. Climbing hills won’t be a problem in this. But with an asking price around $38,000, it doesn’t come cheap.
Ram’s long-running 1500 Sierra has a reputation for solid off-road performance. That’s because it delivers on the essentials well.
Even if (like most pick-ups) it suffers from an unevenly distributed weight, it comes with a capable 4WD drivetrain, respectable levels of ground clearance, and one of the most capable engines you could wish for.
Powering the RAM 1500 Sierra is a 5.7L V8 engine, which delivers an incredible 410 pounds of torque. Climbing hills won’t be a problem in this. But with an asking price around $38,000, it doesn’t come cheap.
2017 Ford F-150 XLT
The F-150 is the mainstay of Ford’s pick-up range. Part of this enduring success is its incredible versatility. It’s both sufficiently practical for the school run, yet powerful enough for the working day.
Its high suspension delivers exceptional ground clearance, while its nimble transmission allows you to switch to those low gears at breakneck speeds. And then there’s the highly capable 3.5L V6 engine present on the 2017 year model, which provides up to 470 lbs. of torque.
Price wise, you can expect to pay around $35,000, depending on mileage and equipment.
The F-150 is the mainstay of Ford’s pick-up range. Part of this enduring success is its incredible versatility. It’s both sufficiently practical for the school run, yet powerful enough for the working day.
Its high suspension delivers exceptional ground clearance, while its nimble transmission allows you to switch to those low gears at breakneck speeds. And then there’s the highly capable 3.5L V6 engine present on the 2017 year model, which provides up to 470 lbs. of torque.
Price wise, you can expect to pay around $35,000, depending on mileage and equipment.
Let’s torque
If you’re looking to do some serious off-road driving, you need to be a bit discerning. At Shift, you just need to pick the car, and we’ll handle the rest.
All cars come with a thorough mechanical inspection from one of our trusted engineers, as well as a free seven-day returns policy. When choosing from our Certified inventory, you also get a free 30-day warranty, giving you even more peace of mind.
To find out more, click here.
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April 15, 2022
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