toyota safari pickup

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The Best Off-Road Truck Isn’t Found in the U.S.

By John B. Snow

Updated on Aug 27, 2021 11:44 AM EDT

6 minute read

The Toyota Land Cruiser is the iconic safari truck in Africa and is among the most capable off-road trucks on earth. Justin Moore

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When it comes to arguing about the best off-road truck there are a lot of contenders. In my mind, however, there’s no real competition for the title. The customized safari rigs—based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 79—that professional guides in Africa use for their clients have a set of features and capabilities that no other vehicle duplicates.

Qualities of the Best Off-Road Truck

What earns these rigs the top spot? For starters, they actually spend the majority of their time off-road. These are not pampered garage queens or casual weekend rock-crawlers. On a daily basis, these trucks have to tackle mud, hills, rocks, sand, water and brush that is thicker, thornier, and nastier than anything we see in North America. And what other vehicle needs to be able to hightail it across the veld with an angry elephant in pursuit?

Everything on these trucks is hardened for tough use and survivability. But unlike pure off-road vehicles like UTVs and other four-wheelers, they are road capable. The guides who rely on them road trip from one part of Africa to the next for work, so the trucks can handle long hours on pavement.

I’ve spent many hours and days riding in safari trucks over the years. Not only can they crawl across axle-breaking ground, but can do it with a Cape buffalo loaded in the back. And should you want to take a break and enjoy a luxurious meal, they do that too. About the only thing you can knock them for is not being used in the snow and cold. That’s a valid point. But even so, they’re still the best off-road truck.

Best Off-Road Truck Features

My friend Rob Lurie, a hunting guide from Zimbabwe, owns the truck pictured above. He’s been in the safari industry for more that 25 years and has worked the kinks out of his builds. He goes through a truck every five years or so and at this point is making only small modifications to his design.

• Base truck : Toyota Land Cruiser 79 single-cab pickup. “This is the landmark safari vehicle of Africa,” Lurie says. “It can carry about 1.5 tons of load and has 4-wheel drive with differential locks on the front and the back. It comes with modern features like power steering and air conditioning but is still pretty simple.”
• Motor and Transmission: “Mine’s a 4.5-liter V-8 diesel with a single turbo charger and 5-speed manual transmission. It’s the same engine that’s in the 200-series Land Cruiser, which is similar to the Sequoia that you have the in States and that has the twin turbos. The 4.2-liter straight six diesel is more common in Africa, but I like the V-8.”
• Fuel : Dual 90-liter tanks for 180 liters of diesel, which translates to 47.5 gallons of fuel. In stock configuration, the truck gets about 19 mpg. With the mods and extra weight, expect that to drop significantly, but even at 16 mpg this safari rig will have a cruising range of more than 700 miles. For perspective, if you started driving the truck from New York City, you could probably get to Indianapolis before stopping for gas.
• Base cost: $70,000. “It is built in South Africa but we pay a 65 percent duty tax to the government to import the vehicle, so that’s what really pumps the price up high.”

Add-Ons and Modifications

• Front bumper. Gets replaced with a heavy-duty brush bar that incorporates LED lights and a 12,000-pound Warne winch. “Driving through the bush you have to worry about stumps and animals and the winch is useful in a lot of areas for getting us out of the mud and sand and gullies,” Lurie says.
• Mesh seed catcher. “That stops the grass seeds from going into the radiators. It’s pretty important early in the year and when it rains a lot and the grass is high,” he says.
• Rear bumper.  “We replace it with a heavy-duty bumper that we can use our hi-lift jacks on to jack up the vehicle when we either get stuck or have flat tires,” he says. “Also it is a stepping bar for guys to get in and out of the truck.”
• Tires. “I hunt with standard 7.50R16 14-ply tires as we’re in a lot of gravel, sharp stones, and rocks,” he says. “I find the wider, nicer-looking off-road tires get damaged a lot more so I hunt with standard-width tires that are narrower but much tougher.”
• Air compressor.
• Suspension. “With the extra weight we put on the vehicle we have to upgrade the suspension. I put EFS heavy-duty leaf springs on the back and heavy-duty coil springs up front with heavy-duty shocks all around,” he says. “I also have greaseable shackles for the spring hangers on back and every year I change out the shackle and spring bushings. They take a lot of flack from the dust and move around a lot.”
• Hunting platform. “There are a whole lot of different designs. Mine has a gun rack that holds three guns and a hunting seat behind the cab that can seat three people and is removable for when we’re loading big animals. It also has brackets on either side to hold two spare wheels and keep them out of the way,” Lurie says. “There’s also a roof rack with a basket above the cab that can hold jackets, cameras, and other bits and pieces.”
• Side steps. Two sets of rungs on either side to help hunters climb in and out of the truck.
• Rhino lining. Protects the steel work in the back tray of the vehicle from blood, salt, scratches, and rust.
• Hunting box. “It has axes, ropes, pulleys, spare tubes for the tires, repair kits, my tool kit, shovels and a pick—just a whole plethora of stuff,” Lurie says.
• Fridge/Freezer. “I have an Engel 40-liter (10 gallon) fridge/freezer that runs off the 12-volt and keeps our drinks and anything else cold all day. Especially useful in summer when temperatures hit 110 degrees and you go for a walk and come back to a nice cold drink,” Lurie says.
• Safari chairs.
• Lunch kit. “I have a tea-box with all my equipment for coffee and tea and a lunch box where I keep the bits and pieces for grilling meat in the field, plates and knives and forks and spices,” he says.
• Lights. “I added a light bar up front and replaced the cab light with an LED strip that’s much brighter and have some portable lights in case we need to skin out an animal in the dark or if we get stuck in the field,” he says.

Ultimate Overlander

There you have it, the makings of the best off-road truck on earth. All-in, this configuration will tack another $10,000 on top of the $70,000 base price. That’s a lot of cheddar, but the most painful part isn’t the price tag but rather that the truck isn’t available in the United States since it lacks air bags and other touches our government insists upon.

Read Next: How to Build the Ultimate Hunting Truck

I’ve hunted Africa many times over the decades and can guarantee that whenever someone goes on their first hunt, two things will happen. One, that person will start planning their second trip before they leave. And, two, they will want a safari truck of their own. Even after all this time I still crave one. Maybe someday we’ll be able to have the best off-road truck that any of us who have ever been to Africa dream about.

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1,000 Miles In Africa With The Ultimate Toyota Land Cruiser

Pickup trucks may feel like American institutions, but their purest form in 2020 is actually Japanese. Here’s what it was like driving 1,000 South African miles in a Toyota Land Cruiser 79-Series Namib Edition , a vehicle we should sing ballads about when we finally lay flowers on the grave of fossil fuels. Also, if you think elephants look large in pictures, wait ’til you’ve got one in your windshield.

( Full Disclosure : Land Rover arranged my travel from Los Angeles to Namibia to check out the   2020 Defender back in February. That trip included a layover in Johannesburg, and Land Rover’s agent didn’t have a problem with my request to make that layover a week instead of an hour. Then I asked somebody at Toyota South Africa if I could borrow one of its vehicles while I was in town. The company’s reps very kindly obliged. I’ve been saving this story for a special occasion. May it offer some joy in escapism.)  

Welcome to Africa.

I strode out of the terminal at Johannesburg’s huge airport into a wall of wet heat. It was late in the day, early in 2020, South Africa’s summertime. As I stood at the curb wondering if I’d just been swindled by an ATM with an exorbitant currency exchange fee (yes), I scrolled through my emails trying to figure out where my contact at Toyota South Africa had left a car for me.

A few weeks prior I’d convinced them to loan me a Land Cruiser, but we never specified which version. Not wanting to push my luck, I’d just agreed giddily and hoped I’d get a good one.

When I found the thing, towering over rental-spec economy cars and station wagons and everything else in the airport garage, my jaw and luggage hit the deck in unison.

The Toyota Land Cruiser 79-Series Namib Edition isn’t just a good one, it’s the ultimate factory safari machine. This spec has a big turbodiesel V8, manual transmission, two solid axles, front and rear locking differentials, an ARB bumper, snorkel, four-wheel drive that’s activated with a lever, no driver aids, no traction control. Its only creature comforts are a set of canvas seat covers and a magnificent cupholder .

For those of you who aren’t into trucks and would like a little context: These are all the features that off-road enthusiasts put on their Christmas lists every year. Well, those plus an onboard air compressor, high-intensity spotlights and mud terrain tires. This Cruiser had those too.

And. And. The loaner truck I found waiting for me was sprayed in the perfect shade of “Let’s Go Look For Elephants” tan. I threw my junk on the back seat and headed east. To look for elephants.

A few days later not only had I succeeded at locating loxodonta, I also found myself wondering whether one of them was going to tear my Cruiser’s bumper off and feed me a face full of airbag for daring to drive into its neighborhood.

We’ll come back to that later.

I’d made it to a place called Kruger National Park, or “the Kruger,” as it’s sometimes called. It’s a wildlife refuge where people can visit South Africa’s majestic animals. And it is enormous . The Kruger spreads out over about 7,700 square miles (the South African National Park’s official site says nearly two million hectares) which is more land area than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.

Early in the planning stages of this trip I had to make a choice: prioritize hardcore off-roading or seeing creatures. And as badly as I wanted to really test the limits of this Land Cruiser, I have to admit, I was more interested in the wild animals that I wouldn’t be able to see anywhere else in the world.

And to be totally honest, I was a little worried about wheeling off-grid in unfamiliar territory. Even if you haven’t read or seen “127 Hours,” I bet you still know better than to trample out into the wilderness with no backup, 5,000 miles from the nearest person you know.

Spending almost all my time in the Kruger limited my off-road testing to dirt tracks, little puddles and one tiny section of technical muddy wheeling, but it did grant me more chances to meet animals than if I’d gone rock crawling. Worth it.

Making Friends On Safari

The Kruger has a vast network of dirt and paved roads snaking through it. These tracks connect way-stations where you can buy fuel, food and a hotel room or a place to camp.

The whole place is run by SAN Parks (South Africa National Parks), but there are dozens of subcontractor safari host companies that are permitted to operate inside the Kruger’s boundaries. As a visitor, you can pretty much be as independent or as coddled as you want. I did a bit of a mix.

First, I hooked up with one of the safari outfits based in the southwest of the park and bought a few nights in one of their tents. That came with dinners made by their chef and driving tours hosted by their guides.

It felt a little silly climbing into a converted Hilux with other tourists when I had a superior truck at my personal disposal, but the reality of safari’ing is that it’s much, much easier to get good animal spottings when you’re riding passenger.

Some of my favorite photos from the trip came from sitting in one of the park’s pickup truck bus-things. And crushing beers with the guides after hours was a good time, and a good way to get tips on where to see more animals.

Come on, click through my creature slideshow:

The tourist rigs are limited in range, though, and they only do quarter-day length trips to make sure nobody gets too hangry. I was itchy to put more miles on my Cruiser in short order, so I went off on my own again.

Yesterday’s Truck, Today

You can’t buy a 79-Series Land Cruiser in the U.S., but you could get pretty close to the highway experience by driving a 20-year-old box truck with no cargo in it.

The cab is pretty much just big chunks of plastic, and there aren’t many buttons to push. Opening the door requires an earnest yank, and the vehicle takes its time responding to any inputs.

But the quality of the interior here is... kind of a mind-screw. Everything’s basic, but beefy. I wrote a whole blog about how the plastic cupholder seems like it’s carved from rock, and that can pretty much be said for everything.

Even the shift knob, just a little dollop of rubber, feels like it’s thick enough to go unworn well into the next Ice Age.

Power feels plentiful, though the actual output claim is a modest 200-odd HP with about 317 lb-ft of torque. The clutch has manageable heft to it, and shift throws are long. The ride quality is surprisingly nice, too. Thick shocks made by Old Man Emu go a long way to make this vehicle’s extraordinarily primitive suspension and chassis setup feel smooth over long highway sections and dirt tracks.

I have no doubt that you could drive this truck to the end of the Earth and back without breaking so much as a piece of interior trim, as long as you don’t mind sitting with all the luxuries of an old school bus.

Back To The Beasts

Animals have right-of-way in the Kruger, and really, you don’t have much choice but to yield when a 6,000-plus pound beast wanders into your path.

