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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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The best looking back of an SUV is the one you sold to buy a cool car.
Thank you Sajeev for exploring this issue. Stuck in traffic behind an ugly car is not fun. It is like the designers did the front and sides, but when they got to the back they said “whatever “.
The tally shows the Genesis Gv70 and the Hyundai Ioniq are winners in the SUV category.
You are very welcome. Thank you for recommending it!
my pick is the supercharged 550 HP Jaguar SVR
None?
The back end of the Rivian looks fine. But who the heck got away with designing and approving the awful front on Rivian models? I’m betting sales would increase if those dorky headlight-things were deleted.
They all look the same when I’m in the passing lane and I’m forced to pass on the right.
First off they should be equipped with mirrors and a “car coming from behind, get the **** out of the way warning alarm.
My next suggestion is a 6″-12” lift kit so I can see under, or a drop kit so I can see through them.
Lastly, bring back the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser.
This just goes to show you that Hagerty is losing touch with real car guys. EV’s and ICE vehicles should never be compared as if they are compatible, especially by a so called classic car group.
This was a strange choice of topic, much like doing a taste testing of white bread. Yeah, a bland topic. Even stranger was the inclusion of the mustang. To me it could be classified as a crossover at best, but SUV, Idon’t think so. In order to be an SUV the vhicle has to have some U. That means cargo capacity. It it wont hold a 50 gallon water heater, with the doors anf winows shut, there is little to no U. I think of this mustang as fords answer to the Pontiac Aztec. I do like the triple tailight assembly, but only because it reminds me of the 67-68 cool mustangs of yesteryear.
Noby mentions Porsches Lineup……I think they far outperforms the visual appearance to any mentioned above. And to even mention Ford Flex in this is just too funny. In my humble opinion that is one of the ugliest cars out there, together with Rivian.
I also want to mention Volvo X60 – X90, since we are talking about SUV’s in a broad sense……..
Any sport “Utility” rear door should have the glass that lift up so one can out large items in the “Utility” vehicle. How to bring home a long piece of lumber or put something else large that could poke through the open glass.
None of your picks, or any others are worthy of the time, sorry.
My 2006 X5 4.4l black with the Aero kit and 315/35/20 rears. Nice butt.
I am absolutely stunned that nobody even mention the hands down winner, The GV70. The sleekness and the fit and finish make it look like a clay model, as if they achieved zero tolerances on the sheet metal and mating parts. Truly beautiful.
On page 4, I did address the Genesis GV70, Dean. And I totally agree that the rear-end is the clear hands-down winner. And the front end looks pretty good, too.
Without displaying my obvious favoritism or my partiality for German cars. The Porsche Cayenne’s rear is my choice. Now if only the trim would stop falling off or the switch cover would stay in place or the wiper blade would stop chewing up the spring holder. Obviously beauty and quality are two different things.
That electric Kia thingy.