Over the weekend, we took some time to search the exhibitors and camping areas of Overland Expo East for some cool Toyotas. From the vintage to the brand new, and from stock to the highly modified, we discovered some awesome rigs that are ready for plenty of backcountry adventures. Without further ado and presented in no particular order, here are some of our favorite Toyotas from Overland Expo East 2023.
All-New TRD Off-Road Tacoma
What better place to start than the Tacoma that greeted attendees at Overland Expo East 2023? This 2024 TRD Off-Road Tacoma in Solar Octane definitely makes an impression. With 33-inch tires, remote reservoir Bilstein shocks, a front-end lift, and a coil-spring rear suspension, it’s bound to be adventure-ready. Plus, we can’t wait to see how the iForce Max performs in the new Tacoma.
Alu Cab Equipped Tacoma
Tacomas are a mainstay in the overland community, and in recent years, wedge style campers have become an increasingly popular accessory. This Tacoma is ready to roam with an Alu Cab Canopy camper and 270-degree awning providing shelter and plenty of GP Factor and Goose Gear to keep everything organized. The color-matched Victory Off Road bumper does a great job of providing protection in a streamlined package. We also noted it was outfitted with Midland comms and Nomad Wheels, both excellent choices. The Dickinson Furnace ensures adventures can comfortably be extended far into the winter season.
2007 FJ Cruiser
FJ Cruisers aren’t the most common Toyotas, but we definitely have a soft spot for them. This particular example was exceptionally clean. Don’t let the immaculate appearance fool you. This one-owner rig has seen plenty of miles. It currently has 147,000 miles on the odometer, and it’s made a dozen cross-country trips. It’s outfitted with ARB bumpers front and back, and it’s riding on a 3-inch lift via an Old Man Emu suspension. Inside, a custom set of drawers is color-matched, and honestly, that’s an awesome touch. Up top, the Maggiolina rooftop tent provides a spacious and convenient backcountry abode. With the care that went into this build, there is no doubt that it has plenty of miles ahead of it.
GFC Equipped Hilux
The legendary Hilux. It’s near unobtanium here in the States, but you can import an older unit to fulfill you’re outback exploration dreams. This particular example is obviously far from stock, and it’s awesome to see a vintage Hilux outfitted with some state-of-the-art overland gear. With a GFC tent up top, the Front Runner bed rack, and the classic ARB bumper and winch combo up front, it’s a great blend of gear.
Single Cab Tacoma
While double-cab configurations seem to dominate the mid-sized market, we love to see a nice single-cab truck outfitted for exploration. This Tacoma has been updated with a Bilstein suspension to get 2.5 extra inches of ground clearance. The 33-inch tires mounted to Pro Comp wheels give it a nice stance without hindering the 4-cylinder motor. Up front, illumination is covered with Rigid Industries fog lamps, pod lights, and a 40-inch light bar. In the bed, a simple fridge slide set up leaves plenty of room for cargo. Up top, a Prinsu rack provides additional storage and mounting space with a hard case for recovering gear, Maxtrax, and an awning.
Next Level TRD Pro Sequoia
The new TRD Pro Sequoia is an excellent rig in its stock configuration, but the folks at Apex Overland have taken this Toyota to a whole new level. The Baja Designs lights and Roof Nest tent blend seamlessly into the roof rack. Underneath you’ll find the suspension has been upgraded with Total Chaos and Rad Flo components. This is undoubtedly a trail-ready rig that can haul plenty of gear or seat seven, depending on your needs. Be on the lookout for our review of the stock version of the TRD Pro Sequoia that will be live here on the site in the coming weeks.
2018 200 Series Land Cruiser
This is definitely a sleeper of a build. From a distance, it doesn’t look extremely modified, but upon closer inspection, it’s obvious that it’s built to tackle the trail. The color-matched front bumper provides protection and improves the approach angle. But that’s not the only trail armor on this rig. It also features BudBuilt sliders and skid plates, plus a Slee rear bumper with dual swingouts. It’s ready for extended adventures with a 24.5-gallon auxiliary tank from Longe Range America. The cargo area is equipped with Air Down Gear Up drawers and a National Luna fridge. We’re sure we’re missing a few upgrades, but there’s no doubt this Cruiser sees plenty of time off-road.
AT Habitat Equipped Tundra
The new Tundra has become a frequent site around Overland Expo, but this example from Common Wealth Overland has packed in some unique features. The CBI bumper gives awesome ground clearance plus an aggressive look. On the back, the AT Overland Habitat provides plenty of living space with its unique cantilever design. The roof rack and an assortment of lights wrap up this adventure-ready full-sized rig.
1997 FJ80 Land Cruiser
Those red, orange, and yellow stripes have a way of drawing our attention, and it was awesome to see a well-loved and well-equipped Land Cruiser that’s over 25 years old at Overland Expo East. The owner has put in plenty of sweat equity and ingenuity since he’s rebuilt the engine and built the rear bumper from a Coastal Offroad DIY kit. On the opposite end, an ARB bumper provides protection and a mounting location for the Hi-Lift jack. It’s also been upgraded with an Old Emu Suspension to enhance the ride and to make up for the added weight of the armor. Of course, we can’t forget the prerequisite roof rack, awning, and snorkel. Just in case you didn’t notice, this classic is for sale.
DIY Wedge Camper Tacoma
We spotted this impressive project in the campground, and before we even got close, we knew it was something special. This Tacoma is equipped with a homemade carbon fiber wedge camper that’s paired with an Xtrusion Overland topper. The owner made the entire thing himself, and if that isn’t impressive enough, the whole camper unit weighs just over 100 lbs. The hitch-mounted bench provides an easy way to get a workout in while you’re outdoors. The swingout moto carrier provides a great way to expand adventures to the two-wheeled variety.
