Why is the 4runner platform more popular than a truck platform for non-hardcore offroading?

This is news to me...

I haven't quite figured that out yet.

I used to say it was because they wheeled better than trucks out of the box. On account of having better weight distribution. You see, the problem with trucks is they don't tend to have enough weight over the rear axle(unless the bed is loaded). So rear axle traction suffers. 4Runners(and SUVs in general) tend to be ass heavy. Which is excellent for rear axle traction. And makes them a little easier to handle/more capable/safer to drive/less likely to get stuck offroad. But most folks that I've tried to explain that concept to don't really seem to get what I'm saying(some even being 4Runner/SUV wheelers). So I'm not too sure that's why.

I guess I don't know because I'm a die-hard truck guy myself. I've never desired an SUV. And if I had to say why, I'd say it's probably mostly aesthetics(trucks just look cooler to me). But I also like having a bed to haul lots of stuff in(which I use regularly). And I would never want to carry more than one passenger, so why would I need interior space/seating for any more(though my long bed could haul even more people than your 4Runner could too...if it had to)? Basically, besides having a more desirable appearance IMO, a truck is just a more versatile vehicle. So I gotta have one(over a 4Runner/SUV).

I think because there's a lot more of them and they are cheaper. I'd love to find a rust-free extended cab truck but they don't exist in Illinois. My rust-free Runner will have to do.

You just notice more built 4runners because there are 10x more stock trucks than built ones. 4runners are in pretty low numbers and the ones who have them tend to build them up...trucks on the other hand..most stay stock due to old guys owning them

4 seats = more chicks can fit. Also the beer doesn't fall out when crossing creek beds.

Hilux means more kids can fit. Also the school projects don't get messed up in bad weather.
Non-hardcore offroader = daily driver = something to cart the family around in.

I see a few more Toyota pickups than 4Runners set up off-roady. 4Runners around here are still hanging in as the soccer mom mobile. It's slowly balancing out as the price heads south, but not there yet.

I have owned the full spectrum of thrashed Toyotas, from a single cab 2wd to an extended cab 93' 4x4 , to a 90' Runner currently.

I do believe I can feel the added weight over the rear axle . Ever lift that Runner tailgate or swing open that tire mount ? That stuff is heavy ...

I think I just like the look of the Runner too . And a few weeks ago I did something I have never done, I took the girlfriend and the mom and dad wheeling together which was nice ...

I believe its mostly due to the enclosed area for storage. If you buy a truck most of your stuff is exposed to the elements. Most non hardcore wheelers are doing trips where its easier to throw it in the back of a 4runner then strap it down in the bed of a truck.

I also agree with the weight distribution. They seem more capable when it comes to slippery surfaces. They also feel a bit more tippy which gives a thrill factor lol

i wish i had my 88 4runner back...no ,i love my pickup,nooo,really liked the 89 v-6 runner,noooo,really liked my 92 pickup.hmmmm......thats the problem,im a yotaaddict!!
p.s,its not just me ,my wife drives an FJ!

Most people need the extra seating and the interior cargo space. I would wager the majority of casual wheelers are a married couple with at least 1 kid and probably a dog. That pretty much eliminates a truck from their choice of off road vehicle. (excluding a double cab Tacoma or Tundra)

A lot use 4runners because they can haul the family, the boat, their gear to the lake, or take everyone and their things camping, pulling a pop up if they have one, and if they need to do something that would require a truck bed, they make trailers for a reason.

That said, I have a 4runner and a truck, but it's a GMC 2wd. I think every family should have a truck in addition to any other vehicles they have, don't get me wrong. I fully appreciate and know first hand the value of a pickup. My next yota will probably be a 05-06 tundra DC 4wd.

Technically my 4Runner is half truck....

To me it would seem that having all that weight over the back side would make it more tipsy. Any truth to that?

The weight distribution is more even with more weight on the back. Therefore, the vehicle is actually more stable. The pickup's have very little weight over the back, so most of the weight is up front. That doesn't make them always flip forward. Having weight on the back just provides better traction and a more even weight distribution. What makes them "tipsy" is the center of gravity. There is more mass higher up therefore the center of gravity is raised. So yes, they are more "tipsy" , but not by much and it is because of where the pass is placed according to height rather than according to its location from the front to the back.