8 Cool Off-Roading Features for Trucks

If you're considering purchasing an off-road truck, you've probably thought about the advanced features that can enhance your driving experience. While you don't necessarily need luxury amenities like massaging seats or rear-seat entertainment systems for off-roading, comfort and convenience features can still be important. For off-road trucks, capabilities like performance and utility are essential, but there are also numerous modern technologies that improve safety, ease of use, and enjoyment. Below are some of our favorite off-roading technologies, along with the models that offer them.

8. Multiple Camera Views

When it comes to off-roading, it's not just about going places; it’s also about keeping your truck safe. This is where multiple camera views come into play. Off-road trucks often feature different camera angles to help you navigate difficult terrain and avoid obstacles. Trucks like the Chevy Silverado, Nissan Pro-4X, and Ford F-150 Raptor offer various camera systems to help drivers stay safe.

For example, the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 offers eight cameras that create up to 15 views, including 4 hitch views, 6 driving views, and 5 parking views. These views help you monitor everything from the inside of a trailer to a top-down overview of your truck. Similarly, the Nissan Pro-4X features Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode, which shows tire and surrounding area views at low speeds. These systems can also assist with trailer hookups and rescuing stuck vehicles.

7. One-Pedal Driving

Ford’s One-Pedal Driving feature is perfect for off-roading enthusiasts who want to simplify their driving experience. When rock crawling or tackling tough terrain, this technology allows you to control the vehicle using just the accelerator. Releasing the pedal activates the brakes, adjusting the braking force based on road conditions. This allows you to focus more on direction and less on pedal control. The 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor is equipped with this feature.

6. Trail Turn Assist

Trucks generally have a wider turning radius than SUVs, which can pose a challenge on tight trails. This is where the Trail Turn Assist technology helps. It adjusts braking to tighten steering, making it easier to navigate narrow paths. Ford's F-150 offers this technology, allowing drivers to make sharper turns on rough trails.

5. Terrain Modes

Terrain modes are a great addition to off-road vehicles. While it’s essential to know how to drive in different conditions, terrain modes help by automatically adjusting your vehicle’s settings for the best performance. Trucks with terrain modes can change torque, handling, and steering to match road conditions like mud, snow, or sand.

Both the second-generation Ford F-150 and the latest Honda Ridgeline models offer excellent terrain management systems. Whether you're dealing with snow, mud, or sand, these trucks adapt to the environment. Just remember to switch back to regular mode when you're back on even terrain.

4. Hill Descent Technologies

Going uphill is challenging, but descending a steep hill can be even scarier. To help with downhill driving, many trucks come with hill descent control systems. These systems use anti-lock brakes and traction control to maintain a slow, controlled descent without putting excessive strain on the brakes. Trucks like the second-generation Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, Jeep Gladiator, and Ram 1500 feature this technology, making steep descents much safer.

3. Off-Road Gauges (Inclinometers)

When off-roading, it can be hard to gauge the exact situation you're in, especially when your truck is on an incline. Inclinometers are vital for telling you the angle of your truck, both front-to-back (pitch) and side-to-side (roll). This information is crucial when deciding how to proceed. Many trucks, including off-road models, come with standard inclinometers to help drivers make informed decisions while navigating challenging terrain.

2. Versatile Truck Bed Features

The utility of a truck bed is a significant advantage over SUVs when it comes to off-roading. A multifunctional truck bed allows you to carry tools, supplies, and gear, making it ideal for wilderness adventures. Trucks like the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford F-150 all offer excellent truck bed features.

For example, the GM-exclusive Multi-Flex Tailgate in the Silverado and Sierra has six different configurations, such as a heavy-duty step and an inner gate. The Toyota Tacoma has durable tie-downs and a composite bed, while the Ford F-150 offers “Pro Power Onboard,” which includes a tailgate workstation and generator, making it a great tool for camping or emergency off-road repairs.

1. Electronically Disconnecting Sway Bars

Sway bars are designed to maintain stability on highways, but they can limit wheel flexibility, which is a problem when off-roading. Traditionally, drivers had to remove sway bars manually before hitting the trails, but modern technology has made this process much easier. Many off-road trucks now feature electronically disconnecting sway bars, allowing for better flexibility without the need for manual labor.

Jeep is a leader in this technology, with the latest Gladiator models offering electronically disconnecting sway bars. You can also add this feature as an aftermarket upgrade on other off-road vehicles. Just be mindful that disconnecting the sway bar can affect your truck’s on-road performance, so it’s important to reconnect it when you're back on paved roads.