Highlights of my animal sightings include: A couple of lions humping about 10 feet from my driver side door (I was too scared to roll the window down at that range), hyenas gnawing at my rear bumper, a croc hoping I’d get out of my truck so he could eat me, getting stuck behind an elephant who insisted on using the road for miles and miles before traipsing into the trees so I could pass, hippos in the water, zebras, baby elephants, bathing elephants, even more elephants, and giraffes. Also, buffalo in rivers. Oh yeah, and a rhino roadblock that forced me to make a 70-mile detour because I wasn’t about to try and sneak around these guys:

Giraffes are so freaking bizarre to behold in person. They’re like tree-horses and move as such. Hyenas, I decided, get a bad rap in Hollywood. They’re far cuter in reality than the antagonists in The Lion King .

But the most valuable piece of animal information I got in Africa came from the conservationist Charlie Mayhew , who’s the CEO of an organization called Tusk that works to protect African wildlife.

“When an elephant’s got his ears out, it’s only a mock charge,” he explained. “They’re just warning you to stay away. When they pin their ears back, that’s when they might actually be coming after you.”

Of course, I hadn’t met Charlie yet when I came around a corner in the Kruger and found myself truck-to-tusks with a weighty elephant; he was on the Land Rover segment of this Africa overland trip. But yes, we’re finally back to the moment I referenced at the beginning of our story.

The creature popped out of the thick tree line like I was on a damn Disneyland ride, ears flapping, suddenly taking up the whole road. I froze, slowly raised my phone to snap a picture (couldn’t help myself), and realized this must be dad, emerging to play crossing guard for two smaller elephants. You can see them in the distance of this picture I’ll reshare here so you don’t have to scroll back up:

We stared at each other for a very, very long half minute. I locked the steering wheel to the left and gingerly applied throttle, to see if he wouldn’t mind me driving by him now that his family was safely in the woods again.

The elephant took a step forward. I stopped again.

Determined not to offend him, but becoming just a little concerned we were going to clash, I put the truck into reverse and tip-toed backwards. He didn’t care for that either, and took another step forward.

At this point he was close enough to get his trunk around my bumper, and I was pretty sure he had equal or better acceleration than my 5,000-pound pickup truck.

Part of me wanted him to thrash the vehicle to bits, I can’t deny it. That certainly would have made for a more exciting ending to this story than what really happened. But a bigger part of me didn’t want the elephant to injure himself, and I definitely didn’t want to owe Toyota tens of thousands of dollars in Land Cruiser repairs. So when the enormous animal trotted harmlessly after his kin I breathed a heavy sigh of relief and vowed, for the rest of my road trip, to take blind corners with even more respect.

Luckily all my other close encounters with elephants — and there were plenty over the course of the week — were stress-free. As long as they see you coming, the elephants in the Kruger don’t seem to mind people or vehicles much at all.

Overlandcruiser’ing

The Kruger doesn’t let anybody drive at night. Way-station gates get closed and locked to keep large animals out (for real) and don’t open until sunrise.

Now I was back to running solo. The 4.5-liter engine was already idling when the gate opened at 5:30 a.m., and out I went. I pretty much didn’t shut it off until sundown and got something like 14 hours of seat time punctuated by a few coffee and sanity stops. I repeated that process a couple of more times on the days I didn’t roll with tour guides, and by the end of my visit, I’d driven almost every road in the park.

Rolling into a camp on my second-to-last-day on fumes of diesel just ahead of closing was one of the most satisfying automotive experiences I’ve ever had.

“Haha, dang brue,” one of the pro guides shook his head as he looked at the brutally flat seats in my truck. He’d come over to check out the machine, I offered up my stash of beers, and the conversation got friendly in short order. “Why didn’t you rent something more comfortable?”

The 79-Series Cruiser is rugged, but I never found its basic canvas-wrapped seats uncomfortable. Maybe I was just high on the experience of driving a dream car in Africa, but I can’t say I really missed infinitely adjustable power leather seats or a high-end stereo of a Range Rover or a American-spec Land Cruiser.

This truck insists that you focus on driving. Relax too much and it wanders off into another lane. Shifting gears looks like a CrossFit exercise. Power spools up slowly, but as you roll into the throttle, the available energy never seems to end. This Cruiser made me feel important. Like, king of the jungle.

It didn’t hurt that everyone made way when I came through groups of people, too. Tourists were giving the Sand Beige Land Cruiser a wide berth assuming, I imagine, that I was some kind of park official. The Namib was the beefiest 4x4 I saw during my stay.

The truck shrugged off rough roads without issue, obviously. To my mild disappointment I never even needed to lock a diff, and barely used four-wheel drive. Those Cooper mud terrain tires did a lot of heavy lifting, and on the paths I took the 79-Series’ extreme capability was largely left in reserve.

Safari Safety  

Besides a commitment to driving slowly, the two best tools in my arsenal for self-preservation were my paper map and my Garmin inReach Explorer SE+ device.

Keeping an eye on my fuel, and the time of day, and the distances between camps on a physical map ensured that I didn’t get stuck outside camp fences when gates got locked. And the Garmin, for a pretty reasonable monthly fee, acted like a satellite antenna for my iPhone.

I just paired the device via Bluetooth, and then could text my wife from anywhere in the world. Plus, as long as I kept it charged, she could open a password-protected webpage and see a reassuring little dot zeroing where I was within a few meters.

As much as I love extreme solitude, I have an easier time enjoying it with a working panic button on hand. Thankfully, all I ever had to use it for on this trip was sending heart emojis.

Less Is More

A 1,000 miles of driving a new truck built like an old truck pretty much reinforced lots of car-enthusiast clichés for me. Namely, that it’s way more fun to drive a vehicle unencumbered by perversions of modern life like a multitude of infotainment apps and smart cruise control.

With the Garmin tucked away, it was very easy to forget if I was adventuring in 2020 or 1980 or somewhere in between while I was rolling around in the 79-Series. And that’s kind of exactly why it was so much fun to drive.

Climate control doesn’t need to be more than a red/blue knob. Seats don’t need to be covered in leather. Or powered.

It’d be hard to have a bad time on a road trip with the world’s most amazing animals outside of your windows, and it was tough to shave this story down to a readable length... I’ll have to tell you about how I got stopped by South African law enforcement on suspicion of poaching another time. Don’t worry, the only animal I bagged came from a gift shop, and was already stuffed when I bought it.

Africa is glorious, the 79-Series Land Cruiser is a joyful time machine, and I hope you enjoyed coming on this ride with me.

This will be my last Jalopnik byline, as I’m resigning my commission as an editor here and moving on to a new project. I’ve really enjoyed entertaining (and, I hope, occasionally educating) everyone reading this over the last seven-plus years. I’ll miss a lot about this job! Going to Africa to confirm that an awesome truck is awesome, for example, was a great way to spend some work days.

But for real, it’s been a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of this site. Hit me up on Twitter and Insta . And soon, I’ll be yapping about cars for you from somewhere new. Thanks for everything!

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The Ultimate Safari Vehicle | What Makes Our Toyota Land Cruiser Special?

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All of our tours are private. The vehicle is yours and yours alone for the duration of your adventure with us. This means we can stick around and watch a lazy lion for hours or head back early for dinner. It's all up to you. 6 Spacious seats in the back cabin plus the captain and co-captain chair gives you loads of room to stretch out as you please.

Fully Equipped With Safety Features

Our guides perform a daily inspection of all safety features on the vehicle. This includes a bumper winch, multiple spare tires, first aid kits, car jacks, CB radios, extra fuel & water, and more. We take safety and preparations seriously so you can let all of your anxieties melt away.

Over The Top Comfort

Bluetooth audio to connect your personal music, custom seat covers thoroughly cleaned between trips, and Air Conditioning are some of the standard comfort features we have. An on-board electric refrigerator (top left) to keep your favorite food/beverages cold and several electrical outlets (bottom left) to keep your devices charged make you feel at home!

...And So Much More!

A pop-top roof for ideal game viewing. Butterfly open windows to make you feel that much more in tune with the wilderness around you. A built-in canopy for one of a kind bush picnics. (right) Stand up and feel the breeze in your hair as you race towards a fresh kill or kick back and take a nap on your way back to the lodge. This jeep is designed for you to use it as you prefer.

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Safari Vehicles – Everything You Need to Know About Cars for the Bush

Safari vehicles come in all shapes and sizes and offer different ways to experience the African bush. The car is something that you would probably overlook when choosing one for your safari, but it can be the pivotal factor in how you experience your safari.

From the safari enthusiast who knows nothing about cars to the weekend explorer who has the 4×4 with all the extras you can imagine, this is a guide on everything you need to know.  It breaks down what to expect from the safari vehicles you will be using when going on your first safari trip.

If you haven’t quite got as far as booking your first trip, then this guide to the best safaris in Africa for first-timers is the perfect starting point.

What is a Safari Vehicle?

You might be asking yourself what African safari cars are and why they matter? In general, they are large 4×4 vehicles that have been modified to ensure the passengers’ safety. It is worth remembering that the regulations about the vehicles differ from national parks to private reserves and from province to province.

Big, small, open, or closed — there are a few different types of vehicles for safaris that the different national parks use. The vehicle should suit your needs or what you want to get out of the safari.

Unfortunately, you don’t always have a choice when it comes to what safari cars are available. So here is everything that you need to know to help prepare you for what to expect and how to choose what vehicle is best for you on safari.

If you are more of the adventurous type and would rather rent your own vehicle, this will also help you in understanding what vehicle would be best. All safari vehicles should at least have some, if not all of these features:

• Snorkel to handle deep water
• Upgraded suspension for extra comfort and durability
• Upgraded wheels and tires suited to the terrain

African Safari Vehicles

When it comes to an African safari car, there are a number of different types of vehicles that could be used on your drive. Most safaris however will be in a 4×4 safari where the terrain requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle to pass through. But there are other routes that will allow you to travel in a much larger group in more comfort, such as in a sprinter van on a hardpack road.

Some National Park’s offer a pickup service for a private tour where the guide will pick you up in the safari vehicle, with the canvas sides closed. They will then open the sides once you start your safari. You wouldn’t exactly want to be in an open vehicle driving along the freeway but on the game drive, it is perfect. A closed vehicle would be more comfortable in that scenario but not as good on the game drive itself with limited viewing available.

The two most common vehicles used are either safari Jeeps or Toyota safari vehicles. They both have their own advantages and disadvantages but are some of the best for the job.

Toyota Safari Vehicles

The legendary and most reliable of them all, most game parks use Toyota Land Cruisers as their vehicle of choice. Having replaced the trusty Land Rover Defender and the African safari Jeep a few decades ago, Toyota changed the game forever.

There are both enclosed and open Toyota safari vehicles, depending on the location and guidelines of the park. Fully open vehicles provide unrestricted views of the world around you, perfect for the photographers who want to get that perfect shot. An open vehicle has no doors, windows, or frames to block your view. You also have the ability to listen and talk to your guide, ensuring that you don’t miss a thing and know what is going on at all times.

The closed version offers more protection from the elements on those colder and wetter days. The downside, though, is that your view is more restricted and you have to look through windows. This isn’t ideal for those wanting to take photographs but perfect for those who want a comfortable experience.

Safari Trucks

If you really want to go off the grid and live in the bush, then a safari truck is the answer. These beasts are normally caravans on wheels with either 4×4 or 6×6 capabilities and can live in the middle of nowhere for weeks on end. Other safari trucks that are used are normal vans, such as a sprinter van. These will take you and a group of your friends in amazing comfort on more maintained and established tracks.

Types of Safari

The type of safari that you choose to do will have an impact on the type of safari vehicle that will be available to you. Not only that but the location of your safari will also be a factor in what vehicle is available.

Kenya and Tanzania prefer to use fully enclosed vehicles with their passengers but with the added modification of an expanding or opening roof. This means that if you get tired of looking through the window with limited visibility, you can stand for an uninterrupted view. The roof is then closed once the safari is over. This is different in South Africa where mostly open-air vehicles are used for a much better experience.

Guided Game Drive

The most popular of the safari options are the guided game drives on private game reserves and National Parks. These are the go-to for anyone who is visiting a game reserve.

The professional guides will either use an open or enclosed vehicle depending on their rules and preference. If you visit during the summertime, don’t forget a hat to protect you from the sun. If you brave the winter months then layer up as it can get really cold in the bush at all times, especially when the sun goes down.

If you are wanting the full open vehicle experience then this short afternoon safari in the Kruger is a beautiful and quick excursion into the African landscape. Don’t forget to wear a solid pair of boots and clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty as well, as you can expect a lot of mud and dust.

