Let’s be real—trucks are often marketed as rugged, go-anywhere beasts, but not all of them deliver when nature throws its worst at you. Snow-covered roads and off-road trails are a whole different game.
You can have all the horsepower in the world, but if your truck can’t grip an icy hill or handle a muddy trail, what’s the point? Some trucks crush snow driving like pros with their AWD/4WD setups, traction control systems, and ground clearance. Others? Not so much—they slide, spin, and stall, leaving drivers frustrated and stuck.
In this article, we’re diving into 5 trucks that own snowy roads and 5 that tend to struggle off-road, despite all the hype. The goal isn’t to trash any brands (okay, maybe a little) but to cut through the marketing fluff and talk real-world performance.
5 Trucks That Dominate in Snow
This list is based on performance tests, owner reviews, and how these trucks fare in slippery, off-road messes. If you live where snowbanks get taller than you or if you love hitting trails on the weekends, this is for you.
Spoiler alert: price tags and brand loyalty don’t always guarantee performance. Let’s start with the champs—the ones you’d want by your side in a snowstorm.
1. Ford F-150 Raptor
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a snow-plowing beast disguised as a pickup. You’re getting a 450-hp twin-turbo V6, FOX Live Valve shocks, and one of the most intuitive 4WD systems around.
But what makes the Raptor a snow champion is its combination of power, suspension travel, and terrain management modes. You can switch it to “Snow/Wet” mode and feel the truck adjust throttle response and traction control for slippery conditions.
It also comes with 35-inch all-terrain tires (37s on the Raptor R), which give you serious bite in the snow. The high ground clearance (over 11 inches) means deep snow isn’t an issue. It doesn’t just muscle through—it floats over it. Even with aggressive power, it feels controllable, thanks to stability systems that work with you, not against you.
The Raptor is also wide—wide—so it’s planted and stable. Whether you’re climbing snowy trails or navigating icy roads, this truck stays surefooted.
And if you’ve ever been stuck on a snowy incline with a 2WD truck spinning like a confused turtle, you’ll appreciate that extra grip. The only downside? It’s pricey. But if you’ve got the budget, this is the snow-fighting truck to flex.
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2. Ram 2500 Power Wagon
The Power Wagon doesn’t play games. Built off the Ram 2500 platform, this thing is engineered for off-road and snowy punishment. It’s 6.4L HEMI V8 brings enough torque to climb a snowy mountain, and it includes a factory winch just in case you or someone else bites off more than they can chew.
What makes it great in snow is the combination of front and rear locking differentials, a disconnected sway bar for more flex, and a manual transfer case with true low-range gearing. This isn’t a “soft” off-roader. It’s the kind of truck you trust when the weather gets nasty and roads disappear.
It also rides on Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, which are all about grip, even in deep snow. With almost 14 inches of ground clearance, snowdrifts don’t stand a chance. Most trucks hesitate in deep powder; this one just keeps charging.
The Power Wagon’s only drawback? It’s heavy and long. Tight spots can be a pain. But that extra weight does help when keeping all four tires planted in slick snow. If you’re hauling a trailer or going deep into the backwoods in winter, this one’s a dependable workhorse that’s hard to beat.
3. Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The Tacoma TRD Pro is like that scrappy underdog that punches above its weight. It’s not the biggest or the flashiest, but it’s a snow-handling legend. It comes with part-time 4WD, a locking rear diff, skid plates, and a suspension tuned by FOX shocks. But the real secret? It’s light, nimble, and built with serious off-road DNA.
Tacoma’s relatively smaller size means it’s less likely to get bogged down in snow, and its off-road crawl control is super useful in icy or uneven terrain. It takes over throttle and brake modulation, so all you have to do is steer. It’s like cruise control for crawling through snowbanks.
The 2023–2025 TRD Pro models also come with terrain-select systems that optimize traction based on conditions—mud, sand, snow, and rocks. It’s like a snow ninja that quietly gets the job done while bigger trucks flail around.
