Cars, similar to art, evoke a range of opinions. An SUV celebrated by some for its innovation and design might be criticized by others for its unappealing looks. Interestingly, there’s a rare agreement among enthusiasts about a few SUVs known for their distinctive and often controversial appearance. Let us explore some of the ugliest SUVs ever made, challenging the idea that beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
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Bentley Bentayga
When it was introduced, the Bentley Bentayga was one of the most expensive and luxurious SUVs you could buy. It has a W12 engine that makes it fast for a car its size. However, many car enthusiasts believe the Bentayga’s design doesn’t match its price tag or brand reputation. The large, round headlamps next to smaller lights give it a bug-eyed look, and the bulbous back doesn’t fit the traditionally sleek and sophisticated Bentley design.
Lamborghini Urus
Though the Lamborghini Urus boasts impressive specs, with a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine and a top speed of 190 mph, it has been criticized for its aggressive, angular design. Many consider its front design over-styled, with too many lines, vents, and bulges. While some may appreciate the bold, sporty look, others see it as a departure from the sleek lines typically associated with Lamborghini, making it less attractive as an SUV.
Isuzu VehiCROSS
The Isuzu VehiCROSS is one SUV that certainly stands out, but not always for the right reasons. The design is often criticized for being too busy, with different cladding materials and strange angles that clash rather than complement each other. Despite its decent off-road capabilities and 3.5L V6 engine, the unusual aesthetics of the VehiCROSS have often put it on the ‘ugliest SUVs’ lists.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Mercedes-Benz took a risk with the design of the GLE Coupe, and it hasn’t been universally well-received. Its odd blend of a tall SUV structure with a fastback roofline leaves some people cold. While it is packed with luxury features and powerful engine options, the resulting design, which appears like a regular SUV and a sports coupe were combined, is often considered less than pleasing.
Chevrolet Avalanche
The Avalanche is a four-door, five or six passenger SUV that was produced by Chevrolet from 2001 to 2013. It’s characterized by its ‘midgate’ design, allowing the partition between the back seat and the cargo bed to be removed. However, this design choice also leads to an ungainly, disproportionate exterior, especially when viewed from the side. Its bulky plastic body cladding didn’t help its cause, either.
BMW X6
While the BMW X6 is loaded with features, its ‘coupe SUV’ design draws polarizing opinions. Many feel the sloping rear roofline compromises the practicality expected of an SUV and results in an awkward combination of styles. Despite its impressive engine range, including a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six and a 4.4L V8, the unusual design aesthetics of the X6 have made it a controversial vehicle.
Lamborghini LM002
The Lamborghini LM002, often dubbed the “Rambo Lambo,” was Lamborghini’s first foray into the world of SUVs, and its aesthetics remain a point of controversy. Built between 1986 and 1993, the LM002 was powered by a massive 5.2L V12 engine, also used in the Lamborghini Countach, or an optional 7.2L V12 from offshore powerboats. It was intended as a luxurious yet rugged all-terrain vehicle. However, the LM002’s boxy, brutish, and militaristic design was a stark departure from Lamborghini’s known pedigree of sleek and aerodynamic sports cars. Critics often referred to it as ungainly and cumbersome, with its squared-off wheel arches, high ground clearance, and unusually large front and rear overhangs.
Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke is renowned for its quirky design, which is often considered unattractive. While it boasts good specs, with an available 1.6L turbocharged engine and a sporty driving experience, its bug-eyed front end and high-mounted taillights provide a distinctive look that is not universally loved. The overall design appears disproportionate to some, making the Juke a frequent member of ‘ugliest SUV’ lists.
SsangYong Rodius
Also known as the Stavic in some markets, the SsangYong Rodius is often dubbed one of the ugliest cars ever made. It boasts a roomy interior and decent engine options, from a 2.7L diesel to a 3.2L petrol. Still, the Rodius is famous for its unusual design. It has an elongated, sloping rear end and a seemingly random assortment of window shapes that make it look like two different vehicles welded together.