Self-Drive Safaris

For the mavericks and explorers among us, the self-drive safari is one of the top bucket list adventures. Renting or taking your own vehicle through a national park and going at your own pace to explore the landscape is the perfect option. It is possible to do a self-drive safari in any car with plenty of accommodation options in National Parks. For the ultimate experience, you’d want a 4×4 with all the bells and whistles.

Different Safari Cars for a Different Experience

Now that you know that a safari car isn’t just a car and that they are different, you will be able to choose the perfect safari to suit your needs. If you are wanting a photographic excursion into the wild then an open safari car is the best.

If you want to feel a little more protected then an enclosed vehicle is your car of choice. If you are planning a trip to Africa or Kenya in particular, then this guide on all you need to know about safaris in Kenya will help plan your trip.

Why not give this 3-day safari adventure in Nairobi a try? It is a beautiful drive into the Kenyan landscape.

Don’t forget to dress appropriately for the car that you will be driving in and enjoy every moment of your safari.

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Types of Safari Vehicles, Overland Trucks & More: 14 Best Ways to Explore Africa

Posted by Briony Chisholm on September 16 2022 in Adventure Travel & Activities Enquire Now!

So you’re going on a safari to see the open plains and incredible wildlife of Africa? One of the most important details to check, before booking your trip, is what types of African safari vehicles, overlanding trucks, and other forms of transportation are used.

The range of safari vehicles is enormous. From walking safaris with enclosed transfer vehicles to pop-top 4X4 safari vehicles, and from 4-seater to 44-seater overland trucks. You can go bare-bones or air-conditioned high-luxury, local dugout mokoro, horseback, or air safaris for a bird's eye view. The important thing is to choose the type of African safari vehicle or overlanding truck, and other means of exploring (or combination) that suits you, for the ultimate African safari experience.

We’ll start with the biggest African safari vehicles and end with the ‘on foot’ transportation mode.

Safari Vehicles, Overland Trucks & Ways to Explore Africa - Quick Links

• Overlanding Vehicles (Overland Trucks)
• Minibus or Microbus Safari Vehicles
• Land Rover & Cruiser Safari Vehicles
• Open Game Viewing Safari Vehicles
• Flying African Safaris
• Hot Air Balloon Trips
• Shark Cage Diving Boats
• Rubber Ducks
• Dhow Sailing Boats
• Game Viewing Boat Cruises
• Mokoro Dug-out Canoes
• Kayak & Canoe Safaris
• Horseback & Camel Safaris
• Walking Safaris (on foot & by vehicle)

1. Africa Overlanding Vehicles (Overland Trucks)

These expedition trucks are specially built to deal with the rough roads of Africa, where potholes, deep ruts, and river crossings are pretty ‘every day.’ They are normally used for longer and larger (12 to 44 people) overland Africa tours, so need to be able to carry a fair amount of equipment while still offering the budget traveller a relatively comfortable trip and good views of the passing scenery and wildlife.

African tour operators choose the best overland truck for each trip, according to the area being visited and the anticipated terrain that will be covered. 

Overland Vehicle Seating Arrangements

Overland trucks may differ in their seating formation and size. Some have all forward-facing seats, while others may have some backward- or side-facing seats. The seats are generally raised, allowing for good views over the African landscapes, especially in grassy areas, where you want to be able to spot animals in the grass. Ask your tour operator about seating formation and how many are seated in a row – some overland trucks seat up to three per row, which makes seeing out a bit more difficult if you’re in the middle – before booking your overland tour.

Windows, Pop-up Roofs, and Taking Photos on Overland Trucks

The overland trucks generally have large windows, some of which open vertically, others horizontally – allowing for good views. Many of them also have a pop-up roof. This allows you to stand up and get 360-degree views and photos.

Luggage Space on Overlanding Trucks

All overland trucks are equipped with storage space (some lockable) for luggage and equipment – some under the seating section, others at the back of the truck, and some with a detachable trailer. Obviously, space is at a premium, so be sure to pack only the absolute essentials. Also, when packing, use soft luggage rather than hard (e.g. Samsonite), as it is much easier to fit into lockers and overhead compartments.

Most overland trucks have a safe onboard for the storage of valuables.

Mobile Kitchen & Diner

Many meals while on safari are prepared and eaten out in the bush, far from civilization. The overland trucks are fully equipped for this. Most safari trucks have a ‘kitchen’ section (often fold-out, beneath the seating area) with a stove and hand dish-washing area. They also have a fridge/freezer/cooler boxes to keep supplies and drinks fresh in the African heat. Africa Overland Tours are thirsty work!

Safety First on Safari!

Safety is non-negotiable. Check with your tour operator that there is a fully-stocked First Aid kit onboard, safety belts on all seats, and some means of communication (radio, etc.), in case of emergencies while on safari. All legitimate tour operators have their client’s safety first in mind and ensure that their overland trucks are kept in a good condition and are reliable for long trips – larger fuel and water tanks, spare tyres, knowledgeable and well-trained drivers, etc.

Overland Truck Gadgets

Modern overlanding trucks come fully equipped with the modern gadgets that we've all got used to. With iPod/MP3 points, you can listen to your own soundtrack as you watch the African landscape slide by. They also have onboard charging facilities so ensure that your camera remains fully charged and you don't lose that once-in-a-lifetime shot of a lion hunting his prey!

Some smaller tours use smaller overland trucks – seven to nine-seaters – which provide window seats only, so nobody has to be in a middle seat.

Luxury Overlanding Trucks

These are state-of-the-art 4x4 overland vehicles used on small-group overland tours. A custom-built luxury overland truck comfortably accommodates up to 12 guests. They are specially designed to provide extra space and amenities. This is the overland vehicle of choice for a more luxurious overlanding Africa experience with all the adventure in added style and comfort.

Features include an onboard toilet and a water filtration system for purified drinking water on the road. The luxury overland trucks have reclining leather seats that rotate 180 degrees and lock into your preferred position (for example, window or front-facing).

Each seat has overhead air-conditioning vents that can be independently operated for individual control of airflow and temperature. Every seat also features a USB port panel for charging your electronic devices and there is a reading light above each seat. Each seat has a safety deposit unit with individual key code access, for storing your passports, phones, and smaller valuables.

Recommended Africa Overland Tours

20-Day East African Overland Tour - South  or  20-Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland Tour - Camping Safari

Best of Namibia Safari Adventure - Overland Camping Tour

Small Group Tours in Luxury Overland Trucks:  South Africa Safari Adventure ,  Delta & Chobe Safari Adventure  &  Explore Namibia Safari Adventure

More Overland Africa Tours

2. Minibus or Microbus Safari Vehicles

For smaller safari groups and shorter tours that don’t go through hugely rugged areas, adapted microbuses (or minibuses) are used. As safari vehicles, Toyota Quantums and Mercedes Sprinters are most commonly used. The optimal number in most of these safari vehicles is six to ten people, forward-facing.

When booking a safari, find out from the tour operator which safari vehicle is used, and how many window seats there are, to ensure that everybody gets a window seat and has a good view of the spectacular scenery and amazing animals of Africa.

These safari microbuses are specially adapted for safari travel and are generally equipped with GPS tracking, sliding windows, cooler boxes, fire extinguishers, and First Aid kits. They generally have a softer suspension than other safari vehicles, giving a slightly more comfortable trip. Many of them – especially on  Kenya Safaris – also feature pop-up tops, allowing travellers to stand and view/photograph the countryside and animals from the minibus.

Some minibuses are fitted with air-conditioning. This is a welcome relief from the sweltering African heat but may detract from the whole experience of Africa, as the windows will be closed, blocking out the sounds of the bush.

Recommended small group trips using minibus safari vehicles

5 Days Budget Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Camping Safari

South Africa’s Garden Route Adventure Tour

3. Land Cruising Safari Vehicles

Land Cruisers and Land Rovers are used on many safari tours. They range from ‘bare-bones’ models i.e. no added ‘mod-cons’, to highly specialized vehicles that may include air-conditioning, MP3 players, and slightly tinted windows for protection from the sun. Some of the newer safari vehicle models also have pop-up roofs, for added viewing potential, especially in Tanzania.

Safari Vehicle Seating Arrangements 

These safari vehicles, in general, can carry four to six (extended version) passengers, all forward-facing. Check the seating configuration with your tour operator before booking. While extended safari vehicles can carry more people, they tend to be slightly more difficult to handle on the road. Most of the Land Cruisers are 4X4s, allowing travel over the rough terrain that Africa is known for… Have a look at images of the road into the Ngorongoro Crater if you want an idea!

While self-hire safari vehicle options are available, tour operators all have experienced drivers who, more often than not have extensive knowledge not only of handling the rough terrain but of the areas through which we travel.

Safety First on Safaris!

Most Land Cruisers are equipped with all possible safety features – fire extinguishers, First Aid kits, seat belts and many have airbags. They have specially designed fuel tanks to allow the economical use of diesel during long journeys and snorkels for travel through rivers.

Luggage Space & How to Pack (light)

In general, luggage is taken either in a trailer or packed on the roof, to keep the safari vehicle as uncluttered as possible inside, for your comfort. Remember to pack lightly!

Recommended 4x4 Trips in Land Cruiser Safari Vehicles

Tanzania Lodge Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

Masai Mara, Samburu, Nakuru 4x4 Kenya Lodge Safari

4x4 Ethiopia Tour - Danakil Depression & Awash National Park

4. Open Game-Viewing Safari Vehicles

Within many of the game parks, smaller, open-sided, or completely open safari vehicles are used for game drives. While these are not suitable for long distances – wind, dust, sun, and Africa’s elements can be harsh! – they are great for game drives as they allow you to get up close and personal with the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush.

These safari vehicles are most often adapted Land Cruisers which seat between six and nine passengers. Some are designed with tiered seating so that nobody’s view is blocked by the person in front of them’s head!

Protection from The Elements

Due to their being open to the elements, it is vital to protect yourself against the African sun. Hats, scarves, and windbreakers are all excellent shields from fiery hot UV rays. Many of these open safari vehicles do have canvas/plastic canopies that can be closed if the weather becomes uncooperative. Thunderstorms in Africa can be wild, and come on within minutes!

Safari Drivers & Trackers

Most often when going on game drives, there will be a driver and a tracker (often sits on the front of the car, allowing him to track spoor and dung.) The trackers are highly experienced, and allow one to see the best Africa has to offer in wildlife.

Recommended trips with open game-viewing

Chobe, Moremi & Delta Botswana Camping Safari

6-Day Kruger Park & Private Game Reserves Safari (Lodge)

5. Bird’s-Eye View Flying Safaris

‘Air safaris’ are offered at various places in Africa, like Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta . A flight over the delta in a small plane gives you an idea of the vastness of the area. A helicopter flight over Victoria Falls will make you feel like an eagle soaring above this spectacular area!

Helicopters on Safari

The ‘vehicles’ used differ from operator to operator. The helicopters used at Victoria Falls are generally 4- or 6-seaters and many have bubble windows, allowing for good viewing. Do remember that, in the 6-seater, you may land up in the middle seat, making seeing out slightly more difficult.

Light Planes on Safari

In the Okavango Delta, many of the lodges are only reachable by air, especially during the wet season. Many small plane charters are available both as a means to get to the lodges and for a birds-eye view of the delta and spectacular photographic opportunities – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Recommended safaris with flying components

Victoria Falls Budget Tour Package (Zimbabwe)

Okavango Delta & Chobe Accommodated Safari (North)

6. Hot Air Balloon Rides

What could be better than watching the sun rise over the Serengeti  while floating gently above its vast plains in a hot air balloon? Nothing, really. Hot air balloon rides are offered at various places in Africa (like Masai Mara and Serengeti) and provide an incredible, thrilling, bird’s-eye view of the vastness of Africa, dotted with wildlife.

Recommended trips with balloon safaris

4-Day Masai Mara Luxury Camping Safari  - optional hot-air balloon trip over Masai Mara, Kenya

12-Day Kenya & Tanzania Budget Lodge Safari  - optional hot-air balloon trip over Serengeti, Tanzania

7. Boat to the Great White Sharks

The boat used for our Great White Shark Cage Diving trips in South Africa is a custom-built catamaran. Combining comfort, stability, speed, and safety, this boat ensures not only a good trip for you but also promises minimal interference in the shark’s natural habitat.

The custom-built shark cage diving boat is typically a 46-foot (14m) long catamaran with a spacious upper deck for surface views of the sharks and other marine animals and platforms for the bait and decoy handlers to ensure the best possible shark viewing. It is a lightweight aluminium vessel powered by four big four-stroke 300-hp outboard engines and is equipped with the most advanced electronic navigation equipment. 

