Detours defined this adventure-filled competition, whether teams ripped into first place or grinned their way into dead last. In the finale of Toyota’s Destination Detour, the challenges heat up between Team 4Runner, Team Tacoma, and Team Land Cruiser. Each team ticked their checklists left and right as they raced to the 5 o’clock deadline — and the $10,000 prize.
Two teams battle head-to-head for first place, while the third team enjoys the ride as they catch back up. In the end, each team gained something: a new friendship, a new adventure for long-term partners, and new opportunities for family.
Which team had what it takes to tackle the detours and drive home with the prize? Find out in Episode 3 of the Toyota Destination Detour.
Team Land Cruiser completed the last of their challenges, like running backward and putting up a new local Strava record. These were just the warm-ups for the high-value moments, though, like relaying trails around Lake Gregory and the Rim of the World trail and “connecting like sisters,” as Jazmine said.
Down to the wire, these runners wrapped up their challenges with a quick strike at the local bowling alley before reveling in their time left with the much-loved Land Cruiser.
Team Tacoma’s memories are worth more than any prize: if “having the most fun” had been a challenge category, Lael and Rue would have won it with flying colors. They built momentum by knocking out challenges like a dunk in a freezing waterfall, pedaling up 2,900+ feet of elevation gain, and ripping down the road hands-free for half of a mile.
Testing out their Tacoma’s CRAWL Control with some dirt roads turned out to be a highlight, getting them further out to conquer more challenges with the aid of 4WD.
Team 4Runner lived it up with surf challenges like shooting between pylons at Pismo Beach’s pier, catching air in less-than-ideal conditions, and catching a party wave sans wetsuits for more points. Then they hit the road in their sandy 4Runner to their most relaxing challenge in the form of enjoying the hot tub at Sycamore Mineral Springs.
Each team found that their own detours brought their own achievements, however. Team Land Cruiser bonded over 36 hours in the mountains, turning strangers into fast friends. Team Tacoma reveled in a new locale for the couple who travel everywhere together, underlining the deep-seated joy in finding adventure together. (An 8+ hour round trip in a rugged Tacoma may have helped.)
After a fierce battle through 36 hours, the family road trip proved to be the winning detour. Father/daughter team Josh and Sierra found the winner’s check on the windshield of the trusty Toyota 4Runner that drove them straight into the winner’s circle.
The metrics calculated from value and safety scores at each challenge proved that each team hit their highest marks at every turn. No matter how serious or silly the challenges, time together outdoors, and in a truck that matched each activity, made each moment worth it.
How will our winners celebrate? By taking another detour — this time, to new surfing scenes for dad and daughter.
Check out each episode of Toyota’s Destination Detour, and find your forever ride in a Toyota Truck.
