Boxy cars and SUVs blend retro-inspired designs with practicality and modern technology. These vehicles are valued for their spacious interiors and off-road capabilities and offer features that suit a variety of needs. Below is a list of the top boxy vehicles available in the U.S. for 2025. This list is not ranked, as every new car excels in its own way, from the urban-friendly Kia Soul to the luxurious Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
The Best Boxy Cars and SUVs in 2025
- Kia Soul
- Ford Bronco
- Jeep Wrangler
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Toyota 4Runner
- Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX
- Kia EV9
- Land Rover Defender
- Honda Passport
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Why Were Old Cars and SUVs Square or Boxy?
- Pros and Cons of Boxy Cars and SUVs
Kia Soul
Seating capacity: 5
Cargo space: 62.1 cubic feet
The Kia Soul is a compact crossover with a boxy design that maximizes interior space and practicality. It offers seating for five, a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine and an available 10.25-inch infotainment system. Advanced safety features like blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and automatic emergency braking make it a great option for city drivers, while buyers looking for a bit of individuality can option the Soul with a two-tone exterior. The Kia comes in four trim levels, including the sporty GT-Line and the luxury EX.
Ford Bronco
Two-door seating capacity: up to 4
Two-door cargo space: 52.3 cubic feet
Four-door seating capacity: 5
Four-door cargo space: up to 83 cubic feet
After a 25-year hiatus, the Ford Bronco returned in 2020 with updated, modern features and the same iconic look. Two- and four-door configurations are available, and drivers have the option for an open-air experience with removable roof and door panels. Myriad engine choices are available as well, including four-cylinder and V6 options. The Bronco’s four-wheel-drive system and sophisticated suspension make it usable in many scenarios, from off-roading to daily commutes.
Jeep Wrangler
Two-door seating capacity: 4
Two-door cargo space: 31.7 cubic feet
Four-door seating capacity: 5
Four-door cargo space: 72.4 cubic feet
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-roader with a distinctive boxy design and the option for over 12 inches of ground clearance. Wrangler owners can balance off-road ability with a choice of powertrain options, from a 470-horsepower V8 to the plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe. Its 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures convenience on rugged trails and city streets alike.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Seating capacity: up to 7
Cargo space: 79.6 cubic feet
Hyundai recently introduced a fresh, boxy design for the Santa Fe in 2024. Advanced safety features like navigation-based adaptive cruise control, a spacious interior and a panoramic-curved infotainment display make it a nice choice for long trips. The rugged XRT trim, with all-terrain tires, a standard all-wheel-drive system and additional ground clearance, is the choice for off-road adventures.
Toyota 4Runner
Seating capacity: up to 7
Cargo space: up to 90.2 cubic feet
The Toyota 4Runner is a boxy SUV that has stood the test of time. Built for adventure and everyday use for over 40 years, the 4Runner was redesigned for its sixth generation in 2025. The 4Runner, now sharing a platform with the Toyota Tacoma pickup, continues to prove its legendary status. It has up to 10 inches of ground clearance, a powerful turbo-hybrid engine and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Its spacious cargo area and advanced off-road technologies make it perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX
Toyota Land Cruiser seating capacity: 5
Toyota Land Cruiser cargo space: 82.1 cubic feet
Lexus GX 550 seating capacity: up to 7
Lexus GX 550 cargo space: 76.9 cubic feet
The Toyota Land Cruiser, recently reintroduced after a three-year hiatus, combines legendary off-road performance (its Toyota’s longest-running nameplate in the US) with modern practicality. Its luxury SUV sibling, the Lexus GX, is essentially the same vehicle, though it's outfitted with more upscale materials and a slightly modified exterior. Both models show off a classic boxy shape, with spacious and versatile interiors that cater to drivers seeking a mix of functionality, luxury and comfortable daily use.
