I think we need to understand there's differences in having an SUV for looks and for functionality. For one thing, an SUV is not a sports car, and I agree it would be silly to put racing stripes on it, or even some aero-dynamic spoiler for a fast racing car look.
As I had discussed in my posting of 12-11-06, the spoiler on the 4th generation T4R was designed not just mainly for looks, but for minimizing dust built-up on the tailgate when traveling over unpaved dirt roads. I installed a spoiler on my 2004 4Runner mainly for that purpose. It seems the spoiler is effective in reducing dust built-up on the tailgate when traveling on dirt roads.
I purchased my SR5 4WD for traveling over miles of rugged dirt roads in Baja to visit and flyfish the miles of wilderness beaches along the Pacific and Sea of Cortez. I've driven my T4R over beaches of soft sand, cobbles and boulders, and rugged dirt roads that many SUVs would likely not handle. So far, never got stuck and need the use of my High-lift jack or recovery strap.
I bought an SUV in the 4Runner with 4WD for outdoor camping, fishing and offroad use, and although it has great looks, I bought it because of dependability and functionality, and installing a spoiler helps keep things clean and less dusty when offroading.
If looks is the main thing, then it's rather subjective of having or not having a spoiler; either way is a personal choice and is fine. But if it's more for functionality, there's a really good reason for having a spoiler if one wants to justify of having one.
Hope this clarify and put things in perspective re spoiler on T4Rs.
ffongge
