Boxy SUVs: Best Models for Style, Space, and Off-Road Power

For years, boxy SUVs have managed to create a unique fascination by merging tough design with useful performance. This year, automakers have improved these favorites by adding more style, space, and off-road capabilities, making them perfect for adventures as well as for commuting around cities. Whether you’re looking for an iconic look, a spacious interior, or unmatched off-road capabilities, this list of the top 10 boxy SUVs 2024 has got you covered.

What Defines Boxy SUVs?

Square SUVs, also known as square-shaped cars or square cars, are defined by their angular, boxy design that emphasizes practicality and ruggedness. These vehicles have straight lines, level surfaces, and erect forms that best utilize interior space and the capacity for cargo. The square design optimizes off-road performance by delivering both better ground clearance and improved visibility. Despite their rugged appearance, square SUVs range from luxury models to affordable options, offering ample space for passengers and gear. Their fearless, recognized style, along with their practical design, makes them distinctive among those wanting thrills, functionality, and a powerful street profile.

The Persisting Appeal of Box-Shaped Designs

What makes SUVs with boxy designs appealing for a long time is their special mix of style and practical usage. The design of square shapes allows for better use of interior space, which renders these vehicles suited for families, adventurers, and anyone in need of more room. Their powerful, unyielding design adds to a dominant road presence. These boxy cars are known for their off-road capabilities, and their classic, bold design continues to attract drivers who value both functionality and a timeless, iconic appearance.

Top Classic Boxy SUVs

Legendary Boxy SUVs of the Past

The classic boxy SUVs of the past have had a strong effect on automotive culture, appreciated for their sturdy design and ability to handle off-road driving. In the 1980s, the introduction of the Jeep Wrangler is one of the top known examples. Its removable doors and roof, combined with a strong construction and square design, made it a symbol of adventure and freedom. The Wrangler is still a design that people love today.

An additional classic is the Toyota Land Cruiser, debuting in the 1950s. The Land Cruiser is known for being tough and capable of handling challenging landscapes, with its boxy design offering both practicality and trustworthiness, making it a sought-after option for explorers and off-road enthusiasts. Reliability is a reputation it maintains.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G-Wagon) is still another legend with a boxy design. Originally intended for military purposes, its defined square form and luxury established it as a worldwide icon. Even at this time, being a status symbol is common for both celebrities and individuals who go off-roading.

Why These Timeless SUVs Still Capture Attention?

These classic boxy square SUVs still turn heads because of their bold, rugged looks and reputation for toughness. The celebrated designs offer both a sense of nostalgia and functionality, and thus are beloved by collectors and current drivers who like their unique style and performance.

The Return of Boxy SUVs in the Modern Era

Boxy SUVs are on the rise once more because of their unique mix of flair and functionality. Their rough and angular designs bring back happy memories of traditional models, while their spacious interiors cater perfectly to families and outdoor lovers. These SUV car vehicles excel in off-road capability, making them perfect for adventure seekers. Moreover, the combination of luxury components and functionality in today’s boxy SUVs appeals to a great number of buyers. As sustainable electric designs land on the market, the renewed popularity of boxy SUVs persists, interesting both new and adept drivers.

10 Best Boxy SUVs in 2024

1. 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, commonly known as the “G-Wagon,” remains one of the most opulent and efficient boxy SUVs that money can buy. Its famous square design and impressive performance have built a fanbase that is reminiscent of a cult. While retaining its classic style, for 2024 the G-Class comes with new technology and improved off-road capabilities.

Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
Horsepower: 577 hp
Off-Road Capabilities: The G-Class features three locking differentials, making it a capable off-roader that can handle difficult terrain without challenge.
Interior Space: In spite of its firm exterior, the focus is entirely on luxury within. Having high-end materials, generous seating, and the newest technology makes riding in the G-Class a comfortable experience.

The G-Class Mercedes boxy SUV is perfect for those who want a balance of luxury and serious off-road capability.

2. 2024 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco has boldly reentered the market, and this year’s model confirms its standing as one of the best boxy SUVs available. This vehicle is created for comfort on the roads and thrills during off-road trips.

Engine Options: 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 or a 2.7-liter V6
Horsepower: Up to 330 hp
Off-Road Features: With GOAT (Go Over Any Terrain) modes, the Bronco lets drivers adjust the vehicle settings for the terrain they are currently dealing with. The Sasquatch package gives you the option of 35-inch tyres designed for superior off-road performance.
Style and Design: The striking, nostalgic design of the Bronco will definitively turn heads. The removable roof and doors create a lively, adventurous feeling.

The 2024 Ford Bronco presents both stylishness and strength, earning it a great reputation among off-road enthusiasts and those living in urban environments.

3. 2024 Jeep Wrangler

The boxy SUV market still sees the Jeep Wrangler as its leader. Distinguished for its unmatched off-road skills and classic, tough design, the Wrangler presents a combination of nostalgia and current innovation.

