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The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is the best mid-size off-road truck for on-road driving, according to our comprehensive testing. It outperformed rivals from Chevrolet, Toyota, and Jeep in key categories like powertrain performance and ride quality, proving that a truck built for rough terrain can also excel on pavement. For most owners who use their vehicles daily on highways and city streets, on-road manners are just as critical as off-road capability.
To get a complete picture of performance, our editors conducted a dedicated on-road evaluation as part of a larger challenge. Each truck was driven on a 30-mile mixed route and scored from 1-10 in five categories by three judges. The categories were:
The maximum possible score was 150 points. Here are the final results:
| Truck Model | Total On-Road Score (Out of 150) |
|---|---|
| 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor | 128 |
| 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison | 118 |
| 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro | 104 |
| 2025 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X | 101 |
The Ranger Raptor’s victory stems from its fantastic powertrain and surprisingly car-like driving dynamics. It won our seat comfort category and earned a perfect score for its powertrain.
The heart of its success is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Our judges found this combination to be exceptionally responsive and powerful. One editor noted it has "linear, predictable power" that makes it a joy to drive on twisty back roads or during highway passing maneuvers.
While its vertical-oriented multimedia touchscreen was noted as less intuitive than horizontal layouts, the overall driving experience was unmatched. Based on our assessment experience, the Ranger Raptor successfully blends high-speed off-road prowess with refined on-road comfort, making it the most versatile and enjoyable truck to live with daily.
The Colorado ZR2 Bison’ greatest off-road strength—its massive 35-inch mud-terrain tires—became its primary on-road weakness. These tires, essential for traction in dirt, created a bouncy, less precise feel on pavement. The truck's high ride height also made entry and exit difficult.
However, the Colorado shined in one key area: Vehicle User Interface. Judges praised its thoughtful mix of physical buttons for frequently used functions (like climate control) and a bright, responsive Google-based infotainment touchscreen. A significant drawback was the spare tire placement, which blocks the rear window view. The lack of an available rearview camera mirror was a notable miss for safety and convenience.
The Tacoma TRD Pro’s hybrid powertrain and street-friendly tires were highlights, but its interior and tech interfaces dragged down its score. The gas-electric hybrid system provides strong, immediate torque, and the tires offered the most grip on pavement.
The truck finished last in three categories: seat comfort, interior quality, and user interface. The unique IsoDynamic front seats (which have built-in shock absorbers) were controversial; while they may improve off-road comfort, they severely compromise rear-seat space. The multimedia and digital instrument panel controls were criticized as unintuitive and difficult to use, making simple tasks frustrating.
The Jeep Gladiator’s outdated underpinnings make it the least comfortable and least precise truck to drive on-road. Its aging 3.6-liter V-6 engine felt underpowered, and its solid front axle—a rugged off-road feature—causes the steering to wander, requiring constant correction on the highway.
It did earn a win for interior quality, with judges praising its high-grade materials and rugged, stylish design. The Uconnect infotainment system was also easy to use. Ultimately, though, the Gladiator's classic Jeep character comes at a significant cost to on-road refinement compared to its more modern competitors.
When your off-road truck also serves as a daily driver, on-road comfort and usability cannot be an afterthought. Based on our testing, we recommend prioritizing:
The Ford Ranger Raptor best embodies these qualities, offering a thrilling driving experience that works equally well on the way to the trailhead and on the morning commute. While the other trucks have specific off-road advantages, the Ranger provides the most complete and enjoyable ownership experience for the reality of daily driving.