Staying dry and comfortable

Featuring a spacious indoor cabin, as well as separate wet and dry outdoor decks, the design ensures that when you’re wet, you’re wet, but once you’re out and want to be dry and comfortable, you can be. The boat usually features a central dining area, storage facilities for personal items, and both male and female toilets.

Electronically, the boat is fully equipped with a tracking device, radios, GPS, radar and navigation equipment, depth finder and echo sounder, and even a 12V charging facility for cameras, cell phones, and laptops.

Safety - yours and the shark's

Safety is of utmost importance and there are life vests for all passengers, fire extinguishers, a life raft, and capsize bottles on the boat. In case of medical emergencies, there are two onboard First Aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and fluid replacement.

Not only is your safety cared for, but that of the sharks too. The cage has no sharp points or edges that could hurt the animals. The cage itself is specially constructed of reinforced steel and can take five people comfortably. It is lowered and winched back up using a winch from a sturdy gantry. Oxygen is supplied from the boat to divers via a ‘hookah’ system with hoses running into the cage.

This, too, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s not much more exhilarating than coming face-to-face with a Great White in its own habitat!

Recommended shark diving tours

2-Day Great White Shark Dive Package

Great White Shark Cage Diving Day Tour

8. Rubber-Ducking the Gorges

Jinja, in Uganda - where the longest river in Africa, The Nile, begins at its source, Lake Victoria - is one of the top whitewater rafting destinations in the world. Add in Victoria Falls, the Fish River Canyon, and the Orange (Gariep) River, where various boat options are offered, from boogie-boarding the rapids through canoeing to rubber ducking both flat water and white water, and it's an adrenaline junkie's dream. Your trip choice depends completely on your adrenaline requirements/limits!

Whichever you choose, be sure to check that the tour operator follows all safety regulations, ensuring that you have a safe, enjoyable trip through the gorge. Life jackets and helmets are non-negotiable, these waters can get wild, and a knowledgeable, trained guide will ensure you get the most out of your trip.

Recommended trips with rubber ducking

Victoria Falls Adventure Tour Package (Zambia)

Masai Mara & Gorilla Trekking Overland Tour or  Uganda Safari & Gorilla Trekking Tour

9. East African Dhows (sailing boats)

There is nothing quite so beautiful as seeing a traditional dhow gliding through the warm, azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Originally used for trading, these long, narrow boats with triangular sails, expertly sailed by locals, are used along the east coast of Africa.

So whether you’re heading off to the Bazaruto Archipelago or exploring the coastline of Zanzibar , do yourself a favour and catch a ride on one of these graceful sailing vessels.

Recommended trips with dhow safaris

22-Day Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique & Kruger Safari

5-Day Zanzibar Holiday Package - Adventure Tour

10. Game Viewing Boat Cruises

One of the best ways to watch wildlife and birds on safari in Africa is without a doubt by boat. It's hard to compete with a laid-back sunset cruise. Exceptional wildlife and bird sightings along the rivers and estuaries in top game reserves of Africa. Stunning scenery. Chilled sundowners and snacks or dinner onboard. Easy-paced, yet exciting and novel. 

The boats used on boat cruises vary but they are typically open-sided motorboats. The larger boats offer standing and sitting room and are sometimes double-deckers. 

Chobe National Park in Botswana is one of the best places for boat-based game viewing in Africa. Another favourite spot for scenic boat cruises is the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. There are plenty of other great destinations for game-viewing boat cruises, from Uganda to South Africa. 

Recommended Safaris with Game-Viewing Boat Cruises

• Botswana:  5-Day Chobe & Okavango Delta Lodge Tour  or  Botswana Exclusive Camping Safari to Chobe & Okavango  - include Chobe River boat cruises (as with most Chobe Safaris)
• Uganda:  Gorilla Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Park Safari  - includes boat cruises on Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth Park) & in Murchison Falls National Park

11. Winding Through the Waterways in Mekoro

If your safari includes a trip into the Okavango Delta , you will more-than-likely experience the gentle pleasure of a trip in a mokoro canoe. Check with your tour operator that this is included as part of the package, or offered as an optional activity. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to get up close and personal with the prolific birds and wildlife – including elephants, hippos, and crocs – of the Okavango Delta.

Mokoro History

These traditional dug-out canoes are made of wood and guided by a ‘poler’, who stands at the helm. While originally made from indigenous trees, such as the Kingella or ‘Sausage Tree’, they are increasingly made of fibreglass these days. While not as ‘authentic’, this is preserving the indigenous trees of the area and provides just-as-good a means of transport through the spectacular waterways of the delta.

Experienced polers

Many people are afraid of hippos overturning a mokoro. While this is not an impossibility – this is Africa, after all, and you’re in their habitat – the polers are experienced in the area and are very aware that hippos are territorial creatures. They are sure to avoid dangerous situations.

A trip on a mokoro allows you to get as close to the sights and sounds of Africa as is physically possible. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Recommended safaris with Mokoro canoe trips

Botswana Parks & Okavango Delta Budget Lodge Safari

Budget Delta Mokoro Trail & Savuti Safari

12. Kayak & Canoe Safaris

If you're a kayaking or canoeing enthusiast this is the ultimate game-viewing safari vehicle for you. Watch the wilderness glide by as you paddle quietly along the rivers and waterways of Africa. A canoeing or kayaking safari gives you more independence than a mokoro trip where a guide poles you along.

The canoes and kayaks used on safaris vary widely, ranging from inflatable canoes to rugged old-school kayaks.

Some canoe safaris offer game viewing opportunities along the riverbanks and even in the waters whilst most are more about taking in the wild scenery and spotting birds.

Recommended safaris with canoe or kayak trips

• 16-Day Zambia & Malawi Small Group Safari  or 4-Day Victoria Falls Tour in Zambia - include Zambezi River Canoe Trips

4-Day South Africa Garden Route Tour - includes Canoeing in Wilderness National Park

15-Day Zambia & Malawi Small Group Budget Safari  - includes kayaking on Lake Malawi

13. Explore the African Bush on Horseback or Camelback

An incredible way to experience the bush up close! Horseback safaris are allowed in certain game reserves so if you want to experience the bush on horseback you'll need to pick your destinations accordingly. Two of the most popular African safari destinations that offer horseback safaris are Victoria Falls (Zambia or Zimbabwe) and Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town in South Africa. 

For a whole new experience, you can explore Africa by camel. An entirely unique and exotic mode of transport indeed. Camelback safaris are far rarer than horseback safaris. You can only embark on a camelback adventure in a few places, including parts of East Africa.

Recommended trips with optional horseback safaris & camelback safaris

• Experience Southern Africa Exclusive Budget Safari  &  Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari (Lodge Tour)  - optional horseback safaris at Victoria Falls

3 Day Big 5 Cape Town Safari  & 2 Day Big 5 Cape Town Safari  - optional horseback safaris at Aquila Game Reserve

Lake Turkana & Northern Kenya Camping Safari  - includes an overnight camelback safari in Tuum (Samburu District of Kenya)

14. Walking Safaris in Africa

This is (obviously) only an option once you are in the game reserve. Depending on the safety i.e. the presence of dangerous predators, many game reserves offer guided walking tours. This is the ideal way to get a true, African, wildlife experience. By walking through the bush all your senses experience Africa – sight, smell, sounds, touch – unadulterated by the sound of motors and really off the beaten track.

Guides and trackers

Most reserves have highly experienced guides who are a fountain of knowledge regarding the fauna and flora of the area and are excellent trackers. This allows you to not only experience the bush but also learn all sorts of fascinating facts while seeing the birds, insects, and animals that call Africa ‘home.’

If you have the opportunity, do not miss out on a walking safari. You can’t get closer to nature than this.

Recommended walking safari trips

4-Day Kruger Park Walking Safari  or  5-Day Kruger Safari - Hiking Tour

South Africa Walking Safari to Kruger & Zululand

7-Day South Luangwa Tented Camps Walking Safari

Talk to an Africa travel expert to find the ideal types of safari vehicles and other transport modes for your trip to Africa.

[Updated in 2022: originally posted in 2014]

About the Author

Briony chisholm wordsmith & pharmacist.

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Private Group?

A private, tailor-made safari is within your reach. Experience all of your bucket-list safari related items on a budget now.

Watch V6-Swapped Safari Toyota MR2s Blast Down a Beach

Toyota’s mid-engined sports car makes one hell of a dune buggy.

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If you're headed out to the sand dunes, it's likely you'd consider taking out an ATV or a side-by-side, or maybe a pickup truck with four-wheel drive. The Toyota MR2 probably isn't a car that immediately comes to mind for such duties. However, as demonstrated in this video by DJ's Hot Rod & Fab , the mid-engined sports car makes a highly entertaining platform for such hoonery.  

Obviously, a stock MR2 would quickly get beached driving on sand, but these are no stock MR2s. The Castrol-liveried second-generation SW20 MR2 belongs to David Hubbard. Swapped out with a Toyota 2GR V6 putting out over 300 horsepower, it's got a stripped-back body and is fitted with aggressive off-road tires for maximum fun. If that engine sounds familiar, it should be—it's used in the Toyota Avalon and Camry, as well as sportier applications like the Lotus Evora .

Meanwhile, the Gulf-liveried ZZW20 MR2 Spyder belongs to Kenny O'Brien, itself sporting a 1MZ swap from a Toyota Camry, good for around 200 horsepower. It also scored beefed up suspension at the rear with Silverado overload shocks to take the weight of the bigger motor. The car actually showed up at the Hoonigan facility earlier this year to tear around with a bunch of HooptieX competitors.

Being mid-engined , the Toyota MR2 has a rearward weight distribution as stock. Swapping in a V6 typically only exacerbates this. While this is sometimes frowned upon, for tearing up the sand, it's actually somewhat of a benefit. It helps to avoid the front end plowing in to the soft surface and getting the car stuck. 

The MR2 may be rear-wheel drive only, but for a bit of fun in the dunes, that's really all you need. With a wide stance and relatively low center of gravity compared to SUVs, David and Kenny are able to rip donuts with ease on the sand, kicking up huge rooster tails all the while. It's hard to imagine a better way to go hooning at the beach.

As you might expect, the day doesn't go entirely to plan. The cars get stuck, and the Spyder blows a radiator hose, though it's not enough to stop the fun. Instead, it's the power and torque of the SW20's engine that grenades the gearbox, putting an end to the day's festivities. A long walk back to the carpark ensues to fetch the recovery vehicle. Getting the cars off the dunes proves a little difficult given the soft sand, but in due time the Toyotas are loaded up safe and sound.

It wouldn't be fair to ignore the amazing work put in to the visual aesthetic of the cars. Each features a amazingly authentic recreation of a famous racing livery, tweaked where necessary to suit the lines of the MR2. It goes a long way to adding to the fun factor of the builds; after all, who doesn't want to ride in a Castrol-stickered off-road beast? 

Regardless of the mechanical woes, it serves as a great example of just how much fun you can have with a hacked up Safari-modded car. Chunky tires, cheap engine swaps, and fun graphics go a long way to building a ride you'll make excellent memories in. It looks like David and Kenny have been doing exactly that.

Got a tip? Let the author know: [email protected]  

• Bwindi - Best for trekking Gorillas
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The Toyota Landcruiser Extended

Date: September 23, 2023 By Joz Marc Obwalatum Categories: Blog Tags: Car Rental Options , Types of Car rentals in East Africa No comments

The Toyota Landcruiser Extended; 6 or 7 seater 4×4 Jeep knows how to navigate the toughest African roads.

This car has over the years proven to be robust and unbreakable! With the recent innovations, additional modifications have been made to provide extra comfort and drivability for the Landcruiser. The extension of the chassis has allowed for the originally 5 seater car to now carry 5 – 6 passengers (excl. the driver) and several other necessary extras including; Larger windows, charging points, a fridge, etc….. as we have explained below.

From USD250 per day with a driver-guide  but Excl. Fuel Cost.

First Aid Kit

Each of our Toyota Landcruiser safari vehicles is equipped with a first aid kit to cater to emergencies while on the road. Our driver-guides are trained to handle minor emergencies while on safari.

Pop-up Roof Top

Each of our Toyota Landcruiser Extended vehicles has a rooftop that can lift up to afford you a 360° view of your surrounding. This makes it the ideal vehicle for viewing, photography, or Filming Wildlife.

