There are many factors that make a vehicle the perfect beast for a spot of overlanding. Low-range gearing, drivetrains, diff locks, underbody protection, good tyres, crawl control, low-end torque and high ground clearance regularly feature on an off-road enthusiast’s list of priorities.
When comparing some of the best vehicles for off-roading, Toyota is a brand that is mentioned all too often. In this guide, we share why Toyota is the king of overlanding, and how one Toyota model in particular is head and shoulders above the rest.
Why Toyota?
Toyota has a long history of creating incredible pickups and SUVs – you can find out more about the story of the Toyota pickup and their off-road heritage here – and their experience certainly shows.
From the Hilux to the iconic Land Cruiser, several Toyota makes and models are made for off-roading. The Japanese car maker is well known and much admired for its ground clearance, gearing, approach and departure angles, making their vehicles more capable for off-road performance than many others.
The availability of parts is another sore point for off-road enthusiasts, but thankfully Toyota has that covered too. Toyota parts are widely available – especially if your favourite overlanding destinations are in Africa – where other makes have limited support.
Which Toyota?
The Land Cruiser is certainly up there when it comes to the best Toyota vehicles for off-roading. From the Land Cruiser 78 Series (referred to as the ‘Troopy’ or ‘Troop Carrier’) to the dual and single cab pickups of the Land Cruiser 79 Series, each Cruiser offers its own unique characteristics and capabilities, traits that will ultimately take your overlanding experience to the next level.
The Land Cruiser’s off-road abilities however go much deeper, with the bare bones of this iconic vehicle model even making it a great choice for overlanding as Toyota UK Magazine describes:
“Within its segment, Land Cruiser is now unique in featuring body-on-frame construction. Compared to the unibody designs of its rivals, this established construction method is known to be incredibly strong and rigid, which allows the suspension system to fully articulate with minimal effect on the vehicle body. This separation of the body from the underlying frame also isolates the cabin from the most challenging off-road conditions.”
With its performance-orientated suspension setup, torque delivery and traction support, you are certain to find a winning recipe in every Toyota Land Cruiser.
Those looking for more space for off-road travel will want to explore Toyota’s 5-door, 5-seater wagon, the Land Cruiser 76 Series. The Toyota Land Cruiser 150 Series is also a popular option for overlanding, and is more common in the UK than the Cruiser models mentioned above.
Upgrading your Toyota
Even an overlanding vehicle as well equipped as the Toyota Land Cruiser isn’t beyond improvement. The right off-road accessories and upgrades can enhance your experience further. Thankfully, you don’t have to search too far to find the aftermarket additions you need to prepare your Toyota for its next adventure.
We stock parts and accessories for several Toyota models and series, including the Hiace, Hilux, Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado, and Tacoma. Shop our full range of Toyota upgrades today to get started.
