Choosing the right vehicle for overlanding is a crucial decision for any adventure enthusiast. While there’s no single “best” vehicle, mid-size trucks stand out as a versatile and capable option, perfectly balancing off-road prowess with everyday usability. In this guide, we delve into the top mid-size trucks for overlanding, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed choice for your next expedition.
When selecting a truck for overlanding, several key factors come into play. These include payload capacity, fuel economy, power output, vehicle size, drivability, off-road capability, reliability, and affordability. A great overlanding rig needs to be a reliable companion both on daily commutes and challenging trails. It should comfortably handle the added weight of gear and modifications, offer sufficient range for remote adventures, and be agile enough to navigate varied terrains.
Let’s explore our top picks for the best mid-size trucks for overlanding:
Top Mid-Size Pickup Trucks for Overlanding
1. Ford Ranger (Fifth Generation, 2019-Present)
The fifth-generation Ford Ranger emerges as a top contender in the mid-size truck segment for overlanding. While often overshadowed by the Toyota Tacoma in popularity, the Ranger offers compelling advantages that make it a prime choice for adventurers.
Ford Ranger with ARB BASE Rack, showcasing overlanding setup
Image: Fifth-Gen Ford Ranger equipped with ARB BASE Rack, highlighting its suitability for overlanding gear.
One of the Ranger’s standout features is its impressive payload capacity, ranging from 1,609 to 1,905 pounds. This surpasses many competitors in the segment, including the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier, Jeep Gladiator, and even the Honda Ridgeline in certain configurations. This higher payload is crucial for overlanders who need to carry substantial gear, including camping equipment, recovery tools, water, and fuel.
Compared to the Tacoma, the Ranger offers a fully boxed frame, enhancing its strength and rigidity, which is beneficial for handling demanding off-road conditions and heavy loads. Its compact size, relative to full-size trucks, makes it more maneuverable on narrow trails and in tight spaces, a significant advantage for off-road exploration.
Under the hood, the Ranger boasts a potent 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine outperforms the Tacoma’s 3.5-liter V6 in torque, providing ample power for climbing steep inclines and navigating challenging terrains. The standard 10-speed automatic transmission further enhances performance and fuel efficiency.
While the Tacoma traditionally enjoys a larger aftermarket support in the US, the Ranger benefits from significant international support due to its global presence since 2011. Leading aftermarket manufacturers like ARB offer a wide range of overlanding accessories specifically designed for the Ranger, ensuring you can customize it for your adventures.
The Ford Ranger presents a compelling package for overlanding, combining robust payload, a powerful and efficient engine, a compact footprint, and growing aftermarket support. Before settling on a Tacoma, test driving a Ranger is highly recommended, as its capabilities and features might surprise you.
Ford Ranger off-roading, demonstrating its agility and capability
Image: Ford Ranger navigating off-road terrain, emphasizing its agility and off-road capability.
2. Chevrolet Colorado (Second Generation, 2014-2022)
The second-generation Chevrolet Colorado secures the second spot in our mid-size truck ranking. Known for its versatile configurations and powertrain options, the Colorado offers a solid foundation for building an overlanding rig. While a new third-generation model is now available, the second-gen remains a strong contender, particularly on the used market, offering excellent value and proven capabilities.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, showcasing its off-road readiness
Image: 2022 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, highlighting its aggressive stance and off-road features.
One of the appealing aspects of the second-gen Colorado is the availability of various cab and bed configurations. The four-door, long-bed variant is particularly favored by overlanders for its spacious interior and a six-foot bed, offering a balance of storage capacity and maneuverability. This configuration provides near full-size truck storage benefits in a more trail-friendly package.
For enhanced off-road capability, the Colorado ZR2 trim is a standout option, featuring front and rear locking differentials. While the long-bed, four-door configuration doesn’t come standard with locking differentials, the ZR2 offers this crucial feature in both a crew cab with a five-foot bed and an extended cab with a six-foot bed.
Powertrain options for the second-gen Colorado include a gasoline V6 and, notably, a diesel engine. While the diesel offered increased torque, the real-world benefits in fuel economy and towing capacity often didn’t justify the higher purchase price and maintenance costs. For most overlanding applications, the 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine is a reliable and robust choice. It produces 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Aftermarket support for the Colorado, while not as extensive as the Tacoma, is still substantial, with manufacturers like CBI offering excellent armor and accessories to enhance its overlanding capabilities. The Chevrolet Colorado provides a well-rounded platform for overlanding, offering a variety of configurations, capable powertrains, and sufficient aftermarket support to build a formidable off-road adventure vehicle.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 in an off-road environment
Image: 2022 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 demonstrating its off-road prowess in a natural setting.
