It’s actually kind of depressing, at least 4 of those cars pictured could be had with a manual and only one is an SUV; in 2019 most would be SUVs and none manual.

That thing is sweet!

These crossover “offroad” packages are the modern version of the vinyl roofs that were popular in the 70's. Back then it was cool to make people think you drove a convertible, now it is cool to make people think you are adventurous. Pure form over function and a must have accessory for your suburban McMansion.

The Tacoma is the new old Ford Ranger.

This is why I fly in a hazmat suit; it allows me to luxuriate worry-free in a blanket sized to a toddler and a pillow with a pillow cloth made from toilet seat protectors.

Nothing, off-road ability is the new dynamic handling.

Doesn’t Lexus already offer such things? I don’t even know because I really don’t care, I just feel like they almost certainly do but sounds too boring to investigate. Wait, why am I even posting about this?

Makes me think Ford's CEO can't Hackett.

Nah, I’m thinking its probably a middle aged man who wears a white Hanes undershirt tucked into jorts which are held up by a braided brown belt. He also wears white tube socks, and the same grungy white New Balance cross trainers that he has had since 2002. His hobbies include waiting for toilet paper and cat food to…

Agreed, I think that we may be nearing peak crossover. Rich buyers are starting to turn back to luxury wagons albeit in small numbers for now.  If there is anything that the average car buyer likes, it is having a car that looks like the cars rich people drive.  Once the crossover is deemed frumpy and uncool, people…

Not a crossover is good enough for me! Manuals are nice too.

Yeah that was insane, definitely a few times I would have crapped my pants had I been a cyclist or motorcyclist during that lap.

Manufacturers love to remind customers that SUVs and crossovers are perfect for adventurous trips that the customers will never take. It’s a big selling point.

Wow, looks like the photo shoot took place on Hoth, impressive!

Careful Santa, badmouthing crossovers will get you sent to perma-grays around here...ask me how I know.

Fuck antivaxxers. They are the reason a close friend, who is a teacher, became seriously sick with whooping cough after contracting it from one of her students.

I disagree, most all businesses, espcially the financial institutions that do most of the auto lending, would rather have a consistent, predictable revenue stream at a slightly lower rate of return than an inconsistent one at a higher rate. 

Same thing happened to me.  I now realize that a credit score is not a reflection of responsible credit use, but rather a rating of how profitable you are to creditors.

Eh, the driving dynamics aren’t that bad, my 2016 JKU would never be mistaken for a Miata, but it’s handling, acceleration, and drivability are in line with most crossovers that I’ve driven.