7 of the Buffest off-road builds at SEMA 2023

Article content

We covered this machine a few days ago after seeing it in person – but the thing is far too cool not to lead this list. Starting with a regular-cab 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD with a long bed, the crew at American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) went to town creating a truck we sincerely hope ends up in the hands of an overlanding enthusiast after it finishes the auto show circuits.

AEV worked with GM engineering teams to incorporate a variety of Sierra HD AT4X components such as control arms, steering knuckles, rear suspension, and Multimatic DSSV dampers. A 1.5-inch lift and 40-inch tires produce a great stance. It’s finished off with the likes of a snorkel, winch, prototype brush guard, and that tremendous eight-foot aluminum tray bed.

Article content

Flat Out Autos Chevrolet KR2

Toggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image

Next Gallery ImageToggle gallery captions

All 7 Photos for Gallery

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

Article content

If you’ve wondered why the ninnies at Chevy recently decided to waste the “Blazer” name on a milquetoast crossover, you’re not alone. And the automaker’s not done — the Blazer EV will apparently be available in front-wheel-drive. My mind reels.

Fortunately, companies like Flat Out Auto exist to set the world right. This is a shop which already cranks out kits to apply classic K5 fascias to modern Tahoe SUVs, so building the KR2 was simply the next logical step.

Starting with a bone-stock regular-cab Silverado, the team crafted a Blazer that GM would not, complete with removable carbon-fibre cap and open-air rear bench. Its front styling looks good with ZR2 cues; under the hood is a 5.3L V8 topped with a supercharger. Next year: a 6.2L and DSSV dampers.

Article content

Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute

Toggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image

Next Gallery ImageToggle gallery captions

All 8 Photos for Gallery

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

Article content

At this year’s soirée, Nissan is paying homage to its motorsport heritage with the Safari Rally Z Tribute built by Tommy Pike Customs, plus a replica Datsun 240Z Safari rally car. History buffs will remember the Z which won the East African Safari Rally in 1971, while just about every gearhead will recognize today’s trend of go-anywhere safari builds which create an off-roader from vehicles never meant to leave the pavement.

A front bumper guard and some underbody protection are joined by Yokohama Geolandar mud-terrain tires, which somehow look better on a Z than this author ever could have expected. Toss in a few braces of auxiliary lighting, interior callbacks to the ’71 rally car, and serve to an adoring fan base.

Article content

ECS Tuning Ultra BMW X5

Toggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image

Next Gallery ImageToggle gallery captions

All 3 Photos for Gallery

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

Article content

Serving as a reminder that not all crossovers need be relegated to mall duty, the Ultra X5 was created by builder Mike Day with the support of several companies including ECS Tuning out of Ohio.

Some highlights? Well, an insane amount of work went into creating the beast (Mike claims 60 pounds of MIG wire went into the welding process and, given the level of customization, we totally believe him) including a complete revamp of suspension, jumbo but well-fitted tires, body protection, panel building — you name it. Given that he’s somehow managed to make his tow rig look small with a BMW X5, the mission has been accomplished.

CBI Offroad Toyota Sequoia Overlander

Toggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image

Next Gallery ImageToggle gallery captions

All 4 Photos for Gallery

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

Article content

It’s an open secret around these parts that your author likes enormous SUVs pressed into gnarly off-road situations, an affliction which explains his bizarre love for 80-Series Land Cruisers. That’s why the overlanding build of a new Toyota Sequoia is so appealing to his jaundiced eyes.

It’s a truck which has been festooned with a 50-inch light bar, swing-arm rear bumper, Toyo Open Country mud-terrains, and a three-inch lift kit. Why the TRD grille with its incorporated auxiliary light isn’t present is strange, but the rest of this brute looks the business.

Toyota FJ Bruiser

Toggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image

Next Gallery ImageToggle gallery captions

All 8 Photos for Gallery

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

Article content

Sticking with the Toyota brand, but in a more official capacity, we find the absolutely bonkers FJ Bruiser. Powered by a 725-hp V8 engine ripped from Toyota’s NASCAR program, this thing has the type of off-road innovation not typically seen even at SEMA.

For starters, the team replaced this truck’s centre skid plate with a tank-like track system which can be used to power out of situations in which the machine is high-centred. The track and its Tank Mode is controlled from the cab and activated with the push of a button — genius. Functional bodywork recalls the original FJ while 42-inch BFG Krawler T/A KX tires mounted to 20-inch Method beadlock wheels place both feet firmly in the present day.

SBN (SEMA Businesswomen’s Network) All-Female Ford Bronco Build

Toggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image

Next Gallery ImageToggle gallery captions

All 3 Photos for Gallery

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

Article content

Last year, the SBN gang embarked on a modification project in which they started with a 2021 Bronco Wildtrak donated by Ford. The efforts were led by a talented all-female build team consisting of SBN members, and is the result of 127 women donating their time and expertise to all aspects of the build.

Just some of the work includes a three-inch lift from ICON, the addition of numerous body protection items, burly 37-inch tires on satin black wheels, and a recalibration of the 2.7L EcoBoost engine. This year, the rig is up for auction, with proceeds going towards a trio of children’s charities.