Attending the 2025 Great Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede took us to charming Pigeon Forge for some southern hospitality earlier this year. The weather was hot, the days were long with summer sun, everything was green and blooming, and black bears were roaming around town. After the event had ended, we found ourselves with a day…
Overland Conservation: Forests
Photography by Leander Nardin Looking back on a decade of full-time, vehicle-based travel, my most beloved nights camping in the United States have taken place beneath a forest canopy. With limited exceptions, public forest land is open for overland exploration. National forests contain maintained trail networks, established campgrounds, and vast dispersed camping opportunities. Access to…
Featherweight Gifts for Your Over-GVWR Champion
Groaning springs, nose in the air, the struggle to the top of the next hill, always bringing up the rear, thirsty at the pump—we all know that traveler in our lives who could use some gear that lightens the load. Whether on two wheels or four, reducing avoirdupois reaps many benefits, not least safety. As a vehicle’s mass…
Toyota Has Launched the “Electrified” Land Cruiser 2.8D 48V for Europe
Toyota’s latest update to the Land Cruiser introduces an electrified powertrain, but not in the way most drivers associate with hybrid technology. The newly announced 2.8D 48V model adopts a mild-hybrid system designed to support, rather than replace, the traditional diesel engine. This setup pairs the familiar 2.8-liter turbo-diesel with a compact 48-volt electric motor-generator,…
The Hyundai Crater Concept Is USA-Designed and Needs to Become a Reality
At the Automobility LA 2025 in Los Angeles, Hyundai Motor America unveiled the globally-first presentation of the Hyundai Crater Concept, a compact adventure-oriented SUV concept developed to signal a new direction for the automaker’s rugged-mobility vision. This adventure vehicle, with its wide stance, knobbly tires, and suicide doors, would even appeal to Mad Max’s War…
Celebration of Life: Stacey Tourout and Matthew Yeomans of Toyota World Runners
Stacey Tourout and Matthew Yeomans, creators behind the YouTube channel Toyota World Runners, tragically died on August 7, 2025, in a remote off-road accident in the Purcell Range of British Columbia. Hailing from Nanaimo, BC, Stacey and Matthew built a devoted following by documenting their adventurous life, including building the world’s first Land Cruiser Chinook…
Australian Patriot Campers Has Unveiled the Flagship Supertourer ST7
“I found solace in the strangest place, Way in the back of my mind.” Sia, Alive. You know a trailer is going to be something special when the launch video opens with a powerful soundtrack (that’s Sia, proudly Australian) and cinematic slow-motion shots that highlight the craftsmanship of Patriot Campers’ latest flagship, the Supertourer ST7….
10 Holiday Gifts for the Overlander Who Has it All
Photo by Richard Giordano We often assume that someone who “has it all” owns every desirable item—whether toys, vehicles, accessories, or other overland gear and gadgets. But as the holiday season approaches, it may be worth widening that definition. Some overlanders have everything they need and want nothing more; others “have it all” simply because…
Overland News of the Week
The Landrovers Launch a Fully Custom Land Rover Defender 90 The Landrovers (recently ISO 9001 certified) of Amsterdam have unveiled Discidium, a highly bespoke Land Rover Defender 90 distinguished as the first of its kind to feature an electric sliding roof. Powered by a 525-horsepower Corvette LT1 V8 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it…
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma is a Meaningful Evolution Rather Than a Complete Revolution
Toyota’s pace shows no signs of slowing. Fresh from a commanding presence at SEMA—where the brand unveiled a slate of headline-grabbing concept builds—and supported by new model reveals across global markets, including the recent launch of the 2026 4Runner, Toyota continues to demonstrate its commitment to steady quality, forward-leaning engineering, and competitive market strategy—complete market…
New Gear and Innovation Take Center Stage at SEMA 2025
SEMA 2025 delivered another year of inventive hardware, with manufacturers using the Las Vegas show floor to highlight practical solutions for real-world travel, towing, and off-road use. While concept vehicles and big-budget builds often draw the early headlines, the steady evolution of equipment remains the backbone of the event, and this year’s selection underscored how…
2026 Jeep Recon: A 650-Horsepower All-Electric SUV Designed for Trail Rated Capability
Jeep is stepping into a pivotal moment in its history with the introduction of the 2026 Jeep Recon, its first fully electric SUV to earn the Trail Rated designation. The debut is the strong, silent type. It arrives at a time when global EV sales continue to climb at roughly 25 percent annually, even as…
Vehicle-Based Self-Reliance :: Your EDC on Wheels
Overland Journal defines overlanding as “vehicle-supported, self-reliant adventure travel, typically exploring remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal”. I believe we can take the same aspects of self-reliance that define overlanding and apply them to our daily lives. The idea that you need to have an overbuilt titan of the trails and be…
Overland Innovation on Display: Standout Expedition Builds from SEMA 2025
SEMA 2025 offered a clear view of where overland vehicle design is heading, with manufacturers and builders presenting a mix of refined engineering, emerging technologies, and practical solutions shaped by real-world travel demands. Across the halls, familiar platforms appeared with thoughtful upgrades, while new concepts pushed into territory once reserved for purpose-built expedition rigs. Electric…
Adventures in Automotive Journalism with Chris Collard
Join host Matt Scott and guest Chris Collard on the Overland Journal Podcast as they delve into Chris’s extraordinary journey in the world of automotive overland travel and off-pavement journalism. Chris shares fascinating stories from his decades-long career, including thrilling expeditions to Antarctica, Africa, and South America. Learn about his experiences, tips for aspiring adventurers,…
Jeep Launches Yearlong Series of Wrangler Special Editions to Mark 85 Years of Off-Road Heritage
Jeep has announced an expansive, year-long celebration to mark its 85th anniversary, unveiling a rolling series of 12 limited-edition Wrangler models that will debut on the 12th day of each month throughout the coming year. The campaign begins with the reveal of the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392, a V-8-powered model designed to set the…
Expanded Recall of Jeep 4XE Hybrids Highlights Battery Fire Risk and Challenges Facing the Plug-in Segment
In early November 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced an expanded safety recall for the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrids after Stellantis NV, through its Chrysler division, identified a potential risk of battery-pack fires. While relatively minor compared to historic campaigns, the Takata airbag inflator recall remains the…
The Alcan 5000: Is This the Last Great North American Rally?
Lead image: Tedrick Mealy In September 2025, my wife and I finally checked one of those “someday” adventures off our bucket list—the infamous and prestigious Alcan 5000 Rally. If you’re reading Expedition Portal, chances are you’ve already heard of it. The mythical endurance rally runs roughly from Seattle to Fairbanks and back, covering over 5,000…
The Next-Generation HiLux Blends Subtle Refinements with Bold Transformations
Toyota has lifted the curtain on the next-generation HiLux. While its bolder design and broader technology suite will attract attention, the debut of the model’s first battery-electric variant marks the real turning point in the legendary pickup’s story. Developed with extensive input from Australia, the 2025 HiLux signals not just a redesign, but a redefinition…
Boxmanufaktur Has Introduced the Denali 720 Q: A Luxury AWD Expedition Van for True Four-Season Travel
Germany-based Boxmanufaktur has introduced the Denali 720 Q, a new compact expedition vehicle that combines refined craftsmanship with serious off-grid and mild off-road capability. Making its debut at the 2025 Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, the Denali 720 Q builds upon the company’s established expertise in premium composite construction and thoughtful design for long-term overland living….