Engine Options: Offers a 3.6-liter V6, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4, along with a plug-in hybrid model.
Horsepower: Outputs from 270 hp up to 470 hp are dependent upon the engine.
Off-Road Features: The Wrangler is still among the best SUV options for adventures off the road, equipped with Rock-Trac 4×4, locking differentials, and disconnecting sway bars.
Removable Roof and Doors: The removable roof and doors on the Wrangler make it one of its most cherished features, allowing for a special, open-air driving experience.

The 2024 Wrangler adheres to its traditions and adds modern amenities, resulting in an excellent choice for adventurers.

4. 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is back in the U.S. market with a redesign, combining elements of the past with today’s technology. Distinguished for its incredible off-road performance, the Land Cruiser is a durable, predictable solution providing ample space and capability.

Engine: 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid
Horsepower: 406 hp
Off-Road Capabilities: Organized for tough environments, the Land Cruiser offers elements such as full-time 4WD, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control.
Interior: While the outside appears rugged, the inside features plenty of room and advanced materials. The third row is excellent for families in need of additional space.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is superb for anyone who puts a premium on reliability, space, and off-road performance.

5. 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Land Rover Defender is one of the safest SUVs that combines classic rugged styling with modern technology and luxury. It’s one of the most comprehensive boxy SUVs out there, doing well on freeways and in challenging off-road scenarios.

Engine Options: Enhanced 2.0-liter inline-4 and 3.0-liter inline-6 equipped with mild-hybrid supporting technology
Horsepower: Up to 395 hp
Off-Road Capability: The Defender comes with Terrain Response which has different modes to tackle sand, mud, rock and snow. It also has an adjustable air suspension that can give it more ground clearance.
Interior Comfort: The exterior of the Defender may look rugged, but the interior is much more luxurious with nice materials and a lot of tech for entertainment and navigation.

For those seeking an elegant and powerful SUV, the Land Rover Defender is an ideal choice.

6. 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness

The 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness is a tough and rugged compact SUV that stands out from the crowd. It is suitable for spirited family and single clients who desire a car that provides muscle without the bulky size of an SUV.

Engine: 2.5-liter flat-four
Horsepower: 182 hp
Off-Road Features: The Forester Wilderness features 9.2 inches of ground clearance, AWD is standard, as well as the X-Mode system for different terrain.
Space: This gives the car a rather boxy look and feel on the inside, with plenty of space for storing away equipment.

If you are in the market for a compact SUV but also want that off-road ability then the Subaru Forester Wilderness is the car for you.

7. 2024 Kia Soul

While the Kia Soul might not be the first car that would be considered for off-roading, it still deserves a mention here because of its stylish squared off shape and surprising utility.

Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4
Horsepower: 147 hp
Style: The Kia Soul has an impressive and unique look to it that separates it from other vehicles on the market. It is a pretty mediocre vehicle good for city use with a large interior and a great selection of technology.
Interior Space: The Soul has a very boxy shape which gives it a lot of space despite its small size, and of course, the low price makes it a perfect car for thrifty

However, the Kia Soul is more comfortable and practical for city driving, it has a style and functionality that makes it ideal for anyone in the market for a boxy SUV with character.

8. 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV

The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV is an electric vehicle that offers a new generation of a classic large, boxy SUV. This fully electric 4×4 pushes the boundaries of SUVs while also being friendly to the environment.

Power: They come in different variants and the most powerful one has up to 1000 horsepower.
Range: The Hummer EV SUV has an estimated range of 300 miles per charge.
Off-Road Features: The Hummer EV has a feature called CrabWalk, which enables the car to move sideways to fit through small spaces. It also has adaptive air suspension to achieve a higher ground clearance.
Interior: The interior is rather modern and minimalistic with a large touchscreen display in the center console and enough space for people and bags.

If you are an off-road enthusiast who still wants to drive an electric car, then the GMC Hummer EV SUV is a perfect solution for you.

9. 2024 Suzuki Jimny

It may not be available in the United States yet, but the 2024 Suzuki Jimny is a boxy SUV which has a cult following. This is due to its small size and very capable off road capabilities, making it very popular among adventure seekers.

Engine: 1.5-liter inline-4
Horsepower: 100 hp
Off-Road Features: Even though the car is relatively compact, the Jimny is a true off-road car with a 4WD system, high clearance and a ladder frame chassis.
Style: The Jimny has a distinctive retro box shape which people love and it is quite small which makes it very easy to use in traffic and off road.

If you need a small SUV that is agile but also capable of handling rough terrain, the Suzuki Jimny is for you.

10. 2024 Lexus GX

Last but not least, there is the 2024 Lexus GX – a boxy luxury SUV with impressive off-road potential. This one is for the people who want comfort and the ability to tackle any terrain that comes their way.

