Are Modern Off-Road Trucks Too Capable to Be Fun?

I’ve been off-roading for as long as I’ve been driving, thanks to learning in the Maine woods, where getting stuck in rough terrain was a real possibility. Even after I got my driver’s license, I was drawn to the thrill of the trail, though I didn’t always have the most capable off-road vehicle at my disposal. In my earlier years, a rear-wheel-drive Dodge Ram D-150 with a limited-slip differential was all I had, but it could still conquer some tough terrain with a good running start.

The advantage of off-roading in a vehicle that’s not specifically designed for it is that if you do get stuck, recovery is relatively simple—usually because you haven’t gone very far and there’s little risk of major damage. But with better vehicles, the stakes rise, and the consequences of getting stuck can be much more severe. I remember in high school, my friend Dan’s all-wheel-drive GMC square-body truck seemed nearly indestructible until he drove it into a pond. The cost to pull it out? $400. In college, my friends and I tackled the aptly named Bog Road trail. While my lifted XJ got submerged, turning the engine into a temporary four-cylinder, my buddy Dave’s Ford Ranger didn’t fare much better, with water entering his V-6 and bending a connecting rod. In the words of Ice Cube, the bigger the truck, the bigger the headache.

The Problem with Modern Off-Road Machines

Today, we have a whole new class of ultra-capable off-roaders—Raptors, Trailhunters, ZR2s, Rubicons, RHOs, and AT4Xs. These machines are so powerful that they wouldn't even break a sweat on trails like the Bog Road, which used to be a real test of skill. This raises an important question: how do you challenge vehicles like these without taking enormous risks, both financially and physically?

When I drove the 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition, it was clear this was a prime example of the new breed of super-off-roaders. With 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires, triple locking differentials, and MultiMatic dampers, the AT4X is practically designed to handle the harshest terrain. The AEV upgrade further reinforces the undercarriage with skid plates, adds a vertical spare tire carrier, and swaps the wheels for AEV Saltas. Of course, the truck also has luxury features like a head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, and a Bose sound system, bringing the total price to $70,350. I decided to test it out on the beach.

Testing the Limits

The beach in question was Fort Fisher on the North Carolina coast—a well-known spot for off-roading enthusiasts and often the site of some hilarious "Idiots of" social media posts. This area frequently traps inexperienced off-roaders in its deep, powdery sand, but I figured it would be a perfect place to push the AT4X to its limits. While driving on sand is all about technique (airing down your tires, for instance), I was confident the AT4X could handle it.

As I entered, I spotted a Ford Bronco Raptor heading out, signaling that the terrain was indeed challenging. However, recent rain had firmed up the deep ruts, and the Canyon’s skid plates made light contact with the sand as the suspension cycled up and down. Unlike many previous off-road experiences, I wasn’t worried about getting stuck. In fact, I didn’t even bother to air down the tires. Once I got out of the ruts and into my parking spot at the high tide line, I locked the diffs just as a precaution.

Is Off-Roading Still Fun with Such Powerful Trucks?

While getting through the terrain without a single hitch was certainly a relief, I’ll admit it wasn’t quite as thrilling as those moments when you wonder if you’re about to get stuck. The reason you buy a truck like the AT4X is to avoid those stressful situations where you’re worried about getting stuck. But getting stuck is part of the fun—at least the possibility of it is. In a way, I would have enjoyed the experience more if I had faced a bit more risk. I’d gladly take a spot on a “Fort Fisher Fail” social media post over casually parking the gigantic GMC in a space with no challenges.

Are Modern Off-Road Trucks Too Capable to Be Fun?

The Problem with Modern Off-Road Machines

Testing the Limits

Is Off-Roading Still Fun with Such Powerful Trucks?

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