Dominating the Dirt: Expert Insights on the Best Mid-Size Off-Road Trucks of 2025
The year 2025 marks an unprecedented era for mid-size off-road pickup tr
ucks. What was once a niche market has exploded into a fiercely competitive arena, with manufacturers pouring significant resources into engineering the ultimate adventure machines. As a veteran in the off-road vehicle industry with over a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve witnessed this segment evolve from rugged utility vehicles to highly specialized, technology-laden dirt duelers. Today’s mid-size off-road trucks blend remarkable trail capabilities with an increasing demand for on-road comfort and daily usability, creating a complex balance that few truly master.
This surge in popularity reflects a growing appetite among American consumers for versatile trucks capable of conquering challenging terrain during weekend escapades, yet refined enough for the weekday commute. From high-speed desert blasting to technical rock crawling, the demands are diverse, and the engineering responses are equally varied. This landscape has fostered an “off-road arms race,” prompting us to conduct our most comprehensive head-to-head comparison yet, meticulously evaluating the top-tier contenders vying for the crown of the best mid-size off-road truck of 2025.
Our objective: to cut through the marketing hype and deliver an unbiased, expert-driven assessment that empowers you to make an informed decision on your next off-road pickup truck. We’ve pushed these machines to their absolute limits, uncovering critical nuances that only real-world, aggressive testing can reveal.
The Ultimate Off-Road Gauntlet: Our 2025 Testing Methodology
To truly discern the capabilities of these formidable machines, we assembled an expert panel at the sprawling Holly Oaks ORV Park in Holly, Michigan. This purpose-built off-road facility offers an unparalleled variety of terrain, allowing us to simulate real-world off-road driving conditions from mild trails to extreme obstacles. Our testing wasn’t just about raw power or flashy features; it was about integrated performance, driver confidence, and the practical application of advanced off-road vehicle technology.
Our rigorous evaluation comprised five distinct, weighted tests designed to mirror the diverse challenges an owner might encounter:
High-Speed Off-Road Course (Desert Running): This test simulated rally-style driving over loose dirt, washboards, and moderate jumps. We assessed suspension damping, steering precision, power delivery, and overall vehicle composure at speed. For enthusiasts chasing exhilarating desert running trucks, this section was paramount.
Technical Rock Crawling: Here, precision, articulation, and robust low-range control were critical. We navigated through jagged rock gardens, evaluating ground clearance, underbody protection, locker engagement, and the efficacy of low-speed throttle modulation. This is where dedicated rock crawling trucks truly shine.
Steep Hill Climb: Testing traction, power, and momentum management, this challenge pushed each truck up slick, steep inclines. We focused on available torque, tire grip, and the driver’s ability to maintain a steady, controlled ascent.
Controlled Hill Descent: This test measured the effectiveness of hill descent control systems and the ability of the powertrain and brakes to manage gravity on treacherous downhills. Smooth, controlled inching without abrupt stops or surges was key to driver confidence.
On-Road Driving Manners: Recognizing that even the most hardcore adventure trucks 2025 spend significant time on pavement, we subjected each contender to a 30-mile road loop. We scrutinized ride quality, powertrain refinement, interior ergonomics, cabin noise, and overall driving dynamics – essential factors for daily mid-size truck utility.
Each test was meticulously scored by our panel, with off-road performance receiving a weighted triple score to reflect the specialized nature of these vehicles. The blend of extreme off-road punishment and crucial on-road evaluation provides a holistic view of each truck’s real-world strengths and weaknesses.
The Contenders: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Mid-Size Off-Road Landscape
The field was stacked with the latest iterations of factory-built off-road warriors. Our challengers included the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor (still a dominant force in early 2025 before its next refresh), the 2025 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X, and the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Here’s how these top-tier off-road trucks stacked up, from fourth to first place.
2025 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X: The Analog Trail-Racer
Total Score: 524 points (out of 750)
Jeep positions the Gladiator Mojave X as its ultimate desert running truck, even bestowing it with a unique “Desert Rated” badge. While it features a sophisticated Fox suspension setup, our comprehensive testing revealed a truck that, despite its marketing, still feels more at home with slower, technical off-roading. The Mojave X appeals to a specific subset of enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate a more analog, driver-involved experience.
