re: Why are cheap affordable basic utility vehicles blocked in the U.S. market?

A bit more data for the fanbois here:

1. That thing weighs in at an unbelievable 2,790 KILOGRAMS. Multiple sites quote the same number. That's 6,138 lbs. That is in the same range as a Ford F250.

SIX
THOUSAND
POUNDS

Such a paragon of Toyota engineering supremacy. How could they possibly have made it that heavy? Cast iron frame rails and quarter inch thick pot metal body panels maybe?

Surely it must have a true beast of a powerplant, right? The "high output" engine, which only comes with an antique 6 speed automatic, pumps out a not-so-great 164 HP/181 ft-lbf torque. For comparison, a base hybrid Ford Maverick, weighing in at around 3600 lb, puts out about the same power, while having a payload almost 50% greater.

0-30 MPH, you're prolly in a dead heat with a Bobcat with a scoop full of wet Louisiana mud in this 'Yota. 0-60 MPH, you'll need a calendar, an empty Kansas interstate, and a 25 MPH tailwind.

This truck was designed ground-up to live in 3rd world shitholes, driven by 3rd world shitheads, who treat it the same as they are treated, and in traffic that never exceeds 35 MPH, if its moving at all. If it can even be had with AC, you won't be climbing any hills with the AC on. Not one of you would buy it.