The Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East 2024

Photo By: Rick Stowe

We’ve wrapped up the last Overland Expo of 2024, and this week on the Compass, we’ll be showing off some of our favorite vehicles from the event. We’re starting off with some of our favorite Toyotas from the event. From classic FJ80s to brand new Tacomas, and plenty in between, there were hundreds of great rigs to pick from. We appreciate an overland vehicle that has seen some miles, includes interesting mods, has some scratches from backcountry forays, and, better yet, a bit of all three. At least for this event, it seems like we picked some older Toyotas that look like they’ve seen some adventures, and it’s always great to see these older rigs still put to use. Presented in no particular order, here are our favorite Toyotas of Overland Expo East 2024.

Mountain State Overland Tundra

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Some might say you can’t explore the East Coast with a big truck, but the team at Mountain State Overland has some trips that prove otherwise. This new build from the MSO team was in the creator area, and it takes the Tundra’s backcountry capability to the next level. This full sized Toyota features a host of upgrades, including wheels, suspension, Goose Gear organization, a snorkel, an AluCab ModCAP camper, skids, onboard air, and much more. We can’t wait to see where Eric and Rachel take it as they wrap up their build.

1989 4Runner

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

One of our staff members has recently been shopping for a first generation 4Runner, so we’ve had our eyes open for inspiring examples. This beauty in the Gomammut booth definitely caught our attention. The body has been repainted, but it is the original color, and we can’t imagine any other way. On the back, a DIY rack system allows the low-profile mounting of the rooftop tent. With a slight lift and some Baja Designs lights, this build is tasteful and unique.

Sequoia Limited Adventure Mobile

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

When we got behind the wheel of the new Sequoia platform, we were more than impressed. We’ve seen several on the trails and at Overland Expo, but this particular example caught our eye. It’s based on the Limited Trim and outfitted with an iKamper tent plus a vestibule room. Some rock sliders provide protection on the trail, and we’re sure the owners will have years of adventure with this rig.

READ MORE: The Best Gear of Overland Expo East

Exceptionally Outfitted Sequoia

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

And now, on the opposite end of the Sequoia spectrum, this first gen is an excellent build. We couldn’t ID the bumpers, and they might be DIY, but no matter their origin, they’re awesome. These, plus the sliders and winch, make sure the Sequoia is capable and protected on the trail. Up top the Overland Vehicles System and CVT Awning have shelter covered. Black Rhino Wheels and a modest lift keep it rolling over any obstacle.

Tembotusk 1995 HZJ77 Landcruiser

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

While we see plenty of Cruisers, we don’t see a lot of the 77 series. This one is equipped with a turbo and some rather rare features and options. The power windows, heat & air conditioning, and suspension seats are paired up with a five-speed manual transmission. It’s riding on leaves and a solid front axle for plenty of offroad capability. Outside a solar panel, the exterior is relatively stock, but that doesn’t mean it lacks style. Thanks to TemboTusk for having such an awesome rig in their booth.

READ MORE: The Best Rigs of Overland Expo 2024

Absolute Classic FJ40

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

We didn’t catch up with the owner of this beautiful rig, but we can tell that it’s a well-cared-for machine. With some lift and an appropriately vintage Warn winch, it’s ready for any adventure. We really need to see more FJ40s out there. Oh, and bonus points for a tent that matches.

READ MORE: How To Recover Your Overland Vehicle

Overland First Gen Tacoma

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

A quality first-gen Tacoma is starting to be a rarer sight, given that these trucks are getting up there in age, and their legendary dependability means they’re often pushed into service for tough tasks. While this truck is nearing vintage status, it’s outfitted with some of the best gear out there. A RoofNest tent provides shelter, a Roam box is great for extra storage, and navigation and communication are assisted by the WeBoost.

Classic FJ80

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

Best Toyotas of Overland Expo East

Photo by Rick Stowe

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. It’s also sporting a water tank, auxiliary lights, a rooftop tent, and a snorkel to round out the overland package.

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