[EightSix]

"Aerodynamics Are For People Who Can't Build Engines"

- Enzo Ferrari

In automotive design, what designers always keep looking for is the ‘next big thing’, or the ‘next trend’. Whether it is the whole shift from boxy looking SUVs with right angles to these soft-curve crossovers with sleek lines and curves or something as simple as placing big model name badges in the right in the center of the boot. (Big & centrally placed model badges : Thumbs up or down?)

The crossover and compact SUVs have become sort of an evolution in design of SUVs. The CRV and the RAV4. While they were once popular and still are, they have become, how do I put this — Boring. It’s not new or revolutionary anymore. Those two, and all other compact SUVs that followed their lead look the same today.

Sure, there is Cadillac and Chevy and Lincoln who still have their boxy full-size SUVs. But, that’s just them. There was a point when boxy SUVs had become outdated. Crossovers were the next big thing.

What’s the next big thing in the car scene now? Well, you guessed it right. The Electric Revolution. But the electric revolution might have just resulted in boxy cars coming back.

Here are some reasons why I think boxy SUVs will make a return.

#1. Gas is cheap. Americans don’t care about fuel efficiency.

Source: CNN

#2. The electric shift is happening and most iconic names among SUVs are coming back as electric cars or new age cars with styling similar to electric.

#3. Tesla’s CyberTruck - when Tesla does something, it is cool. I am sure there would be multiple copies of the cybertruck, despite the number of people hating it now. The design of the CyberTruck would be the next big thing.

#4. The Kei Cars - They were always boxy and the reason these are popular in Japan are the same reasons why we need these back in other countries. These cars look quirky and interesting and they are highly functional/utilitarian. They can fit into small parking spaces but still have very spacious interiors.

Source: https://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2019...market-up-1-2/

#5. The new wave of boxy SUVs also has some good looking cars. Just because it’s boxy don’t mean it ain’t sexy!

Source: https://carsguide-res.cloudinary.com...%20%283%29.jpg

#6. In places like India, with a boxy design, a hatchback becomes an SUV. And when it does, it sells.

#7. Likewise, a boxy design can turn a soccer mom’s minivan into a luxury SUV]

#8. Infact, in the USA today, the 3 row SUV is the new minivan! The need for big SUVs like in the old days is back.

#9. The successful, but boxy Jeep Renegade isn't a true body-on-frame SUV. It is based on a Fiat platform. Most buyers either aren't aware of this or just don't care. The Renegade just looks cool, and cool sells.

For automakers, using existing platforms of regular crossovers and making them look rugged and boxy would be very easy, and it would result in more people buying crossovers.

#10. And, lastly advancements in technology — it would be much easier to make safer boxy SUVs today, than it was 3 decades ago.

Some SUVs prove that boxy never left.



There was a time when the cars on our roads were all boxy and the concept cars we saw were all curvy. How times have changed!

Whether it is the Everest, the Outlander or LandCruiser 300, all these SUV designs are boxier than ever before!

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[lonetraveller89]

Well, as long as they're not designed to resemble train compartments. But Santa, all I want for Christmas is this box right here.

[Eshan Joshi]

The Americans never really left the boxy SUV designs. Even there so called curvy designs are more boxy than curvy.

The case the Japanese is also similar. The Pajero , Land Cruiser , Patrol and 4 runner are all boxy. Yeah, a few of them are curvy , especially the Hondas.

The only people who are trying to curve every thing are the Europeans( Excluding G class ). Just look at the Cayenne , it looks like a Brinjal. Even Land Rover is trying to curve their new SUVs. I don't think that the Europeans would go boxy any soon.

[GTO]

I love boxy! I think boxy has more character than curves, when done well. Boxy also ages better IMO. Here are some boxy SUVs sold in India that I love:

[KkVaidya]

How can anyone forget the King of Box - a box that goes like a ball and costs a Kidney for the common man

[kamilharis]

Yes, the SUVs looks best when it'd big, bulky and relatively boxy.

2021 CHANGAN CS95 is one of my favourite full-size SUV.






For those who are curious about the price and spec, this starts at an equivalent of INR 17 lakh and ends at INR 20 lakh, fully loaded with tons of features.
BlueCore 2.0L T GDI Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection Engine | 233 HP at 5000-5500 rpm | 360 Nm at 1750-3500 rpm | 55/245 R19 Alloy Wheels
CS95_Brochure_.pdf

[scooby05]

GTO, forgot to mention the YETI. It was unsuccessful in India because of its boxy looks imo.
I have been using one for 8 years and swear by its Performance, Handling et all.

[RavSam]

Move aside and "Behold the KING of boxy cars!" The OMNI!

Affordability: Check
Fuel Efficient: Check
RWD and Drift: Check
Sexy Accelerator Pedal: Check
All round 360 degree visibility: Check
Can swallow Anything: Check
Got swag and can induce fear: In Black - Check
Wanna experience afterlife quick: Check

If it was any safe and still on sale, it would have been one of the best sellers here.

I wish it makes a comeback in a safer avatar with an AT box.

[Eshan Joshi]

Originally Posted by Eshan Joshi

Even Land Rover is trying to curve their new SUVs.

Anyways , Land Rover revealed the new Defender V8 today. It just proves my point about the smooth lines on new Land Rovers . Even though I like the new defender , I just can't get over the smooth lines , even though It's a box.




Honestly , the original Land Rover Defender Works V8 is my favorite box.



It is a shame that Land Rover have lost their way since the past few years.

[sramanat]

Jeep had a SUV named Commander for about 10 years when the Cherokee had become grand and rounded.

[Jhinchak]

The Kia Sonet and and Hyundai Venue should be added to the above list of Boxy designs. Still looks cool though.

[sunilsreenivasg]

Did all miss TUV300 ? In the recent times, I couldn't find a box than that. In the previous generation, I think of TATA sumo as well. So, local manufacturers were a generation ahead :-)

[kamilharis]

Originally Posted by Jhinchak

The Kia Sonet and and Hyundai Venue should be added to the above list of Boxy designs. Still looks cool though.

How does both of these fall under boxy design?

The only small SUV with a boxy design would be the TUV300, Nothing else. And Bolero Power+ would be the next.

[Jhinchak]

Originally Posted by kamilharis

How does both of these fall under boxy design?

The only small SUV with a boxy design would be the TUV300, Nothing else. And Bolero Power+ would be the next.

Have a look at these cars from the rear. it is slightly boxy.