Living on the Road with the Best 2021 Overlanding Vehicles

This two-part series explores the best vehicles for overlanding in the New Year…

The overlanding industry surged even before the events of 2020 lured even more adventures to the open road. And just like any other market, more consumers equals more consumer choices. In overlanding, that means more accessories than ever—and a robust fleet of capable vehicles to choose from.

Depending on personal style and desired level of DIY involvement, overlanders can elect for a truly classic ride, like a Range Rover, Wagoneer or Scout II, or open their wallets a little wider for a new Tacoma, 4Runner, Wrangler, full size truck or van.

For the purposes of this two-part series, we’ll narrow the scope to examine only the best 2021 trucks and SUVs overlanders should consider this year, along with some nifty accessories and installs to include on the journey.

Most Popular: Jeep Wrangler & Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Wrangler rule the road for overlanders. In fact, they seemingly outnumber any other entry largely thanks to their unmatched trail ratings. The popularity certainly will not change in 2021, even with increased competition.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392

Jeep recently nabbed major headlines and worked its staunch fanbase into a tizzy with the release of the Wrangler Rubicon 392. With a 6.4-liter V-8 engine punching 470 horsepower and yanking with 470 lb.-ft. of torque, the excitement is more than merited.

The Rubicon 392 not only smokes most vehicles off the line—racing zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds—it also delivers even more of what Jeep owners love. Buyers can expect greater approach and departure angles, more suspension articulation, better maneuverability and deeper water traversing. Nearly 75% of the Wrangler Rubicon 392’s peak torque is available just above engine idle speed.

The Rubicon 392’s powertrain meshes with a sturdier frame, heavy-duty wide track Dana 44 axles, a 3.73 final drive ratio, transmission torque converter lockup control, a 2-inch lift fitted with specially-tuned high-performance FOX aluminum monotube shocks, and standard 33-inch tires on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. That’s enough to achieve 10.3 inches of ground clearance, as well as approach, breakover and departure angles of 44.5, 22.6 and 37.5 degrees, respectively.

The Rubicon 392’s Hydro-Guide air intake system includes a tri-level ducting system with a series of drains, including a one-way drain in the air box that separates water—up to 15 gallons per minute—away from the engine’s incoming air. This enables the Wrangler Rubicon 392 to traverse water up to 32.5 inches deep, even if a bow wake washes over the hood.

If the hood scoop becomes restricted by snow or mud, a secondary air path within the hood structure feeds the engine, making it possible for the Wrangler Rubicon 392 to reach top speed even with a fully blocked primary air path.

Key for overlanders is the SUV’s Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation that seamlessly shifts to high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when engine loads are light.

Toyota Tacoma Trail

There might not be another automotive brand in existence more devoted to the overlanding lifestyle than Toyota, as evidenced by this very list, which shamelessly features three entrees from the nameplate. The Tacoma is particularly revered among overlanders for its practical size, off-road nimbleness, and general flexibility as an all-purpose truck.

For 2021, Toyota introduces the Tacoma Trail special edition, with an emphasis on extra storage. Based on its SR5 trim, the Tacoma Trail is available in both 2WD and 4WD powertrains.

The Tacoma Trail—available in colors Army Green, Cement, Midnight Black, and Super White—features a set of Dark Gray 16-inch TRD Off-Road wheels with Kevlar All-Terrain tires, and the grille from the Tacoma Limited adds a custom touch. A 120-volt power outlet in the bed adds versatility, and lockable bed storage includes insulation and drain plug on the driver side to double as a cooler.

Also, the Trail edition simply looks good! Black exterior badging, black seating with tan stitching and all-weather floor liners add some sharp styling.

Highlight: Toyota Tacoma Special Build

Toyota recently flexed the Tacoma’s overlanding prowess with a show-stopping concept at this year’s SEMA360 virtual show. The Overland-Ready Tacoma, created by 4WD Toyota Owner Magazine, features a slew of off-road performance upgrades by the magazine editors, who partnered with Ryan O’Connell and ShmellFab to create the build.

Off-road upgrades include ToyTec BOSS Aluma 2.5 Series coilovers, shocks and add-a-leaf package; Toyota E-locker locking differential; CBI Offroad Fabrication lower control arms, front to rear aluminum and steel skid plates, and DOM steel tube rock sliders with top plates and CBI’s ‘kickout’ design; Camburg Engineering upper control arms, and MaxTrax MKII traction boards.

To ensure overlanding explorers have what they need for days off grid, the editors fitted the Overland Tacoma with a PowerTank PT10 on-board air, a 4-gallon Rotopax fuel storage container, a 2-gallon Rotopax water storage container, a Hi-Lift jack, and a Yakima SkyRise cargo bed tent.

Most Overlooked: RAM Power Wagon

Overlanders who live on the road full-time or for long periods choose the Power Wagon for its power and towing prowess. The truck can tow more than 10,000 pounds and features a payload capacity of 15,000 pounds.

