I’m curious what you all think of this, not necessarily the outcome of this comparison but the idea of a new market niche in the growing boom of adventure travel.
I guess I should step back and ask a more broad question: What do you think of the growth of the adventure travel market? “Overlanding”, “adventure travel”, “exploring” seems to much less a niche pursuit, in the same way that backpacking or backcountry skiing is no longer confined to a small and ultra rugged and dedicated group but is much more popular and inclusive and how do we feel about that? Good, Bad, Neutral?
I’m the type that gets all flustered when I see other people skinning my ski line in the early mornings and so I think I’m generally inclined towards the disposition that the fewer the better, but I’m not so blind as to know that the continued existence of manufacture and aftermarket support relies on getting new blood into the sport and introducing more people to the experiences that are beyond the paved road. Its a tricky spot for me: Root for these little overachievers, or hate them for the bringing the bar down lower for the overland traveler?
From a business standpoint I think Jeep is doing it 100% right (well, in concept) by putting the adventure back into the crossover. People didn’t leave the SUV because they lost a love of adventure, they left the SUV because it wasn’t economical to keep one...or I should qualify these statements as it applies to adventurous people [i do admit that the bulk of the population couldn’t care less about capability as much as a high seating position and all weather traction].
In that regard I want ALL the manufactures to be thinking about how to bring the adventure back to their crossovers.
On the other hand, the last thing I want is for unprepared or overly obnoxious people to be clamoring for my spots, my permits and my trails.
The struggle is real.