3. Jeep Gladiator JT (Second Generation, 2018-Present)
The Jeep Gladiator JT secures the third spot, bringing Jeep’s legendary off-road DNA to the mid-size truck segment. While it may have some compromises in on-road refinement and interior space, its unmatched off-road capability and extensive aftermarket support make it a compelling choice for serious overlanders.
Jeep Gladiator navigating a rocky trail
Image: Jeep Gladiator conquering a rocky trail, emphasizing its exceptional off-road capabilities.
The Gladiator distinguishes itself with features directly inherited from the Jeep Wrangler, including a solid front axle, disconnectable anti-sway bar, and the option for soft or removable hardtops. These features contribute to its exceptional off-road articulation and open-air driving experience, unique in the mid-size truck category.
Sharing components with the Wrangler JL means the Gladiator benefits from the most extensive aftermarket support in the 4×4 world. Finding parts and accessories to customize and enhance a Gladiator for overlanding is exceptionally easy, offering virtually limitless customization options.
The Gladiator is typically equipped with a Pentastar V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While adequate, the focus of the Gladiator is clearly on off-road prowess rather than outright power or on-road comfort.
Payload and interior space are areas where the Gladiator lags slightly behind competitors. Its payload capacity ranges from 1,080 to 1,200 pounds, lower than the Ranger and Colorado. The interior, while functionally designed, can feel cramped compared to other mid-size trucks. However, for die-hard Jeep enthusiasts and those prioritizing ultimate off-road capability above all else, the Gladiator’s strengths outweigh its drawbacks.
The Jeep Gladiator offers a unique blend of truck utility and Jeep’s iconic off-road capability. Its solid front axle, removable top options, and unparalleled aftermarket support make it a highly capable and customizable platform for overlanding adventures, particularly for those who prioritize challenging trails and open-air experiences.
What Makes a Great Mid-Size Overlanding Truck?
Beyond specific models, understanding the key attributes of a good overlanding truck is essential. The ideal mid-size overlanding truck should excel in several critical areas:
- Payload Capacity: Sufficient payload is paramount to carry camping gear, water, fuel, recovery equipment, and modifications like roof racks, tents, and bumpers. Aim for a truck with a payload that comfortably accommodates your anticipated gear weight.
- Fuel Efficiency and Range: Overlanding often involves long distances in remote areas. Good fuel economy and a decent fuel tank range are crucial for extending your adventures and ensuring you can reach your destinations and return safely. Consider the truck’s MPG and fuel tank size, and explore options for carrying auxiliary fuel if needed.
- Size and Maneuverability: Mid-size trucks strike a good balance between cargo capacity and maneuverability. Their smaller footprint compared to full-size trucks makes them easier to navigate on narrow trails and in tight off-road situations.
- Drivability and Comfort: Overlanding trips involve both on-road and off-road driving. A comfortable and well-mannered truck for highway driving is important, especially for long transit stages. Features like independent front suspension (IFS) generally offer better on-road comfort compared to solid front axles.
- Off-Road Capability: Essential off-road features include four-wheel drive (4WD), good ground clearance, adequate approach and departure angles, and available locking differentials. Consider the terrains you plan to explore and choose a truck with the necessary off-road features or the potential for aftermarket upgrades.
- Reliability and Parts Availability: Reliability is crucial for remote travel. Opt for trucks with a proven track record of dependability. Also, consider parts availability, especially if traveling in remote regions. Trucks with widespread dealer networks and readily available parts are generally preferable.
- Affordability: Set a budget that encompasses not just the purchase price but also anticipated modifications, maintenance, and running costs. Mid-size trucks generally offer a more affordable entry point to overlanding compared to larger, more specialized vehicles.
Ford Ranger payload area, highlighting cargo capacity
Image: Ford Ranger bed, emphasizing payload capacity and cargo space crucial for overlanding.
By carefully considering these factors and evaluating the strengths of each mid-size truck, you can select the best vehicle to embark on your overlanding journeys. The Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Jeep Gladiator each offer unique advantages, catering to different priorities and overlanding styles. Ultimately, the “best” mid-size truck for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and the type of adventures you plan to undertake.
