Mercedes Lilienthal
As a contributor for The New York Times and several automotive outlets, I create award-winning content involving vehicular adventure travel, the automotive industry, and inspiring women in it. My husband and I own two customized right-hand-drive turbo diesel 4x4 Mitsubishis: a Delica Space Gear and a Gen 2 Pajero. We also own a pair of modified Subarus. A dual citizen of the United States and Germany, my work includes writing, photography, and various PR/marketing services. Follow me: Facebook @crankshaftculture and @mercedeslilienthal, Instagram @crankshaftculture and @mercedes_lilienthal, and Twitter @crankshaftcult and @writerwithgrit.
Contact info
- Gear
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Review: Redesign, Features, and Performance
Cotopaxi’s backpacks aren’t the least expensive on the market. But you get what you pay for. Our Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack review reveals why it may be a great fit for your needs.
- First Look
Real-Life Comparison: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz EV from North America vs. the 2024 ID. Buzz Pro German-Market Model
Being a traditionalist, one might spring for a new Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, or an INEOS Grenadier as their ideal adventure rig.
- First Look
Full-Size Adventurers: 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe SUVs
We traveled to Dallas, Texas to test Chevrolet’s latest full-size truck-based SUVs, the refreshed 2025 Suburban and 2025 Tahoe.
- First Look
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness First-Drive Impressions
Subaru’s Smallest SUV Gets a Big Personality Upgrade: I drove the Crosstrek Wilderness on- and off-road across southern Utah and through Zion National Park to test its capabilities.
- Food, Beverages, Cooking
Tested: Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Dinnerware Set and Frontier Ultralight Cutlery Set
We spent the summer with Sea to Summit’s Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Dinnerware Set and Frontier Ultralight Cutlery Set to see how they stack up against the competition.
- Review
Reviewed: BioLite Charge 100 Max Portable Power Bank
We test the new BioLite Charge 100 Max Portable Power Bank to see how it stacks up against an old favorite.
- Review
Tested: Women’s Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boots
The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Boots have been around for a while, but needed a refresh. So, after 10 years, the company revamped its popular model’s styling and improved its strength, traction, and comfort. We try the latest model for women.
- Motorsports
We’re Going Global: Rallying an All-Electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz Van in the 2024 Baltic Sea Circle Rally
Fresh off the heels of our class win with the 2024 Alcan 5000 Rally, we’re neck deep in prep for our first major overseas competition: the Baltic Sea Circle Rally, the northernmost rally in the world.
- Buyer's Guide
8 Innovative Items from 2024 Overland Expo West
With over 400 registered exhibitors at 2024 Overland Expo West, there was no limit to the innovative gear that was showcased at the show. These are 8 new standout products that we are excited about.
- Activities
Pushing Beyond Boundaries: Piloting Can-Am Maverick X3s for International Female Ride Day
It’s about pushing beyond boundaries and trying something different. I put myself out there recently and drove a 2024 Can-Am Maverick X3 RS in the Sonoran Desert to help celebrate the 18th-annual International Female Ride Day, held May 4, 2024.
- Outdoor Gear
The Latest Arc’teryx Jackets: His-and-Hers Alpha SV Jackets and Cerium Hoodys
Living in the Pacific Northwest and traveling to tons of far-flung remote places has taught me that wearing durable gear is critical, especially when it comes to rainproof and windproof wares. Which companies are the best? Would Canadian-based Arc’teryx jackets make the cut?
- Start Here
Leave No Trace: How to Tread Lightly
There are important “tread lightly” principles overlanders and campers should adhere to treat surrounding areas (and people) with respect to preserve the environment and the planet for years to come.
- Buyer's Guide
Winter Gear Round-Up: 5 Cold-Weather Clothing and Camping Items Reviewed
We review 5 of the latest cold-weather clothing and camp gear that can keep you enjoying your time with Old Man Winter.
- Events
Rebelle Renegades: What Does a Day in the Life of a Rallier Look Like?
What happens when you put 65 two-women teams together and toss them into the desert to fend for themselves? Welcome to the Rebelle Rally.
- Review
Matador’s Seg28 Backpack: Field Tested and Approved
We tested one of Matador’s newest releases, the Seg28 Backpack, to see if it stands up to the abuse of your next adventure.
- Review
Inergy Flex 1500 Power Station: Versatile, Powerful, and Convenient for Overland Travel and Camping
We test and evaluate if the Inergy Flex 1500 Power Station solar generator / battery bank should be considered a worthy bit of kit in your overlanding arsenal of gear.
- Motorsports
The TrailSport Trifecta: How Honda Handled The 2023 Rebelle Rally
How did the three Honda-powered teams fare at the 2023 Rebelle Rally? Read on to find out!
- News
Confirmed: The Lilienthals are Driving an INEOS Grenadier in the 2024 Alcan 5000 Rally!
OVR got the insider scoop: We’re driving an INEOS Grenadier in the 2024 Alcan 5000 Rally!
- Camping Gear
Cawood Guy Line Anchors: the Best Product You Never Knew You Needed
Sometimes the best products are the ones least noticed. Gear that gets the job done no matter where you are in the world—they simply work every time.
- First Look
FIRST DRIVE: Subaru’s Smallest SUV Gets a Big Personality Upgrade: 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness has many ruggedized off-road features versus the standard Crosstrek.