Explore the Tennessee outdoors this summer with these adventure-ready trucks
Pickup trucks are great vehicles for outdoor exploration and activities. Plenty of truck models are designed to be capable and reliable. That said, some models are significantly more capable than others.
Factors such as ground clearance, suspensions, tires, and more play roles in a truck model's ability to conquer tricky terrain. Luckily for Tennesseans, there are at least three pickup truck models that stand out among the pack when it comes to being adventure-ready.
2025 Toyota Tacoma
2025 Honda Ridgeline
2025 Chevrolet Silverado
The models listed excel in either off-road capability, overall reliability, or a mixture of both. They appeal to drivers with different needs and come in several trims offering even more customizability.
Few trucks come equipped for off-roading straight out of the factory the way the Toyota Tacoma does. The Tacoma has built a reputation for longevity and reliability since its debut in 1995. Its international counterpart, the Hilux, is also known for its durability.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma starts at $31,590. It comes in a total of six gas and five hybrid trims. Some off-roading trims include the TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX, and Trailhunter. These trims include suspension and tire upgrades as well as special off-roading add-ons straight from Toyota, eliminating the need for modifications by off-roading enthusiasts.
The Tacoma has around 9.4 inches of ground clearance. It has a 60.3-inch truck bed. Toyota's midsize truck is an affordable pickup truck that's designed to withstand some of the challenges presented by living life in the great outdoors.
Not every driver wants a tough truck that's made to withstand harsh terrain and driving conditions. Some folks want the utility of a truck bed along with a smooth ride quality and enjoyable driving dynamics. Enter the Honda Ridgeline.
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline starts at $40,150. It comes in four trims including an off-road Trailsport trim. The 2025 Ridgeline has 7.64 inches of ground clearance. It has a 64.0-inch truck bed, which is slightly larger than the Tacoma's bed.
Honda's pickup truck features a unibody design, unlike the typical body-on-frame designs of popular pickup truck models. This allows for a smoother more SUV-like ride quality. It has a "roomy cabin, useful features, and superior road manners" according to Kelley Blue Book. The Ridgeline is a great truck for Tennesseans who want an enjoyable daily driver with utility.
Ranking lists of full-size SUV usually feature three models at the very top of lists: the Ford F-150, the Ram 1500, and the Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado may not be the definitive best-selling full-size truck in America like the F-150 or as refined as the Ram1500, but it still has plenty to offer.
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado starts at $37,000, making it more affordable than the midsize Ridgeline base model. It comes in a whopping 10 trim levels including Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss off-road trims.
Chevrolet's full-size pickup truck has about 8.26 inches of ground clearance. Its bed is 79.4 inches. The Silverado has "lots of in-bed tie-down points and massive bed capacity" according to Edmunds. So, this American pickup is a great option for Tennesseans searching for an affordable full-size truck with plenty of bed space.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Three pickup trucks to explore the Tennessee outdoors this summer
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