As-tested price: $66,905
Powertrain: 285-horsepower, 3.6-liter Pentastar V6; eight-speed automatic.
Ground clearance: 11.6 inches (second best)
Angles (Approach/Departure/Breakover): 44.7 / 25.5 / 20.9 degrees (Best approach, worst breakover)
The Good (and Where it Excels):
Exceptional Approach Angle: Boasting the best approach angle in the test (44.7 degrees), the Gladiator Mojave X could nose into obstacles with incredible aggression without fear of scraping its front end. This is a huge advantage in tight, technical terrain.
Low-Range Mastery: In 4-Low, the Gladiator truly came alive. The naturally aspirated Pentastar V6, combined with precise throttle control, allowed for seamless crawling over significant obstacles. It felt effortlessly capable when slow and deliberate movements were required, rewarding an experienced hand.
Tactile Controls & Interior Quality: In an age of screen-dominated cabins, the Gladiator’s abundance of physical buttons and dials for climate, audio, and off-road functions was a refreshing throwback. This “old-school” approach enhanced usability on the trail, preventing fumbling with a touchscreen. Furthermore, the interior materials felt robust and appropriate for a rugged off-road truck, contributing to its top score in interior quality.
Commanding Hill Climb Visibility: The Gladiator’s narrow hood and expansive forward sightlines, augmented by a clear forward-facing camera, provided unparalleled visibility when aiming up steep inclines and cresting hilltops. This directly translated to increased driver confidence.
The Bad (and Where it Falters):
Frustrating Hill Descent Control: Jeep’s Selec-Speed Control system was a significant liability. Instead of smooth, consistent inching down steep descents, it often brought the vehicle to an abrupt halt, requiring constant intervention and undermining confidence. This made navigating predictable downhills unnecessarily stressful.
Compromised Breakover Angle: The Gladiator’s inherent long wheelbase, a byproduct of its truck bed, resulted in the worst breakover angle in the comparison (20.9 degrees). This was painfully evident on our tests, where the underside frequently scraped and banged over transitions, limiting its capability on uneven terrain.
High-Speed Off-Road Deficiencies: Despite its “Mojave” designation, the Gladiator struggled immensely on the high-speed course. Its solid front axle contributed to a clumsy, vague steering feel, making it the most challenging truck to control through sweeping corners and undulating terrain. It simply isn’t engineered for sustained high-speed abuse.
On-Road Wandering & Modest Power: On the highway, the Gladiator’s steering proved to be more of a suggestion than a direct command, requiring constant corrections to maintain a straight line. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, while adequate for crawling, felt underpowered for highway passing maneuvers, lacking the reserved power of its turbocharged rivals.
Uncomfortable Seating & Cramped Cabin: Both front and rear seats were noted for being overly firm and stiff, lacking the long-distance comfort found in competitors. Rear passenger space was particularly limited, making extended trips uncomfortable for adults.
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X is undeniably a character-filled truck with a strong connection to Jeep’s heritage. It’s an excellent choice for the traditionalist who values tactile controls and specific, slow-speed rock-crawling prowess. However, its significant compromises in high-speed off-roading, on-road manners, and interior comfort ultimately hinder its all-around appeal as the best mid-size off-road truck.
2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: The Hybrid Performer with Personality
Total Score: 527 points
Toyota’s redesigned Tacoma for 2024, now fully integrated into the 2025 model year lineup, was eagerly anticipated, especially the TRD Pro trim with its innovative gas-electric hybrid powertrain. This new Tacoma promises a blend of modern efficiency and legendary Toyota reliability. Our testing found it to be a strong performer, particularly in higher-speed off-road scenarios and on pavement, but it wasn’t without its quirks.
As-tested price: $66,410
Powertrain: Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas-electric hybrid, 326 total horsepower; eight-speed automatic.
Ground clearance: 11.5 inches (third best)
Angles (Approach/Departure/Breakover): 35.7 / 25.3 / 27.4 degrees (Best breakover, worst departure)
The Good (and Where it Excels):
Potent Hybrid Powertrain: The new i-Force Max hybrid system delivered immediate and impressive torque, translating into eager responsiveness both on-road and during certain off-road maneuvers. Paired with a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic, it made for an engaging driving experience. This Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid powertrain felt distinctly modern and capable.