One downside? The engine’s a bit underwhelming at times, especially on steep climbs. But for most winter tasks—commuting, off-road exploration, cabin getaways—it’s one of the most dependable trucks out there. And since it’s a Toyota, reliability is a given. You’ll see older Tacomas still out there crushing snowy trails like it’s no big deal.
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2
Chevy stepped it up with the ZR2 version of the Silverado 1500. This isn’t just a lifted trim—it’s a legit off-road package built to tackle snow, mud, and rocks like a champ.
What helps it stand out in snow is its Multimatic DSSV dampers, which adapt to terrain and keep the truck planted no matter what. In snow, that smooth damping makes a big difference when you’re bouncing through drifts or icy potholes.
You also get front and rear e-lockers, a rare feature in half-ton trucks. That means when one tire starts to slip, the system can lock both axles for maximum traction. Add in 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, and you’ve got a snow-eating monster.
The V8 under the hood isn’t the most powerful in the segment, but it’s responsive and solid. You’re not going to race anyone, but you will climb a snow-covered hill while others are stuck at the bottom.
The ZR2’s wider stance and off-road bumpers also give it more approach and departure angle, so deep snowbanks or trails with hidden obstacles aren’t a problem. It’s still a big truck, though, so maneuvering in tight snowy streets can be awkward. But for performance in the snow? It’s one of Chevy’s best efforts yet.
5. Jeep Gladiator Mojave
Jeep’s Gladiator Mojave wasn’t made just for snow—it was built with the desert in mind. But weirdly enough, that makes it a solid winter companion too.
The Mojave’s suspension, tuned for high-speed desert running, eats up snowy roads and icy ruts without flinching. It’s got Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, hydraulic jounce bumpers, and a beefed-up frame.
The Selec-Trac 4WD system is full-time and does a solid job of keeping power balanced. Snow mode smooths throttle response and helps keep traction in check. And it’s a Jeep—so naturally, it’s got excellent articulation, solid axles, and skid plates everywhere.
The Gladiator Mojave sits high with 11.6 inches of clearance, and the approach/departure angles are some of the best in the game. If your snow adventure involves rocky trails or steep icy climbs, it won’t flinch. The longer wheelbase does make it slightly more prone to high-centering, but if you plan your line right, it’ll do just fine.
The open bed is a plus for hauling snow gear, firewood, or skis. Plus, it just looks badass driving through a snowstorm. It’s not as refined as other trucks, but it makes up for it in raw capability and winter durability. It’s the truck version of a snow-ready tank.
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5 Trucks That Struggle Off-Road
Not all trucks are built to conquer the trail, no matter how tough they look on paper. While aggressive styling and big marketing claims might suggest off-road dominance, the real test comes when the pavement ends.
Some trucks simply don’t live up to the hype—struggling with poor ground clearance, weak suspension setups, or underwhelming traction systems.
In this article, we break down five trucks that fall short when taken off-road, exposing the gaps between expectation and real-world performance. If you’re planning to hit the dirt, make sure these models aren’t on your shortlist.
1. Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline gets points for comfort, but let’s not pretend it’s a hardcore off-roader. It’s built on a unibody platform, meaning it’s more crossover than truck underneath. And while the AWD system is decent for light snow or gravel, it struggles with anything more serious.
No low-range gearing. No locking diffs. No true off-road tires. Try climbing a muddy hill or descending a rutted trail in this, and you’ll feel it—traction gets lost, the body flexes awkwardly, and ground clearance (just 7.6 inches) quickly becomes an issue. Even minor rocks or snow piles can scrape the underbody.
In the snow, it does okay, especially for commuters or city drivers, but deep drifts, icy trails, or steep grades are where it taps out. It’s designed for urban errands, not winter survival.
It’s reliable and practical, sure. And it does have features like snow mode and a surprisingly smooth ride. But let’s be honest—if your idea of off-road is a gravel parking lot, it’s fine. If it involves real terrain? Look elsewhere.
