Why the Toyota Tacoma is the Best Truck for Overlanding

Overlanding is all the rage these days, and we can understand why. In fact, we’re big fans of the activity (and all it entails). We have embarked on prolonged overlanding trips, documented our adventures, and built a handful of incredible trucks to facilitate both. It’s fair to say that overlanding is a passion of ours and something TacomaBeast is deeply invested in.

While we may be biased–we love Tacomas, after all–we believe that the Toyota Tacoma is the best truck for overlanding. It’s a bold claim, and we’re all about diversity and unique builds in the off-road and overland space. At the end of the day, though, there’s a compelling argument for the Tacoma being the creme de la creme of overlanding trucks.

Whether you’re a seasoned overlander looking for your next project or a newcomer preparing to take on your first overland truck build and head off-grid, the Toyota Tacoma should be on your radar. Read on to learn more about overlanding Toyota Tacomas, and why we believe it’s the perfect truck for the job.

What is Overlanding?

As with most buzzwords that have exploded in the era of social media, there is a bit of debate over what overlanding actually is. Some assert it is a very narrow term with multiple boxes to check, while others claim it is any form of vehicle-based travel. 

To us, the precise definition doesn’t matter. As long as people are getting out, exploring, and enjoying this beautiful world in a respectful way, we’re all for it. Sure, we love the epic overland builds people dream up and create (especially if they’re Tacomas), but we aren’t into gatekeeping.

If, however, the vehicle you use is integral to the overlanding experience, as it is to many people, we’re right there with you. There’s something exhilarating and downright cool about building an overland truck that can conquer rough terrain, take you far from civilization, and act as a self-sufficient home when off the beaten path. That’s where the Toyota Tacoma shines.

What is the Best Truck for Overlanding?

The vehicles people use for overlanding cover a massive spectrum. From motorbikes and VW Beetles to million-dollar builds and Truckhouse, there’s no limit to the creativity, ingenuity, and passion on display in the overlanding world.

Often, people will allow their preferences and emotions to guide the way when selecting a vehicle for overlanding. Whether it’s an emotional attachment to a vehicle from their childhood or an unbridled love of diesel engines, individuality is a massive factor in choosing an overland-worthy truck.

From a strictly logical perspective, however, a handful of trucks do rise to the top as the best candidates for overland builds. Among them is the Toyota Tacoma, our top pick for overlanding.

Toyota Tacoma - The Best Truck for Overlanding

Known for its versatility, durability, and reliability, the Toyota Tacoma has established itself as the most popular mid-size truck in America. It has a lot going for it in addition to its bulletproof reputation, too. When considered as a whole, these positive attributes make it difficult to deny that the Tacoma is the best truck for overlanding, especially for weekend warriors, daily drivers, and the budget-conscious.

Toyota Tacomas are Reliable

Overland travel involves a lot of driving. Even if you are sticking primarily to highways and paved roads, reaching your destination and being able to make it home safely is essential. When you begin to venture off-pavement and into the backcountry, reliability can be the difference between an exceptional experience and being stranded.

Toyota has built its reputation on being reliable, and the Tacoma is a phenomenal example of just that. When you are traveling–especially to remote areas–you want the confidence and peace of mind to know that your truck is going to get you there and back.

Modifications for the Tacoma are Plentiful

Overlanders are notorious for outfitting their trucks for the extreme. Rooftop tents, bed racks, wheels, tires, and bumpers abound. Many of these modifications serve a purpose–from self-recovery in dangerous situations to comfort around the campfire–and there’s no denying they look great, too.

When it comes to camping accessories, off-road suspension systems, and overlanding modifications in general, not all trucks are created equal. Some have very few aftermarket options available, while others have a tremendous amount of quality parts to choose from. The Toyota Tacoma falls into the latter category, giving Tacoma owners a myriad of fantastic products from reputable manufacturers.

Not only does this aftermarket support create flexibility and individuality when it comes time to modify your Tacoma, but it also creates healthy competition among the businesses creating the products. The result is better products at lower prices–an overlander’s dream.

Tacomas are Easy to Customize

Since their introduction in the 1990s, people have been modifying Toyota Tacomas. In addition to sparking the strong aftermarket industry that exists today, this passionate base of owners has also created a community adept at customizing their vehicles.

Thanks to the wealth of shared knowledge and the way in which Tacomas are used–overlanding being one of the common examples–they are incredibly easy to modify, even for those new to the world of vehicle modification.

Toyota Tacomas are Versatile

Most people do not overland full-time or want to allocate the resources necessary to have a dedicated overland truck. This is where the versatility of the Toyota Tacoma can be a game-changer. Because the Tacoma is an excellent do-it-all vehicle, it can act as a go-anywhere overland build one day and a commuter car the next.

The ability to use your Tacoma in numerous ways is a huge benefit to the typical overland enthusiast, proving again that the Toyota Tacoma is the best truck for overlanding.

How Capable are Toyota Tacomas?

If you plan to use your overland vehicle to go off-road and find epic secluded campsites, you’ll want to be confident in its ability to tackle the terrain you may encounter. This is another area where the Toyota Tacoma excels. Even if you leave your Tacoma in its factory form, the majority of models available are exceptionally capable on and off-road.

While we wouldn’t recommend a two-wheel drive Tacoma for hitting the trail, four-wheel drive models are ideal for venturing off-road. If you want the maximum off-pavement capability directly from Toyota, the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro Tacomas are supremely capable when the road ends and the trail begins.

Building the Ultimate Overland Toyota Tacoma

No matter what your vision of an overland adventure is, a Toyota Tacoma will provide the perfect platform on which to build. From minor modifications to complete overhauls of your truck, TacomaBeast is the go-to resource for Tacoma owners seeking to maximize the capability, comfort, and aesthetics of their trucks.

To see the potential of what your Tacoma could evolve into, where it can take you, and the memories you can make along the way, be sure to visit our YouTube channel. It is packed with Tacoma knowledge and inspiring adventures. You can also use our blog, where you’ll find helpful guides like this. We have no doubt that your Toyota Tacoma will soon be the overlanding truck of your dreams.