Jeep Cherokee (2014-2018)
Jeep Cherokee’s 2014-2018 models received a lot of criticism for their controversial front design. The combination of LED daytime running lights positioned above the main headlights and an unconventional seven-slot grille deviated from the classic Jeep look. Despite the vehicle’s robust specifications, including a 3.2L V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission, the split headlight design wasn’t a hit with the public.
Pontiac Aztek
The Pontiac Aztek is commonly considered one of the most unsightly vehicles ever produced. Its excessive plastic cladding, irregular geometric lines, and awkward proportions make it a common choice for the ugliest SUV list. Some users even consider its rear design a complete afterthought, with a too-high window line and weirdly bulged out back. It’s not the specifications that bother people – the Aztek was a mid-size SUV with a reasonable 3.4L V6 engine – but its bizarre, boxy design has made it infamous.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser, with its retro-styled design inspired by the iconic FJ40 Land Cruisers of the 1960s, has been a polarizing figure in the automotive world. Some admire its unique style, but many critics and consumers find the exaggerated, boxy shape and unconventional features like the three wiper setup and the massive rear pillars to block visibility, unattractive. Despite its robust off-road capabilities and a loyal fan base, its design was not warmly received by all, contributing to its discontinuation in the U.S. market in 2014.
Hummer H2
The Hummer H2, built to mimic military vehicles for civilian use, was both massive and massively divisive in design. Its incredibly large body, high fuel consumption, and ostentatious appearance made it a symbol of automotive excess. Critics often pointed out that its bulky frame and over-the-top styling lacked the sophistication and refinement expected in the luxury market. Though it found a niche market, the H2’s aggressive, militaristic design was often cited as unsightly and unnecessarily large for everyday driving.
Cadillac Escalade EXT
A variant of the popular Escalade, the Cadillac Escalade EXT sported a pickup truck bed that was blended into the traditional SUV body. This design choice was not well-received, as it disrupted the vehicle’s proportions and gave it a cumbersome appearance. The combination of luxury SUV and practical pickup was innovative but resulted in a conflicting aesthetic that didn’t resonate well with consumers looking for cohesive design. Its high price tag and unusual looks made it a rare sight.
Lincoln MKT
The Lincoln MKT is often criticized for its unusual rear end styling, which features a baleen grille-inspired back that curves awkwardly, resembling a hearse more than a luxury crossover. Its elongated body and peculiar tailgate design have been particularly divisive among consumers and critics alike. Despite being equipped with luxurious interiors and advanced features, the MKT struggled in the market due to its design, leading to relatively low sales figures before it was discontinued.
Land Rover Discovery (3rd Generation)
The third-generation Land Rover Discovery introduced in 2004, while praised for its functionality and off-road capability, was often criticized for its awkward aesthetics. The SUV’s asymmetric rear, characterized by an off-center license plate and mismatched tail lights, was seen as a quirky design flaw rather than a feature. This stylistic choice was intended to accommodate a rear-mounted spare tire, but it led to a lopsided appearance that many found unappealing.
Infiniti QX56/QX80
The Infiniti QX56, later renamed QX80, is noted for its large, bulbous body and oversized grille, which many have found to be excessive. The SUV’s design is often viewed as over-the-top, with an ungainly stance and peculiar proportions that do not mesh well with its luxury positioning. Despite its powerful engine and plush interior, the QX56/QX80’s aesthetics have not been warmly received, often described as one of the less visually appealing vehicles in its class.
Dodge Nitro
Introduced in the mid-2000s, the Dodge Nitro was criticized for its boxy shape and cheap-looking interior. Its design was intended to be bold and aggressive but ended up feeling forced and unrefined. The SUV’s tall stance and short body length created awkward proportions, and its performance did not make up for its lackluster design. Sales were mediocre, and the Nitro was discontinued without a direct replacement, reflecting its poor reception.
Subaru Tribeca (Original Model)
The original Subaru Tribeca, launched in 2006, faced heavy criticism for its peculiar front-end design, particularly the grille that many likened to an aircraft propeller or a flying gill. The unusual look was a departure from Subaru’s typically conservative styling, which did not sit well with consumers. Its initial sales were disappointing, prompting a design overhaul only a few years after its release. Despite improvements in performance and comfort, the first model’s design made it a standout candidate for lists of the ugliest SUVs.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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