Top 10 Modern Boxy SUVs: Square & Don’t Care
Square-body SUV buyers have a lot of choices, which ones are your favorites?
Updated: August 31, 2023 // Top Lists
SUVs have changed both in how they look and how they work over time, just like every other type of vehicle. With brands tapping into nostalgia, the boxy designs have made a remarkable comeback. Thanks to forced injection and mild and full hybrid systems, SUVs no longer have to be as efficient. This has made it possible to bring back the classic boxy SUVs from decades ago.
The popularity of new squarish SUVs cannot be denied. However, not everyone is a fan of technology-laden vehicles and many people are looking for something that offers a nice balance between the high-tech features and old-school boxy goodness. So, without further ado let’s get cracking.
1. Jeep Wrangler
Out of all the boxy SUVs on the market, the Jeep Wrangler has hardly undergone any major transformation as far as its boxy dimensions are concerned. Intended for hardcore off-roading and adventures, the body-on-frame has withstood the test of time. Available in a virtually endless number of trims, the Wrangler can be configured to your heart’s content. Even the used ones are a favorite amongst the off-roading community due to their ability to take in a variety of modifications.
Despite the increasingly stringent emissions regulations, the Wrangler can still be availed with a V8 engine, though not for long. The square dimensions make it hard to extract higher MPG figures but the newer 4xe variant may help in bumping the fuel economy figure, albeit not to a major extent. Nevertheless, Wrangler buyers haven’t generally cared much about fuel economy and it is the fun and its off-roading DNA that has earned it loyal customers time and again.
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2. Ford Bronco
The Bronco can be credited as the one that started the all-out nostalgia wars. Introduced after a 25-year hiatus, the new Bronco entered the market in 2021 after much fanfare and subsequent delays. There has also been news regarding the 2.7L V6 engine’s valvetrain failures but that seems to have been an early production flaw.
The boxy Bronco competes head-to-head with the established Wrangler and it has garnered considerable fame since the day it was announced. Part of the reason behind its hype is the relatively affordable price which starts from just above $45,000 and goes as high as $72,000 (though you’d be lucky to get one at the MSRP).
Just like its primary competitor, the Bronco comes with an array of choices (four vs. two doors, hardtop or soft-tops, 4-cylinders vs. 6-cylinders). Unfortunately, 8-cylinders aren’t available, though the available options are punchy enough.
Also see: Ford Maverick Production: News & Updates
3. Toyota Land Cruiser
Nicknamed by some, especially the Arabs, as the “king of off-roaders” the Toyota Land Cruiser has a deep-rooted legacy in many countries. Unluckily for the Americans, we won’t be getting the true and full-fledged version of the Land Cruiser, instead, we will be offered the younger Land Cruiser which is based on the Lexus GX platform. Not as mighty and well-established as the LC300, the GX-based LC isn’t a wimp by any stretch of the imagination.
It follows the same footsteps as its rivals and draws inspiration from its decades-old ancestors. Kept rather compact to fit into the medium category, the new Land Cruiser will take direct aim at the Bronco and Wrangler. Toyota’s proven hybrid powertrain will also be featured on the new boxy SUV that will be assisted by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine.
Toyota has tried to blend retro elements with modern niceties and the different trims offer various such features. An exact timeframe for the latest Land Cruiser hasn’t been revealed by Toyota.
4. Land Rover Defender
Land Rover’s Range Rover series is entirely for the affluent class and though it does have good off-roading capabilities, it seldom goes off the well-carpeted roads. The Defender is another case altogether as it has a history of withstanding the toughest of terrains. The new Defender is a departure from the older one in almost every possible way apart from the boxy looks. It looks strikingly modern and at the same time manages to give off seasoned off-roader vibes. Take a peek inside and you will surprised by how different the new Defender is from its predecessor.
Available in either a two-door version aka the 90 model or a four-door version referred to as the 110 model and lastly a 130 extended wheelbase version; the Defender offers plenty of variations to choose from. Configured in a whopping 15 different versions, the Defender lineup kicks off at almost $60,000 whereas the top variant is available at almost double the price tag of the base edition.
5. Mercedes-Benz G Class
The Geländewagen wagon is Germany’s definition of a boxy and tough off-roading SUV. Initially intended for military usage, the modern G-Wagon has come a long way from its ancestors of the late 20th century. Despite using the tried and tested body-on-frame platform, there is plenty of sophistication integrated into the latest generation that made its debut in 2019. Of course, the square design has its cons but it is what attracts countless high-networth individuals towards the G-Wagon.
