Land Rover

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1991 Chevrolet Blazer, Best Looking SUVs

1991 Chevrolet Blazer

Ever-toughening vehicle-safety expectations mean that late-model vehicles tend to be more homogeneous from a styling standpoint than vintage cars and trucks–even those from just a few decades ago. Still, automakers can shock us. The new-for-2020 Kia Telluride, for example, stands out as both attractive and distinct looking.

What I’ve collected here are five of my all-time favorite SUVs—I think. I tend waffle on stuff like this, but I am pretty happy with this list. Some runner-up trucks that fell just short of my top five are the International Harvester Scout, early examples of the Ford Bronco, and any number of Sixties and Seventies Jeeps.

What’s on your list of best-looking SUVs? Drop us a note and let us know. The place to leave comments is at the bottom of the page.

More interesting articles on automotive design

5 Best Looking SUVs

1969-1996 Range Rover

1973 Ranger Rover

1973 Range Rover

I have to give Land Rover credit for defining how a luxury-oriented off-road vehicle should look. I recall pumping gas into these rigs when I worked at a service station in the Eighties. Seems every Range Rover in Chicago was dark green. Sadly, all of them were also 4-doors… at least the ones I saw.

Fun fact: A 4-door version of the Range Rover was not introduced until 1981. Prior to that, custom coachbuilders—including Carozzeria Fissore, working under the direction of Monteverdi—converted small numbers of Range Rovers into 4-door examples.

Sport Utility Yuck: The Ugliest SUVs of the Past Twenty Years

1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee

1997 Jeep Cherokee

1997 Jeep Cherokee

2012 Jeep Patriot

2012 Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Cherokee may not have caught fire with consumers in the same way the Ford Explorer did, but this compact Jeep did define what a small personal-use SUV should look like. Simple and purposeful, the Cherokee is one of those designs that seem to get better looking over time. The Cherokee holds the distinction of having been produced by three different corporate entities: American Motors (1984-1987), Chrysler Corporation (1988-1998), and DaimlerChrysler (1999-2001).

Jeep attempted to recapture the tidy look of the Cherokee with the 2007-2017 Patriot, but that crossover’s unibody construction and softer design features never really clicked with Jeep enthusiasts.

The 5 Best-Looking Cars of 1970

Consumer Guide Picks the 15 Best-Looking Cars of All Time*

1992-1994 Chevrolet Blazer

1991 Chevrolet Blazer

1991 Chevrolet Blazer

An all-time favorite. I delight in spotting examples in good condition, and thankfully they are not rare around Chicago. Everything about this truck is perfect: the stout and upright stance, the clean flanks, the minimal trim… I even love the wheels on the example pictured above.

This was the end of the line for the Blazer name–at least until the 2019 model year. Chevy’s big SUV was renamed Tahoe for 1994, when a 4-door model was added to the lineup. The 2-door Tahoe was discontinued after 1999. The very similar GMC Yukon of this vintage is also a great-looking truck.

The 6 Best-Looking Cars of 1980

1989-2003 Laforza

1999 Laforza

1999 Laforza

If good-looking vehicles with complicated histories are your thing, you should really love the Laforza. Manufactured in Cheraso, Italy, the Laforza featured V8 power, a hand-crafted cabin with LOTS of leather upholstery, and bodywork penned by legendary designer Tom Tjaarda (best known for his work on the Ferrari 365 California, De Tomaso Pantera, and the Chevrolet Corvette Rondine Concept).

The 5.0-liter Ford V8 and Laforza name were exclusive to the U.S. market. In Europe, the truck was marketed as the Rayton-Fissore Magnum, which is something of a mouthful.

I’m enamored with the Laforza’s clean flanks, simple shape, and open and airy greenhouse. Per Wikipedia, 1200 LaForzas made their way to the U.S., so the odds of you ever spotting one are not dismal—just low.

What Was The Monteverdi Safari?

1999 BMW X5

1999 BMW X5

1999 BMW X5

The first-generation BMW X5 was very important as the brand’s first-ever crossover, and in my book it’s also the best-looking truck the German carmaker has ever manufactured. From a time before BMW grilles grew huge, the inaugural X5 is clean, elegant, and devoid of extraneous trim elements. The large glass area and the relatively low beltline also work in the truck’s favor. To the designers’ credit, this pioneering SUV is also instantly recognizable as a BMW–likely a valuable characteristic back in 1999 when explaining to brand loyalists why the company was now building SUVs.

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Best Looking SUVs Gallery

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Natural landscape is an overlooked inspiration for vehicle design as well as fashion. In some cases, earth tones speak louder than vibrant colors just as seeing the “No Service” indicator on a phone does not mean immediate danger. This week’s Wheels and Wardrobe focuses on discovering new roads while having the apparel and accessories to compliment the journey. The 2020 Land Rover Defender is the weapon of choice for conquering the climate and conditions of the outdoor environment.

The Outsider Breakdown

2020 Land Rover Defender MSRP $46,100

Garmin Instinct Solar Watch $400

Melin A-Game Hydro Hat $59

Carhartt WIP Nimbus Pullover $248

Period Correct Core Logo T-Shirt $40

Norse Projects Alvar Gore-Tex Infinium Pants $225

Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Parley Hiking Shoes $200

Oakley Sutro S Prizm Sunglasses $166

Land Rover Explore R Phone $399 GBP

GoPro Hero 9 Camera $350

Tumi Meadow Backpack $395

Vehicle

Land Rover has reintroduced the timeless Defender. The new model represents 70 years of innovation and improvement, honoring the vehicle’s history for rugged solidity while thoroughly remaining a Defender for the 21st century.


Watch

Instinct is a GPS smartwatch built to break convention, conquer the elements and endure longer. It’s now taking battery life to a new level by harnessing the power of the sun.


Top

Based off a classic hooded windbreaker, the Carhartt WIP Nimbus Pullover is a lightweight jacket geared for all seasons.

Land Rover has developed the Defender as a historic 4×4 that conquers all terrain. Period Correct helps celebrate the milestones with their vintage auto clothing collection.


Bottom

The Norse Project Alvar GORE-TEX INFINIUM™, is a technical pant with a mesh lining and Duraflex anodized black aluminium buckle adjuster. Features include, zip side pockets, and an invisible side leg zip.


Footwear

Disconnect, escape and recharge your spirit on the trail. The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Parley Hiking shoes give you the comfort to push farther and hike longer.


Accessories

The Melin A-Game HYDRO was engineered with a hydrophobic technology on the crown panels designed to bead away water and prevent absorption.

The Oakley Sutro S Prizm’s exclusive lens technology is designed to enhance color and contrast so you can see more detail.

Tough yet elegant, the Explore R stands out and blends in – for all the right reasons. Designed to thrive in exciting environments whilst seamlessly integrating into everyday life.

The all new GoPro Hero 9 includes more screens and upgraded capabilities for anyone to capture the perfect shot.

An outstanding everyday choice for work, weekends, and travel, the Meadow Backpack features a dedicated laptop compartment, as well as a water-resistant water bottle pocket that can be used on the interior or exterior of the bag, offering extra space when needed.


For GREAT deals on a new or used Nissan check out Buena Park Nissan TODAY!

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