This applies to some people but I think is really overstating things. Only ~10% of 4x4 vehicles ever get driven offroad, and most of the US population has paved

This applies to some people but I think is really overstating things. Only ~10% of 4x4 vehicles ever get driven offroad, and most of the US population has paved roads everywhere they want to go. Vehicles that get driven offroad invariably get a lot of scratches, mud, etc, and the vast majority of trucks I see around town are absolutely pristine in that regard. There are plenty of legit use cases for a high clearance 4x4, but I think the vast majority of people claiming that they need one are being disingenuous, and really just want to feel like their commuter car is cool.