Strong High-Speed Off-Road Composure: The TRD Pro demonstrated excellent stability and control on our high-speed course, second only to the Ranger Raptor. It felt planted and confident through rough sections, proving its “go-fast” credentials within the Tacoma lineup.
Class-Leading Camera System: The Tacoma’s large multimedia screen provided arguably the best forward-facing camera views in the test, a significant advantage for precise wheel placement during tricky rock crawling and hill climbing. This off-road camera technology enhanced driver confidence significantly.
Innovative IsoDynamic Seats: The TRD Pro’s unique IsoDynamic front seats, featuring a shock-absorber system, genuinely helped keep drivers planted and minimized body motions during aggressive off-roading, contributing to better control and reduced fatigue.
Engaging Exhaust Note: On the off-road course, the TRD Pro produced a surprisingly guttural and exciting exhaust note, adding to the sense of occasion and making it feel like a true performance machine on the dirt.
The Bad (and Where it Falters):
Overly Sensitive Pedals: A major detractor in technical off-roading was the Tacoma’s jumpy throttle and overly sensitive brakes in 4-Low and Rock modes. This made smooth modulation incredibly difficult, often forcing a less intuitive two-foot driving technique to navigate obstacles gracefully. This lack of refined control severely impacted its rock crawling performance.
Limited Tire Traction: The TRD Pro’s stock Falken WildPeak A/T tires struggled for consistent grip, particularly evident at the peak of our steep hill climb. They simply couldn’t match the superior traction offered by the competitors’ more aggressive tire setups.
Compromised Rear Seat Space: While the IsoDynamic front seats were a boon for the driver, they came at the expense of crucial rear passenger legroom. The backseat was virtually unusable for adults on anything but the shortest trips, a significant drawback for a mid-size truck often used for family adventures.
Underwhelming Interior Quality & UI: For its premium price point, the Tacoma TRD Pro’s interior felt disappointingly plasticky and hollow-sounding. Furthermore, the massive multimedia screen, while visually striking, felt disconnected from the rest of the truck’s systems, many of which were awkwardly controlled via unintuitive steering wheel buttons and a fussy gauge cluster. The digital instrument panel itself was difficult to navigate, and vital off-road readouts like the inclinometer were too small to be practical.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a bold step forward for the venerable nameplate, offering a powerful and efficient hybrid powertrain with strong high-speed off-road capabilities. However, its critical weaknesses in low-speed throttle control, interior refinement, and passenger comfort prevent it from reaching the top tier. It’s an excellent choice for those prioritizing modern powertrains and general trail use, but it requires some patience to master its off-road quirks.
2024 Ford Ranger Raptor: The High-Speed Trail Blazer
Total Score: 629 points
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, introduced to the U.S. market, brought the full-size F-150 Raptor’s high-speed desert racing philosophy to the mid-size segment. This is a truck designed to go fast, soak up brutal impacts, and deliver an exhilarating experience. It excels where others falter, cementing its reputation as a specialized, performance-oriented machine, and remains a top contender in early 2025.
As-tested price: $60,730 (2025 equivalent pricing)
Powertrain: 405-horsepower, twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6; 10-speed automatic.
Ground clearance: 10.7 inches (worst in test)
Angles (Approach/Departure/Breakover): 33.0 / 26.4 / 24.2 degrees (Best departure, worst approach)
The Good (and Where it Excels):
Unrivaled High-Speed Off-Road Performance: This is the Ranger Raptor’s undisputed domain. Its wide-track suspension with Fox Live Valve shocks and Watts-link rear setup provided unmatched composure, stability, and control over our high-speed course. It absorbed massive impacts and maintained its line through sweeping corners with remarkable ease, instilling immense driver confidence. If your adventure involves consistent fast-paced off-roading, this is the benchmark.
Dominant Twin-Turbo V6 Power: The 405-horsepower twin-turbo V6 is an absolute powerhouse. Both on and off-road, it delivered linear, predictable, and abundant power, making hill climbs feel effortless and highway passing a breeze. The accompanying 10-speed automatic transmission was perfectly tuned, always finding the right gear. This Ford Ranger Raptor horsepower figure is segment-leading for gasoline engines.
