Anyone who likes a little dust under their wheels and occasionally dreams of driving into the sunset has already found themselves faced with a dilemma: should they choose a rugged overland legend for expeditions to the ends of the earth, or a comfortable mini-camper for small but spontaneous escapades? On the one hand, we are tempted by strictly serious machines like the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser – real off-road gladiators with winches, tents and stature. On the other hand, there is the Volkswagen California eHybrid – a cross between a Zen-van and an engineered Swiss watch, which can brew your coffee in the morning and keep you warm in the evening when you fall asleep under the stars. Half overlander, half van ... usable every day.
Both approaches have their charm – one screams “into the wilderness!”, the other whispers “for a coffee on the coast?”. Below, I will dissect the key aspects: price, usability, consumption, value over time, and most importantly – the impact on lifestyle. Thesis? VW California It's expensive, but actually crazy cheap – because it's a hybrid between a car, a camper, and a Zen teacher.
PS – personally from the edge of the dune (and the roof)
Let me take this opportunity to confess something: I have been a serious overlander for the past five years. The owner (The car is for sale.) expedition-reworked Ford Ranger with roof tent (link to the ad at this link), additional tanks, a stove, a compressor in the equipment and everything else that every real adventure requires, and with more than 200 nights spent sleeping on the roof of a carI know what the forest smells like in the morning when you climb out of your tent, and what it's like when you're cooking dinner in the middle of a macadam road in Albania.
But honestly – I have a feeling that the world of "overlanding" is becoming more and more problematic.. Wild camping is banned or strictly regulated in more and more countries, rangers are increasingly visiting us with warnings and fines, and nature deserves more respect than just an “Instagram adventure”. Although I must admit that as an overlander I have often carried out clean-up campaigns and been the greatest guardian of the environment. But more and more often I find myself being pulled in a more subtle direction: something with 4×4 drive – also for power, but with a less aggressive appearance, more of a "sleeper" soul. Where I can park in the middle of town and no one will notice me. Or in a garage.
A vehicle that looks like a family minivan, but hides a bed, a stove, and the quiet power to drive off the lawn in the rain – and easily get into the garage in Barcelona, without scaring the security guard. And that's exactly what it really is VW California – an inconspicuous icon of freedom. To be honest – I’ve been eyeing the – Volkswagen California Beach Tourer eHybrid for a while now. And let me explain why in the rest of the column.
Starting price and amenities: Not everything that glitters is just glitter – sometimes it has a built-in kitchen
On paper, the Volkswagen California eHybrid really looks like the thing for someone with a “second residence” in Davos – the price starts at 71.772 €. But for that you get a factory-equipped mini-home with a retractable roof, sleeping floor and camping equipment that doesn't require folding origami from an awning and tent in the evening. Of course, it doesn't come without at least 12 thousand euros of additional equipment. But that's still less than the entry-level Toyota Land Cruiser.
The Land Rover Defender 110 with basic overland conversion quickly reaches the sum – around 110.000 € and more when you upgrade it with off-road equipment, as befits it. Toyota Land Cruiser? It's not far behind either. With some off-road make-up, it quickly jumps over what it already costs. 72,000 when you pack some equipment, and a solid tent costs well over €100,000.
But the difference is that California has this already built-in, while the Land Cruiser and Defender go to the overland hairdresser additionally. Therefore, it is not wrong to say that the California is otherwise dear on the bill, but in reality cheap in context – because you are not only paying for the hardware, but also for the home, the possible kitchen and the mobile vacation. At the same time, “at least in the California Beach Tourer”, you are actually driving a completely “normal” van into which you can also fit a sofa set with a few moves. No kidding, the entry-level one is even cheaper and is actually my choice.
Everyday utility: A Zen van that can park in a garage
The California is a car that can be Monday. And it can be Friday. That's basically its trick. It has height under 2 meters, which means that with the lifting roof, it can also elegantly climb into city garages - something that a Defender with a roof tent can only dream of, while it stands in front of a barrier like a teddy bear in front of a honey machine.
With five comfortable seats, sliding doors and enough space for a bike, stroller or two-seater, the California can be an everyday warrior, transporting children in the morning, Ikea cabinets in the afternoon and - you - in the evening.
