One of the things I always enjoy about Overland Expo is seeing the incredible variety of vehicles that come together for a single weekend. While the classes, exhibitors, and community are what draw people in, it’s often the builds themselves that leave a lasting impression. Walking the venue at Pacific Northwest, there was no shortage of inspiration. Some represented years of careful planning, while others showcased what today’s manufacturers and aftermarket companies are capable of creating together.
Here are a few of the rigs that stood out to me throughout the weekend.
1985 Toyota Land Cruiser “Turbo Trail Cruiser”
Toyota brought plenty of eye-catching vehicles to Overland Expo PNW, but I kept coming back to this beautifully executed 1985 Land Cruiser. Built by Toyota Motorsports Garage, the “Turbo Trail Cruiser” seamlessly blends old and new with a twin-turbo i-FORCE 3.4L V6 from the current Tundra tucked beneath its classic sheet metal. Finished in period-correct Silver with a subtle 1.5-inch lift and 35-inch all-terrain tires, it looks remarkably close to factory. It’s the kind of build that respects the heritage of the FJ60 while quietly showcasing what modern Toyota engineering can do when it’s done right.
1997 Toyota Hiace Super Custom “Dad-Van”
Nicknamed the “Dad-Van,” this imported 1997 Toyota Hiace was one of the more relatable builds at the show. Owned by Nate, a Les Schwab employee of 26 years, the right-hand-drive van was built with family adventures in mind, hauling his family of five to campgrounds, ski slopes, and trailheads throughout Central Oregon. The retro styling immediately caught my eye, while the Nomad wheels, Mazama Open Range A/T Plus tires, roof rack, and rooftop tent add just the right amount of capability. Sometimes it’s the builds with a little personality that leave the biggest impression, and this one certainly did.
Storyteller Overland GXV Wild
Expedition campers aren’t exactly uncommon at Overland Expo, but the Storyteller Overland GXV Wild stood out for taking a different approach. Built on a Ram 3500 single cab with a 6.4L HEMI V8, it’s designed to be lighter, more nimble, and easier to maneuver than many of the larger expedition rigs on the market. One of my favorite features is the rear cargo deck, which provides dedicated space for bikes, motorcycles, or other adventure gear without sacrificing the living area inside. Step into the cabin and you’ll find a thoughtfully designed interior built for extended time off the grid. Starting at around $300,000, it’s an impressive package that blends capability, comfort, and smart design in a way that feels approachable despite its premium price.
Drew Simms’ Long Range America Ram 2500
Professional photographer Drew Simms’ Ram 2500 immediately caught my eye in the Long Range America booth. Built around a Four Wheel Campers Project M, the truck strikes a great balance between capability and simplicity, with a clean, functional interior that reflects Drew’s travel-focused lifestyle. A set of Method wheels wrapped in 37-inch Toyo Open Country R/T Pro tires gives the truck an aggressive stance while providing the traction needed for remote destinations. As someone who’s spent years documenting adventures around the world, it’s no surprise Drew has another epic journey on the horizon. This rig looks more than ready for wherever the next assignment takes him.
SHERP Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicle
Some vehicles stand out because they’re beautifully built. Others stand out because they look like they belong on another planet. One of the more fascinating vehicles at the show was the SHERP owned by Shaun of @TheStoryTillNow, displayed in the onX Offroad booth, definitely fell into the latter category. Riding on massive low-pressure tires, the amphibious all-terrain vehicle is designed to tackle terrain that would stop almost anything else, including mud, deep snow, swamps, and even open water. While most attendees probably won’t be adding one to their garage anytime soon, it was impossible to walk past without stopping for a closer look. Sometimes Overland Expo is just as much about seeing what’s possible as it is planning your next adventure.
READ MORE: Overland Expo PNW 2026 Recap
Overlander Ridge XT
While this wasn’t our first time seeing the Overlander in person, it remains one of the few expedition-ready RVs that consistently draws us back for another look. The thoughtful blend of capability, comfort, and build quality continues to set it apart. Built on the proven Ford E-Series chassis, the Ridge XT strikes a compelling balance between a traditional Class C motorhome and an overland-ready adventure vehicle. The Toyo Open Country R/T Trail tires hint at its capability beyond the pavement, while the interior feels more refined than you’d expect from a compact expedition RV. For travelers who want the comfort of a full kitchen, dedicated sleeping space, and room to relax without giving up the ability to venture well beyond the campground, the Overlander continues to stand out as one of the more thoughtfully executed RVs in the growing overland segment.
Agile Offroad Ineos Grenadier
The Ineos Grenadier is already one of the most capable platforms on the market, but Agile Offroad showed just how much more potential it has. Rather than simply displaying the finished product, the team removed a front wheel to showcase its suspension system, giving attendees a rare look at the engineering behind the build. Upgrades like FOX shocks, Agile’s brake kit, integrated power solutions, and BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO3 tires on Agile wheels create a well-rounded package that’s ready for everything from daily driving to serious backcountry travel. It was one of the more educational displays at the event, proving that sometimes what’s underneath the vehicle is just as impressive as what you see on the outside.
ARB Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60
Every Overland Expo needs a classic Land Cruiser, and this beautifully restored FJ60 delivered. Sitting in the ARB booth, it blended old-school Toyota styling with carefully selected modern upgrades, including polished retro-inspired wheels, Nitto Ridge Grappler tires, an ARB Altitude rooftop tent, and the brand’s signature bumper and recovery equipment. It never felt overbuilt or overcomplicated. Instead, it served as a reminder that some of the best adventure vehicles are the ones that continue to evolve while staying true to what made them iconic in the first place.
Goose Gear Ford Bronco with Ursa Minor Camper
As a Bronco owner, this was one of the builds that really caught my attention. It was my first time seeing the Ursa Minor camper in person, and it immediately became one of those modifications I’d seriously consider for my own Bronco. Displayed in the Goose Gear booth, the build paired the pop-top with Goose Gear’s rear seat delete and modular camp kitchen, creating a compact, highly functional camping setup without compromising the Bronco’s everyday usability. The thoughtful storage, slide-out kitchen, and integrated sleeping space make it an ideal solution for weekend adventures, while still keeping the vehicle nimble enough for daily driving. It’s the kind of build that leaves you walking away with new ideas for your own rig.
Winnebago ARKA 20Z
The Winnebago ARKA continues to stand out as one of the most compelling expedition campers we’ve seen. We’ve previously taken a deeper look at the Winnebago ARKA, but seeing it in person again reminded us just how refined this platform really is. Built on the RAM 5500 chassis, the 20Z blends genuine off-grid capability with an interior that feels more boutique hotel than backcountry camper. The warm lighting, premium materials, and thoughtful layout immediately make it feel inviting, while features like integrated lithium power, robust solar, flexible sleeping arrangements, and smart storage are clearly designed for extended adventures. If you’re looking for a platform that doesn’t force you to compromise between comfort and capability, the ARKA deserves a spot near the top of your list.