Flawless Hill Descent Control: The Raptor’s hill descent system was a standout. It smoothly and steadily eased the truck down our test hill, requiring minimal driver input and offering superior control compared to its rivals.
Class-Leading On-Road Comfort: What makes the Raptor so capable off-road also translates to exceptional on-road manners. In its Normal drive mode, the suspension provided a remarkably compliant and controlled ride, easily surpassing the other trucks. Even in Sport mode, performance sharpened noticeably without sacrificing comfort. It truly felt like the best mid-size truck for daily driving in this group.
Ergonomic Seat Comfort: The Ranger Raptor’s front seats were universally praised for their comfort and support, making them the preferred choice for long drives and spirited off-road sessions.
Graceful Jump Landings: Unique among the contenders, the Ranger Raptor was the only truck that could land moderate jumps without unsettling the chassis or inducing a wince from the driver. This allowed for incredible momentum to be carried into subsequent corners on the high-speed course, highlighting its robust off-road suspension technology.
The Bad (and Where it Falters):
Vulnerable Side Steps: The large, fixed side steps, while aesthetically imposing, were entirely impractical for serious off-roading. They consistently got hung up and damaged on rock obstacles, demonstrating a clear design oversight for a dedicated off-road machine.
Vertical Touchscreen Limitations: The 12-inch portrait-style touchscreen, while large, proved less ideal for displaying external camera views. The vertical orientation reduced the effective horizontal viewing area, making precise rock crawling more challenging than in trucks with wider screens.
Unintuitive Shifter: The transmission gear selector was clunky and difficult to operate quickly and instinctively, leading to moments of confusion during rapid maneuvers.
Lack of Lateral Seat Bolstering: While comfortable overall, the bottom cushion of the front seats could use more aggressive lateral bolstering to truly lock the driver in during high-g cornering, especially given the Raptor’s capabilities.
Lowest Ground Clearance: At 10.7 inches, the Ranger Raptor had the lowest ground clearance in our test. While its robust underbody protection helped, this metric is a surprising weakness for a truck built for aggressive off-roading, potentially limiting its ability to clear certain obstacles.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is an undeniable triumph of specialized engineering. It’s the undisputed king of high-speed off-road performance and offers an exceptional on-road driving experience. If your off-road adventures lean towards wide-open desert trails, fast fire roads, or simply a truck that’s thrilling to drive every day, the Raptor is your premier choice. However, its lower ground clearance and impractical side steps mean it needs a more cautious approach to technical rock crawling.
2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison: The Unstoppable Crawler’s Reign
Total Score: 643 points
Emerging from our exhaustive testing, the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison stands as the ultimate champion, securing its position as the best mid-size off-road truck of 2025. This collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) has created a monster truck in the mid-size segment, prioritizing extreme capability above all else. Its combination of massive tires, towering ground clearance, and sophisticated off-road tech allowed it to dominate our most challenging slow-speed tests.
As-tested price: $64,915
Powertrain: 310-horsepower, turbo 2.7-liter four-cylinder; eight-speed automatic.
Ground clearance: 12.2 inches (best in test)
Angles (Approach/Departure/Breakover): 38.2 / 26.0 / 26.9 degrees
The Good (and Where it Excels):
Unparalleled Rock-Crawling Capability: The ZR2 Bison, riding on massive 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires and boasting a segment-best 12.2 inches of truck ground clearance, was simply unstoppable in our rock crawl test. Its Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) shocks, combined with front and rear locking differentials and boron-steel skid plates, allowed it to articulate and grip over obstacles that would halt lesser trucks. The ride quality over severe rocky sections was surprisingly composed, further building driver confidence.
Dominant Hill Climb & Descent: The advantages of those 35-inch tires and superior ground clearance translated directly into effortless hill climbing. The ZR2 Bison crested steep inclines with room to spare, its traction seemingly limitless. Similarly, its hill descent control system, coupled with the immense grip of its tires, made steep descents a low-stress, highly controlled affair.
