SUVs Which Put the Square Back in Styling
For ages, the automotive scene was generally awash in seas of sameness, especially in the so-called crossover market. Generally built from sedan platforms, most of the competitors plying their trade in that segment favoured aerodynamics and bland styling over anything even remotely resembling aggression.
There were exceptions, of course, some more successful than others. The much maligned Pontiac Aztek is a case study all on its own, for example. Efforts like the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Commander each traded away windswept styling for square-jawed looks, though success was middling at best thanks to many decisions unrelated to styling. The advertising campaign for the Nitro was jarringly bloodthirsty after years of the Neon popping up and saying ‘Hi!’, while the Commander suffered from Cerebus-era cost cutting.
These days, cars are much better in general, and we’re glad to see some manufacturers take a whack at square styling once again. Not everything needs to look like a blob. The machines on this list run the gamut of pricing but not all of them are outrageously expensive, meaning one doesn’t have to break the bank in order to look like they’re breaking a bank.
[Images: Ford, Hyundai, Lexus]
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Ford Bronco Sport
This author will start the missive by opining a view he’s held ever since this vehicle first appeared at auto shows: it shouldn’t be called a Bronco Sport. Sure, Blue Oval historians will tell us the Bronco and Bronco II once lived side-by-each, but sometimes it is better to learn from history instead of repeating it. And we also understand the marketing concept of association. However, a far better decision in this jaundiced eye would have been to call this the Maverick and calling what ended up being a Maverick the Ranchero. If going retro with names, one might as well embrace the whole hog.
Ford Bronco Sport
All that being said, the Bronco Sport is a tremendously square departure from the Escape, especially the last-gen model which had all the appeal (and general shape) of a Salofalk suppository. The new Sasquatch trim ramps it up even more, while adding true off-road gear to make it more than a paint and wallpaper package. Practical features like the fender area tie-downs and interior overhead switches (like an F-150) help the image.
Hyundai Santa Fe
This movement arguably started at Hyundai with the Palisade, a machine so square and imposing that many people began comparing it directly to the Chevy Tahoe. This is incorrect on a number of levels, of course, but we’re reasonably sure Hyundai didn’t mind the ink. A midcycle refresh only furthered the lantern jaw, extending the bluff grille extremely high by hiding signal lights in what appeared to be the feature’s edge. For 2026, the model gets a complete revamp and even more cubism, with towering front and rear lamps ripped straight from brutalist architecture.
Hyundai Santa Fe
And what of the Santa Fe shown here? Well, it took many lessons from its big brother whilst also peering over the shoulder of the crew at Land Rover. This newest iteration is about so far away from the original ovoid Santa Fe as a car can get without losing a wheel. If you're wondering about those tailights, they are allegedly designed that way so the rear hatch can bear as wide an opening as possible.
Lexus GX 550
Completely abandoning the affordable end of the market, we select the Lexus GX 550 as one of the best recent examples of improving the breed by squaring off a few corners. The old model wasn’t exactly rounded like a river stone but this one just gets the proportions right, especially in one of the Overtrail trims. With that option, tires are swapped out for knobby meats, different colors are unlocked, and functional off-road gear is added. The latter might not always be visible - but you’ll know it’s there.
Lexus GX 550
It doesn’t hurt that this is a true body-on-frame SUV, an assembly decision which generally produces square-looking vehicles thanks to the limitations (that’s not a criticism) of its structure. Even the old-school ‘aero’ Crown Vics had a measure of boxiness despite their rounded ends, again thanks to the frame. As for the Lexus, we think it’s one of the most handsome iterations ever to wear this model badge.
