Such vehicles have been very common in the us long before 2008. You’re making the opposite point you think you ate.

A 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 is a way bigger vehicle than a 1995 Ford Bronco. 7,417 lbs vs. 4,616 lbs. and hood height of 6.6 feet vs. about 3.7 feet. And the "light trucks" category has risen to 65% of the market from 36% of the market back then. There are a lot more of them, and they're a lot bigger.

A GMC Sierra doesn’t have a 6.6 ft hood height, unless this guy is 8 feet tall: https://share.google/iuCAMEsNEgN0rBGFK

What an odd comparison. Heavy duty trucks with dual rear axles absolutely existed in the 90s. Not sure why you chose a random mid size SUV.

Why not compare with the GMC sierra 2500 of whatever year?

I would say that since ~2008 there have was a large increase in distractions for both drivers and pedestrians in the form of screens with a further additions in vehicles later aa well.

Add in the absolutely stupid design of larger passenger vehicles and you get the current trend.

Do Europeans not have smartphones?

So what? You can already go on mobile.de and buy all of these US vehicles today from specialist importers.

Approximately nobody wants these cars in Europe! Everyone who wants one and can afford one already owns one, there’s no lack of supply.