Each of our Toyota Landcruiser Extended vehicles has a small fridge fitted so as help keep your drinks onboard chilled for when you need to sip off a cool drink while on a game viewing Safari.

Power Inverter

The vehicles are each fitted with power adapters to make it possible for you to charge your cameras, laptops, and any other electronics while you travel.

Travellers Tip: Please bring your own converter plug(s).

Larger windows

Each of our Toyota Landcruiser Extended vehicles is fitted with large windows that afford occupants a clear and undistracted view of their surroundings. These also allow for better photography and filming of Wildlife.

Our Toyota Landcruiser safari vehicles are rebuilt to provide more space for occupants to freely move around the vehicle especially photographers and filmmakers that might need to switch positions to be able to capture a particular scene.

Browse our List of Vehicles for Hire other than the Toyota Landcruiser Extended

Toyota RAV4

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Drive Types

Destinations, our vehicles, itineraries, enquire now, our vehicles ‍ commissioned for purpose.

Prepared for Everything

Custom vehicle setups unique to safari drive, state-of-the-art camping equipment & roof tents., designed and maintained to the highest professional standards, satellite phones included as standard with 24 hour support, all the paperwork for you to cross borders, travel longer & safer with extended-range fuel tanks..

The best self-drive fleet Africa has to offer

The Vehicle

Toyota land cruiser 79.

After much rigorous trial and testing we finally decided upon the 79 series as our across the board flagship vehicle. These vehicles offer us the rugged base from which to build our bespoke style of vehicle. We are incredibly happy with how they have turned out. They offer us the space, reliability and strength that we believe is necessary for our safaris. ‍ They make great vehicles for families of four or in extremis five (although please call us to discuss the logistics!). They easily hold 2 roof tents and if you are strict on personal luggage then we can sometimes squeeze in a ground tent too.

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Preparing vehicles for safari since 1993

All the gear. All the idea.

Over the years we have researched and refined the list of vehicle equipment that we provide. The equipment is almost identical in every vehicle and we always ensure you have the essentials for each country and its respective driving conditions. ‍ You will have everything you need (and some nice extras) for your trip, so that camping, eating out (and enjoying a glass of wine) are a joy.

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The roof tent.

Don't like sleeping on the ground? No problem. All our vehicles have roof tents, equipped with sheets, duvets (two singles or double available), pillows and a blanket, giving you the extra comfort and safety you desire.

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Uniquely, we provide Satellite Phones with our trips. We promote 24/7 support and mean it. How can you call us if you don't signal after all. Also, your family might like a catch up (we include complimentary credit up to 15 minutes).

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Confidently discovering the road less travelled

Navigating the endless dirt tracks and washed out roads has always been one of the biggest challenges when traveling in Africa. In recent years Global Positioning Systems and Sat Nav pin point accuracy has opened up a whole new world in regards to wilderness navigation.

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2024 Toyota Tacoma's hybrid power, efficiency separate it from other midsize pickups

SAN DIEGO — Some ideas make so much sense you wonder why nobody's doing it. Then you wonder why everybody isn't doing it.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma hybrid midsize pickup is one of those. Gasoline powered versions of the Tacoma went on sale late last year. The hybrid will be in dealerships this spring. The hybrid shares its size, dimensions and most features with the pickups on sale now.

The hybrid engine combines a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.

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The hybrid drivetrain — Toyota calls it i-Force Max — is available on five trim levels:

• TRD  Sport
• TRD Off-road
• Trailhunter

Overlanding, anyone?

The Trailhunter is a new model, developed for overlanding, as long-term off-roading and camping is known. Engineered for overlanding, it’s built to crawl over rock while heavily laden.

Tacoma Trailhunter features include:

• Old Man Emu monotube shocks.
• High-mounted passenger-side air intake to reduce dust intake in the desert.
• 33-inch Goodyear Rugged Terrain tires.
• 18-inch bronze-finished wheels.
• 5- or 6-foot bed.
• Rock sliders rated for half the weight of fully loaded vehicle.
• Rear recovery loops.
• Front skid plate.
• Rear-differential and fuel tank guards.
• Onboard air compressor for airing tires up and down.
• 2,400-watt AC power.

2024 Toyota Tacoma hybrid trim levels and prices

• TRD Sport i-FORCE MAX Double Cab 4x4: $46,300
• TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX Double Cab 4x4: $46,600
• Limited i-Force Max Double Cab 4x4: $55,800
• Trailhunter i-Force Max Double Cab 4x4: $62,900
• Trailhunter i-force max Double Cab 4x4 6-foot Bed: $63,400
• TRD Pro i-Force Max Double Cab 4x4: $63,900

Source: Toyota. Prices exclude $1,495 destination charge.

Architecture shared with luxury SUVs, full-size pickup

The Tacoma uses Toyota’s GA-F architecture, which is also the basis of the Tundra full-size pickup, 4Runner and Sequoia SUVs and the Lexus GX and LX SUV.

That gives Toyota economies of scale it would never realize if the large and midsize vehicles had different architectures. That’s nice for Toyota’s bottom line, but to you and me it means the hybrid system could be adapted for any of those body-on-frame trucks with relative ease. There’s already a hybrid Tundra.

Toyota upgraded the Tacoma’s brakes and front drive shafts to accommodate the hybrid’s increased weight and torque output.

Toyota expects the Tacoma hybrid to score an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 23 or 24 mpg in combined city and highway driving depending on the model. That’s 2-3 mpg better than nonhybrid Tacomas, despite the hybrid’s significant power advantage. Gasoline-only models have a 400- to 450-pound higher towing capacity.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on hybrids. Gasoline models are an automatic and a six-speed manual.

Safety and driver assist features

• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind spot and rear cross traffic alert
• Automatic high beams
• Pre-collision alert and braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure alert and assist
• Front and rear parking assist
• Lane centering
• Road sign recognition
• Proactive Driving Assist

Driving impressions

I spent a day driving a four-door crew cab Tacoma TRD Off-Road hybrid with a 5-foot bed from Coronado Island in San Diego Bay over city streets, highways and mountain roads. The pickup is smooth and quiet on-road, with plenty of punch for passing. The suspension smooths rough pavement.

I also took a Trailhunter over a course that included rock climbing, steep inclines and descents, water and mud. It handled them with ease.

The Double Cab, as Toyota calls its crew cab, seats five with ease. The front seat has a big center console for drinks, devices and more.

Th 14-inch touch screen in the trucks I tested was big clear, and responsive. In addition to the touch screen, Toyota provides physical controls for volume, climate and drive train.

Features owners will appreciate:

• Connected navigation
• Head-up display
• Locking center and rear differentials
• Disconnecting front stabilizer bar
• Adaptive suspension on Limited model
• 14-inch touch screen
• 10-speaker JBL audio
• Wireless charging
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

What the numbers mean

A 2 or 3-mpg increase in combined city/highway fuel economy is small potatoes for a hybrid versus gasoline versions of the same vehicle, but the Tacoma hybrid looks a lot better when you compare it with other midsize pickups.

The Tacoma’s combined rating is 20% better than comparable models of the Colorado, Ranger, Canyon and Ridgeline. That’s a meaningful reduction in gasoline use and emissions, not to mention more than $500 a year off the typical owner’s fuel bill, according to EPA estimates. The Tacoma hybrid’s savings compared to a Ridgeline, which got 21 mpg, is 14%.

What do you call it when the worst thing you can say about a vehicle is it’s 14% better than the closest competition? Domination.

Why get a Toyota Tacoma?

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma hybrid is efficient, powerful, comfortable and good looking. The Tacoma has been America’s bestselling midsize pickup for years.

With the hybrid, owners have one more reason to keep it in first place.

2024 Toyota Tacoma hybrid at a glance

Midsize four-door pickup

Base price: $28,400 (excluding $1,495 destination charge)

Models tested: 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road with 5-foot bed.

Price as tested: $56,795 (excluding $1,495 destination charge)

Powerplant: 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder and electric motor

Output: 326 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 465 pound-feet of torque @ 1,700 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 22 mpg city/24 highway/23 combined (manufacturer’s estimate). Regular gasoline.

Wheelbase: 131.9 inches

Length: 213 inches

Width: 76.9 inches

Height: 74 inches

Ground clearance: Up to 11 inches

Bed width between wheel wells: 44.7 inches.

Curb weight: 5,030-5,410 pounds

Towing capacity: 6,000 pounds

Assembled in Guanajuato, Mexico

Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or  [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter  @ mark_phelan . Read more on  autos  and sign up for our  autos newsletter .  Become a subscriber .

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2024 Toyota Tacoma's hybrid power, efficiency separate it from other midsize pickups

2024 Toyota Tacoma Comes Ready for the Big Spenders

TRD Pro and the new Trailhunter trims anchor the upper reaches of the fourth-generation Tacoma, and the hybrid adds notable giddy up.

• We drove a $57,720 Tacoma Limited 4WD hybrid that was well suited (with its coil spring multi-link rear suspension) for highway meandering with an intuitive eight-speed automatic that left us barely missing the six-speed manual.
• In Southern California, Toyota groomed an off-road track on which the Tacoma TRD Pro shined in its off-road demonstration, displacing copious amounts of reddish sand on banked hairpin turns and allowing for a 40-mph jump. The IsoDynamic seats work well.
• The new Trailhunter trim gives you an option for a well-equipped adventure vehicle, better for overlanding rather than the Baja-inspired TRD Pro.

There’s a pecking order among light-duty pickup trucks: The full-size trucks are the most capable, more expensive, and able to tow the most, so their compact siblings tend to get the cold shoulder, like the runt of the litter.

But that’s not true for the Toyota Tacoma, and that’s because of its unmatched success in the US market. It overtook the Ford Ranger in 2005 for the No.1 sales spot among compact pickups, and it’s spent the last 19 years building a loyal customer base and mercilessly crushing the competition in a dominance unseen in any other mainstream vehicle segment.

Toyota could have stood pat with the previous-generation Tacoma, foregoing a complete redesign for a few more years. But that’s not the Toyota way. Instead, the brand introduced for the ’24 model year a new upmarket Trailhunter trim as well as the first-ever i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, which is expected to find its way into about 15% of sales for the all-new Tacoma.

Autoweek’s West Coast Editor Mark Vaughn already covered most of the details of the new Tacoma last fall, including bed and suspension configurations, the available manual and automatic transmissions, and his overall satisfaction with the 270-hp 2.4-liter turbo-four under the hood of all Tacos.

But what he didn’t get to do was drive the new hybrid powertrain that cranks up the output of that 2.4-liter turbo to a stout 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a 48-hp electric motor integrated within the eight-speed automatic transmission that is paired exclusively with the hybrid. The six-speed manual is only available on 4x4 non-hybrid SR, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Sport Tacomas.

Meanwhile, the hybrid, to be marketed as i-Force Max like other Toyota truck-based hybrids, will cater to the upper reaches of the Tacoma lineup. The hybrid will be standard on TRD Pro and the new Trailhunter models, while remaining optional on TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited.

Worth noting, the hybrid can tow up to 6000 pounds, while certain non-hybrid models can handle 6400 pounds.

Basically, Toyota figured out a way leverage its well-established hybrid expertise for the first time in its successful Tacoma platform, allowing customers to spend $3,200 or more for a high-output hybrid that is EPA rated to improve fuel economy by 2 to 3 miles per gallon. The hybrid is rated at 22/24 mpg in city/highway driving.

Toyota doubts many base Tacoma shoppers will be interested in the i-Force Max powertrain, expecting a take-rate of about 15%. Based on 2023 sales, that would mean more than 35,000 hybrid Tacomas in the first year, which was more than total sales last year for Ford Ranger and GMC Canyon and nearly the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

.css-ov6gys{font-family:Paralucent,Paralucent-roboto,Paralucent-local,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:1.5rem;line-height:1.1;margin:0rem;}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-ov6gys{font-size:2.1875rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-ov6gys{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.2;}}.css-ov6gys b,.css-ov6gys strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-ov6gys em,.css-ov6gys i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} “TRD Pro is about going fast, while the Trailhunter is about going far,” Sheldon Brown says.

This is Toyota tightening its grip on the compact pickup segment while tactfully (or shrewdly) pushing up transaction prices and lowering tailpipe emissions.

For context, you can buy your new Tacoma 27 different ways in trim levels from SR and SR5 up to TRD Pro and Trailhunter model trims, with Xtra cab or Double Cab, five-foot bed or six-foot bed, and two-wheel drive or 4WD.

