Overland Expo Mountain West 2024: Off-Road Trends You Need to Know About

Toyota is Going Big

Once relegated to cult status behind brands like Jeep, Toyota is poised to become the absolute leader in outdoor adventure machines. Not only was Toyota prominently featured at the main entrance of the expo, but dozens and dozens of vendors have chosen to showcase vehicles like the new Tacoma (Taco’ for you Toyota fans) with the latest and greatest gear. 

Hype in the off-road world around the new Tacoma has been massive, especially since Toyota announced the top-tier Trailhunter trim for this year's epic redesign. This truck is literally designed for overlanding right from the factory with a litany of aftermarket products bolted right on, including Old Man Emu shocks, ARB bumpers, and Goodyear® Territory® R/T tires wrapped around 18-in. bronze-finished wheels.

Think Toyota is done? Think again. In addition to the brand new Taco’, they also brought the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser to show off. Built as an amalgamation of old-school cool and modern Toyota design language, the Land Cruiser shows that Toyota is keen to tap into the nostalgia market that old-school wheelers love. Much like the Tacoma, multiple vendors already had their hands on Land Cruiser models and kitted them out with epic setups. 

Lastly, we can’t move on without talking about the other off-road elephant in the room: the all-new Toyota 4Runner. Decked out in the same Trailhunter trim as the new Taco, there’s no doubt that folks will see plenty of Runners on the trail in the Rockies and beyond. Although this vehicle was display-only, I watched as gawkers stood back and imagined their perfect 4Runner rig. Epic.

Ineos is Set to Make a Big Impact

It’s not often that off-road fans get to see a brand-new model and a brand-new company hit the scene, but that’s exactly what Ineos brought to the table. 

The story begins in 2016 when Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire founder of the Ineos chemical company and a longtime admirer of the Defender, learned that Land Rover would discontinue the iconic model. Disappointed by the decision and convinced that there was still a market for a no-nonsense, go-anywhere vehicle, Ratcliffe decided to build one himself.

Ratcliffe’s vision was to create a 4x4 that combined the ruggedness and simplicity of the original Defender with modern engineering and reliability. Ineos Automotive, a subsidiary of Ineos Group, was established to bring this vision to life. The vehicle was named after the Grenadier Pub in Belgravia, London, where Ratcliffe and his team first discussed the idea.

A back-to-basics philosophy drove the development of the Grenadier. The design emphasizes practicality and functionality over aesthetics, featuring a boxy shape, exposed hinges, and a ladder-frame chassis. The Grenadier is built to handle extreme off-road conditions, with heavy-duty components and advanced engineering. It draws power from proven BMW-sourced six-cylinder engines and features solid axles, tough mechanical differentials, and plenty of off-road tech.

Where the Grenadier really shines is in the sheer ease of customization that Ineos designed this thing with right out of the factory. 

• Roof Rails and Utility Belt: The Grenadier comes with built-in roof rails and a "utility belt" running along the sides of the vehicle. This belt is essentially a set of built-in attachment points that can be used to mount accessories like jerry cans, recovery equipment, or other gear without the need for additional brackets.

• Heavy-Duty Roof Load Capacity: The Grenadier’s roof is designed to handle heavy loads, making it perfect for mounting roof racks, tents, or other adventure accessories. It supports substantial dynamic and static weights, meaning it’s ideal for overlanding setups.

• Interior Customization: The Grenadier's interior is designed to be functional and rugged, with plenty of room for additional equipment. The cargo area can be configured to accommodate storage solutions like drawer systems or extra seating, depending on the owner's needs.

• Pre-Wired for Accessories: The Grenadier features pre-wired auxiliary switches and electrical points, making it easy to install additional electrical accessories, such as lights, winches, or power outlets.

In the coming years, you’ll see plenty more of the Grenadier both at shows and out on the trail.

The Rise of Roof-Top Camping Setups: Elevated Adventure

One of the standout trends at Overland Expo Mountain West was the prevalence of roof-top camping setups. These elevated tents have become the go-to choice for off-road enthusiasts, offering a mix of convenience, safety, and the ability to set up camp just about anywhere. Unlike traditional ground tents, roof-top setups keep you off the uneven, rocky terrain and away from potential critters, providing a more comfortable and secure sleeping environment.

Another major draw is the convenience factor—these setups are easy to deploy, often popping up within minutes, and they can be mounted on a wide variety of vehicles, from rugged SUVs to fully-equipped trucks. What stood out at the Expo was the diversity in design and function, from compact, aerodynamic models perfect for weekend warriors to more elaborate, fully insulated options built for extended overland expeditions. 

As more people seek adventure in remote areas, the roof-top camping trend is only gaining momentum, with brands continually innovating to meet the demands of the modern off-roader.

Off-Road Ready Trailers: Bringing Comfort and Capability to the Backcountry

Off-road trailers continue to dominate the overlanding scene, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for adventure. 

At Overland Expo Mountain West, the variety and sophistication of these trailers were impressive. Ranging from ultra-lightweight, minimalist designs to fully-equipped mini homes on wheels, these trailers are built to handle rugged terrain while providing the amenities needed for extended stays in the backcountry.

What's fueling the popularity of these off-road-ready trailers is the desire for a more comfortable and sustainable camping experience without compromising on mobility. With advanced suspension systems, durable materials, and smart storage solutions, these trailers can follow their owners deep into the wilderness while providing a solid basecamp outfitted with everything from full kitchens to solar power setups. 

The ability to disconnect and explore without breaking down camp makes them a key asset for serious overlanders who want to bring a bit of luxury into the most remote environments.

Off-Road Vans: The Ultimate Mobile Office for Adventure Seekers

One trend that really stood out at Overland Expo Mountain West was the rise of off-road vans that double as mobile offices. 

These vans are quickly becoming the go-to choice for adventurers who need to stay connected while exploring the great outdoors. Imagine being able to tackle rugged trails by day and jump into a video call or wrap up some work from a remote, scenic campsite by night—these vans make it possible.

What’s fueling this trend is the growing desire to blend work and play. The vans on display weren’t just built to handle tough terrain; they were also equipped with clever interior layouts that turn them into fully functional workspaces. From comfortable seating to desk setups and even satellite internet, these vans are designed to help you stay productive, no matter where your travels take you. And when the work is done, you’ve still got everything you need for a cozy night’s sleep, a hot meal, and a warm shower, all in the middle of nowhere.

Off-road vans are perfect for those who want to break away from the traditional office environment but still need to stay plugged in. They’re redefining what it means to work remotely, offering the freedom to chase adventure without leaving your responsibilities behind.

Get Out There!

It’s hard not to be inspired by the love of the outdoors, especially when surrounded by companies that make it so easy and fun to get out there. 

The trends on display at Overland Expo Mountain West show just how much the off-road community continues to evolve. Whether it's the convenience of roof-top camping setups, the comfort of off-road trailers, or the versatility of vans that double as mobile offices, adventure is becoming more accessible and customizable than ever. 

As technology and design keep pushing boundaries, the future of off-roading looks more exciting, and the possibilities for exploration are endless.