2. Chevrolet Colorado 2WD
We’re not knocking the Colorado lineup in general—the ZR2 is a beast—but the base 2WD Colorado? Not off-road ready. It’s rear-wheel drive, which already puts it at a disadvantage in snow or mud, and the tires are street-oriented, offering zero grip when things get dicey.
With no 4WD or off-road aids, even slight inclines or snowy driveways can be a struggle. The traction control kicks in quickly, and the open differential doesn’t do much to help. Ground clearance is modest, and you’ll bottom out fast if you try anything gnarly.
It’s a good city or work truck. Fuel-efficient, affordable, and comfortable. But the moment you leave the pavement in anything less than dry weather? You’re gonna have a bad time. Snow performance is especially disappointing. Rear-wheel drive and light bed weight? That’s a recipe for fishtailing into a ditch.
This is one of those cases where the badge doesn’t tell the whole story. You can get a Colorado that dominates trails—but not this one.
3. Nissan Frontier S
Nissan finally gave the Frontier a makeover, but the base S trim is still a tough sell for off-road enthusiasts. Sure, it has a solid V6 and decent torque, but the 2WD version is laughably outmatched in snow or mud.
There’s no 4WD system, no off-road tires, and it rides low, especially by modern truck standards. It lacks ground clearance and any kind of terrain management. Even if you add aftermarket tires, the suspension and gearing just aren’t made for trail duty.
And when it snows? Forget it. The rear-wheel drive layout slips constantly, especially on unplowed roads or icy inclines. Drivers often complain about poor traction and the truck feeling “floaty” in snow. Add to that a basic stability system, and you’ve got a truck that feels out of place off the pavement.
The upgraded Pro-4X trim? That’s a different story. But the Frontier S? It’s a work truck, not a trail truck. It’ll get you from A to B, but it won’t handle Mother Nature’s rough moods very well.
4. GMC Canyon Elevation 2WD
This one suffers the same fate as the base Colorado, because under the hood, they’re twins. The GMC Canyon Elevation trim looks tough, but looks can be deceiving. The 2WD layout means it doesn’t belong anywhere near a snow-covered trail or muddy backroad.
There’s no low-range gearing, no off-road drive modes, and basic tires that weren’t designed to leave the pavement. And once you try to go off-road? It’ll remind you real quick that it’s better suited to suburban life.
It’s also on the heavier side for a mid-size truck, which doesn’t help when the wheels start spinning and you have no grip to regain momentum. You’ll get stuck faster than you can say “tow strap.”
To be fair, it’s quiet, comfortable, and fuel-efficient. But if you’re comparing it to off-road legends like the Tacoma or Gladiator, the Canyon 2WD just doesn’t measure up. Stick to dry, flat roads with this one.
5. Ford Maverick FWD
The Ford Maverick is one of the most exciting small trucks in years—affordable, hybrid, and smartly designed. But when it comes to off-roading or snow, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version is way out of its depth.
There’s no AWD, the ground clearance is laughable at 8.3 inches, and you’re riding on low-resistance tires meant for MPG, not mud or snow. You’ll get through light snow in a city, sure—but try climbing a hill or slogging through slush, and it’ll spin helplessly.
The traction control system does its best, but without power to the rear wheels, it’s like bringing flip-flops to a snowball fight. The AWD version of the Maverick is a whole different story—it’s surprisingly capable. But this FWD base model? Not the truck you want when the weather turns nasty.
Great for daily commutes, errands, and light work. Just don’t take it off the road unless you’re into pushing your truck out of ditches.
So, what did we learn? Not all trucks are created equal when it comes to snow and off-road performance. The ones that dominate—like the Ford Raptor, Ram Power Wagon, or Tacoma TRD Pro—aren’t just flexing for Instagram. They’ve got real, useful tech like locking differentials, off-road tires, ground clearance, and 4WD systems that work.
On the flip side, some trucks look tough but falter the moment the road gets slick or the terrain gets uneven. The Ridgeline, Maverick FWD, and base trims of otherwise solid models show that capability doesn’t come standard—you’ve gotta dig into the specs.
