Could this Toyota 4Runner woodie be the next hot trend?

On the tails of Volvo revealing a new compact luxe wagon, the V60, and Mercedes-Benz slamming portal axles on an E400 All-Terrain wagon, keen-eyed Reddit user kitch9 spotted a different approach to nostalgia -- a wood-paneled Toyota 4Runner. Living in the space that wagons once dominated, this ‘Yota looks perfectly suburban with its fake wood plastered on its exterior.

The owner likely took inspiration from the legendary Jeep Grand Wagoneer, as it was once the dominate SUV of its day, in both prowess and style. Sure, the wood paneling on a Grand Wagoneer kind of dates it in its era, but with nostalgia now the latest trend, it might as well make a comeback. 

That said, we doubt wood paneling will ever return to a new car dealer’s lot with the drive for more aerodynamic cars -- the wood outlined panels might look cool, but they certainly are far from wind tunnel ready. Now, there might be some space in the aftermarket for covering your compact crossover with plastic fake wood to stoke the memories of yore.

We might not be able to tell the future, but we can say -- we wouldn’t (Ed note: yes we would) kick this Toyota out of our driveway.