I’ll be using this as my daily driver, but I already have another truck for heavy-duty stuff, so the truck features of the Colorado or Raptor aren’t a must. I want to do some overlanding and trail riding.
The Raptor is definitely the coolest, but I’m torn because if I’m spending that much, maybe I should just go for something new. Also, I’m not a fan of driving a full-size truck daily. It’s a vehicle I wouldn’t even need to modify.
The 2024 ZR2 looks great, though not as cool as the Raptor. I’m a bit nervous about getting a brand-new model year. It seems like the most practical option since I could use the truck bed for camping gear.
Then there’s the Bronco. It’s the best off-road option of the three, and I really like the interior layout. Like the Raptor, it doesn’t need any mods. But honestly, it’s my least favorite in terms of exterior design.
Not sure why Ford gets so much hate here. I’ve been driving a 22 Ford Ranger FX4 for 2 years and 28k miles. I take it off-road and on long overlanding trips at least once a month. Aside from basic maintenance, it’s been flawless. No rattles, no breakdowns, nothing. I’m in southern Nevada, and trust me, these trails are rough, but my truck holds up.
I’ve got a 2019 Ranger, and it’s perfect for camping and off-roading. The small size with a truck bed is super handy. I added a leveling kit and bigger tires, which improved it a lot. I’ve tried using a Wrangler for similar trips, and while it worked, I wouldn’t buy another SUV for these purposes.
The F150 is great for cargo and surprisingly easy to drive daily, but it’s pricier and less practical for trail rides unless you’re okay with scratches.
Off-road, all three are similar. The Bronco stands out because it fits tighter spaces, has better articulation, and allows for bigger tires with less hassle. But unless you’re into hardcore rock crawling or deep mudding, these differences don’t matter much. For overlanding, you’d be fine with almost any of them.
If you plan on driving over 55mph, skip the Bronco.
I took a 4-hour trip in one, and if you’re in the backseat, the wind noise is insane once you hit 55mph. The top was on, but it was still impossible to hear people in the front seats. Even Bluetooth calls were useless at high speeds.
@Windsor
Yeah, wind noise is a big downside with Jeeps and Broncos. They’re fun to drive, but the passengers suffer.
I took a Wrangler on a 2000-mile road trip to go camping and off-roading in Georgia. It handled the forest trails like a champ, but the highway part? My wife and dog hated it. The dog, who usually sleeps during drives, was restless the entire time.
@Rain
Hard top Wrangler for the win! My first Jeep had a soft top, and yeah, long drives were rough because you couldn’t have a conversation or enjoy the radio. But on trails, it was amazing. This time, I got a hard top, and it’s been a game changer. I can still take the top off if I feel like it, but the freedom panels are enough for most days.