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Our Two Cents: Best-Looking SUV from the Back?
Validation is a wonderful feeling, as sometimes our thoughts on automobiles (and car culture, to a larger extent) resonate with our readers in specific ways. The question you see above may sound far-fetched, but a thought exercise about the best-looking SUV posterior was given to us by a reader named Mark. And we thank him for that!
“How about asking a question about the best looking SUV from the back? (Current models only.) I just saw an ugly Mercedes with too much going on back there.”
Our internal chat got a little out of hand, so I decided to include both crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) and concept vehicles. Well, only one concept vehicle that could make production. Perhaps you can tell why we all want one particular vehicle to make production so badly? Tell us what you think in the comments.
Please Make The Rivian R3X
“For whatever reason, it seems like EVs have the best modern rear-end designs. I think the back of the Rivian R3X is awesome, and I really hope they build it. It’s the right combo of modern styling while subtly (or not so subtly?) paying homage to the Lancia Delta Integrale, one of my favorite vehicles of all time. The ride height and stance of it from the rear just make it look extra fun.
If you’re forcing me to pick an SUV/CUV that currently in production, then I’ll have to say—and I’m surprising myself with this decision—the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally.
I have always thought those Mustang taillights are cool. That, the big stupid wing, and the racing stripes just do it for me. Can you tell I’m a fan of rally-inspired vehicle design?” — Ben Woodworth
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This might be a stretch since it isn’t in production, but the Rivian R3 expertly channels Lancia Delta while looking appropriately modern. It’s neither generic blob nor “look at me, I’m cosplaying as an off-roader,” and mmm, the proportions are just right.
I don’t usually care for SUVs, but the R3 had me staring at my screen for a long while when it was revealed.” — Eddy Eckart
We’d Also Like A Production Scout Traveler
“If pre-production vehicles are in, I’ve got to mention the Scout Traveler. The way the spare tire carrier is integrated is nice, but the shape of the D-pillar is just a great homage to the Scout II, even though the original Traveler didn’t have that instantly recognizable rear window shape.” — Brandan Gillogly
HiPhi X … X-cept?
“I pick the HiPhi X, because it’s a CUV that does so much once you cross the B-pillar. Granted, they stole the concept from the Tesla Model X and its falcon doors, but the implementation looks far less complicated and is likely more durable/reliable. The only problem is that HiPhi is a Chinese company, which means it has little hope of selling products in America. And then I recently googled them to learn they are likely declaring bankruptcy.
Sigh, let me try this again.
Yep, I still love the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s pixelated rear styling. The photos Cameron Neveu took for my story back in 2022 still hold up three years later. 8-bit car design may not take over the world like tail fins or gaping maw front ends, but these pictures tell a thousand words of positivity. And it’s practical and functional, too.” — Sajeev Mehta
The Iconic Range Rover
“My vote is for the range-topping Range Rover: Elegant, simple, substantial, and it evokes all the feelings.” — Joe DeMatio
Or The Iconic Land Rover?
“I’m severely biased on this, BUT, I’m very fond of the current Defender rear-ends. Especially in darker colors.” — Matt Tuccillo
Zoom Zoom Zoom
“I am not a crossover person, but the Mazda CX-30 is one car that, no matter how many times I see it, has never made me recoil or judge. Mazda is pretty clear that a lot of design effort went into making the shape of the car—especially the rear—not look like a crossover.
Most CUVs come out looking like boxes with a little flair, but the CX-30 looks cohesive and attractive to me. A bit vanilla, sure, but if I’m shopping for a crossover, the last thing I am looking for is something that stands out in the crowd. The CX-30 seems to blend in without being boring.” — Kyle Smith
Bronco Sport
“I’m really partial to the old-school styling of the Ford Bronco Sport, especially from the rear. Certainly the full-sized Bronco got the off-road chops, but for my money, the smaller Escape-based Sport graduated a little higher from its design school class.
