Volkswagen has pulled the curtain back just a little further on its ambitious stand-alone EV SUV brand, Scout Motors. The revival of the venerable nameplate by Germany’s largest auto manufacturer was something of a bomb-shell earlier this year. According to VW, they intend to reveal more information about the electric off-roader in early 2023, with…
SEMA Gear of 2022
Smartop Truck Bed Covers Smartop Platform (originally from South Africa) secured the runner-up award for the Best New Van/Pickup/SUV product as a first-time attendee and newcomer to the US market. This truck bed cover is made from aluminum with built-in anchoring T-slots that can hold up to 550 pounds. You can secure jerry cans and…
The Pilot TrailSport is the Most Off-Road Capable Honda SUV Ever
Honda may not be the first name that comes to mind when we think of overland vehicles, but there is a lot to be said for and expected from a motor company with a reputation for consistently producing solid, reliable vehicles. While Honda vehicles may not have the off-piste chops of cousins Toyota or Nissan,…
The First Ever Jeep Branded Addax Trailer Launched at SEMA, and It Is a Winner
We have all been there—too much gear and not enough space. The use of a trailer is a controversial solution and a hotly debated topic on forums and around the campfire; some swear by them, and others would rather have less stuff. A trailer is an excellent solution for overlanders who go off-road or travel…
Porsche 911 Dakar :: The Safari Build Goes Mainstream
The “Safari build” has been a staple in the aftermarket Porsche restomod world for a while, but it’s a different story when the legendary manufacturer decides to make one of its own. Say hello to the Porsche 911 Dakar. Porsche has been teasing a lifted, off-tarmac 992 platform 911 for a little while now, and…
Lexus Brings the Overland Magic to SEMA 2022
There’s no doubt that Toyota is getting excited about overlanding. This year’s 2022 SEMA show included real-world-proven Toyota builds from Expedition Overland and Patriot Campers featured front and center in one of the largest booths on the show floor. Toyota also unveiled the Trailhunter, a new dedicated overland effort, along with their accessory program to…
VW Features Adventure Concepts at SEMA 2022
The awkwardly named Specialty Equipment Market Association is holding its annual bash in Las Vegas. It is one of the largest showcases of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories on the planet, which is why we generally eschew its full title for the shorter and instantly recognizable, SEMA. However, SEMA isn’t just for the aftermarket any…
Toyota Tundra Now Available with a TRD 3-inch Lift Kit
There was a time when most manufacturers refused to offer lift kits for their off-road-based vehicles. A suspension lift is, however, one of the most common and desirable modifications, and for decades, drivers have been relying on the aftermarket industry to provide these suspension kits. The problem with user-selected lift kits is that they all…
Jeep, Ram, and Dodge Brands Dominate SEMA Awards
The Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands have earned top honors at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, beating the competition thanks to votes from show exhibitors who had the honor of choosing the top trend-setting vehicles that represent the best business opportunities in the automotive aftermarket. The SEMA awards were…
Toyota Storms SEMA with Multiple Overland Vehicles, Land Cruisers, and More
Toyota has taken over the Ford booth at SEMA and hit the show by storm. Their lineup includes nearly a dozen overland vehicles, with Land Cruisers, Tundras, and several new Sequoia builds. We got a sneak peak last night, and assembled a run-through of the highlights.
The Electromod Jeep CJ Surge Concept May Save Your Classic 4×4
Debuting at SEMA 2022 today, the Jeep CJ Surge concept is custom designed and engineered to explore an efficient battery-electric propulsion system for classic Jeep models. With the recent launch of the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) Jeep Avenger at the Paris Auto Show, Jeep made clear its intention to soon have all new Jeeps running on electricity. It…
The Ram 1500 Backcountry X Concept Is All Work and All Play
Debuting this week at SEMA, the attractive and practical Ram Backcountry X Concept is designed with crossover appeal for a driver who needs both a week-long work truck and an off-the-clock adventure machine. We predict this vehicle will likely be a massive hit in the overland market. Before focusing on the ingenious load system, let’s…
The Redtail Skyloft is the Perfect Wedge Tent for a Specific User
$20,000. That is the elephant in the room, so we might as well throw a mouse at it first. That’s a lot of greenbacks; I bought my entire Defender in excellent working condition for less than half of that 13 years ago. Twenty thousand dollars (the unconfirmed price for the Skyloft) is the equivalent of…
Overland News of the Week
Special Edition Beast28 Helium Ultralight Frame Pack I remember backpacking with my first frame pack 30 years ago. It weighed almost more than the sum of its contents, was extremely cumbersome, and I would almost topple over when hoisting it onto my back. Granted, I may have packed too much stuff, but the Beast28 Helium…
New Zealand Overlanders Detained in Iran Released
Topher Richwhite and Bridget Thackwray, known as Expedition Earth, disappeared in July along with their Jeep Gladiator shortly after they arrived in Iran on an around-the-world expedition. Very little is known about the circumstances of their detention, but as Reuters and other outlets have reported, the couple were released earlier this week. New Zealand’s Prime…
Could You Win this New Jeep Gladiator? :: The Cal4 2023 Giveaway Is Here
Have you dreamed of cruising down the trail in a decked-out rig with a seven-slot grill? If the answer is yes, now is your chance to score one for less than the cost of a slab of coldies. For the past 50 years, the California Four-wheel Drive Association (Cal4) has outfitted a Jeep for backcountry…
Vote for the Defender Service Awards Finalists
Land Rover, inspired by selfless and passionate acts of service across the US and Canada, launched the second annual Defender Service Awards to celebrate charitable organizations’ positive impact on their local communities. The premium 4WD vehicle brand is donating a custom-outfitted Defender 130 SUV to five organizations to help further their philanthropic efforts in honor…
Charlottamiles are Back on the Road in a 1990 Vanagon Westfalia Syncro
It’s always comforting when I come across other overlanders mad enough to choose the Vanagon Syncro as their around-the-world rig. It might just be something about strength in numbers… or breakdowns. I’ve interviewed a number of these fools and featured stunning expedition-ready examples from Guanabana Overland and Alika Vaquer. If you’re interested in my personal…
2023 Ram 2500 HD Rebel :: Better than a Power Wagon?
Move over Ford F-250 Tremor, there’s a new rebel in town. I’m talking about the 2023 Ram 2500 HD Rebel, the latest off-road focused full-size truck to hit the dirt. Looking a lot like a Power Wagon with its crew cab and six-foot, four-inch box, black rocker panels and fender flares, the Rebel comes out…
GMC Sierra EV :: GM’s Premium Truck Brand Boosts its Electric Lineup
GMC debuted its all-electric 2024 GMC Sierra Denali EV today with a claimed 400 miles of range, 754 horsepower, 787 pound-feet of torque, and 800V DC fast charging at up to 350 kilowatts. Starting at an MSRP of $107,000, the all-new Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 will be available for pre-order at 5:00 pm EDT…