Design plays a crucial role in the functionality and appeal of commercial vehicles. However, not all designs hit the mark. In this list, we explore 20 commercial vehicles with questionable design choices that leave us scratching our heads. From bizarre shapes to impractical features, these vehicles demonstrate that even the most utilitarian machines can suffer from design missteps.
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Chevrolet SSR
The Chevrolet SSR combined a pickup truck and a convertible, resulting in a vehicle that confused many. It featured a retractable hardtop roof and a retro-styled body reminiscent of 1940s trucks. However, the SSR’s design was neither fully practical as a truck nor entirely appealing as a convertible, leading to mixed reactions and limited commercial success.
Nissan S-Cargo
The Nissan S-Cargo was a small delivery van shaped like a snail, intended to be quirky and cute. However, its toy-like appearance and limited cargo space made it impractical for many commercial uses. The S-Cargo’s design was more of a novelty than a functional vehicle, making it an odd choice for businesses.
Pontiac Aztek
Although not strictly a commercial vehicle, the Pontiac Aztek’s awkward design has led it to be used in various unconventional roles. Its bulky, clunky exterior and controversial styling made it a frequent subject of design critiques. The Aztek’s multi-purpose design, which included features like a built-in tent, added to its perplexing appearance.
Subaru BRAT
The Subaru BRAT was a compact pickup truck that featured rear-facing seats in the bed, a design choice aimed at avoiding certain tariffs. This unusual seating arrangement made the BRAT stand out, but it also raised questions about its safety and practicality. The BRAT’s design was a curious blend of passenger and cargo vehicle elements.
Fiat Multipla
The Fiat Multipla is widely known for its unusual, wide design, which includes a distinctive three-abreast seating arrangement in the front. This odd styling made it highly noticeable but not necessarily in a positive way. The Multipla’s unconventional appearance and bulbous front end left many scratching their heads.
Ford Edsel
The Ford Edsel is infamous for its unique and controversial front grille, which some likened to a horse collar. Intended to be a mid-range vehicle, the Edsel’s design failed to appeal to the masses and became a symbol of marketing failure. Its distinctive styling did little to endear it to the public.
Isuzu VehiCROSS
The Isuzu VehiCROSS was a small SUV with a highly unconventional and chunky design. Featuring bold body cladding and a futuristic look, it aimed to stand out in the crowded SUV market. However, its design was polarizing and often seen as too radical for mainstream buyers.
Renault Avantime
The Renault Avantime was a two-door MPV that combined elements of a minivan and a coupe. Its large glass areas and unique profile aimed for innovation but failed to resonate with buyers. The Avantime’s design tried to blend practicality with style but ended up appealing to neither market segment effectively.
Mercedes-Benz R-Class
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class was a luxury minivan that struggled with its identity. Marketed as a “sports tourer,” its elongated and somewhat awkward shape made it look neither sporty nor luxurious. The R-Class’s design confused consumers who were unsure of its purpose and appeal.
Peugeot 1007
The Peugeot 1007 was a compact MPV with sliding doors, an unusual feature for its class. While the sliding doors were intended to offer easy access in tight spaces, they added unnecessary complexity and weight. The 1007’s design choice made it more of a curiosity than a practical commercial vehicle.
Hummer H2 SUT
The Hummer H2 SUT was an oversized, over-the-top SUV truck hybrid that epitomized excess. Its massive size and aggressive styling were meant to convey ruggedness but often came off as impractical and excessive for most commercial uses. The H2 SUT’s design choices made it more of a statement vehicle than a functional one.
Suzuki X-90
The Suzuki X-90 was a two-seater SUV with a T-top, a combination that puzzled many. Its small size and unusual roof design made it an odd choice for an SUV. The X-90’s attempt to blend sportiness with off-road capability resulted in a vehicle that didn’t excel at either.
Cadillac Escalade EXT
The Cadillac Escalade EXT was a luxury pickup that tried to blend high-end features with rugged utility. Its design included a short bed and luxury cabin, which didn’t appeal to traditional truck buyers. The Escalade EXT’s identity crisis as a luxury truck limited its commercial appeal.
Toyota Mega Cruiser
The Toyota Mega Cruiser was designed with military-style aesthetics for civilian use. Its boxy, utilitarian design made it look more suited for combat zones than commercial markets. The Mega Cruiser’s attempt to bring military ruggedness to the civilian world resulted in a vehicle that was too extreme for most buyers.
Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear
The Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear was a van with off-road capabilities, featuring a boxy and unattractive design. Its utilitarian appearance and tall stance made it look more like a utility vehicle than a comfortable commercial van. The Delica’s design was functional but lacked the aesthetic appeal needed for broader commercial success.
Dodge Rampage
The Dodge Rampage was a compact, car-based pickup that didn’t quite fit into any category. Its small size and car-like features made it less useful as a traditional truck and less comfortable as a car. The Rampage’s design was an awkward blend that didn’t resonate with buyers.
Ford Flex
The Ford Flex was a boxy, wagon-like SUV with polarizing aesthetics. Its rectangular shape and flat sides gave it a retro look that didn’t appeal to everyone. The Flex’s design was unique but not universally appreciated, limiting its appeal in the commercial vehicle market.
Citroën C3 Pluriel
The Citroën C3 Pluriel was a convertible that could transform into multiple body styles, none very practical. Its modular design included removable roof arches, but the transitions were cumbersome and the configurations not always functional. The C3 Pluriel’s design was more gimmicky than practical, leading to its questionable commercial success.
Lincoln Blackwood
The Lincoln Blackwood was a luxury pickup with limited utility, featuring a short bed and high-end interior. Its design tried to blend luxury car features with truck functionality but didn’t succeed in either. The Blackwood’s lack of practicality for a commercial vehicle made its design choice questionable.
Volkswagen Type 181 (Thing)
The Volkswagen Type 181, known as the Thing, was designed for utility but looked more like a toy. Its simple, boxy design and minimalistic features were functional but not visually appealing. The Thing’s design was utilitarian to a fault, making it look out of place in the commercial vehicle market.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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