Not sure how that happened, but Ford really hatched a winner with this model. I’m seeing a bunch of them on the road, and my head turns every time I spot one, particularly from the nether regions.” — Steven Cole Smith
“Strangely enough, when those first came out, I thought they looked kinda dumb, especially since they came out before the hyped new Ford Bronco. It felt like the Bronco Sport was trying to be the real thing but the designers at Ford had to dumb it down too much as to not steal sales from its big brother. But the Sport’s design has grown on me, and now I enjoy seeing them in the wild. They’re a good-looking CUV all-around.” — Ben Woodworth
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Really, Ben? You admit it’s a “stupid” wing, but it “does it” for you?
Sigh. I must just have entirely different tastes in what makes a good-looking rear end. And for those of you with your minds racing off elsewhere at that statement – yeah, mine did too…
How about “none”? Can’t think of anything much less inspiring than the back ends of the ubiquitous SUV’s.
^ #1 answer on family feud right here. Thanks RickN, you win.
This. Every single day.
Gen one Bronco and K5 Blazers aside, I despise SUVs.
Even the one my wife drives (but is ditching for a longroof this year…)
Terrible design idea. Terrible cars.
I especially dislike small SUVs, those based on a compact car chassis. By moving from the compact car to a small SUV one gets worse mpg, worse handling, less pep and fun, more weight, more expense: one basically kills the only benefits of driving a smaller economy car. Small SUVs can’t really carry all that much, and never go off road, so what’s the point?
These cars get lost at a Saturday morning soccer game. I despise SUVs myself as these bubble top vehicles are the choice for soccer moms. I believe that certain sports car brands dilute their performance models. Had a bubble top Maserati SUV next to me yesterday and I thought it was a Honda.
We have a winner.
It sure isn’t that Rivian…
I just read an article that claimed that Rivian is the least dependable vehicle on the market. Followed closely by Cadillac.
That article is probably put out by a Rivian hater. 😆 Everyone knows that the least-dependable vehicle is the Jeep Wrangler, followed closely by most of the rest of Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler products.
“paying homage to the Lancia Delta Integrale”
I think you mean Lada Niva
They all look like potatoes to me, each and every one.
They must grow some weird-looking potatoes in your neck of the woods!
And about the Alfa-Roméo Tonale ?
Hands down the Cadillac XT4. Cadillac contemporary style at its best. So much so that I bought one for my wife a couple of years back. Now GM has killed it which makes no sense. They were selling more of them than some of their other car lines combined. GM said there was no production plant to move it to once the joint line shared with Chevy Malibu went away. I think they will regret it.
The Ford Flex
Yes…it’s in the category with all wheel drive and seats 7 with 3rd row
And with eco boost, what can I say …
Yes, the Flex is a lowered tahoo
Mine is even lowered lower than stock, custom exhaust and I removed the suv trailer hitch (stock) (Thanks to my bro Billy for posting)
Some of the Lincolns look okay. Some of the Audis look okay. Okay is about as high as any of them get.
I traded my Subaru crosstrek for a Mazda CX30. The CX30 is much more attractive in my opinion, and so far, it’s been great. The fit and finish are excellent, the interior is more plush, and the turbo make the driving experience more like a sports car.
Chevy Blazer RS, Buick Envision, Caddy Escalade.
We go from best shifters to best SUV arses? I really try to stay positive but jeez you’re really testing me Sajeev!
I really wanted it to be the Scout or the Land Rover, but they are both so gosh darn blah, that it’s got to be the Bronco—no reason beyond personal choice. You like what you see or you don’t.
Easy. ’99 to ’04 Land Rover Discovery 2.
For me, the classic Volvo taillights of the slightly earlier SUV’s showing their version of the sedan taillights that make no confusion about what you’re looking at… sorry I don’t have a photo.
XJ Jeep Cherokees!!! PERIOD!!!
The Range Rover is without a doubt the most stimulating of all SUV’s. It is a shame they can’t make them dependable.