The internet is buzzing with artist renderings and speculation as to what exactly we can expect from the new 4Runner, and given the excellent reputation of the 4Runner, we share that excitement. This evening, April 9th, Toyota will lift its 4Runner press release embargo and allow us to reveal the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner. So…
Texas-Based Merus Adventure Park, the First of Many
For years, I have dreamed of building an overland camp where people could come to relax and reconnect, a break from the road in the middle of an adventure across continents. My dreams are small compared to that of the Merus team. The Merus Adventure Park, nestled in the heart of Palo Duro Canyon in…
Ultra Overlanders: The Era of Grand Tour Overlanding is Here
Travel is supposed to be fun, and everyone has their interpretation of a joyful adventure. In the past decade, vehicle manufacturers have begun blurring the lines between performance, luxury, grand touring, and overlanding with a new crop of ultra overlanders. Why test these extreme vehicles at all? The strongest impetus is the overwhelming popularity of…
Land Rover to Launch the Most Powerful Defender Ever
I drive a Land Rover Defender, but unlike drivers of the powerful OCTA Defender, I have to panic and shuffle my weight in my seat when overtaking a long truck, even on a downhill. The thing is, my Defender was built in 2002 and features the breathless TD5 turbo diesel, which is burdened with a…
Moggy the Unimog :: Feature Vehicle
Imagine having the opportunity to relive your life. Reflect for a moment on the paths you would choose if youth, vitality, and wisdom were your constant companions. This is the story of a young couple who decided to answer these questions not just in thought, but through action, traveling far from home and building a…
Vanspeed Unveils the Sprinter-Based California Coast Van
The only thing standing between vanlifers and a lifestyle upgrade to the realm of “overlander” is where they are willing to drive their vans. Vanlife is Nickleback, overlanding is Hendrix; just sayin’. A well-equipped, well-driven van can take you around the world, and what better foundation for an overland van than a 144-inch wheelbase Mercedes…
Overland Events and Rallies You Don’t Want to Miss This Spring
Lead photo courtesy of Weird Wild West SOUTHWEST USA Adventure Van Expo When: April 13-24, 2024 Where: Scottsdale, Arizona The Adventure Van Expo series returns for 2024 with a packed schedule of events, including the first of the season in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lively music, food trucks, vendors, and camping converge in this all-ages celebration of…
Crossing Continents Episode Two – Mozambique :: Video
“I love your car!” “Do you have any cold drinks?” The enchanting nation of Mozambique is an under-the-radar overland destination in Africa, but it shouldn’t be. Extremely affordable, blessed with some of the best beaches on the continent, and full of incredible cultures and people, it’s well worth an extended stay. In Crossing Continents Episode…
Sending It With the 2024 Ranger Raptor at Ford’s Assault School
I spent a day in the new 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, throwing it around corners and launching it into the air. Hold on to your socks, because this is definitely no ordinary Ranger. It’s Far More Raptor Than It Is Ranger Over 400 horsepower, front and rear lockers, a long travel suspension, 33-inch tires, racing-inspired…
Kia Sorento X-Pro :: First Drive
We have not covered Kia with any regularity on Expedition Portal or in Overland Journal. It’s not a manufacturer that has much of a legacy in the 4WD world, but if you cast your mind back to the turn of the century, you may remember the tiny first-generation Kia Sportage (1993-2002) and its successor, the…
Jeep Unveils Four Concept Vehicles at the 58th Easter Jeep Safari
At the 58th Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, taking place from March 23 to 31, 2024, the Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar will unveil four “mission-capable” concept vehicles, blending heritage-inspired designs with cutting-edge technology. Bill Peffer, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America, remarked, “Easter Jeep…
ICON Celebrates 500th Land Cruiser Rebuild With 1964 FJ44
Classic Toyota Land Cruiser fans familiar with ICON (who isn’t?) are in for a treat as Jonathan Ward, renowned for his pioneering work in modern resto-mod design, has reached a significant milestone in his career with the completion of his 500th Land Cruiser project. The latest addition to his impressive repertoire is the 1964 ICON…
2024 Ford Ranger First Drive
Ford has introduced an updated contender into the mid-size pickup truck arena. The new 2024 Ford Ranger offers a wide range of comfort and capabilities with a welcomed mixture of new technologies, reliability, and performance. Last week, I spent the day driving the new 2024 Ford Ranger throughout the Wasatch Mountains just outside of Salt…
The Eezi-Awn Galaxy Roof Tent is a Breath of Fresh Air
Great news for those who prefer a view of the great outdoors to a view of the canvas (and great news for the claustrophobic): The new Eezi-Awn Galaxy rooftop tent features a unique 6.9-foot full-length door/wall, four large windows, and skylights. Available from Equipt in the USA, the Galaxy is ideal for couples or solo…
KC HiLites Launches 8-inch SlimLite 8
Iconic KC HiLites recently introduced the 8-inch SlimLite 8 LED, designed for larger vehicles such as overlanding and full-size trucks, vans, Jeeps, classic Toyota and Land Rover trucks, and tow rigs. This evolution and re-imagining of a classic first introduced nearly 30 years ago, builds on the success of the top-selling 6-inch SlimLite 6. The…
KRUG Expedition Unveils 2024 Rhino XL for Europe
Crafted in Austria, the Rhino XL is the culmination of KRUG’s dedication to creating supremely capable and “affordable” expedition vehicles; KRUG claims that the Rhino XL is “the world’s most capable expedition vehicle.” That is a bold claim indeed. The Rhino XL’s primary limitation is the nearly half-million dollar price tag, which puts it out…
Kia Sorento X-Pro :: What Do You Want to Know?
This week, we’ll be getting our hands on the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro for a first drive. The X-Pro trim is Kia’s version of an off-road and adventure-oriented package for the three-row SUV, and it features 17-inch wheels with BF Goodrich all-terrain rubber, a locking center differential, a revised skid plate, and a roof rack….
Front Runner Launches Rivian Roof Rack Kits
Front Runner, acquired by Dometic in May 2021, has launched Slimline II roof rack kits specifically created for Rivian’s R1T and R1S models. Their timing could not be better as Rivian recently unveiled three new vehicles, the R2, R3, and R3X, and the brand is currently trending across our news feeds. Hopefully, we will be…
Will the Ram Rebel 2500 Overland? :: Video
Full-size Ram trucks are due for a big update. While the exterior design is distinctly modern (my favorite among the big pickups), and the interiors are generally top-notch (even if they lack some key features, like wireless charging), the HD models are still saddled with a previous generation 6-speed transmission and generally older mechanical tech….
Rivian Unveils Trio of Electric Vehicles: R2, R3, and R3X
Rivian’s stock is gradually climbing as the automaker has unveiled not only the “designed for the adventurous” R2 but also surprised everyone with the R3 and the performance-oriented R3X. While both the R3 and R3X are stylish and appealing vehicles with a plethora of innovative features, it is the cubic and minty fresh R2 SUV…