Which vehicles have skid plates?
Skid plates are protective plates mounted under a vehicle to shield critical components from rocks, debris, and rough terrain. They are most common on off-road oriented trucks and SUVs, and today appear on a wide range of models in various trims, from rugged specials to some mainstream redesigned platforms. In short, you’ll find skid plates on many off-road-focused models and packages from brands like Jeep, Ford, Toyota, Ram, Chevrolet/GMC, Land Rover, and Mercedes, with availability varying by market and trim.
Skid plates protect the engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank, and differentials, helping prevent damage when traversing rocky trails or uneven surfaces. They can be standard equipment on certain off-road trims, optional on others, or installed later as aftermarket upgrades. The specifics depend on regional offerings, model year, and the exact equipment group chosen.
Which vehicles commonly have skid plates
Below are representative examples of popular models and trims where factory skid plates are commonly included or offered as an option. Availability can vary by year, region, and equipment package.
- Jeep Wrangler (Rubicon/4x4 variants) — engine, transmission, transfer case, and fuel-tank skid plates are commonly included or offered with off-road packages.
- Ford Bronco (Badlands, Everglades, and other off-road trims) — robust underbody protection with skid plates, often integrated with the optional off-road protection package.
- Toyota 4Runner (TRD Pro/Off-Road) — engine and transfer-case skid plates are typically included on off-road-focused trims.
- Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra (TRD Pro/Off-Road) — protective plates for engine and transfer case commonly provided in off-road configurations.
- Ford F-150 (Raptor, Tremor) — heavy-duty skid plates protect the engine, transmission, and transfer case on performance/off-road variants.
- Ram 1500 Rebel and Power Wagon — comprehensive underbody protection, including engine/transmission and front differential plates, on off-road packages.
- Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra (AT4/Z71 Off-Road) — underbody protection with skid plates on off-road variants.
- Land Rover Defender and Range Rover (off-road-oriented trims) — robust underbody protection including skid plates for off-road capability.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (Trailhawk) — underbody protection including engine and transmission skid plates on trail-focused trims.
These examples reflect common patterns, but always check the specific model and trim, as configurations change over time and by market. Some vehicles only offer skid plates as optional equipment or as part of a rugged or off-road package, and some include modular plate kits that can be added later at the dealership or via aftermarket suppliers.
Skid plates and electrified vehicles
As automakers push off-road capability into electrified models, some electric pickups and SUVs offer protective underbody plates that shield battery packs and high-voltage components. Availability varies by model and market, but rugged or adventure-focused EV variants frequently emphasize underbody protection as part of their design language.
Aftermarket options and installation considerations
For vehicles that don’t come with skid plates from the factory, aftermarket kits provide a broad range of protection. This section outlines what buyers should know before buying and installing aftermarket skid plates.
- Scope of protection: Engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank, differentials, and cross members.
- Materials and build: Steel, aluminum, or composite plates; thickness and durability vary by intended use and budget.
- Installation considerations: Some kits require professional installation and may affect warranty; verify compatibility and alignment with ground clearance and panels.
- Interaction with other components: Skid plates can affect approach/departure angles and heat dissipation; ensure adequate clearance for suspension travel and steering.
Consult a qualified installer and confirm warranty implications with the manufacturer or dealer before making changes.
Summary
Skid plates are a practical feature for protecting a vehicle’s underbody during off-road driving and rough-road conditions. They are most commonly found on off-road-focused trucks and SUVs from Jeep, Ford, Toyota, Ram, Chevrolet/GMC, Land Rover, and Mercedes, and are increasingly available as standard or optional equipment on higher-trim or off-road-focused variants. If your vehicle doesn’t come with skid plates, aftermarket options are widely available—just choose a kit that suits your model, terrain, and intended use, and ensure proper installation and warranty considerations.