The entry price for a Tacoma SR Xtra cab 4x2 is $32,995 with destination, and there are 19 other non-hybrid variants available as you step up to the least-expensive i-Force Max TRD Sport model, which starts at $47,795. At the very top of the scale is the TRD Pro i-Force Max 4x4 Double Cab, priced at a sobering $65,395 with destination.

We drove a $57,720 tester (Tacoma Limited 4WD hybrid) from downtown San Diego on all-season rubber (265/65 R18) with chrome rims and a bright, deep red paint job. It was a handsome truck that felt better equipped (with its coil spring multi-link rear suspension) for highway meandering than the boxier all-new Land Cruiser. The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic left us barely missing the six-speed manual.

We drove about 35 miles southeast to Vogt Ranch, where Toyota groomed an off-road track on which the Tacoma TRD Pro shined in its off-road demonstration, displacing copious amounts of reddish sand on banked hairpin turns and even allowing for a 40-mph jump on a straightaway that Napoleon Dynamite would have loved—Pedro, too.

The uplevel TRD Pro is the “Baja-inspired” variant for off-road racers who need Rigid fog lights, an ARB steel rear bumper with recovery hooks, reinforced rocker protector, a front skid plate, and underbody protection for the transfer case and fuel tank.

Standard on the TRD Pro is another Baja-inspired feature: the IsoDynamic performance seat with horizontal and vertical air dampers in the structure to keep the head still (“prevent bobble head!”) and slow the motion of the body during aggressive off-roading.

By helping manage body inertia and reducing driver fatigue, Brown says the IsoDynamic seat allows a skilled driver to go 15 mph faster on the same course. The seat helped make for a fun, thrilling drive on the short off-road track.

Compared to this burly TRD Pro, the new Trailhunter trim, which will also be available in the new 4Runner SUV , represents a polar opposite, catering to higher-income customers who appreciate overlanding and communing with nature, rather than tearing it up with high-flying antics.

The well-equipped Tacoma Trailhunter comes standard as a hybrid, starting at $64,395 with destination. Sheldon Brown, chief engineer for the Tacoma, describes the difference between these two range-topping models. “TRD Pro is about going fast, while the Trailhunter is about going far,” he says.

Despite these new offerings, Brown realizes they won’t represent the bulk of sales. TRD Pro should account for about 3% of Tacoma sales volume—probably similar to the new Trailhunter. SR5 should be the volume trim, at about 30% of sales, Brown says.

The Tacoma seemed right at home during test drives in these hardscrabble (snake-infested) lands close to the Mexican border. Heck, 10 miles south from the Vogt Ranch, as the crow flies, is the Baja California, Mexico, plant that produces the Tacoma, as well as the Guanajuato plant further south.

While the non-hybrid Tacoma went on sale in January, the i-Force Max variants are arriving this spring at Toyota dealerships.

If you’re shopping for a fourth-generation Tacoma, are you interested in the hybrid or new uplevels trims, or happy to pay less? Please comment below.

Tom joined Autoweek in 2022 after nearly 25 years as an editor at WardsAuto, and 10 years as a daily newspaper reporter before that. He’s been in metro Detroit all his life. His personal cars have been downright practical, and he’s happy paying them off and enjoying several years of debt-free motoring. The craziness of COVID drove him to buy a 1953 Packard Patrician, in honor of his grandfather, who worked at the Packard plant until production ceased in the mid-1950s.

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Rare Rides: Patrol the Desert in This 1989 Nissan Safari

The Patrol has forever been Nissan’s answer to the Toyota Land Cruiser, as both brands compete for rough and tumble SUV customers. Today’s Rare Ride represents just how many creature comforts can be added to a go-anywhere truck.

Presenting the Nissan Safari from 1989.

The Patrol started production in 1951, aping the looks and function of the Willys Jeep. It borrowed the name too; sometimes it was just called a Jeep. Mostly intended for military use, the bare-bones first generation lasted through 1960.

With the debut of the second generation, production expanded to include more body styles: Patrol now offered hardtops, vans, and a pickup truck. Distribution expanded as well, and the Patrol was sold (as a Nissan) at Datsun dealerships in North America between 1962 and 1969.

It was 1980 before the third-generation Patrol began production, known as the 160 series. Comfort and equipment came into play for the first time, as this generation saw the introduction of an automatic transmission. Accompanying the transmission option were new trim levels. Deluxe examples included luxuries like air conditioning and power steering.

A fourth-generation (Y60) Patrol started production in 1987, bringing us to today’s Rare Ride. In a turn from prior generations, a coil suspension replaced the old leaf springs and brought refinement to travel. Power steering was standard and, if buyers spent enough money, they’d have the benefit of front and rear disc brakes. Automatic transmissions in this generation were all of the four-speed variety, while manuals had five forward gears. Engines ranged between 2.8 and 4.2 liters, all of them inline-sixes.

The Japanese market received the fourth-generation Patrol as the Safari. While models for other markets had a 12-volt electrical system, the Safari had a 24-volt. Today’s Rare Ride is a decked-out short-wheelbase example from the end of the Eighties. It has the largest 4.2-liter diesel engine. Said diesel propels all the tape stripes, power equipment, and tweedy seats through an automatic transmission. The Safari asks $14,900 and is located in Philadelphia.

[Images: seller ]

Interested in lots of cars and their various historical contexts. Started writing articles for TTAC in late 2016, when my first posts were QOTDs. From there I started a few new series like Rare Rides, Buy/Drive/Burn, Abandoned History, and most recently Rare Rides Icons. Operating from a home base in Cincinnati, Ohio, a relative auto journalist dead zone. Many of my articles are prompted by something I'll see on social media that sparks my interest and causes me to research. Finding articles and information from the early days of the internet and beyond that covers the little details lost to time: trim packages, color and wheel choices, interior fabrics. Beyond those, I'm fascinated by automotive industry experiments, both failures and successes. Lately I've taken an interest in AI, and generating "what if" type images for car models long dead. Reincarnating a modern Toyota Paseo, Lincoln Mark IX, or Isuzu Trooper through a text prompt is fun. Fun to post them on Twitter too, and watch people overreact. To that end, the social media I use most is Twitter, @CoreyLewis86. I also contribute pieces for Forbes Wheels and Forbes Home.

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Join the conversation

RH drive... perfect for a rural mail carrier who also needs 4x4 capability!!!

• See 1 previous

One of the carriers around here has a JDM Mitsubishi Pajero for that.

@bumpy ii I've been tempted to become a mail carrier just so I can justify buying some quirky RHD Japanese metal. But, in reality, $14k+ is a bit much for an older vehicle that will see daily service and may quite possibly be near impossible to find parts for. Yeah, a new RHD Wrangler is twice that easy, but it has a warranty and service/parts availability virtually anywhere on this continent.

Does it still have the 24V electrical system? While such things have merits for reliability reasons, maintainability would take a huge hit unless you have military-like economies of scale. What do you use for lightbulbs, for instance?

If i were to guess, it's only a partial 24v for the starting and charging circuits, and the cluster and other electrical accessories are 12v. Some older diesel tractors were set up that way.

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• 3-On-The-Tree If Your buying a truck like that your not worried about MPG.
• W Conrad I'd gladly get an EV, but I can't even afford anything close to a new car right now. No doubt if EV's get more affordable more people will be buying them. It is a shame so many are stuck in their old ways with ICE vehicles. I realize EV's still have some use cases that don't work, but for many people they would work just fine with a slightly altered mindset.
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Toyota’s $10,000 Future Pickup Truck Is Basic Transportation Perfection

The IMV 0 makes a Corolla feel like a Bentley in comparison.

No screens, no radio. Heck, it doesn’t even have a tachometer. The Toyota IMV 0 is like other modern cars in that it doesn’t have many switches on the interior, but in this case, it’s because there’s almost nothing to turn on and off. Based on the same platform as the Hilux, Toyota’s global market pickup, the IMV 0 starts as a blank template of four wheels, flatbed, and two-door cab. Of course, if you want to add some amenities, Toyota will be glad to add them on, and it’s likely that, like the Hilux, fancier models will be available depending on where it's sold. But let’s take a moment to appreciate the bare necessities.

The IMV 0 was developed in Thailand, a country so mad for pickups that they make up almost half of new vehicle sales. Toyota sold 145,435 Hilux copies there in 2022, or about 17 percent of the total market (and it was second place behind the Isuzu D-Max). This plus Thailand’s proximity to the Japanese mothership and other Southeast Asian markets makes it a hub for truck development. The IMV 0, which will likely be called the Hilux Champ (in the Phillipines, it was introduced as the Tamaraw Concept.)

Compared to the features of the Corolla sedan, Toyota’s entry-level model in the United States, the IMV 0 is in an entirely different universe. Forget LED headlights, power windows and door locks, or standard adaptive cruise control. The IMV 0 doesn’t even have any trim on the A-pillar. The instrument cluster dial that would normally show engine RPM is just a big blank circle. It doesn’t even have a shift light. Then again, the 2024 Corolla starts at $22,995. The IMV 0/Hilux Champ will be the equivalent of about $10,000 when it launches in Thailand.

And no, there are no plans to sell this truck in the United States, although it will be sold in Mexico. It’s nice to think that a bare-bones truck at a rock-bottom price could find a customer base in America, but that’s unlikely to sway Toyota, which is only making the thinnest of margins on the base model. And besides, a big reason we don’t already get these cheap foreign-market trucks is because importing them from North America comes with the 25 percent “Chicken Tax” tariff. Add in the cost of stability control, lane-keeping, automatic emergency braking included in the Toyota Safety Sense suite that is nearly standard across the U.S. lineup and it’s easy to see the price ballooning into Ford Maverick territory. That’s for a truck that doesn’t even have map pockets in the doors.

The base configuration of the IMV 0 comes with rear-wheel drive and a gasoline 2.0-liter inline-four matched to a 5-speed manual transmission. Four-wheel-drive and diesel variants will also be offered. Literally everything else is extra. But while the IMV 0 starts simple, it’s made with those upgrades in mind. The bed, roof, and back of the cab are all pre-drilled for accessories, so adding bed sides or a cargo rack is as simple as bolting them on. Even the front fenders are secured with bolts for easy replacement or customization. The same goes for the three-piece plastic bumper. It’s exactly the sort of thing that appeals to business owners looking to keep down the cost of repairs, although it’s nice to think that this flexibility will also be used for endless personalization like so many Jeep Wranglers. Speaking of the Wrangler, the IMV 0 is more than a foot and a half longer than the four-door Jeep. Compared to other trucks, though, the IMV 0 is relatively small by American standards - it’s more than two feet shorter than the 2024 Tacoma and ten inches smaller in both width and height. Despite being billed as a mini-Hilux, the IMV 0 is almost identical in dimensions to the equivalent single-cab version. It doesn’t feel small, but from the driver’s seat, the IMV 0 lacks the sense of hugeness of even midsize American fare.

If you are curious, the engine in the test vehicle was a 1TR-FE 2.0-liter four. In dual-VVTi form as found in the current Hilux, it makes 137 hp. That had to contend with a curb weight of 1,555 kg (3,248 lbs).

The closest equivalent to the interior of the IMV 0 we have in the United States is probably a rental moving van. Vinyl seats, rubber-lined floor, and a trio of HVAC controls under the hole where a radio might go. For this truck’s Southeast Asia and South American markets, less stuff also means less stuff to break. On the smooth surface of Toyota’s oval track, the IMV 0 feels slightly bouncy with nothing to settle the rear leaf springs. The steering is light, and the gear shifter is somewhat rubbery. The IMV 0 feels more rugged than cheap, the kind of vehicle that can stand up to the daily abuse of hauling cargo on under-developed roads. Acceleration is best described as present and accounted for - on our brief lap around the test track it was hard to tell exactly how slow or fast the IMV 0 is. But we’re not sure it even matters. There’s an innate appeal to the simplicity of the IMV 0, the singular focus of hauling people and stuff from point A to point B. They don’t ask you how, they ask you how many. And to that, the IMV 0 seems like a truck that gets the job done, one way or another.

Mike Austin is a veteran automotive journalist current working as a Senior Research Analyst with Guidehouse Insights covering EVs, charging, and mobility. He got his start by applying to a Gopher position at Automobile Magazine instead of taking notes in chemistry class, and despite obtaining two engineering degrees from the University of Michigan, Mike pursued a career in automotive journalism. 

