Boxy SUV designs are making a comeback

In automotive design, what designers always keep looking for is the 'next big thing’, or the ‘next trend’.

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"Aerodynamics Are For People Who Can't Build Engines"

- Enzo Ferrari

In automotive design, what designers always keep looking for is the ‘next big thing’, or the ‘next trend’. Whether it is the whole shift from boxy looking SUVs with right angles to these soft-curve crossovers with sleek lines and curves or something as simple as placing big model name badges in the center of the boot.

The crossover and compact SUVs have become sort of an evolution in design of SUVs. The CR-V and the RAV4 - while they were once popular and still are, they have become, how do I put this — boring. It’s not new or revolutionary anymore. Those two, and all other compact SUVs that followed their lead look the same today.

Sure, there is Cadillac and Chevy and Lincoln who still have their boxy full-size SUVs. But, that’s just them. There was a point when boxy SUVs had become outdated. Crossovers were the next big thing.

What’s the next big thing in the car scene now? Well, you guessed it right. The electric revolution. But the electric revolution might have just resulted in boxy cars coming back.

Here are some reasons why I think boxy SUVs will make a return.

#1. Gas is cheap. Americans don’t care about fuel efficiency.

Image Source: CNN

#2. The electric shift is happening and most iconic names among SUVs are coming back as electric cars or new age cars with styling similar to electric.

#3. Tesla’s CyberTruck - when Tesla does something, it is cool. I am sure there would be multiple copies of the CyberTruck, despite the number of people hating it now. The design of the CyberTruck would be the next big thing.

#4. The Kei Cars - They were always boxy and the reason these are popular in Japan are the same reasons why we need these back in other countries. These cars look quirky and interesting and they are highly functional/utilitarian. They can fit into small parking spaces but still have very spacious interiors.

Image Source

#5. The new wave of boxy SUVs also has some good looking cars. Just because it’s boxy don’t mean it ain’t sexy!

#6. In places like India, with a boxy design, a hatchback becomes an SUV. And when it does, it sells.

#7. Likewise, a boxy design can turn a soccer mom’s minivan into a luxury SUV.

#8. In fact, in the USA today, the 3 row SUV is the new minivan! The need for big SUVs like in the old days is back.

#9. The successful, but boxy Jeep Renegade isn't a true body-on-frame SUV. It is based on a Fiat platform. Most buyers either aren't aware of this or just don't care. The Renegade just looks cool, and cool sells.

For automakers, using existing platforms of regular crossovers and making them look rugged and boxy would be very easy, and it would result in more people buying crossovers.

#10. And lastly, advancements in technology — it would be much easier to make safer boxy SUVs today, than it was 3 decades ago.

Some SUVs prove that boxy never left.

There was a time when the cars on our roads were all boxy and the concept cars we saw were all curvy. How times have changed!

Whether it is the Everest, the Outlander or Land Cruiser 300, all these SUV designs are boxier than ever before!

Thanks to EightSix once again! Check out BHPian comments for more insights & information.