Concept…? New Toyota SxS

No affiliation, ill jus leave this here.

 

300hp!? Holy crap that would be wild

 

yeah sign me up!!

 

Yes you did.

 

If it happens, it'll be more than a 4X4 SR! SXS's are already deep onto the $30K's with AC, heat & power everything etc..

 

I could finally rid myself of my backpack. Imagine that ….trading in a backpack for a trailer.

 

And this too.

https://pressroom.toyota.com/introducing-toyotas-bold-new-side-by-side-concept-the-scion-01/

 

Our family has been heavily involved with ATVs since I was a kid in the 70s, starting with the old Honda ATC's. From the ATC70 to the 110, to the 200x, 350x and finally a 250r, I got to enjoy them all. Graduated to quads once the three wheelers stopped being produced, and my kids all got into ATV racing for a few years as well, which was an expensive hobby, but a lot of fun.
But one thing I have never understood is the SxS popularity. Granted, I live on the wet side of WA state, so I can't run them full out on the desert to take advantage of the massive suspension travel, as most of our trails are narrow and tight. The price tag on these things is crazy IMO as well. Might as well buy a Jeep with heat, AC and windshield wipers (LOL). And I can't imagine that if Toyota ever brought this to market, I doubt theirs would be any cheaper than the competition - and more likely cost even more, given they are using the drivetrain from a Tacoma in a reconfigured package.
Up here, we also have certain county roads that allow SxS's to run on the roads if they have street legal kits, and that to me is just asking for a heinous accident someday. All our licensed cars/trucks have to undergo rigorous crash testing, but the folks running SxS's on the streets are just taking a risk that they won't get hit in an accident. I see parents picking up their kids from school in SxS's, and just cringe when I see it and hope they make it home safely.
I know the saying goes 'with age comes the cage' as I used to commute on street bikes and my 'older' colleagues would eventually sell their bikes for cars - perhaps the SxS trend is the old motorcyclists (like me now) and former dirt bike riders that find the SxS's so appealing with an open air experience. I rented a Honda Talon when we went to the Oregon dunes last summer, and it was fun for a couple of hours of exploring, but I didn't fall in love with the experience enough to justify buying one with their current price tags.
If Toyota does release this, its good for the sport since any other manufacturers getting into the ATV business is good news; especially one as big as Toyota, but I can't see this selling well unless they price it competitively.

 

If this does come out I expect it to go the way of Toyota Boats. Well executed and built with known-good quality Toyota parts. But for whatever reason they fail to reach critical mass and fold within a few years despite having a fantastic product.

If it comes out get one quick while you can

 

As someone who grew up on dirt bikes and still rides occasionally I share some of your sentiments. Surprised they are as popular considering the cost (dirt bikes are already too expensive). I see the appeal though for older folks considering their level of capability and fun. That being said I have noticed they are often the worst offenders when it comes to irresponsible trail use. Leaving trash, going off trail, driving too fast on public forest service roads etc. Moab is completely overrun with them, and they give a lot of inexperienced people too much capability. ATV'S and dirt bikers are naturally more carful because of the inherent risk, and 4x4 drivers aren't as reckless due to the cost associated with wheeling a road legal vehicle that's insured. Not to mention both groups have had to learn how to preserve and fight for access to recreation areas. SXS's seem to bring in a lot of jerks who aren't respectful of the land and other trail users.

 

I think you meant "sloven folks".

I never met a SXS "rider" I liked, they're usually just out there being offensive and trashin shit.