There have been scores of new 4x4 pickup truck models
offered over the last 10 years, but only a handful can rate as truly
significant. Some are significant because of an engine, specific model, or
special option packages, while incredibly, others can simply credit one thing
for their importance. The Four Wheeler staff debated the vehicles we think are
the 10 most significant pickup trucks of the last decade, based on our
experience. This was no easy task, but we managed to meet the goal of 10
vehicles. Some are a no-brainer, while others may surprise you. In the end, we
hope that this story assists you when you head out to buy a truck. Here are our
10 selections, in no particular order.
2009 Hummer H3T Alpha w/Adventure Package
The Rod Hall
Racing HUMMER H3 Alpha represents the ultimate HUMMER stock-class desert racing
machine
The
Hummer brand was on a roll for a while, and one of the brand’s success stories
was the ’09 Hummer H3T Alpha with the optional Adventure Package. We’ll be
blunt: This truck was amazing off-road. The Alpha model was fitted with the
5.3L V-8, which was a vast improvement over the base I-5 engine. The Adventure
Package added a 4:1 transfer case, 4.10 gears, front and rear manually-operated
locking differentials, and improved skid plating. We tested one of these trucks
in 2009, and it had an impressive approach angle of 38.7 degrees, a departure
angle of 30.6 degrees, and a minimum ground clearance of 10.2 inches. The H3T
used a model-specific chassis that gave it a wheelbase 18 inches longer than
its sibling the H3 SUV. The truck sported a 5-foot cargo bed with a bedrail
system and storage cubbies. After spending time with the truck at Pickup Truck
of the Year 2009, one staffer said, “Nothing comes close to the way the Hummer
handles the dirt.” The H3T was only available as a 2009 and 2010 model.
2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
2010
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
Marketed
by Ford as the “first-ever high-speed off-road performance truck,” it didn’t
take long for the Raptor to earn its place as one of the great factory 4x4
pickups. Based on the F-150, the Raptor added bulging bodywork to compensate
for the seven-inch-wider track, a Baja-inspired long-travel suspension with Fox
internal triple-bypass shocks, larger brakes, an electric rear differential
locker, and 35-inch-diameter tires, among other things. The result was a truck
that looked incredibly tough and per-formed outstanding. During the 2010 Pickup
Truck of the Year competition, we jumped the truck over 20 times for photos
with nary a problem, and had a blast doing it. One staffer said, “I still can’t
believe you can actually go out and buy this truck, awesome!” Incredibly, the
Raptor’s base price was only $38,020. The only major complaints we had were the
lack of front traction aid and so-so power from the base 310hp 5.4L V-8. With
that said, a Torsen front differential became available in 2012, and for the
2011 model year all Raptors were powered by the 6.2L V-8, which produced
approximately 100hp more than the 5.4L engine. The Raptor is still available as
a 2014 model.
