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The Best New Overlanders & Off-Road Gear of 2023

All you need to hit the trail is a capable vehicle … and, maybe, a $4,000 rooftop tent.

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By Tyler Duffy

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This story is part of our end-of-year series This Year in Gear, rounding up the most notable releases of 2023. For more stories like this, click here.

We love camper vans and trailers, but let’s face it — they’re expensive. Besides, all you really need to explore the great outdoors is a capable vehicle … well, that and some cool gear to make the camping and sleeping arrangements a bit more comfortable.

We spotted and tested quite a few interesting off-road- and overlanding-capable vehicles in 2023, as well as quite a few cool accessories you can use to outfit them. Here are some of our favorites.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter

Tacomas are rugged, durable and Goldilocks-sized — making them popular base vehicles for overlanding rigs. For the new 2024 model, Toyota is building one out from the factory. The Tacoma Trailhunter joins the TRD Pro at the top of the lineup. It packs a specialized Old Man Emu suspension and 33-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires.

Learn more about the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter.

2023 Can-Am Maverick X3

Can-Am’s Maverick X3 makes for an amazing day out on the trails, whether you’re racing or hitting the trail with the family in tow. It’s light on the accessories and storage options, but it makes up for it with excellent handling and a 200-horsepower motor that absolutely rips.

Learn about the Can-Am Maverick X3.

2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail

The 2024 Lexus GX debuted with a handsome new boxy style and a powerful new turbocharged V6 putting out 479 lb-ft of torque. A new Overtrail grade includes standard features like 33-inch all-terrain tires, an aluminum skid plate, an electronic locking rear differential and styling features like black overfenders and available two-tone paint.

Learn about the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail.

2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition

The AEV package builds on GMC’s standard AT4X by adding 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires on beadlock-capable wheels (including a spare one mounted in the bed, since there was nowhere else to put it), special stamped steel bumpers front and rear with a forward one ready for a winch, boron steel skid plates and an extra 1.5 inches of lift.

Learn about the 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

Ford has offered a Ranger Raptor abroad. Now, it’s coming to America. It packs the same Ford Performance 3.0-liter turbo V6 as the Bronco Raptor, with 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It also gets an electronic two-speed transfer case. Upgrades include a reinforced boxed frame, 2.5-inch Fox live valve shocks, a Watts link rear suspension, locking front and rear differentials, 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires and optional beadlock wheels.

Learn about the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor.

2024 Jeep Wrangler

Jeep gave the Wrangler a mild refresh for 2024. The brand stayed true to the classic Wrangler formula, but added some cool upgrades: submersible-powered front seats, for example and a power box for 4xe owners to turn their PHEV battery pack into a rolling power source.

Learn about the new 2024 Jeep Wrangler.

Roofnest Condor 2 Rooftop Tent

Roofnest launched the Condor 2 rooftop tent in 2023, and as the name suggests, it’s an updated version of the original Condor. XL versions can accommodate additional sleepers. Plus, the tent now has helpful features like crossbars for additional gear storage and storage pockets for bedding.

Learn about the Roofnest Condor 2 rooftop tent.

2023 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2

Yamaha’s sportiest RMAX handled whatever terrain we put it through on a 200-mile ride — and quite comfortably, too. The driving modes made throttle control extremely easy, and the cockpit comfort can be likened to your daily driver. The RMAX tackled each obstacle with power and precision, ultimately delivering a killer ride.

Learn about the Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2.

Jeep x Addax Overland Gladiator Camper

Jeep recently announced its second collaboration with Utah-based Addax Overland: the new Jeep x Addax Gladiator Overlanding Camper. This modular camper shell is built with multi-piece construction, which allows customers to keep it simple or add on accessories and other elements to fully customize their setup.

Learn more about the Jeep x Addax Overland Gladiator Camper.

Thule Caprock Rooftop Platform

The Thule Caprock is a jack-of-all-trades rooftop platform that will open up all kinds of possibilities for your adventures, whether you’re looking for a solid foundation for a rooftop tent, space for you and all of your buddies’ mountain bikes or a way to safely schlepp a paddleboard to and from the local waterfront.

Learn more about the Thule Caprock rooftop platform.

Polaris Xpedition XP and ADV

A side-by-side may be the most capable, appropriate vehicle for going off the beaten path. But traditionally, they aren’t that comfortable or optimal for carrying your gear. Polaris has a solution with the all-new Xpedition XP and ADV, which the brand is calling “adventure side-by-sides.”

Learn about the Polaris Xpedition XP and ADV.

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