When is a vehicle too big for off-roading?

TL;DR - I think 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks are way too big for proper off-roading.

My 4Runner is my first actual truck SUV and I think of it to be a big vehicle. Mid-size trucks and mid-size truck based off-road SUVs are big... nothing mid-size about it. Of course I'm talking about Wranglers, Gladiators, Broncos, and our 4Runners. We now also have the Colorado and Ranger as full off-roaders as well.

However, we know that Ford pretty much started the off-road truck trend with the Raptor and now we have 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks as actual off-road vehicles such as the PowerWagon and the Silverado 2500 ZR2 Bison... and with a hefty price tag. Most Raptors, TRX, ZR2 Bison are easily $80k+ without dealer mark-ups.

Besides the hefty price tag, I honestly think these off-road trucks are ginormous and unconventional for this activity. I'm only starting to off-road my 4Runner and in the little bit I've done, I've come to realize some off-road trails (at least here in the northeast) are very tight... my 4Runner barely fits tbh. I could only imagine all of the paint stripes a PowerWagon or even a Raptor would end up with if you take them on these trails. Not only that, but they have these long wheelbases that only make turning radius worse. Breakover angle is terrible on these. I gotta admit, I watch a lot of TFL and Driving Sports TV off-road videos on YT and it's always the same story, these trucks tend to be way too big for some trails even out in the west. As much as I wanted a PowerWagon before, I honestly think my 4Runner is the perfect machine for off-roading. If I do end up getting a truck later on, it would be more of a RAM 2500 Laramie and use it for hauling and such, not for off-roading... maybe easier gravel fire roads or something.

But to give y'all some size comparisons:

 

Zackly, when you can’t do the trails it’s to f#&$ing big. But if you don’t mind making several turning attempts, and digging out because you high centered again, and deep pin stripes, damn I’m exhausted just typing this crap. Anyway happy trails.

 

Even the 4Runner feels too big for some trails!

 

Same with Defenders

 

I guess it depends on what type of off-roading you want to do. A full size would probably suck at what I like to do with the 4Runner. OTOH, full size trucks are way better for mud. And probably pretty good for high speed stuff in open areas.

 

What makes them better in mud?

 

idk where their marketing team gets their stats from. 99.9999999999% of factory off-roaders are pavement princesses.

 

Mudding is all about big tires and horsepower. We can't fit big tires and the other part seems obvious.

 

True. That's why I deleted the comment. I was thinking about the vehicles themselves rather than the marketing.

OTOH, Toyota started the TRD trims in the late 90's. So, maybe the trend has been around longer than we're acknowledging.

 

I was looking at my 9th gen corolla and noticed it has some great ground clearance, I assume it's because it was designed to survive developing markets' roads and terrain. That's what people in real tough areas use for "overlanding" for the longest time, little corollas and maybe the W123 Mercedes.

 

Those old 4wd Tercel wagons would probably make a good overland build platform.

 

don't forget the gigantic iPads that over-complicate simple HVAC controls.

 

4 door jeeps and 4runners are pretty close to the same size, which is about the max for fun forest trails around here. Except the 4runner has a bit better utility/usability in terms of it’s interior.

 

I'm really glad that I don't watch a lot of TV. Otherwise, these stupid commercials might bother me.

 

But the 4Runner does have a shorter wheelbase over the 4-door Wrangler so that's another plus. And the reliability too.

 

Fortunately the new LC has all physical controls!!!

 

It's not that bad based on the pix I've seen imo. Even the GX has physical buttons and dials.

But what Tesla uses and also the gigantic screens in some RAMs and now in Subarus are a big no no from me. At least Hyundai reverted back to physical buttons and dials in the Tucson refresh.

... mind you, I'm a millennial that grew up with computers and currently using my iPhone to type this

 

I wonder how easy it is to dim those down. I generally turn the screen off, and dim the gauges as much as possible if I have a long night drive ahead of me.

 

At least the infotainment screen in the 4Runner dims and it's perfect for me. I absolutely LOVE the physical controls in it.

 

What irks me is that cell phone use is "strictly" prohibited by law in ALL states... yet a gigantic distracting iPad slapped on the dash is fine???

 

Sounds like an improvement. In my '19, the screen seems to have 3 settings: bright, dim, and off.

 

That's fucking ridiculous.

One of my favorite things is the paragraph of reading that pops up on the screen in my Chevy work truck warning me about taking my eyes off the road.

 

I think the new Prius has that eye-tracking bs

 

It all comes to what level of offroading you do. A lifted 2 door Jeep on 35s or 37s is the Undisputed King. Not everyone wants that level of capability. A lifted 4Runner on 33s or 34s can do 80% of what that Jeep can do, and I can live with that. A Tundra or Ram 1500 will be one level below 4Runner. And a Ram 2500 HD will send you to your chiropractor if you take it on the trail, it can wheel, but the suspension is crap.

I can fit this mattress in the back, and can do 80% of what that Jeep can do. You can't beat that.
From 2 months of owning my 4Runner, I know that 4Runner's problem is not traction, it is the angles and clearance that limits its capability.

 

If you ask for better angles on the 4Runner, then you will lose the mattress in the back. If you ask for a solid axle in the front, then it will drive like crap on the highway. If you want a removable top, then be prepared for squeaks, noises and leaks. It is what it is. 4Runner is not a toy like that Jeep, it is a very practical and sensible SUV. I think the 4Runner is the best compromise, and that's why we bought it, right?

 

The new Prius is be au ti ful

 

Hey, gas is expensive now a days, guy's gotta do what he gotta do to get places, I don't judge.

 

Have you seen the size of a trophy truck? They seem to do fine off-roading.

 

That's a badass jeep but the undisputed king is the samurai.