The automotive world appears to have hit “rewind” on its design sensibilities, as a new wave of boxy cars and SUVs are taking over the roads, reviving the sharp-edged, square-jawed look of yesteryear. Forget sleek curves—today’s vehicles are flaunting proud right angles and angular profiles. From the revamped 2025 Subaru Forester to the blockier 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, brands are embracing a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic once reserved for mountain treks and camping trips. Even facelifted models like the Ford Kuga/Escape have shed their once-soft silhouettes for a newfound squareness that demands attention.
But why are automakers suddenly obsessed with capturing the geometry mastered by the SUVs of the late 1980s and early 1990s? Nostalgia, for one. Retro design trends tend to echo through time, and today’s buyers seem enamored with the tough-guy vibe of classic SUVs—just look at the cult-like energy surrounding Radwood events, where vintage ’80s and ’90s cars reign supreme.
Boxy shapes also reinforce durability and practicality, which were sidelined for years as SUVs gravitated toward sloping roofs and sporty, car-like designs. Now, brands like Honda and Subaru have doubled down, trading car-like refinement for square silhouettes and adventurous off-road messages, with specialized trims like Wilderness and Trailsport squarely aimed at thrill-seeking buyers.
That said, this newfound love for boxy profiles isn’t without controversy. While these tall and angular designs lug plenty of retro charm, they come with modern challenges—namely, pedestrian safety. U.S. regulators have raised concerns over the blunt front-end designs seen on many new SUVs, citing increased risks to pedestrians in accidents. Studies from both the NHTSA and IIHS show that taller hoods and upright facias significantly heighten fatality risks, prompting discussions about stricter safety standards, including head-to-hood impact tests . Balancing this revamped, nostalgic aesthetic with modern safety requirements might prove a challenge for automakers moving forward.
Love it or hate it, the boxy SUV trend looks poised to dominate for the foreseeable future, combining throwback appeal with functionality—albeit at the cost of additional scrutiny. So, are these square-jawed warriors the peak of design evolution, or just a fleeting geometric phase? Perhaps it’s time we embrace the edgy (literally) side of modern motoring, sharp corners and all.