Engine: 4.6-liter V8
Horsepower: 301 hp
Off-Road Features: The Lexus GX has a full-time four-wheel drive system, plus adjustable suspension and traction control systems that enhance its potential off-road capability.
Luxury Interior: Luxury is the theme of the interior of the GX and the vehicle boasts impressive materials, technology, and comfort for even the longest trips.

If you are in need of a luxury SUV that can also be taken off the beaten path, the Lexus GX is a great choice.

The Modern Boxy SUVs for the Off-Road Enthusiast

Boxy SUVs are superior off-road because they have a strong build and more ground clearance to help them navigate through rough terrains. Some of the more commonly known models include the Jeep Wrangler and Lexus GX which have four-wheel drive and protective skid plates. The Ford Bronco has advanced terrain management systems to improve its off-road capabilities. These features make the boxy SUVs suitable for the adventure lover and for challenging terrains.

Boxy SUVs and Practicality

Space and Cargo Advantages of Boxy Shapes

Boxy SUVs offer several advantages in space and cargo capacity:

Maximized Interior Space: They have high roofs that afford passengers with enough head and leg space.
Ample Cargo Capacity: It has a flat deck which provides a large space for cargo, and you can easily load your items.
Versatile Configurations: Some have some sort of adjustable rear seating arrangements, which can be folded to create more room.
Easy Access: People can load and unload massive items more easily when the rear doors are large.
Roof Rack Compatibility: The roof of the car is flat, and it has roof racks for stashing more stuff during the trip.

The Comfort and the Seating Capacity in boxy SUVs

Boxy SUVs offer excellent comfort and passenger capacity through several key features:

Spacious Interiors: Its design is rather vertical, which makes car interiors spacious with enough room for the head and legs of all the passengers.
Flexible Seating Arrangements: Most of the models come with rear seats that can be folded or tumbled to create more space for people or storage.
Easy Access: Larger door apertures and an increased seat height make it easier for people to board and alight, especially those who are family groups and senior citizens.
Enhanced Visibility: Due to its height, there is a perfect vision on the road which increases safety and the overall comfort of the car.
Comfort Features: Conveniences such as the ability to control climate and high quality sesióning enhance the comfort during long traveling.

Fuel Efficiency in Boxy SUVs

SUVs in particular, the boxy type, have come a long way in fuel efficiency while maintaining the toughness of the vehicle. Here are some key points:

Improved Aerodynamics: Some of the early designs that focused on space have been made with boxy shapes; however, most of the current models are designed with aerodynamics in mind in a bid to conserve as much fuel as possible.
Advanced Engine Technologies: Today’s boxy SUVs come with turbocharged engines as well as hybrid powertrains, a combination of which enables improved power while maintaining efficiency.
Lightweight Materials: Applying lightweight materials in construction leads to lower vehicle weight which directly impacts fuel consumption.
Efficient Transmissions: Modern cars use sophisticated transmission systems like CVTs or multi-speed automatics to control the power and torque output and enhance fuel efficiency.
Driving Modes: Some boxy SUVs have a feature that allows the driver to select the driving mode which can help increase fuel economy by changing the way the engine behaves and throttle setting.

Luxury Meets Boxy: Premium Boxy SUVs

Mercedes G-Wagon vs Land Rover Defender: A Luxury Showdown

Larger car-based SUVs with boxy shapes such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Land Rover Defender offer comfort with off-road capability. The G-Wagon has a luxurious interior with leather, and high-tech features, and is one of the best off-road SUVs on the market.

On the other hand, the Defender has a more practical appearance but does not lose luxury touches like comfortable seats and an updated entertainment system. Off-road capability is on par with each other, but the G-Wagon is more comfortable, while the Defender is more utilitarian. This luxury face-off shows how these legendary boxy SUVs are both designed to meet the varied desires of consumers while still retaining the toughness of their form.

Future Trends for Boxy SUVs

It looks like electric boxy SUVs are gearing up as the next big thing in the automotive industry-a mix of timeless designs with the new technology of electric vehicles. Since manufacturers will consider sustainability for these vehicles, they will not only decrease their impacts on the environment but are also powerful, and flexible.

This means that major aspects such as interior space, technological development, and handling capabilities for off-road will fit different users, including families, sports utility car lovers, and adventure lovers.

Over time, the boxy electric SUVs will spearhead the change of consumer experience of the market by providing surplus utility. With a focus on innovation and eco-friendliness, these SUVs promise to deliver the best of both worlds: the design of the boxy shaped cars and the power of electrical motors. There will be plenty of electric boxy SUVs in the future, which means that this is going to be an exciting stage in the way towards more sustainable car usage.

Top 10 Boxy SUVs of 2024: Best Models for Style, Space, and Off-Road Power