Toyotas everywhere

[Thebeastlives]

Just got back from a 2 week road trip through California from Tucson and we took the 3rd gen 4 runner. The wife didn't want to take her trd pro because she didn't want it smelling like wet dirty dogs...lol The thing we noticed is that whenever we were in the back country or places that you needed 4wd vehicles, like big bear California the Toyota vehicles greatly outnumbered all other brands. Matter of fact on moderate or easy trails the 5th generation 4 runner was everywhere. There weren't as many 3rd gen or jeeps to be found. Even the FJ outnumbered 3rd gen 4 runners. Only on the advanced most difficult trails did you start to see more Jeeps than 5th gen 4 runners. But still the fj and the 3rd gen crowd outnumbered everyone. In the mtn towns of California the 5th gen 4 runner was king followed by the Tacoma and Tundras. I think the 5th gen 4 runner will be taking the crown as the most popular mid size true 4wd SUV soon. Outside of this trip I've never seen a 5th gen 4 runner on advance jeep trails in the numbers that they were present this trip.Curious if some of you guys have noticed the same thing?

 

[Dieselchessy]

Would guess its more related to the financial status of the local population than anything. $45K trail toys aren't common around my area.
I take sub $15K rigs on trails and it seems most in my area do similar.

 

[mesooohoppy]

it seems as if where i am at is either jeeps, old toyotas (1-3rd gen t4rs, and the truck equivalent), or you will see a lot of new-er/new-ish dodges.

usually the toyotas roll with the toyotas and the jeeps with jeeps. etc.

as the good ole saying goes: 'pick one and be a dick about it'

 

[FrogginAround]

I can't drive 2 blocks without passing at least 1 other 3rd gen. Everything from stock to just a 4runner body on a completely built rig (chevota lol).

 

[spartacus]

Seems about right

 

[nissanh]

If you watch a youtube video by Itchy Boots with the title "Crossing into Bolivia" (around 6:17), you see tons of Landcruisers and few Nissan Patrols and nothing else!

 

[gamefreakgc]

I think Sacramento is the unofficial Toyota 4x4 capital of the world. There's so many around here and you are right, them and Jeeps dominate the off-road scene around here. They are relatively inexpensive, reliable and very capable off road with very little modifications needed.

Saw your charts, that's hilarious. Do you know why Hawaii is #1 on that list? The police use them:

 

[dogtail]

3rd gen 4runners and 1st gen tacomas have for the most part disappeared in New England, I see a few but they are rare now, and built ones are unicorns. Rust abuse killed them. Slightly more 4th gen 4runners, but more of its matched tacoma.
The 5th gen 4runners are plentiful. Tons of jeeps out here.

 

[Thebeastlives]

In California the 5th gen is definitely becoming king of the mid size true 4wd SUV. I used to see tons of mod 4 door Jeeps but slowly but surely the 5th gen is replacing the Jeep and the 3rd gen as the most popular in this class of SUVs. I'm going to Mammoth this weekend and i bet the number 1 4wd suv will the 5th gen. 2 years ago the lifted 4 door Jeep was everywhere when driving up the 395 to Mammoth.

 

[jimmyrecluse]

Toyota builds the most reliable vehicles on the planet

 

[Jidaran]

3rd gen 4runners and 1st gen tacomas have for the most part disappeared in New England, I see a few but they are rare now, and built ones are unicorns. Rust abuse killed them. Slightly more 4th gen 4runners, but more of its matched tacoma.
The 5th gen 4runners are plentiful. Tons of jeeps out here.

I biked 300 miles from outside NYC to Burlington last summer and I was really surprised at the lack of older 4Runners. So many Jeeps though, especially TJs.

 

[3bears]

Would guess its more related to the financial status of the local population than anything. $45K trail toys aren't common around my area.
I take sub $15K rigs on trails and it seems most in my area do similar.

100 % agree