Sport utility vehicles weren’t always pretty. When SUVs became popular in the 1990s, they were often bland and boxy. Since the SUVs we know and love became popular, car makers have made many strides toward making their models look nice.
Today, more vehicles are available in new, better-looking colors. They can sport a more aggressive, aerodynamic style or a classic look with modern changes.
This article reviews some of the coolest-looking SUVs today that will catch your eye on the car lot.
Mazda CX-90
Honestly, the whole Mazda lineup looks nice. They have rather unique designs with sleek lines, just the right proportions, and sharp-looking grills. The Mazda CX-90 and its smaller siblings, like the CX-5, are some of the most distinct-looking SUVs without looking too futuristic.
Rivian R1S
The R1S is a big SUV with three rows of seating that doesn’t compromise its exterior design. Its window proportions, ‘stadium’ design headlights, and basic grill make it look charming rather than intimidating. Rivian also makes the R1S in thoughtful colors instead of just blue, black, white, and red.
Lexus GX
At the other end of the friendly looks scale is the Lexus GX. Many vehicle manufacturers who produce larger off-road SUVs, like the GX, copy designs from retro vehicles like Land Rover or Mercedes-Benz. The Lexus GX makes a statement with a modern grill and two tones that look as sharp as the vehicle drives.
Polestar 3
The Polestar 3 is a recent addition to the American SUV lineup. We can describe the overall look of the Polestar 3 as clean. The headlights aren’t too flashy. As an electric, the faux grill is minimal. Thankfully, Polestar did an excellent job making the design understated but welcoming.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Although the IONIQ 5 looks like a hatchback, it’s an SUV. Hyundai made it look like a 1980s hatchback, while the front has many modern features, including small headlights. While Hyundai seemingly went out of its way to put extra lines on the side door, it stands out and looks pretty cool.
Buick Envista
With vehicles like the Envista and the Corvette C8, GM has done an excellent job of almost accidentally making their vehicles look exotic. As a new member of the electric SUV family from a manufacturer often associated with older customers, it’s a bold choice. The Envista looks much more expensive, with aggressive but simple edges and sharp headlights.
Lamborghini Urus
Lamborghini used bold, pronounced lines and sharper-than-usual angles to make the Urus stand out. The vehicle looks sporty and, to some, downright ferocious. A Lamborghini Urus
will make you stand out with a wide range of 16 colors.
Lincoln Nautilus
Lincoln has come a long way from its stodgy-looking design roots. The newer Nautilus has a bold but modern-looking grill that takes up just the right amount of space in the front. The lines on the Nautilus aren’t too aggressive and make the rest of the vehicle look simple and clean in Lincoln’s understated way. We have to say, we admire the look.
Audi Q8
The Audi Q8 stands out because of one thing its designer did a little differently. The vehicle is meant to be a crossover coupe. Unlike other vehicles in the category, its body begins to curve down after the rear door, which offers a rounded look and little backseat space. This makes the Q8 look bigger while providing more headroom.
Audi added bold, deep lines to the sides and a dark front grille, making a silver Audi symbol pop.
Land Rover Range Rover
Land Rover has changed its design over the years while retaining a classy look. The newer generations use simple, nearly flat lines on the sides and more angles in the back. The rear taillights are vertical and raised to a black crossbar. Everything looks good for Range Rover, and we appreciate that they abide by their traditions.
Genesis GV70
With split headlights and trim around the rear quarter window, Genesis put some serious attention to detail into making the GV70 look classic and modern at the same time. Add a sharp line on the bottom of the front panels, and the new Genesis draws you right in. The GV70 looks sporty and artful, which is a great combination.
Jeep Wrangler
This is probably the most common vehicle on our list, as Jeep has been around for quite a while. The Wrangler has mostly stayed true to its original design, with some updates like square lights and LED turn signals. Still, putting those turn signals on the flares makes the Jeep stand out from other SUV brands.
Ford Bronco
Although the new Ford Bronco has only existed for a few years, you would probably recognize its distinct circular headlights in your rearview mirror. The Bronco takes on an older, traditional style but looks lovely with a boxy off-road truck frame. Two-tone options are also available with different roof colors to make it more unique.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Jeep only recently jumped into the third-row SUV game. Although it doesn’t look like a Jeep, the Grand Wagoneer utilizes LEDs, with the most distinctly Jeep part being the front end and grill. Like the Bronco, its available two-tone roof pattern draws attention to the vehicle’s height while also looking unique.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser is meant to look tough. The whole vehicle does an excellent job of that. It has a pair of rectangular grill pieces and well-framed headlights attached to the front end. The rest of the vehicle has clean, simple lines intended to look a little old-school. Overall, it’s a very handsome vehicle.
No Shortage of Options
Thankfully, we had many SUVs to pick from, and so will you. Beauty and good looks are in the eye of the beholder. Take a look at our list and other SUVs to decide which one suits your style.
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