He moved to the analyst world in 2022 after working at publications such as Car and Driver , Popular Mechanics , and Autoblog for more than 20 years, but his ineffable curiosity continues to lead to freelance writing. Mike lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan and should probably be in the garage fixing something.

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2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Pickup to Start under $50,000

With an upcharge ranging from $3700 to $6900, the Tacoma Hybrid's lineup ranges from the $47,795 TRD Sport model to the $65,395 TRD Pro model.

• The Hybrid Tacoma lineup starts with the TRD Sport and ranges up to the top-trim Trailhunter and TRD Pro models, starting at $64,395 and $65,395 respectively.
• The upcharge for the more powerful hybrid models ranges from $3700 on the mid-trim Limited to $6900 for the entry TRD Sport.

You don't need us to tell you that the arrival of the 2024 Tacoma, which marks the first full redesign for the truck in nearly 20 years, is exciting. In addition to the Tacoma's redesign, 2024 also marks the first year Toyota will offer the truck with an available hybrid powertrain.

Higher-Cost Tacomas

Since the Hybrid Tacos come with Toyota's more powerful i-Force Max powertrain, Toyota starts pricing for the hybrid model considerably higher than the standard gasoline version. The i-Force Max unit churns out a combined 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, while the nonhybrids generate 228 and 278 horsepower respectively.

The TRD Sport offers the cheapest entry to the model and starts at $47,795. That sticker marks the largest jump over nonhybrid models in the lineup, with the TRD Sport Hybrid starting $6900 above its gasoline twin.

The TRD Off-Road model appears to be the value play of the lineup, though it is $4800 more than the nonhybrid. With a $48,085 base price, the model comes with 17-inch wheels and adds a composite front skid plate for protection off-road. Stepping up to the hybrid Limited trim means a price that jumps to $57,295 ($3700 more than the nonhybrid), compensating for Toyota adding some interior niceties the lower trims lack.

The top of the lineup is where the real excitement surrounding the Tacoma is. That's because the performance-focused and hybrid-only Trailhunter and TRD Pro models live at the top. Starting at $64,395 and $65,395 respectively, the Trailhunter and TRD Pro are considerably more expensive than the lower trims in the lineup.

Both models measure 2.0 inches taller and 3.0 inches wider than a four-wheel-drive SR5 crew-cab model. Each comes well armored with underbody cladding, features unique suspension, and rides on capable R/T tires. The extra cost is steep, but both models add a considerable amount of technology to warrant the jump.

Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver . His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.

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The Toyota Stout Compact Pickup Truck: Everything You Need to Know

Toyota may be cooking up a response to the Ford Maverick.

By Tyler Duffy

Compact trucks cemented Toyota’s reputation for quality, durability and reliability. But Toyota has been out of the small pickup game for quite a while. The classic Toyota pickup became the Tacoma , which grew into a mid-size truck for the second generation in 2005. But Toyota execs have not ruled out building a competitor for the Ford Maverick to slot below the Tacoma.

Here’s what we know about the potential new small Toyota pickup so far.

Toyota dealers want a small pickup

According to an Automotive News report , a Toyota exec noted that Toyota dealers have been asking for a compact pickup for a while. And such a vehicle, presumably packing a hybrid powertrain, could help the Toyota fleet’s fuel economy.

A Toyota small pickup may be based on the Corolla

Toyota execs said that it would make “ more sense to use the TNGA unibody platform ” for a small truck designed for urban use. They also noted that Toyota would probably need more of an “SUV with a bed” format. According to Automotive News , the new compact pickup would likely be based on the Corolla if approved and built alongside the Corolla in Mississippi. The small pickup would almost undoubtedly have a hybrid option; Toyota plans for all vehicles to have one by 2025 .

Car and Driver speculates that the pickup could share components and a hybrid powertrain with the Corolla Cross . The Corolla Cross Hybrid packs 196 horsepower and earns an estimated 42 mpg. Similar figures would put the Toyota compact truck on par with the Maverick.

Or could Toyota come after the Ford Maverick with an electric pickup?

Toyota unveiled an EPU concept — which, presumably, is an abbreviation standing for “electric pickup” — for the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. The carmaker is calling it a midsize truck, but the EPU concept uses a unibody EV platform and it’s smaller dimensionally (albeit with a longer wheelbase) than the current Tacoma.

The EPU does not look like an imminent production vehicle. Toyota’s next-gen battery tech is due to arrive in a few years. It’s possible Toyota could skip the hybrid altogether and just come to market with an electric truck along the lines of the EPU.

Toyota’s small pickup could be called the Stout

There has been speculation Toyota would revive an older pickup name for the new vehicle. One prominent option is Stout, not to be confused with VW’s Scout brand . Toyota notably filed to register that name for use in Argentina . However, trademarking a name does not guarantee it will be used. And Toyota could always decide to use a different name for the American market.

When will the Toyota small pickup arrive?

According to Automotive News , the Ford Maverick competitor is under discussion but has not been approved yet. The report says that 2027 would be the earliest time for its arrival.

How much will Toyota’s new small pickup cost?

Toyota has not confirmed or unveiled the new small pickup yet. So we don’t know how much it will cost. It should slot below the new Toyota Tacoma ‘s eventual pricing. The price could be similar to the Corolla Cross Hybrid, which starts at a little above $27,000. But that price could be higher if the truck arrives in 2027.

Why Toyota needs a small pickup to compete with the Ford Maverick

The Maverick has proven immensely popular. The only constraint for Ford right now is how many of them they can build. Pre-orders for the 2023 model year sold out in about a week before Ford closed the books . And the Maverick is a particular issue for Toyota because it’s proving to be a formidable conquest vehicle, attracting customers from other brands. Sixty percent of Maverick buyers are coming from outside Ford . And the second most traded-in vehicle for a Maverick is the Toyota RAV4 .

Wait, did Toyota just hint at a new Stout compact pickup coming?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Toyota USA (@toyotausa)

Toyota USA posted a video of a rather mint-looking Stout small pickup truck on its Instagram account . It’s probably nothing; we don’t think Toyota has any imminent plans to revive the Previa . But Toyota has dropped hints about upcoming products on that account before .

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Apr. 18, 2024

Toyota Launches All-New Land Cruiser "250" Series in Japan Sales of special edition ZX "First Edition" and VX "First Edition" limited to 8,000 units

Toyota City, Japan, April 18, 2024―Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced the addition of the "250" series to the Land Cruiser lineup in Japan. Alongside this, it has also released the special edition models ZX "First Edition" and VX "First Edition." These special models are limited to a total of 8,000 units.

The "250" series, the core model of the Land Cruiser lineup

The all-new "250" series was created with the role and mission of supporting people's lives by offering ease of handling based on strong off-road performance.

The development team set out to return the Land Cruiser Prado, which shifted toward high-end and luxury over time, to the light-duty model that customers have come to expect. Under the keyword "back to the basics," they defined the development concept as "The Land Cruiser: a vehicle that supports customers' daily lives and one they can trust."

The introduction of the "250" series has further clarified the position of the three Land Cruiser models. The vehicle names have also returned to their roots, with all models unified under "Land Cruiser" *1 . The Land Cruiser will continue to evolve to meet societal demands while supporting the lives of customers around the world, and remaining a vehicle they can trust.

With the same robust GA-F platform as the "300" series, the "250" series has pursued exceptional off-road performance. It is the first *2 in the Land Cruiser lineup to feature electric power steering (EPS) and Stabilizer with Disconnection Mechanism (SDM). EPS reduces kickback *3 during off-road driving, ensuring ease of handling whether on or off-road, while the SDM enables the front stabilizer state to be locked or unlocked at the touch of a button, delivering driving performance and ride comfort when off-road and handling stability when on-road.

The "250" series is available with two types of powertrains: a 2.8-liter direct injection turbo diesel engine with Direct Shift-8AT and a 2.7-liter gasoline engine with 6 Super ECT, both delivering powerful driving and environmental performance. This power is fully transferred to all four wheels by a full-time 4WD with TORSEN ®*4 LSD *5 on the center differential. The electric rear differential lock provides powerful off-road driving performance on rough roads, while the degree of freedom in front and rear driving torque distribution has been expanded to achieve even greater driving stability.

Two Land Cruiser Special Editions

The special edition ZX "First Edition" and VX "First Edition," which were designed with the spirit of returning to the origin of the Land Cruiser, are being sold to commemorate the launch of the "250" series. A total of 8,000 units will be sold.

Special Edition ZX "First Edition"

Based on the ZX grade (2.8-liter diesel engine), the model includes special equipment, such as round Bi-Beam LED headlights, matte black painted aluminum wheels, and 18-inch off-road tires to emphasize its return to its roots.

Main special equipment

• Round Bi-Beam LED headlights (with auto-leveling function) +LED clearance lights (with Follow Me Home function) & LED daytime running lights
• 265/70R18 tires & 18x7 1/2J aluminum wheels (matte black)

Special Edition VX "First Edition"

Based on the two types of VX grade (2.8-liter diesel engine, 2.7-liter gasoline engine), it features an exclusive Sand exterior color and Dark Chestnut interior color. Toyota Safety Sense and Toyota Teammate with advanced functions are also available to further enhance safety and security equipment.

• Emergency steering assist (with active steering function) + Front Cross-Traffic Alert (FCTA) + Lane Change Assist
• Advanced Drive (support during traffic congestion) + Driver monitor camera

The exclusive feeling of these special editions is further emphasized by the genuine leather covers (with exclusive decorations), synthetic leather-wrapped door trim ornaments (with a "FIRST EDITION" logo), and instrument panel decorations (featuring exclusive titanium film and chrome).

For further details, please visit the following website: https://toyota.jp/info/landcruiser250/firstedition/index.html

"250" series Sales Overview

Base sales volume for japan.

2,250 units per month

KINTO availability

The "250" series is also available through the KINTO car subscription service *1 . KINTO packages include automobile insurance (optional insurance), automobile taxes, maintenance, and other car-related costs and provide them for a fixed monthly fee. All steps can be completed either online or at Toyota dealerships nationwide, from quoting to signing of the contract. Packages for the VX grade (2.7-liter gasoline) start at 50,710 per month (including tax) *2 .

For further details, please visit the following website: https://kinto-jp.com/kinto_one/lineup/toyota/landcruiser250/

Customized parts released by JAOS and Toy-Factory *3 Dealer-installed options that expand the joy of customization

To support customers customize their Land Cruisers into their own unique vehicles, they can now choose interior and exterior items from both JAOS and Toy-Factory brands *3 in addition to Toyota genuine parts and MODELLISTA parts.

For further details, please visit the following website: https://toyota.jp/info/landcruiser250/250customstyle/

"250" series Production Plants

Tahara Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation Hamura Plant, Hino Motors, Ltd.

"250" series Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices

Diesel engine model, gasoline engine model, land cruiser special edition manufacturer's suggested retail prices, "250" series vehicle overview, excellent basic performance as an off-roader through adoption of the ga-f platform.

With the same GA-F platform as the "300" series, the "250" series offers both off-road performance and ease of handling, including on-road driving, as a reliable and practical choice for customers.

GA-F platform with a ladder frame structure

• The ladder frame uses the latest non-linear tailor welded blank (TWB) welding technology and ultra-high tensile strength steel plates in the right places, helping to achieve not only the necessary body rigidity, but also improved strength and weight reduction
• 50% increase in frame rigidity and 30% increase in overall rigidity *1

Newly developed suspension

• High-mount double wishbone (front) and trailing link axle (rear) suspensions have been used for optimized front and rear suspension geometry
• Improved wheel articulation, which is an indicator of off-road performance that describes the ability of a tire to stay on the ground

Improved on- and off-road driving performance through adoption of the following systems

• Electric power steering (EPS) Contributes to reduced loss of steering control due to kickback, provides a crisper steering feel, improves maneuverability at low speeds, achieving ease of maneuvering and handling
• Stabilizer with Disconnection Mechanism (SDM) A switch-operated function that enables the front stabilizer state to be changed *2 , delivering driving performance and ride comfort when off-road and handling stability when on-road

Off-road driving support through Multi-Terrain Select and Multi-Terrain Monitor

• Multi-Terrain Select Off-road driving support can be selected from six modes depending on the road surface; can also be operated in high range (H4) for use in even more off-road driving situations
• Multi-Terrain Monitor Four cameras are used to help the driver see around the vehicle when Multi-Terrain Select is in operation. In addition to Underfloor View / Underfloor View (rear wheels), which can be enabled with the press of an on-screen button when the vehicle is stopped while the screen is displaying images from the front-facing camera, a Back Underfloor View (a Toyota first *3 ), which displays a magnified image of the area around the rear wheels when backing up, is also available.

