Have you ever wondered why the Mitsubishi Pajero was sold as the Montero in the United States and much of Latin America? The answer lies in one of the automotive industry’s most famous naming mishaps. While Mitsubishi named the vehicle after the Pampas cat, the word pajero carries a very different—and rather inappropriate—meaning in Spanish….
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Chinese Brands Continue Their Push Into Contested “Off-road” Territory
China’s modern automotive industry faces a challenge that has little to do with engineering and everything to do with perception. For decades, Chinese-made products were often associated with low-cost manufacturing, mass production, and inconsistent quality. During that same period, many Western companies shifted production to China in pursuit of lower costs, helping accelerate the development…
Stellantis Lays Out €60 Billion Strategic Plan
On May 21st Stellantis unveiled a new five-year strategic plan to accelerate growth and profit. Dubbed FaSTLAne 2030, the ambitious plan is slated to cost some €60 Billion ($70 Billion). It outlines where the company believes the global automotive industry is heading over the next several years, and more importantly, how brands like Jeep, Ram,…
Jeep Recon Won’t Be EV-Only After All
The long-awaited fully electric Jeep Recon has not even reached dealer showrooms yet, and already the brand is changing course. Originally unveiled in 2022 as a fully electric off-roader meant to bridge the gap between the Wrangler and Jeep’s electric future, Stellantis’ long-term roadmap confirms Recon will now also receive an internal combustion version for…
Toyota Expands Engine Recall
Toyota has expanded the recall campaign for the 3.4-liter twin turbo V6 found in the latest generation Tundra. What began as a large recall in 2024 has now grown into one of the most extensive engine recalls in recent Toyota history, with nearly 270,000 vehicles now affected. The latest expansion adds another 44,000 model year-2024…
2026 Summer Overland Events and Rallies You Don’t Want to Miss
AMERICAN WEST Backcountry Offroad Expo When: June 13–14, 2026 | Where: Castle Rock, Colorado “A weekend built for the people who live outside, however they do it” is the motto of the Backcountry Offroad Expo. Attendees will find a variety of adventure vehicles, educational talks, and outdoor gear from over 100 exhibitors, along with community…
Defender Service Awards Winners Hold Training Weekend
Sarah Hall had never driven off-road before, and now she was sitting in the driver’s seat of a brand-new Defender 130, facing an icy hill climb in the mountains of Vermont. The Defender, wrapped in the livery of Jacksonville-area non-profit Feeding Northeast Florida, was a hard-won prize: the result of the organization’s winning entry in…
American and Canadian Defender Trophy Finalists Announced
Last month, Land Rover sent 120 American and Canadian adventure enthusiasts to British Columbia to compete for spots in the Defender Trophy, the modern answer to the revered Camel Trophy. These competitors took part in trials of physical strength, off-roading acumen, and teamwork to decide who would get a chance at the final event, to…
Volkswagen Expands the ID. Buzz Lineup for 2027 With New Tourer Camping-oriented Model
Volkswagen has announced the return of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz for the 2027 model year after a brief hiatus in 2026, introducing a revised trim structure and a new camping-focused Tourer variant aimed at buyers seeking a more versatile electric van experience. While the retro-inspired ID. Buzz has already attracted considerable attention for its design…
The Rigs of Overland Expo West 2026
I only had one day to cover Overland Expo West this year, so I had to make it count. Luckily, that day was Friday, historically a quieter time on the grounds of Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona, so there was plenty of space and time to wander the parking lots, vendor area, and…
Mammoth Overland’s XLE Blends Overland Travel with Advanced Security Features
A few years ago, our overnight compound in West Africa was infiltrated by armed men who beat the staff and briefly interrogated me. After shots rang out and before the intruders reached us, I moved my family into a room and had my wife and son barricade the door while I slipped into the shadows…
2027 Nissan Frontier Sport Expands the Mid-Size Truck’s Off-Road Appeal
Nissan has unveiled the 2027 Frontier Sport, a new package designed to bridge the gap between the everyday-oriented SV trim and the more trail-focused Pro-X and Pro-4X models. The update gives the midsize pickup a tougher appearance and a handful of practical off-road upgrades while retaining the Frontier’s straightforward formula of naturally aspirated V6 power…
INEOS Automotive and onX Offroad Launch 50 States, 50 Trails Initiative Across America
What could be more enjoyable than driving a convoy of INEOS Grenadier vehicles across the United States, connecting one off-road trail to the next? In the lead-up to America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations, INEOS Automotive has announced a new partnership with onX Offroad that aims to highlight some of the country’s most notable off-road routes…
Jeep Recon EV Production Delayed to Mid-2026
Images courtesy of Jeep Originally slated to arrive in late 2024, the production of Jeep’s ambitious fully EV 4×4 has been pushed back yet again, this time until ‘mid-2026,’ as Stellantis reassesses production timing and market conditions. With other OEMs scrapping their EV platforms, this delay is a major moment for one of the most…
INEOS Fusilier Delayed Until 2028 as Brand Refines Its Compact 4WD Strategy
When INEOS Automotive unveiled the Fusilier in early 2024, the smaller electrified 4WD appeared poised to become a significant step forward for the young manufacturer. Positioned below the Grenadier and Quartermaster, the Fusilier promised to combine the rugged design language and utility-focused philosophy of the brand with a more compact platform and an electrified drivetrain….
Bronco Outsells Wrangler for the First Time
Photo credits: Ford, Jeep For decades, the Jeep Wrangler stood alone at the top of the North American off-road market. The platform was the default choice for anyone who wanted solid axles, removable doors, endless aftermarket support, and genuine trail credibility straight from the factory. From Moab to the Rubicon Trail, the Wrangler built an…
Winnebago Launches the Arka, a Purpose-Built Off-Grid Adventure Truck
Winnebago Industries has introduced the new Arka, an overland-focused adventure truck that signals the company’s continued push into the growing off-grid and backcountry travel market. The Arka is generating considerable buzz across social media, with many quick to compare it to vehicles like the EarthCruiser. While there are certainly similarities in concept, the two platforms…
Backcountry Discovery Routes Expands Northeast Riding Opportunities with Adirondacks BDR-X
Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) has announced the release of the trailer for its latest project, the Adirondacks BDR-X, a new loop-style adventure motorcycle route through New York’s Adirondack Park. The route, which officially launches on May 28 during the Americade Rally in Lake George, New York, represents another expansion of the organization’s growing BDR-X network…
Overland News of the Week, May 8th, 2026
The New Thule Widesky Rooftop Tent Is a Looker The Thule Widesky is an attractive two-person hardshell rooftop tent designed to balance quick setup with improved comfort in camp. Its gas-strut-assisted design allows the tent to deploy in seconds, while a durable aluminum shell and recycled fabric construction provide weather resistance and longevity. Inside, a…
Ford’s $30k EV Pickup :: Closer to Reality?
After a recent tour of Chinese EV production facilities, Ford CEO Jim Farley has not been shy about sharing his thoughts on their impact on the global automotive industry. Farley bluntly said Ford can not compete due to the Chinese vehicles’ superior cost advantage, technology, and government subsidies. Farley went on to warn that letting…