The Power Wagon is the off-road edition of RAM’s hefty 2500 model, which has the performance and drivetrain bona fides to get its occupants practically anywhere in the world—while towing a trailer.

As long as it can fit its wider profile through narrower corridors, the Power Wagon can also wheel alongside the best trail-rated vehicles nearly half its size. For evidence, check out how the Power Wagon holds up to the toughest trails and obstacles in Moab, Utah:

Power Wagon offers an exclusive V-8 6.4-liter Hemi with 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, while featuring a unique five-link coil suspension system with a third damper, factory lift, electronic transfer case, locking front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting front sway bar, and a 12,000-lb. WARN Zeon-12 winch with synthetic line as standard equipment. The truck’s 360-degree camera includes forward-view camera gridlines to help drivers navigate obstacles.

New for 2021, Ram debuted a special 75th anniversary of Power Wagon with a special acknowledgment of Power Wagon’s heritage, which stretches back to World War II. This special trim features rock rails with side-step capability, premium headlamps with Gloss Black surrounds and new 17-inch painted cast aluminum beadlock-capable wheels with 33-inch tires.

Storied Legacy: Toyota 4Runner & Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser and 4Runner each have deep overlanding roots dating back to the ‘50s and ‘80s, respectively. The fact Toyota has kept both brands around so long speaks to their popularity through the generations. Having such a ubiquitous vehicle also allows the most wayward Land Cruiser and 4Runner wanderers to find parts and service almost anywhere in the world.

Toyota has some fresh upgrades for each model in 2021 worth knowing about.

Land Cruiser

When price is not a factor, Land Cruiser is an overlander’s most worthy investment thanks to an unrivaled combination of comfort, cargo capacity, power and towing ability.

Start with the powertrain, which offers a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter DOHC V-8 engine, producing 401 lb.-ft. of torque. Equipped with a standard Trailer Towing Package, the Land Cruiser can pull a trailer up to 8,100 pounds.

The 8-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) teams with a versatile full-time 4WD system, which uses a TORSEN limited-slip locking center differential and a 2-speed transfer case with selectable low-range. The Land Cruiser’s off-road capability is rooted in high-strength body-on-frame construction and double-wishbone front and four-link coil-spring rear suspension. Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) hydraulically adjusts the stabilizer bars to enhance on-road smoothness and off-road wheel articulation.

Other off-road features include Downhill Assist Control, Hill Start Assist, CRAWL Control, and Off-Road Turn Assist. Using the Multi-Terrain Select system, the driver can match wheel slip control to the surface and driving conditions. Skid plates help to protect the front suspension, radiator, fuel tank and transfer case, and Multi-Terrain Monitor provides nearly 360-degree visibility on tight trails.

Comfort amenities include ventilated front seats; heated steering wheel with power tilt, telescoping and memory; power moonroof; four-zone automatic climate control with 28 cabin air vents; and Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start.

New for 2021, the Land Cruiser Heritage Edition includes a third-row seating option, as well as a black-accented grille, and bronze-colored BBS 18 x 8-inch forged aluminum wheels featuring a “TOYOTA” center cap.

4Runner

The 2021 4Runner, just like its Tacoma stablemate, features Toyota’s new Trail special edition trim level. The 4Runner Trail also showcases TRD Off-Road wheels, a Yakima LoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket, and a custom 40-quart cooler and sliding cargo tray inside. The custom cooler includes:

• Lockable lid
• Freezer-grade gasket to provide an air-tight seal and keep ice frozen for up to seven days
• Tie-down straps and brackets on the sliding rear cargo tray to secure the cooler while driving
• Two heavy-duty latches with integrated bottle openers
• A flat top to allow the cooler to act as a table surface or an outdoor seat

The 4Runner TRD Pro also received a slate of upgrades for 2021. The trim features new black TRD alloy flow form wheels wrapped in Nitto Terra Grappler tires. The switch to flow form also allows for unique adjustments in other areas to increase ride handling and performance, specifically shock absorber tuning, according to Toyota.

The 4Runner TRD Pro includes re-tuned 2.5-inch Fox Internal Bypass Shocks, which provides an improvement in trail driving isolation and high-speed performance without compromising on-road comfort and steering response.

The front Fox shocks are paired with TRD-tuned coil springs, yielding an inch of front lift for improved trail-tackling capability. Out back, the 2.5-inch Fox shocks also feature piggyback-style remote reservoirs to maintain damping performance in the most demanding off-road terrain.

The complete 2021 4Runner line will also include LED headlamps as standard equipment for the first time. Limited, Nightshade and TRD Pro grades will also receive LED high beams. All grades will also have LED fog lights as standard equipment, with TRD Pro maintaining its current RIGID LED fog lamps in 2021.

Remember!

Stay tuned for Part 2. We’ll be detailing vehicle specs and innovative aftermarket upgrades available for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator and 2021 Ford Bronco—two versatile vehicle offerings that appeal to a multitude of people with diverse interests… including overlanding.

In the meantime, which 2021 overlanding rig would you pick? Tell us why in the comments!