When driving around and about, your eyes might occasionally see an automotive sight for sore eyes. It’s the kind of vehicle that dares you not to do a double or triple take.
While beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, some cars, trucks, and SUVs can’t be ignored. And, to be fair, it’s not just good looks that attract eyeballs. Sometimes it’s quite the opposite.
Keep reading to see 16 vehicles so captivating that they are like distractions on four tires.
Tesla Cybertruck
Whether you love it or hate it, one thing you can’t do is ignore a Tesla Cybertruck when you see one. Sure, you can pretend you don’t care. But it’s hard not to look at the electric truck. From its stainless steel exterior to its futuristic styling to its huge single windshield wiper, the Cybertruck is a vehicle that’s impossible not to notice whether or not you’re a fan.
Plymouth Prowler
The Plymouth Prowler is another car you won’t be able to ignore if it pulls up next to you at a red light. Featuring a 3.5-liter V6 capable of 253 horsepower for the 1999 to 2002 models, the Prowler has a low-slung body, narrow rear end, and exposed front wheels.
It’s hard to find anything like it, which is why it’s such a head-turner. In reviewing the 1999 model year, Edmunds says it’s a cool car from Chrysler but notes that the lack of a manual transmission is a miss.
GMC Hummer EV
All Hummers are a spectacle, but the GMC Hummer EV is on another level as far as head-turners are concerned. Case in point: the 2025 GMC Hummer is a huge EV pickup truck with a whopping 1000 hp, according to Car and Driver. If you see this behemoth of an EV, you won’t be able to resist gawking at it.
DeLorean DMC-12
If you watched the Back To The Future movies, you know the DeLorean DMC-12. The car was one of the co-stars alongside Michael J. Fox and others in the cult classic franchise.
A two-passenger, rear-engine sports car, the DeLorean DMC-12 is worth a pretty penny these days. Classic.com says the top sale price for a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 was $243,000 on November 9, 2012.
As an aside, the bizarre story of John DeLorean, the creator of the DMC-12, is similarly captivating and worth reading if you’re unfamiliar with it.
Volkswagen Beetle
While not as flashy or in-your-face as some other entries on this list, the earlier Volkswagen Beetles stand out these days. One source says the Volkswagen Beetle’s first generation was manufactured between 1939 and 2003, and over 20 million units were manufactured. So, the appeal isn’t so much scarcity but familiarity and its distinctive appeal that you won’t confuse with anything else.
Some believe the 1967 Beattle is the best year because it was the first to feature a 12-volt system, has a classic look, and features a bigger engine.
Rolls-Royce Wraith
While virtually any Rolls-Royce exudes so much style and opulence that it will attract attention from auto enthusiasts and the general public, the Rolls-Royce Wraith is one model that ups the ante and also has a cool name.
It’s an ultra-luxurious grand tourer with a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that produces 624 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque.
Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan is an EV from the German automaker. Sleek, stylish, and effortlessly fast, it’s the sort of car you won’t be able to ignore. The fast-charging EV with plenty of power is what you’d expect from Porsche.
With a starting price of $101,395 for the 2025 model year, they’re not exactly giving them away. But you can gawk at the beautiful vehicle for free.
Smart Fortwo
While the Smart Fortwo might look like little more than a toy, the car’s compact, boxy dimensions and cute styling make it a vehicle that’s hard not to look at.
They seat two people, get good fuel economy, and are a breeze to park in even the tightest spots. You can get them in gas, diesel, and EV models.
Renault Twizy
Move over, Smart Fortwo. If you’re looking for the quirkiest tiny EV, check out the Renault Twizy. One source calls the Renault Twizy part car and part scooter. It’s an excellent option for congested cities. And it’s almost a certainty you haven’t seen anything quite like it.
Subaru Baja
The Subaru Baja is a unique vehicle that Subaru previously manufactured. For the 2006 model year, Edmunds says the car is comfortable, handles well, and offers peppy performance.
While Subaru is not known for producing conventionally handsome cars, the Baja looks like nothing else on the road. It’s what you get when combining a lifted station wagon with a pickup truck. The bed is small, but it offers enough utility for people who don’t need to haul a ton of stuff.
Hummer H1
The Hummer H1 looks utterly ridiculous in a city or suburb setting. But it’s a good choice if you want something impossible to ignore. No one can successfully pretend not to see any Hummer as they block out the sun and occupy several car widths, not least the hulking beast that the Hummer H1.
Lucid Air Dream Edition
When looking for an ultra-luxury EV, the Lucid Air Dream Edition belongs on the list. It ranks high in tech, luxury, range, and more. In addition to featuring a distinctive style that demands a double take or long glances, the 2025 Lucid Air offers as much as 512 miles of range. So, you can look pretty while saying goodbye to range anxiety.
Dodge Challenger Hellcat
If you want the high-performance Dodge Challenger model, you need the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, which was first rolled out in 2015. You’ll notice this icon of the American muscle car space because of its retro-inspired design and scene-stealing presence. If it does happen to escape your view, you will certainly hear it, and it’s supercharged 700+ hp 6.2-liter V8.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is another vehicle that captures people’s attention—indeed, the FJ Cruiser can look like the embodiment of a child’s drawing of an SUV. In reviewing the 2009 model, Car and Driver points out the SUV’s boxy shape, big tires, and suspension, which are suited to off-roading. You’ll also notice the bright and fun colors the next time you see one.
Citroën DS
If you’ve never heard of the Citroën DS, you can be forgiven – despite being sold in North America between 1956 and 1972, it was not a commercial success. In fact, it’s pretty likely that if you might have seen one at some point, you wouldn’t have been able to recognize it. That being said, it’s highly regarded for its futuristic style and hydraulic suspension at the time.
McLaren P1
The McLaren P1, a hybrid hypercar that first rolled out in 2013, was manufactured by McLaren Automotive. It’s one of those cars that gets enthusiasts in a tizzy. Even people who don’t consider themselves car guys and gals are captivated by the work of art that the McLaren P1 is. It can do 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds and, because of its electric motor and turbo-twin V8, can produce 903 hp.
Seeing Is Believing!
While plenty of interesting vehicles are out there to capture the imagination, these 16 are particularly worthy of attention. The next time you see one, try not to look. That might be an unbeatable challenge.
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