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Modern design: It’s hip to be square

easyauto123

Car Culture

December 26, 2024

5 minutes minute read

Seemingly gone are the days of sleek curves and smooth, aerodynamic wind-tunnel-perfect lines dominating car design. In recent years, car manufacturers have rediscovered their love for boxy, angular designs, and the streets are now filled with some of the boldest, squarest cars we’ve seen in a long time. From retro classics to modern-day marvels, these boxy cars are making a major comeback. Let’s dive into some of the most iconic and boxy vehicles on the block.

Image of the box-shaped Ineos Grenadier ute

Ineos Grenadier

Cars don't get much boxier than the Ineos Grenadier – a true tribute to the classic 4x4s of yesteryear. It draws inspiration from utilitarian designs like the Land Rover Defender but with a refined, modern edge. Its square frame is built for function, ensuring maximum interior space and toughness. With a look that’s both retro and future-proof, the Grenadier feels like a throwback to simpler, utilitarian vehicles, but it's packed with modern conveniences and performance. This is the vehicle you would want for both city driving and tackling the toughest terrain.

Image of 2024 Ford Bronco

Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco has returned with a vengeance, bringing back its iconic boxy design that made it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts. With a broad, angular body, the Bronco embraces its square roots while adding high-tech features and performance capabilities that make it a force on both tarmac and dirt. Whether you're taking it on a rugged trail or cruising the city streets, the Bronco’s sharp edges and strong stance make it a head-turner wherever you go. It’s a true reinvention of a classic SUV, designed for adventure and built for those who like their cars with personality.

Image of 2024 Landrover Defender

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender has long been synonymous with boxy, durable, go-anywhere design, and the latest models have stayed true to this iconic look. With their square profile and timeless design, Defenders continue to stand out in a crowd. But don't let the classic looks fool you—this modern iteration is loaded with the latest tech, offering a blend of rugged off-roading capability and high-end luxury. The Defender maintains its classic shape while providing all the performance and refinement you could ever need, making it as versatile as it is tough.

Image of Mercedes G-Class G-Wagon

Mercedes G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, is the gold standard for luxury boxy SUVs. With its unmistakable square shape, the G-Class blends luxury and durability like no other. Its boxy silhouette has remained virtually unchanged since the 1970s, but Mercedes has managed to update the interior and technology to keep it feeling modern and premium. Whether on city streets or in the wild, the G-Class combines sophistication with unmatched off-road capabilities, making it a favourite of the rich and famous.

Image of 2025 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser was globally axed in 2023 but is rumoured to be making a comeback in 2025. The new version of this retro-inspired SUV, still takes its cues from the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser of the past. With an even more boxy design that combines nostalgia with rugged appeal, the FJ Cruiser was built for adventure. Its squared-off body and high ground clearance are designed for every road condition, and its bold, angular lines give it a distinctive look that makes it stand out in any crowd.

Image of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe was reimagined for 2024. Representing a big stylistic departure from previous incarnations, it now adopts a far more squared-off profile that seems to be in keeping with other manufacturer design department outputs.

The new bluffier lines mean some real gains on interior space, and Hyundai has dialled up performance to match the rugged new looks with a more off-road-focused XRT model.

Image of 2024 Tesla Cybertruck

Tesla Cybertruck

Arguably the boldest and most futuristic entry into the world of boxy cars is the Tesla Cybertruck. With a flat, angular design more akin to a child's computer game, the Cybertruck looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Its unapologetically boxy structure, combined with Tesla’s electric technology, make it a true game-changer.

Love it or hate it, the Cybertruck is impossible to ignore and is likely to inspire the look of what we drive in the future.

Image of Delorean car

DeLorean

And just to prove that not all angular designs need to be 4-wheel-drive, we've added the DeLorean from the early 1980s. Although not technically boxy in the traditional sense, it is a true icon of angular design. With its brushed stainless steel body and distinctive gull-wing doors, the DeLorean is a symbol of both retro-futurism and pop culture. Its sharp lines and industrial feel made it stand out in its time, and it remains one of the most beloved cars in cinematic history, thanks to its role in Back to the Future. Its unique, angular silhouette has made it a collector’s item and a testament to unconventional automotive design.

The box is back

From rugged off-roaders to electric visionaries, boxy cars are once again in vogue. Their appeal is universal, and there’s something about these square machines that speaks to those who want a car that’s not afraid to stand out. So, if you’re considering your next ride, maybe don't think outside the box. Right angles are back baby, and they’re here to stay!

If you’re in the market for a new car and craving something bold, why not take a look at some of these boxy icons? Head over to easyauto123 for a wide range of vehicles to choose from—your next square ride might just be waiting for you!