Most of the trucks are using a standard rear-wheel-drive system, but most of them are available with an optional all-wheel-drive setup. Luckily, every reliable truck nowadays offers a sophisticated 4×4 system. Mostly, it’s the off-road variants or the high-performance versions. However, there’s a difference between AWD and 4WD configurations.
A 4×4 trucks are available with an automatic transfer case and are delivering more power to each wheel independently. This is the most important thing for every off-road vehicle. The off-road trucks are popular like never before, so we are bringing you the list of the 2023 Best 4×4 Trucks.
2023 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
The first model on this list is the 2023 Jeep Gladiator Mojave. We could easily put the Gladiator Rubicon model here, it won’t make much difference. Both variants are very capable off-roaders. The same 3.6-liter V6 engine is in use, producing 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. But the difference is that Mojave is a desert-rated truck, and the Rubicon version is an astonishing rock-crawler. Therefore, you’ll choose a model that fills your needs.
As for the Mojave model, it comes with slightly different mechanics, but a 4×4 system is offered as standard. A Fox shocks are standard, along with the hydraulic bumpers. As a desert specialist, Gladiator Mojave has so much to offer. That includes other mechanical components, tires, additional ground clearance, and much more. If you are looking for a pickup that easily beats sand dunes, look no further. The price for this model will fall between $45,000 and $50,000.
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor
The forthcoming 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor will be something special. It is already one of the most popular high-performance trucks out there. However, the 2023MY will introduce an even more powerful Raptor R model. This version will provide over 700 horsepower, thanks to a potent V8 engine. The regular Raptor model will use a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine. It is a V6 gasoline engine that develops 450 horsepower.
A 10-speed automatic transmission comes as standard, just like the 4×4 system. It is Ford’s flagship off-road model for years now. It comes with a two-speed transfer case and electronic-locking rear differential. With impressive suspension and a powerful engine, Ford F-150 Raptor is a true off-roader. This pickup truck will gain numerous exterior and interior updates. The price will slightly increase in 2023, but it will start below $70,000 once again.
2023 Ram 2500 Power Wagon
One of the most interesting models on this list is the 2023 Ram 2500 Power Wagon. This model has the longest tradition, dating from World War II. And now, eight decades later, it is still a reliable truck with great performance. And while it doesn’t feel like that, Power Wagon is a heavy-duty truck. Of course, its primary focus is off-roading, which is why this model is so exciting. The interior is surprisingly modern and comfortable.
Moreover, the exterior design combines a stylish look with a more athletic stance. With an upgraded suspension, this truck now features a disconnecting anti-roll bar. Under the hood, there is a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 410 horsepower and a torque of 430 lb-ft. A 4×4 system works perfectly, so Power Wagon is a high-speed heavy-duty off-roader. The price should start at around $60,000 or slightly above that.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Perhaps the most popular mid-size truck in the world is the Tacoma model. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a range-topping trim level, built for serious off-roading. Like every model before, this one provides a standard locking rear differential. Moreover, the TRD Pro trim also delivers multi-terrain select transmission with crawl control. Therefore, this model will better traverse all sorts of obstacles. 16-inch alloy wheels are offered as standard, providing good grip.
The Trail Edition and TRD Off-Road variants are also offering 4×4 systems, like the TRD Pro. Under the hood, a 3.5-liter V6 engine makes 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and Toyota will reportedly offer a manual gearbox once again. The 2023MY will obtain a couple of upgrades, including new high-tech features and new exterior colors. The price of around $48,000 makes this truck very affordable.
2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2
The next 2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2 will be another astonishing model. This truck comes with amazing off-road ability, offering an impressive mechanical setup. Moreover, the new model should gain a lot of interior and exterior improvements. As you know, Silverado is going all-electric, so we don’t know what the future holds for the ZR2 model. A 6.2-liter V8 engine remains. This unit generates 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, using a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, a 4WD system is included, along with the electronic-locking rear differential and a two-speed transfer case. Some reports are predicting even more power, but this is just a rumor for now. The ride quality is great, both on and off the road. 33-inch tires are available and Chevrolet also offers Multimatic spool-valve dampers. While the ZR2 can’t compete with Ford Raptor and Ram Rebel in terms of power, it is the best off-road model Chevrolet has in the lineup.
2023 Ram 1500 TRX
Later this year, the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX is coming to the markets. This time, the truck will get further updates, after the current one came as a carryover model. The Ram 1500 TRX is the most powerful model on this list, but we’ll get to that in a moment. First of all, we must credit Ram for building such an attractive and sporty model. Indeed, this model looks scary. On the other hand, the interior is something completely different. The cabin is created in such a subtle way, yet it is an interior full of high-tech goodies and it also provides a high level of comfort.
The famous 6.2-liter V8 Hellcat engine provides 707 horsepower and up to 650 lb-ft of torque. As we said, the Ford F-150 Raptor R is coming to the market, and it will produce above 700 horsepower. Therefore, the new TRX variant could get around 720 hp. An 8-speed automatic transmission will remain, but the ride height could be increased in the future. Right now, no truck can match Ram’s supercharged engine, so Ram 1500 TRX is the best choice in the segment. However, this truck will cost you around $80,000.
2023 GMC Canyon AT4X
The last model on this list is the brand-new 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X. This full-size off-road truck is not available yet. However, it will go on sale this summer. Basically, it is GMC’s version of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 model. Therefore, we expect a similar, if not the same mechanical setup. A front and rear lockers should come as standard, just like the all-terrain tires and Multimatic spool-valve dampers. This model will ride on 17-inch Beadlock wheels and it will provide standard rock rails.
Officially, the AT4X version will have a 4×4 system. This means we expect to see a very off-road capable pickup truck. On the other hand, GMC is known for building premium interiors. The interior could be a category where Canyon AT4X will look for a chance. In terms of performance, a turbo-four engine will produce around 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Still, the AT4X will be a more capable version than any other AT4 version ever made.