Kia EV9
Seating capacity: 7
Cargo space: 81.7 cubic feet
The Kia EV9 is a bold electric SUV with a boxy design that stands out in the growing EV market. Its all-electric powertrain delivers an impressive range of 230 to 304 miles, depending on the trim level, and can charge from 10-80% in under 25 minutes with DC fast charging. Advanced safety features and a spacious interior accommodating up to seven passengers make it an excellent choice for families.
Land Rover Defender
Two-door seating capacity: up to 6
Two-door cargo space: 58.3 cubic feet
Four-door seating capacity: up to 8
Four-door cargo space: up to 81.6 cubic feet
The Land Rover Defender, a legendary off-roader, merges retro-boxy styling with modern engineering. Engine options range from a 296-horsepower four-cylinder to a 518-horsepower V8, and buyers can choose between short- and long-wheelbase versions accommodating five to eight passengers. The Defender is a versatile choice for both urban driving and outdoor exploration, as it excels in practicality, looks and performance.
Honda Passport
Seating capacity: 5
Cargo space: 100.8 cubic feet
The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV with a boxy look that delivers the kind of reliable performance Honda is known for. Its spacious interior boasts a large storage capacity, making it a solid choice for families or weekend getaways. Its V6 engine and safety features, including a multi-angle rearview camera and lane-keeping assist, allow the Passport to combine functionality with a smooth, car-like driving experience.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Seating capacity: 5
Cargo space: 70.3 cubic feet
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, popularly known as the G-wagen, is the epitome of luxury in a rugged boxy design. Blending off-road prowess with a luxurious interior, the G-wagen combines high-end refinement with powerful engine options. Its distinctive, bold styling and advanced tech make it an aspirational choice for drivers seeking performance with prestige.
The cargo volumes listed above represent the maximum available space with the rear seats folded down. Actual usable space may vary depending on seat configuration and additional equipment.
Why Were Old Cars and SUVs Square or Boxy?
The boxy design of older vehicles wasn’t just a stylistic choice; it also reflected the manufacturing technology available at the time. In the mid-to-late 20th century, automakers lacked the advanced tools we have today, like computer-aided design (CAD). Without CAD, vehicle designers relied on simple, straight lines and flat surfaces that were easier to design and manufacture. Additionally, square shapes required fewer intricate molds, which reduced production costs. Beyond technological limitations, boxy shapes maximize interior space, headroom and cargo capacity, appealing to families and utility-focused buyers.
The boxy shape fell out of favor when new U.S. fuel economy standards were introduced in 1978, requiring automakers to improve vehicle fuel efficiency. Curved exteriors are more aerodynamic than boxy ones, so automakers began prioritizing this design to ensure they met the new standards.
The boxy aesthetic saw a short resurgence in the early 2000s with vehicles like the Nissan Cube and Scion xB. These compact cars embraced quirky, niche designs and provided excellent interior space for a small vehicle, catering to a younger audience seeking something unconventional. At this time, automakers could embrace the boxy designs of the past due to advancements in engine technology that enabled them to still meet fuel efficiency standards despite their less aerodynamic shape. While their popularity was relatively short-lived, they demonstrated the enduring appeal of boxy designs for drivers looking for individuality and practicality in their vehicles.
Pros and Cons of Boxy Cars and SUVs
Pros:
- Spacious Interiors: Boxy designs optimize headroom, legroom and cargo space, ensuring passenger comfort and practicality.
- Retro Appeal: The boxy shape evokes nostalgia, blending classic design elements with modern innovation.
- Versatility: Boxy vehicles cater to many needs, from family travel to off-roading adventures.
Cons:
- Fuel Efficiency: Boxy shapes are less aerodynamic and can lead to lower fuel economy compared to streamlined vehicles.
- Wind Noise: Upright designs can increase wind resistance and more noise at highway speeds.
- Pedestrian Safety Concerns: Flat front ends with high grilles may pose increased risks in pedestrian collisions. For those embracing nostalgia or just looking for a practical design with ample interior space, the resurgence of the boxy design is a welcome diversion from the aerodynamic-focused vehicles of the past 15 to 20 years.