With standard all-wheel drive and a punchy twin-turbo V8, Mercedes isn’t giving away its prized off-roader. The MSRP is well into six figures and that too without any add-ons and optional features. To top it all off, you’d be lucky to get your hands on this boxy SUV as the wait times hover around a year.
6. Toyota Sequoia
Speaking of Toyota Land Cruiser, it wouldn’t be fair to ignore the mighty Sequoia. The giant full-size SUV is as boxy as an SUV can get. Based on the new Tundra platform and powertrain, the latest generation has finally replaced the much-dated older generation. The design refreshment includes visible creases and of course a giant front grille.
The interior has been revitalized and the major changes are under the hood where a hybrid engine has taken the place of the good old V8 engine. The current generation has yet to demonstrate longevity, but Toyota’s history suggests it will. The price for the base SR5 variant starts at $62,000 and jacks up to $80,000 for the off-road-focused TRD Pro edition.
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7. Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevy Suburban and its siblings namely the Yukon and Escalade are America’s homegrown full-size boxy SUVs that are also famous as the choice of various government agencies. The giant SUV has grown bigger over the passage of time and it has remained in production since 1946, making it one of the longest production vehicles in the world. The new generation still comes with a V8 which shouldn’t be surprising considering the mammoth size of the SUV. The turbodiesel is also an option that would be an ideal choice for users clocking high miles and towing with their Suburban.
Although the $60,000 and somewhat above trims may not be for everyone, the higher trims are well-equipped for close to $75,000. Due to its huge interior, intimidating stature, and V8 powerplant, Chevy’s full-size behemoths remain popular.
8. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner remains the leading choice for mainstream off-roading enthusiasts who want old-school off-roading goodness combined with a spacious interior and outstanding reliability. The ongoing generation, long overdue for a complete refresh, is still a hot commodity both on the used and new car market. Sadly, V8 isn’t an option and V6 is the only choice to go for, but it is sufficient both on and off the roads.
Aside from the reliability, ruggedness and spacious interior the 4Runner excels because it still uses the square body-on-frame platform. The basic variant features a price tag of around $40,000, while the off-road-oriented trims like the TRD off-road and TRD Pro are priced at approximately $45,000 and $55,000.
9. Jeep Wagoneer & Grand Wagoneer
The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates have been bought back by Jeep. The older Wagoneer’s stint lasted for a whole three decades (1963-1993) and in that period it managed to etch its memories into its users’ minds. So much so, that Jeep considered it worthwhile to bring its modern version.
The new version is tiered more toward luxury with a rather surprising price tag of $92,000 that goes all the way up to $110,000. It is, in essence, a direct rival of the Chevrolet Suburban and Escalade which we will cover in a moment. With such a long wheelbase, the comfortable ride quality is a no-brainer. However, the fuel economy is dismal to say the least. Despite being fitted with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the combined EPA rating is just 16 mpg.
Good news for the V8 fans as it can still be availed, though only with the base variant. The performance numbers, specifically, the 0-60 mph figure are quite impressive for an SUV of its size. Tech features and rich quality materials are also abundant which somewhat make up for the hefty price tag.
10: Rivian R1S
Many EV startups have come and gone but Rivian has, so far, withstood the test of time. The Rivian R1S, based on the R1T pickup truck, is the boxiest modern SUV. Despite being all-electric, the brand has maximized aerodynamics while preserving its boxy design. The integrated door handles and the flat underbody are two such examples.
Looks aren’t the only department that Rivian has nailed. The interior looks every bit as modern as the exterior and sophisticated tech features are plenty. The drivetrain is also plenty quick with 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds thanks largely to the quad-motor setup. Electric vehicles haven’t yet come at par with their gasoline rivals as far as price is concerned so the base price of $80,000 shouldn’t come as a surprise. The quad motor setup is even pricier as it is set at just above $90,000.
Bonus: KIA EV9
Boxy designs have also found their way to newly launched electric SUVs. The KIA EV9 is one such example that flaunts its squarish dimensions along with deep creases that run along the entire length of the vehicle. Both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive would be available with an estimated range between 220 and 300 miles.
Not all details have been made public but the EV9 is likely to offer three rows making it attractive for families. The powertrains at the moment seem a bit sluggish but only time will tell the truth. Hard to accurately predict the pricing but it is likely to start from $60,000 and go all the way to $80,000 for the top variant.
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Disclaimer: The writers of this article may have used artificial intelligence to help them with some of the material. It should not be a replacement for professional help.