Full-time 4WD (Transfer with Torsen ® LSD) for robust driving performance

• TORSEN ® LSD is used in the center differential to optimally control the front and rear torque distribution in response to road and driving conditions, realizing even better driving stability

Two types of powertrains to achieve powerful driving and environmental performance worthy of a Land Cruiser

The "250" series inherits the mission of supporting the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere while pursuing the reliability, durability, and off-road performance that is the DNA of the Land Cruiser. It comes with two types of powertrains to achieve powerful driving and environmental performance worthy of a Land Cruiser.

2.8-liter direct injection turbo diesel engine + Direct Shift-8AT

• Pursues ease of handling both on- and off-road. Maximum torque of 500 N･m (51 kgf･m) is generated at low engine speeds of 1,600 to 2,800 rpm to achieve fun, torquey driving from low rpm
• Fuel efficiency of 11.0 km/L *4 in WLTC mode has been achieved with DPR *5 and SCR *6 systems, significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and making the "250" series compliant with 2018 emission standards.

2.7-liter gasoline engine + 6 Super ECT

• The combination of a naturally aspirated engine, with maximum output of 120 kW (163 PS) and maximum torque of 246 N･m (25.1 kgf･m), with 6 Super ECT maintains smooth acceleration while pursuing both smoothness in everyday situations such as takeoff and low-speed driving as well as high vehicle speed controllability on downhill slopes.
• Fuel efficiency of 7.5 km/L *4 in WLTC mode has been achieved through the use of Dual VVT-I (continuously variable valve timing system for intake and exhaust) and a high compression ratio.

Interior and exterior styling that fuses traditional and modern in a functional package

The "250" series adopts the traditional wheelbase of 2,850 mm from the Land Cruiser "80" series with a body size of 4,925 mm *7 in length and 1,980 mm *8 in width. This ensures a ground clearance angle *9 appropriate for an off-roader pursuing off-road performance while keeping the practical total width, including door mirrors, at 2,115 mm (measured in-house) *10 for ease of handling.

Available in three-row, seven-passenger and two-row, five-passenger models

• The position of the driver's seat has been moved back while the positions of the second-and third-row seats have been adjusted to ensure a wider front/rear couple distance of 951 mm *11

Offers 408 liters *12 of luggage space even during a 6:4 split second-row seat

• A large luggage space that can be used based on the shape and size of luggage has been achieved through the use of a 5:5 split floor storage third row seat *13 that can be automatically stored at the touch of a button and a glass hatch *14 that allows for luggage to be loaded and unloaded without opening the rear hatch door.

In a fusion of traditional and modern, the interior and exterior styling on the "250" series focuses on three keywords: "reliable" (reliability to withstand harsh usage conditions), "timeless" (timeless simplicity to remain a favorite), and "professional" (refined functional beauty common to lean professional tools). With the durability of parts and easy repairs in the event of breakages, the design also takes customizability into account to allow users to enjoy their Land Cruiser in their own unique ways based on the actual off-road experiences of the designers themselves.

• Cabin backward proportions, a characteristic of past Land Cruiser generations where the cabin is positioned backward in relation to the axles, have been adopted
• The side view embodies the Land Cruiser's off-road functionality. The horizontal beltline has been cranked down to a low level, allowing the driver to easily look down on the road surface even when off-roading. The lower part of the side door panels, and the lower part of the front and rear bumpers were cut down to avoid collisions with rocks and other objects, also creating a sense of lightness.
• The front view fully integrates all functional parts to emphasize its sharp design. The functional beauty of past Land Cruiser generations has been pursued in the lights, which are positioned high and centered to avoid damage when driving off-road, and in the split bumper, which allows for replacement only at the corners where damage is most likely to occur.
• A total of six body colors are available, including five monotone colors such as Avant Garde Bronze Metallic and Smoky Blue, and the two-toned color combination of the newly developed Sand color with a Light Gray roof.

• The cabin space has been designed to provide occupants with both a sense of security as well as the high level of functionality typical of a practical off-roader. A horizontal instrument panel has been adopted to allow the driver to easily track the vehicle's posture even when riding off-road, while the low shape reduces the oppressive feeling for occupants. The shape of the upper part of the door trim that extends to the instrument panel also encloses occupants in a sturdy manner to create a sense of safety and security.
• The upright A-pillar reduces diagonal forward blind spots, while a low-set cowl and top part of the instrument panel achieve good forward visibility, supporting safe off-road driving
• Innovations based on off-road driving experience have been implemented, such as having switches that are centrally located while being differentiated in their shape and method of operation by function. This layout makes it easier to concentrate on driving even in harsh off-road environments.
• Two interior colors offer the world view of the Land Cruiser: Dark Chestnut, expressing the strong space typical of a practical off-roader, and Black, which creates a hard, sharp space.

Latest safety and security features such as Toyota Safety Sense and Toyota Teammate

Toyota Safety Sense, the latest active safety package with advanced and improved functions, is standard on all new "250" series grades. The range of detectable accidents has been expanded even further, enabling enjoyable driving with peace of mind.

• Pre-collision Safety System This system expands the range of detection, adding motorcyclists (daytime) to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists to help avoid collisions or reduce damage. It provides additional support at intersections where accidents more frequently occur.
• Proactive Driving Assist This system subtly assists drivers when driving on ordinary roads and in other situations. It supports avoidance steering and deceleration to avoid getting too close to pedestrians, cyclists, and parked vehicles by anticipating risks according to the driving situation, such as pedestrians crossing the road or vehicles that may suddenly start moving.

The "250" series comes with Advanced Drive (support during traffic congestion), a function in the suite of advanced driving support technologies within Toyota Teammate. This system operates under certain conditions, such as the driver facing forward, when driving on motor-vehicle-only roadways, and when Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist are activated in traffic congestion (0-40 km/h). Supporting detection, judgment, and operation *15 , it helps reduce driver fatigue in traffic congestion and enables the driver to pay closer attention to the surroundings to achieve safe driving.

Equipped with front and rear dash cams. Video captured by the Toyota Safety Sense's monocular camera and the newly added rear-facing camera while driving is recorded to built-in memory. Video data can be played back on the Display Audio system or transferred to a smartphone or USB memory device for portability.

Link to the 'Land Cruiser "250" Series' webpage (Japanese only)

• Land Cruiser "250" Series TOP

Land Cruiser Special Edition

Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.

SDGs goals that this project makes particular contribution to

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Toyota pilots EV pickup trucks in key Thai market

By Chayut Setboonsarng

PATTAYA, Thailand (Reuters) – Toyota launched a public transport pilot on Thursday with nine fully electric Hilux Revo pickup trucks in Thailand, a key Southeast Asian battleground for electric vehicles where Chinese players are challenging the dominance of Japanese automakers.

“The battery EV Revo have been modified into song-taews for public transportation,” Toyota Motor Thailand Executive Vice President Surapoom Udomwong said Thursday, referring to the pickup trucks that have been re-purposed for public transit.

A motorcade of Toyota electric pickup trucks drove through the Thai seaside city of Pattaya some 100 km (62 miles) east of Bangkok, where the vehicles were deployed for fixed-route transit.

The world’s top-selling automaker’s move in Thailand comes as Chinese EV brands make inroads into the region’s main auto assembly and export hub.

Japanese carmakers, such as Toyota Motors, Honda Motors and Isuzu Motors have for decades dominated the Thai auto sector.

But government subsidies and tax incentives have brought a wave of investment from China, with its EV automakers committing more than $1.44 billion worth of investments in Thailand.

Chery Automobile would be the eighth Chinese brand to invest in the country, following BYD, state-owned Changan Automobile and Great Wall Motors, the government said this week.

Toyota, which controls about a third of the Thai market, will deliver a dozen electric pickup trucks to Pattaya.

“This is a memorable day,” said the city’s mayor Poramet Ngampichet. “Pattaya is a major tourist city for Thailand and so lowering pollution is important.”

Poramet said he hoped to convert Pattaya’s total fleet of 700 song-taews into EVs.

Toyota has previously announced plans to mass produce the battery Hilux pickup truck by 2025, but did not specify where they would be made.

Pickup trucks are popular in Thailand, accounting for about half of vehicle sales.

Isuzu plans set up a plant in Thailand to make the electric version of its D-MAX pickup truck, with plans for domestic sales and exports, according to the Thai government.

(Additional reporting Artorn Pooksasook; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)

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Rivian targets gas-powered Ford and Toyota trucks and SUVs with $5,000 ‘electric upgrade’ discount

Rivian is offering discounts of up to $5,000 on its EVs — and a year of free charging — to customers willing to trade in their gas-powered trucks and SUVs. The company is offering discounts on three R1T pickup truck trims and one R1S SUV model.

The promotion, which kicked off on April 22, is aimed directly at some of the bestselling and most ubiquitous gas-powered trucks and SUVs on the market today, including the Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Wrangler. Rivian is even going after German automakers Audi and BMW. The price cut varies between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the model.

The company promoted the “electric upgrade offer” on Monday in an email to prospective customers and also via posts on social media . The discounts come as demand for premium and luxury EVs has softened across the industry, prompting automakers such as Ford, Lucid and Tesla to reduce prices .

Faced with uncertain demand, many legacy automakers have also pared down plans to shift their portfolios to only battery-electric vehicles. Gas-powered vehicles and hybrids are back en vogue thanks to the steady sales and profit margins they provide.

Rivian, which is expected to produce only about 57,000 EVs in 2024, won’t unseat the bestselling trucks on the market. But the promotions could help it win over a new batch of customers.

Only owners of specific gas-powered vehicles will be eligible for the trade-in. The vehicles include 2018 or newer Ford F-150 trucks, Ford Explorer, and the Ford Expedition and Bronco, with the exception of the Bronco Sport. Other eligible trade-ins are 2018 or newer Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Highlander, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator. The Audi Q5, Q7 and Q8, as well as the BMW X3, X5 and X7 also qualify.

The deal applies to customers who want to lease or buy a vehicle, although they must take delivery by June 30. Rivian is also throwing in a year of free charging at any Rivian-owned charger in the United States as an added sweetener. Rivian fast-chargers, which are branded the Rivian Adventure Network, are not nearly as plentiful as the Tesla Supercharging network. The company has installed 433 fast-chargers at 71 stations, including in Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado and along the East Coast. Rivian has also installed 482 Level 2 chargers (called Waypoints) at 180 live sites throughout the United States.

Toyota SUV Models

These Toyota SUVs offer seamless everyday performance with active safety features, the latest multimedia technology, and an abundance of standard features that check off all the boxes. Build your dream SUV today.

Toyota SUVs

• LED projector low- and high-beam headlights with Automatic High Beams (AHB)
• Rear-seat vents
• Audio with 8-in. touchscreen and six speakers
• Sport styling with sport front grille, front/rear bumpers, and smoked front Toyota emblem with all-black badging including AWD badge
• Matte-black heated power outside mirrors
• 4.2-in. Multi-Information Display (MID) screen
• Available bench seat option for seating up to eight
• 18-in. silver-painted alloy wheels
• 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® 3-month trial subscription
• LED taillights
• Third row with seating for up to eight
• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+)
• ToyotaCare no cost maintenance plan for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first
• Rear and center locking differentials
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• 2400W AC inverter
• Direct Shift 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission
• Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Available Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) with MUD & SAND, ROCK & DIRT, SNOW and NORMAL modes
• All-Wheel Drive Integrated Management (AIM) with Multi-Information Display (MID) monitor
• Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode
• 17-in. 5-spoke light gray metallic alloy wheels
• 18-in. 5-spoke painted and machined sport alloy wheels
• LED projector low- and high-beam headlights with LED DRL accent lights and turn signals
• Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• 20-in. machined-finish black alloy wheels
• Premium LED headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and sequential turn signals
• Power tilt/slide panoramic roof with power sunshade
• Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection
• Toyota Safety Sense ™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+)
• Smart Key System with Push Button Start
• Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P)
• Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatible

Toyota SUV Highlights

Toyota suvs summary.

• Get an SUV with active safety features to keep you safe while on the road.
• Find the perfect SUV for you with options for every budget.
• Enjoy plenty of standard features so you don’t have to break the bank to get the features you want.
• Save on gas with available hybrid SUV models.
• Listen to your favorite music with the latest multimedia apps in these SUVs.
• Enjoy plenty of space with available eight-passenger seating.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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