The Expedition Overland team has been hitting the trail and documenting their amazing journeys all over the globe for over 13 years now. And during that time, they’ve logged countless miles in their rigs. Chances are, if it’s a Toyota and it’s a 4×4, they’ve taken it somewhere awesome. We sat down with Rachelle and Clay Croft to talk about some of their favorite rigs and how they’ve utilized them over the years.
Overland Expo: Expedition Overland has been traveling the globe, seeking out amazing adventures for years now. And it seems like the vast majority of the rigs you’ve used are Toyotas. What initially drew you to the brand?
XOverland: We (Clay and I) have been Toyota enthusiasts since college due to their reliability, good looks, and quality. We needed vehicles we could depend on that would take us around the world but, more importantly, get us back home. For those reasons, it was always our ‘dream brand’ to work with someday when we started XOVERLAND, so it was a no-brainer for us to use Toyotas.
Overland Expo: That being said, from vintage Land Cruisers to the ever-popular Tacoma, Toyotas seem to be the go-to for people who want a dependable 4×4, whether it’s a daily driver or a dedicated adventure rig. On your travels around the globe, have you found a passion and sense of community for the brand, like what we see at Overland Expo?
XOverland: Absolutely. From Alaska to Argentina, Morocco, Russia, Greenland, and South Africa, we have seen Toyota enthusiasts in every country. Especially South Africa this past summer. Anywhere we stopped, people loved to talk about and see our Toyota’s, excited to see a different platform and show us theirs. It is amazing to me how a vehicle can connect you around the world to different cultures.
Overland Expo: From those early Toyotas that now have a couple of decades on them to the newer models like your recent Sequoia and Tundra builds, what are the biggest updates/advancements that you notice on the trail?
XOverland: The old trucks and the new trucks share a strong DNA of off-road capability. The advancements in the new trucks have provided extreme comfort and power. Both are very important to the long-distance traveler. The interiors have been improved substantially, and the quick selection of off-road technology at the push of a dial is a feature that empowers the driver to go further. Crawl control, multi-terrain selection, and selectable rear lockers are major advancements to the new platforms. The Sequoia is a long-distance touring dream, and the all-new Tundra is an overlong workhorse with its towing and payload options for campers and gear.
READ MORE: An Insider Look at the All-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma
Overland Expo: What is your top priority in a rig, whether you’re taking on the trail close to home or on another continent?
XOverland: My top priority is always reliability. You can have a really shiny and cool-looking ride, but at the end of the day, you need that vehicle to get you back home safely or to your next destination each night. I also look for platforms that have parts easily accessible around the world in case something goes wrong.
Overland Expo: If you had to narrow it down, what’s your favorite rig from your fleet, past or present, and why does it take the top spot?
XOverland: Clay and I may have different favorites, so I’ll start.
Rachelle: My all-time favorite rig has to be Samson. A 2016 Toyota Landcruiser, 200 series that became my home during our South America expedition in 2017. I spent so many hours each day towing a trailer through winding mountain roads, blind tunnels, and epic villages and landscapes. Driving 10-12+ hours each day left me still energized at the end due to the comfort and lack of ‘head wobble’ and vibration you experience in most vehicles. I had absolute confidence in that vehicle and would still choose that platform to drive anywhere in the world for those reasons. Plus, it just looks good!
Clay: Oh man, I would have to say Raven or the Tundra, both with their live-in capabilities with the Alu-Cab systems. I love the compact size and livability of the Tacoma for a solo or couple, but for long-term living, I’d have to say Tundra.
Overland Expo: Great answers all around! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! We’re excited to see your next adventure and the Toyotas that you kitted out for the expedition. Safe travels!
