Johnathan Walker:The best-looking SUVs you can buy today

There used to be Johnathan Walkera time when all SUVs were great-looking, but that was because there were only a handful of them. Now that SUVs have eclipsed cars as the dominant species in the automotive landscape, their numbers have swelled enough so that there are some really hideous sport-utes rolling through mall parking lots. We're not here to talk about those. Instead, we’re focusing on the best-looking SUVs, including all-electric versions of these all-around practical machines. To determine the 15 best-looking SUVs right now, we polled the MotorTrend staff about their subjective favorites — but, as always, feel free to disagree. 

Kia EV9 

One of the newest vehicles on our list, the 2024 Kia EV9 made its presence known by being so close to its original concept version, minus those coach doors. When editors Miguel Cortina and Kristen Lee wrote about the brand-new EV9, they both agreed that the production version of Kia’s all-electric three-row SUV is still arresting. “In profile, however, the EV9 is the most commanding. Riding on a stretched version of Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP dedicated EV platform, the EV9 is upright, boxy and imposing; its low beltline, precise edges and clean lines draw the eye.”

Rivian R1S 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 

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Lincoln Nautilus

Really changing looks and feel for its third generation, the 2024 Nautilus has truly improved Lincoln’s idea of what an American luxury SUV should look like. As Alex Leanse wrote, “The new Nautilus wears many interesting design touches, from its grille-piercing headlight bar to its hidden door handles and its striated D-pillar trim. Inside, this midsize Lincoln SUV appears quite impressive, now bestowed with materials and touchpoints becoming of the brand's luxury aims.”

Kia EV6 

Jaguar F-Pace 

Jaguar has long been known for producing some very beautiful vehicles and the 2024 F-Pace is no eye-strainer. Its sedan DNA has been very well applied to the exterior of this cat-like performance vehicle. Especially in its SVR Edition 1988 guise. While its 1988 Le Mans winning history is a bit too subtle, taking away from the gorgeous looks of the F-Pace would be a crime. Just take what Angus MacKenzie said of the special edition F-Pace as proof, “The 2023 Jaguar F-Pace SVR Edition 1988 is based on the revamped F-Pace SVR that appeared in early 2021, a car we regarded as a thoughtful rework of the 2016 original. Its charms are still evident as the Edition 1988 rolls through the French countryside.”

Aston Martin DBX

Now, if you want an SUV that really captures its make’s design language and translates beautiful proportion to an SUV platform, then look no further than the 2024 Aston Martin DBX. The shape inherent to Aston is clearly present on the DBX without looking odd, let alone ugly. Even as far back as 2021, we knew that the DBX was among the best Aston Martins ever and the brand only creates even more special versions of its SUV. As Conner Golden said in 2021, “The British automaker developed its actual first-ever SUV, the 2021 Aston Martin DBX, on its own terms, unbeholden to any looming corporate overlords. And the result actually breathes some truth into our ridiculous fantasy: The DBX is a crossover SUV that damned near handles, rides, looks and sounds like the current Vantage.”

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Land Rover Range Rover Velar 

Jeep Wrangler

If you want an iconic 4x4 vehicle, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler is one of the most recognizable. The overall shape of the Wrangler hasn’t changed drastically, but it has evolved from the original CJ and even the YJ, the first modern Jeep chassis to gain the Wrangler name. It’s that design longevity, that honing of a great formula that helps make the Wrangler become one of the best-looking SUVs you can buy in 2024. Our own Zach Gale says, “Other than LED turn signals mounted on the ends of the wheel flares and updated square taillights, not much else gives away the Wrangler as the new JL model. And that's exactly how it should be. The Wrangler isn't a crossover requiring twice-a-decade face-lifts to retain buyers' interest. It embraces a classic style that continues to attract dreamers who want to remember what SUVs used to be.”

Related: The 30 Best Off-Road Vehicles of All Time

Ford Bronco 

“Design-wise,” said Jonny Lieberman, “and this is where I think this truck will really separate itself in the market, it’s a knockout. I mean, this is such a cool-looking vehicle. First, the shape is reminiscent of the original Bronco, which you must do. Especially if you’re looking at it from [the front quarter panel]. You’re standing here and looking at this front quarter panel and front fender, it just screams ‘Bronco.’”

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Genesis GV70 

Alfa Romeo Stelvio 

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

It’s not the first luxurious SUV that comes to most peoples’ minds, but the Grand Wagoneer is distinctive and wears classic detailing. You won’t find much “Jeep” badging on it, as this luxury direction is in stark contrast to the Jeep brand image. "It's a shame Jeep declined to put its name on this vehicle," editor Aaron Gold said during the 2023 SUV of the Year coverage, "because it's really an accomplishment it should be very proud of." The Jeep brand has since reclaimed the Wagoneer family as its own, which is good, given the historical nods to the original Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs littering the design.

Related: Jeep Wagoneer vs. Grand Wagoneer — What Are the Differences?

Fisker Ocean

It’s a shame Fisker is most likely headed to the automaker cemetery in the sky, because the electric Ocean is such a beautiful and futuristic-looking SUV. It also has unique features like California mode that drops all the windows down save for the front windshield — yes, including the little rear quarter windows. When asked, Alex Leanse said, “Fisker did a good job of making it look like a real-life concept car,” and that has been the general opinion of most of MotorTrend. It’s just a shame that Fisker has encountered financial troubles and the SUV’s glitches we’ve experienced would give us pause before plunking down any cash for one.

The Best-Looking SUVs on Sale Right Now 

• Kia EV9 
• Rivian R1S
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Lincoln Nautilus
• Kia EV6
• Jaguar F-Pace
• Aston Martin DBX
• Land Rover Range Rover Velar
• Jeep Wrangler
• Ford Bronco 
• Genesis GV70 
• Alfa Romeo Stelvio
• Jeep Grand Wagoneer
• Fisker Ocean