2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
BASE PRICE: $5 0 ,985
PROS: Impressive payload, great ride
quality, and beefy drivetrain.
CONS: Dated, cramped cabin—powertrain
is even older. Inefficient for its size.
The 4Runner has long been a favorite of
off-roaders because of its perceived reli-
ability and large aftermarket support. With
the creation of the TRD Pro model in 2017,
you no longer need to modif y your 4Runner
to take a beating, as it’s tremendously
capable out of the box.
Long-travel Fox Racing Shox, a locking
rear diff, a snorkel, and Toyota’s Multi-Ter-
rain Select (MTS) system are all standard
on the 4Runner TRD Pro. Despite its
capability, the 4Runner is one of the most
dated vehicles on this list, with a cramped,
cheap-feeling cabin and a 270-hp
4.0-liter V-6 that dates back to 2002. Even
with its dated powertrain, this old girl can
haul up to 1,550 pounds.2020 Toyota Land Cruiser
BASE PRICE: $86,74 0
PROS: Lives up to its legendary reputation;
will last longer than you will; off-road turn
assist makes it feel far smaller than it is.
CONS: She’s a thirsty girl; third row
impedes cargo space; transmission’s
tall gearing can make life more difficult
off-road, especially at higher attitudes.
More than any other vehicle, the Land
Cruiser’s reputation is overlanding. Since
production began in 1951, Land Cruisers
have been favorites of farmers, militias,
and everything in between because of
their capability, durability, and reliability.2020 Land Rover Defender 11 0
BASE PRICE: $5 0 , 295
PROS: A thoroughly modern 21 st century
overlander; supremely comfortable and
capable with a high payload capacity.
Seats up to eight.
CONS: The mild hybrid engine is an expen-
sive option; brakes can be a bit touchy.
It’s easy to dismiss the new Defender 110
for its unibody chassis and fully inde-
pendent air suspension, but despite its
modernity it’s a tremendously capable (and
comfortable) overlander. With full-time
four-wheel drive, automatic locking center
and rear differentials, and Land Rover’s
latest Terrain Response software, the
Defender drastically reduces the learning
curve for budding overland enthusiasts.
Land Rover also offers an Explorer
Package from the factory, complete with
a heavy-duty expedition-style roof rack,
snorkel, and more. A winch, onboard
air compressor, and even a shower are
optional, too. We’ve yet to drive the base
296-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, but the
optional 395-hp 3.0-liter electrically super-
charged and turbocharged I-6 is more than
sufficiently powerful. Payload ratings of as
much as 2,100 pounds are truly impressive.
The current Land Cruiser is getting on
in years and is on the bigger side, but it’s
tough to beat this package. Its 381-hp
5.7-liter V-8 is backed up by locking center
and rear differentials, Multi-Terrain Select,
a neat turn assist feature that mitigates
its size disadvantage, and the fantastic
hydraulic suspension. The functionally
identical (though approach angle–chal-
lenged) Lexus LX 570 is also available.
Skip the third-row package to put its 1,320
pound payload capacity to good use.Honorable Mentions
2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty Tremor
BASE PRICE: $53,39 0
PROS: Nothing here can haul as much as
far as the F- 350 Tremor.
CONS: Like the Power Wagon and Raptor,
the Tremor is massive. It’s thirsty, too.
Although we’ve yet to go overlanding
with the Tremor, early impressions are
promising. Ford’s answer to the Power
Wagon, the Tremor is available in F-250
and F-350 forms and capable of hauling
up to 3,890 pounds. Powertrains include a
7.3-liter V-8 or a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V-8.
The Tremor package adds an off-road
suspension with a lift, a locking rear and
limited-slip front differential, 35-inch
off-road tires, and an optional winch.
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
BASE PRICE: $45, 055
PROS: Great ride quality, tidy dimensions,
and a decent payload.
CONS: Poor powertrain calibration and
lack of low-end grunt; cramped cabin.
The Tacoma TRD Pro may be the most
popular overland vehicle in the U.S.
There’s a lot we like about it—chiefly the
bits it shares with the 4Runner, such as
its Fox Shox, Multi-Terrain Select system,
snorkel, tidy dimensions, and 1,175-pound
payload. We’re less fond of the Tacoma’s
278-hp 3.5-liter V-6, jerky transmission,
and cramped cabin; it’s capable stock but
nowhere near as capable as it needs to
be. Even so, it’s worthy of consideration.JUNE 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 49OVERLANDING