If you’re into interesting vehicles, especially those that can take you on adventures, the Overland Expo series offers a lot more than lifted Toyota Tacomas and Jeeps. For example, while at the 2026 Overland Expo PNW show in Redmond, OR, I ran across this Toyota Prius overland build. And you know what? It looked really good.
A More Adventure-Ready Toyota Prius
I unapologetically love stuff like this. And while the overlanding shows typically have a variety, this Toyota Prius overland build was one of a kind at this event. While I didn’t get to talk to the owner, @_melemedia, I can tell you a bit about this car just by what I witnessed in person.
This 2012 hybrid rolls on 15-inch Speedline Corse wheels wrapped in 205/70R15 Yokohama Geolandear A/T4 G018 tires, the successor to the Geolandar A/T G015 we used to run our 1989 Mitsubishi Delica. The Prius’ tires are a 26.3-inch overall diameter, or about 5.2% larger than the original rubber. I don’t know what offset those wheels are, but it’s perfect.
Prius Offroad Parts
Next, I noticed the car had a roof rack from Prius Offroad. Wait … there’s a company called Prius Offroad? Indeed there is. Located in Chico, CA, they make a surprisingly wide array of parts for these vehicles and other Toyotas. Available parts include a roof rack, 1.5-inch lift springs, spacer lifts, hood light brackets, front light bar mount, a front skid plate, rear shock skid plates, and more. I’m fairly certain this example had all that and then some. In fact, I found a walkaround video saying this ’12 model has a 3-inch overall lift. Oh, the owner also does stage rally and uses this Prius for recce.
All of the lights were from Diode Dynamics, and the car was in that company’s booth.
Like We Say: Every Vehicle Is An Adventure
Our motto at Crankshaft Culture is “Every Vehicle Is An Adventure.” And frankly, this Prius could make a great all-weather commuter, travel rig, or even a good road rally rig. It likely gets amazing mileage, is clearly more capable than a regular Prius, and certainly made me take notice.
Joke all you want about its left-lane cruising ability, appliance-like soul, general tepidness, but I think this thing is great. Hmm … I wonder if a Prius has ever competed in the Alcan 5000, because this Toyota Prius overland build is giving me some ideas.
Anyway, now you know: there are off-road Prius builds out there, and I even witnessed one in the flesh.
Andy Lilienthal is an award-winning writer and has written professionally since 1999. He has over 15 years in the automotive aftermarket working at companies including Warn Industries, Bushwacker, and Lund International. Editorial works include writing and photography for off-road print magazines, to new-car reviews online. He’s a photographer with images in multiple magazines, blog sites, and The New York Times.
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