Intuitive Off-Road Tech Usability: Chevrolet has masterfully integrated its off-road technology. Dedicated physical controls for various modes and systems, combined with a large, horizontal display featuring outstanding graphics, made engaging diff lockers, activating cameras, and selecting drive modes remarkably easy and quick. This focus on off-road tech usability significantly reduced mental load on the trail.
Superior Overall User Interface & Infotainment: Beyond off-road tech, the Colorado’s cabin struck the perfect balance between touchscreen functionality (for less-frequent tasks) and physical buttons (for climate and audio). The customizable 11-inch digital instrument panel was bright and vivid, and the Google Built-In infotainment system, with its responsive interface and seamless Apple CarPlay integration, was the easiest to use in the entire comparison. This elevates the Bison’s truck infotainment systems beyond mere utility.
Critical Underbody Cameras: The inclusion of underbody cameras was a game-changer for precise wheel placement in tight, technical terrain, allowing drivers to “see” exactly where their tires were positioned relative to obstacles. This crucial off-road vehicle safety feature proved invaluable.
The Bad (and Where it Falters):
Compromised On-Road Dynamics: The very attributes that make the Bison a trail monster—its huge 35-inch mud-terrain tires and elevated ride height—unfortunately compromise its on-road manners. The ride is noticeably bouncier and floatier than its rivals, and steering responses are vaguer. While better than the Gladiator, it lacks the precision and refinement of the Tacoma or Ranger on pavement.
Struggles at Higher Off-Road Speeds: While unstoppable in slow-speed crawling, the Bison’s higher center of gravity and aggressive tires meant it struggled to maintain composure and confidence on the high-speed off-road course. The ride felt bouncy, and forward visibility was somewhat limited, making it the only off-road test it didn’t win outright.
Challenging Ingress/Egress: The Colorado ZR2 Bison’s towering stature makes getting in and out a significant climb, even for taller individuals. The absence of a driver’s side grab handle was a surprising omission, highlighting a usability issue for frequent entries and exits.
Critical Rearview Visibility Issue: Perhaps its most glaring on-road flaw is the complete lack of a rearview camera mirror. The truck’s bed-mounted, full-size spare tire completely obstructs a significant portion of the rear view, making highway driving feel inherently unsafe and requiring constant reliance on side mirrors. This is a crucial safety oversight.
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison is an uncompromising specialist, built for those who live and breathe extreme off-road adventures. For the dedicated rock crawler, mud bogger, or serious overlander, its capabilities are unmatched in the mid-size segment. While it demands some sacrifices in daily driving refinement and high-speed off-road composure, its raw ability to conquer the most challenging terrain makes it the undisputed leader for pure, unadulterated off-road dominance. This Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison review underscores its unique position in the market.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Ultimate 2025 Mid-Size Off-Roader
After pushing these incredible machines to their limits, the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison emerges as our overall champion, a testament to its singular focus on extreme off-road truck capabilities. Its ground clearance, tire package, and robust underbody protection deliver unparalleled confidence in technical slow-speed scenarios.
However, the “best” truck is ultimately subjective and depends on your specific adventure trucks 2025 needs.
If your primary passion is high-speed desert running and you demand exceptional on-road comfort and power for daily driving, the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is the undisputed king. It’s an exhilarating, refined performer that simply devours rough terrain at speed.
For those seeking a modern, efficient mid-size off-road truck with a powerful hybrid powertrain and strong high-speed trail manners, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro offers a compelling package, provided you’re willing to adapt to its unique pedal feel and accept its interior and rear seat compromises.
And if you’re a traditionalist who values an engaging, analog driving experience and excels in slow-speed, technical challenges where approach angle is paramount, the 2025 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X offers a distinctive, albeit niche, appeal.
The mid-size off-road truck market in 2025 is more vibrant and capable than ever before. Each of these contenders brings a unique philosophy to the table, offering enthusiasts a specialized tool for their chosen adventures. The competition is fierce, and the innovation is relentless.
Ready to embark on your next off-road journey and command the trails? Don’t just dream about it; experience it. We invite you to explore more detailed reviews, compare the exact truck suspension systems and off-road tire technology on these models, and delve into owner forums to find the best mid-size off-road truck 2025 that perfectly aligns with your adventurous spirit. Your ultimate adventure starts now!
