The Rebelle Rally is back, and Toyota is charging into the 2025 event with a bold new strategy that’s sure to turn heads. This isn’t just another off-road adventure—it’s a grueling test of skill, endurance, and teamwork across 2,500 kilometers of unforgiving Nevada and California deserts. For the first time, Toyota is shaking things up by backing an external team while still fielding a strong group of internal competitors. With a legacy of tough trucks and a passion for pushing limits, Toyota’s presence in this all-women’s navigation rally promises an epic showdown from October 8 to 18, 2025.
A New Era: Toyota’s First External Team
Toyota has always been a powerhouse in the Rebelle Rally, but 2025 marks a game-changing move. The company is sponsoring its first-ever external team, led by off-road legends Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley. These two are no strangers to the rally’s brutal terrain. Back in 2019, they dominated the competition, with Croft’s fearless driving and Pawley’s pinpoint navigation securing them the top spot overall. Their victory was a masterclass in precision and grit, and now, with Toyota’s support, they’re gearing up to reclaim their crown.
Image credit: Toyota/Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley
Croft, the co-founder of XOVERLAND and CEO of The Overland Collective, brings a wealth of experience to the driver’s seat. Her knack for tackling rugged landscapes with confidence has made her a respected figure in the overlanding world. Pawley, her co-driver, complements her perfectly with sharp navigational skills and a cool-headed approach to strategy. Together, they’re a force to be reckoned with, and Toyota’s decision to back them signals a new level of ambition for the rally.
Samantha Barber, a senior manager at Toyota and a seasoned Rebelle Rally competitor herself, didn’t hold back her excitement. “Rachelle and Taylor have shown their love for off-roading both on and off the course,” she said. “Their drive to push boundaries inspires us all, and we can’t wait to see how they perform with Toyota’s backing.” This partnership isn’t just about winning—it’s about showcasing what’s possible when skill, determination, and top-tier vehicles come together.
Toyota’s Internal Teams: Engineers in the Driver’s Seat
While Croft and Pawley steal the spotlight, Toyota isn’t slowing down with its internal efforts. The company is sending 12 of its own team members to compete, continuing a tradition of putting its engineers and professionals behind the wheel. These aren’t just drivers—they’re the people who design, build, and test Toyota’s vehicles, giving them a rare chance to experience their creations in one of the toughest real-world environments imaginable.
The Rebelle Rally’s 2,500-kilometer course is a brutal proving ground. Spanning the deserts of Nevada and California, it demands precision navigation using only maps and compasses—no GPS or tech allowed. For Toyota’s team members, it’s more than a race; it’s a chance to gain hands-on insights into how their vehicles perform under extreme conditions. From navigating rocky trails to powering through sand dunes, these competitors will push Toyota’s trucks to their limits, bringing back valuable knowledge to refine future models.
This approach aligns with Toyota’s philosophy of continuous improvement. By putting their own people in the driver’s seat, the company ensures that the lessons learned in the desert translate directly to better vehicles for customers. Whether it’s fine-tuning suspension systems or understanding how drivers tackle challenging terrain, the Rebelle Rally offers a unique opportunity to see Toyota’s trucks in action.
Bringing the Action Home: Toyota’s Webcast Sponsorship
Toyota isn’t just competing—they’re making sure fans don’t miss a single moment of the action. For the fourth year in a row, Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the Rebelle Rally’s live webcast, bringing the thrill of the event to screens worldwide. From October 8 to 18, 2025, viewers can tune in to watch every heart-pounding moment, from tight checkpoint runs to daring navigation decisions. The webcast will feature live updates, competitor interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at team strategies, offering an up-close view of the rally’s raw intensity.
This sponsorship isn’t just about visibility—it’s about sharing the spirit of the Rebelle Rally with a global audience. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or just love a good underdog story, the webcast delivers an immersive experience that captures the grit and determination of the competitors. For Toyota, it’s a chance to showcase the durability and performance of their vehicles while celebrating the incredible women who take on this challenge.
Why the Rebelle Rally Matters
The Rebelle Rally isn’t your average race. Unlike traditional off-road events that prioritize speed, this one is all about precision and strategy. Teams of two must navigate a sprawling course using only traditional tools like maps and compasses, relying on their skills and teamwork to hit checkpoints and rack up points. It’s a test of endurance, problem-solving, and raw determination, set against some of the most stunning and unforgiving landscapes in the U.S.
For Toyota, the rally is a perfect fit. It’s a chance to highlight the toughness of their vehicles, from the rugged 4Runner Trailhunter to other off-road-ready models. But more than that, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the people who make those vehicles possible—both the engineers who compete and the external team that embodies the spirit of adventure. By backing Croft and Pawley while continuing to field internal teams, Toyota is doubling down on its commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering innovation.
A Legacy of Toughness
Toyota’s involvement in the Rebelle Rally is more than just a one-off event. The company has been a part of the American automotive landscape for nearly 70 years, employing tens of thousands of people and building over 35 million vehicles at its U.S. plants. From their manufacturing facilities to their focus on sustainable mobility, Toyota has a reputation for durability and reliability that resonates with drivers who demand more from their trucks.
The 2025 Rebelle Rally is a chance to put that reputation to the test. With Croft and Pawley leading the charge and 12 internal team members ready to tackle the desert, Toyota is poised to make a big impact. The rally’s challenging course will push their vehicles to the limit, showcasing the kind of performance that makes Toyota a go-to choice for off-road enthusiasts.
What’s Next for Toyota and the Rebelle Rally
As the October 8 start date approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be one of the most thrilling Rebelle Rallies yet. Toyota’s decision to back an external team while continuing to support its internal competitors shows a bold commitment to the event and its values. For fans, the live webcast will offer a front-row seat to the action, capturing every moment of triumph and challenge as the teams navigate the desert.
Whether you’re cheering for Croft and Pawley’s comeback or rooting for Toyota’s internal teams to shine, the 2025 Rebelle Rally is set to deliver. It’s a celebration of skill, teamwork, and the kind of rugged determination that defines the off-road lifestyle. With Toyota’s trucks leading the way, this year’s rally is sure to be a wild ride.
For more details on the event and to catch the live webcast, visit www.rebellerally.com.