Defender? Sleek, yes. In “gentleman in a chauffeur’s jacket” mode, it’s impressive. But with luggage, a tent, and half of Alaska on the roof, it becomes a bit – um – competitive with the bus in circulation. Similar to the Land Cruiser. Solid and comfortable, but its kilos and dimensions are made for the steppes, not for narrow city streets. At the same time, the cars stand out. When you open the tent, they stand out from the average automotive landscape.
And then comes the California. Quiet, electrified, hybrid – capable of quiet driving with up to 91 kilometers of electric range. For running errands around town? Perfect. For sneaking a morning coffee in the parking lot while others are scratching windows? Priceless.
Fuel consumption and economy: When a liter of fuel costs less than a cappuccino
The VW California Hybrid officially consumes around 1 liter per 100 km, which sounds like a bad joke – until you realize that in city driving it is practically electric. If you fill it up regularly, you can almost forget about petrol. And you hope that the classic engine will still be running when the “hybrid” mode is activated once a month.
Meanwhile, the Defender and Land Cruiser smoke slightly from the tank even at idle. 10–12 liters per 100 km is a reality, especially when they are loaded like James Cook's expedition ship. If you do 15,000 km a year, that makes a difference more than €1,500 in fuel costs. And that each year. I was even modest about it. But this is the amount of car insurance, or annual leave for one person.
Maintenance costs? The California is not without costs, but it uses proven VW technology. Land Rover? It can be a bit of a fickle – wonderful, but sometimes a bit temperamental in mechanics. Toyota? Almost indestructible, but regular servicing of a big diesel is not exactly a snack. Volkswagen's hybrid promises that relatively few kilometers will be done on the "classic" engine alone.
Long-term value: The trick isn't the price – it's how much you have left when you sell it
The California is a vehicle that loses value slowly – almost as slowly as owners let out their first “ahhh” over coffee at a viewpoint. After three years, it can keep over 75 % values, which is almost a miracle in the automotive world. At 5 years old, it is still worth at least 60%. Even 10-year-old Californias sell for “bizarre” amounts.
The Defender and Land Cruiser aren't far behind - both are automotive aristocrats that the market values. But the California has an extra trick: it often replaces two cars in one – personal and holiday. So: one registration, one service, one insurance company – and no more “where else to put the trailer?”
Versatility for trips and travels: Sahara or Soča? Both have their charm
If the Sahara Desert or the Mongolian steppe tempt you, then yes – the Land Cruiser and Defender are the right choice. They can tow boats, cross rivers, and go “where there is no road.” They are like an off-road Bear Grylls with soft suspension.
VW California? It doesn't force you into a precipice. But it can elegantly park by the lake and transform into a living room with a view in a minute. Roof lift? A tent in the air. Built-in kitchen? A mosquito-free, fire-free dinner. When it gets dark, there's no need to go into a tent with a ladder – just turn the seat over and fall asleep.
Is it suitable for Iceland? Maybe not everywhere. But for mountains, coasts, countryside and camping trips – it is perfect home on wheels. And for those who like to camp, but still appreciate a little civilization, it's the golden mean. That's why it's so legendary, expensive - but for those who understand, actually cheap.
Lifestyle Impact: One Vehicle, One Hundred Scenarios
Z Volkswagen Californio basically you don't buy a car - you buy new lifestyle. It becomes your companion, roommate, weekend mentor, and occasional therapist. It gets you to work, but it can also easily take you on an unexpected Saturday adventure. No need to plan, no need to pack – because everything is already there. It can be a traveling office, or a completely normal family car.
Overland legends? They're like an old friend who lives in another country - you meet rarely, but when you do, it's unforgettable. But if you live a life where you can only afford a few expeditions a year, then maybe it's better to have something that makes you happy during the week, not just on vacation.
Conclusion: Expensive? Maybe. But even more – brilliant.
The VW California isn't cheap – at least not on paper. But when you consider that it's a car, camper, and therapy corner all in one, the math quickly turns around. It combines functionality and comfort, with enough elegance to park it in front of the theater, and enough practicality to sleep anywhere – legally.
The Land Cruiser and Defender remain timeless classics. If your heart skips a beat at the sight of muddy roads and creaking undercarriage, then there's no doubt: one of these two is your icon. But if you want to live every day freely and comfortably - without every trip requiring an expedition plan - then the California wins. Not just rationally, but emotionally.
Sometimes in life we don't buy things - we buy options. And the Volkswagen California is one of the few that offers everything: from school trips to spontaneous sunrises in the middle of the Dolomites. And that, dear readers, is not expensive. It is an investment in life.
