These are the boxiest new cars you can buy today – Jalopnik

One thing remains consistent in the world of consumerism: products with the simplest designs age beautifully. From toilet paper to spoons, these designs have remained unchanged for centuries. There are also some great examples in the automotive world where car designs or silhouettes have remained unchanged despite decades of updates. The common theme among most of them is that they seem to be designed with a ruler and nothing else.

SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler and Mercedes-Benz G-Class have retained that familiar shape for decades, while others, like the Ford Bronco and Toyota Land Cruiser, are more of a reinterpretation of icons from the past. Then there’s the Ineos Grenadier, which seems to have been built with inspiration from some of the most iconic SUVs, leading to its timeless boxy design.

These SUVs may have the aerodynamics of a red-brick house, but they have just as much presence on the road. These are SUVs that strive for simplicity, but ironically become trends themselves. The good news is that you can now buy all of the aforementioned SUVs in the US. Let’s find out about the boxiest SUVs around, starting with the Ford Bronco.

The current generation Bronco, like the OG Bronco, gets a lot of things right. It features a boxy design and round headlights, and offers versatility in the form of two- and four-door options, as well as seven trim levels. For context, depending on door configuration, the new Ford Bronco is in the compact/mid-size SUV segment and competes directly with the Jeep Wrangler. Like the ’60s Bronco, the new one is highly capable off-road, especially the Stroppe Edition and Raptor models, thanks to Ford’s High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS), 35-inch wheels and up to seven GOAT modes (goes over any type of terrain).

The original Bronco was available with a 170 cubic inch six-cylinder engine and later a 289 cubic inch V8. Unfortunately, the new Bronco won’t get a V8, not even the Raptor model. What it gets instead are 2.3-liter inline-four and 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engines, as well as a more powerful 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 exclusive to the Raptor variant. Prices start at $39,995 and go up to $79,995 (plus a $1,995 destination charge).

The new Wrangler now offers comfort such as air conditioning, a solid infotainment system and electric windows. However, when it comes to off-roading, this compact/mid-size SUV is no less capable than the OG. Depending on model and trim level, the modern Wrangler is available with features such as solid axles at both ends, 33-inch tires, electronic locking front and rear differentials and the ability to disconnect the stabilizer bar for better wheel articulation. It also offers the unique ability to easily remove the windshield, doors and roof.

The Wrangler gets four powertrain options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, a 2.0-liter hybrid turbo gasoline engine and a 6.4-liter Hemi SRT V8 that is exclusive to the Rubicon 392. In fact, the Rubicon 392 is an ode to the America we should have left in the past. The Wrangler is available in two- and four-door body styles. Prices for the Jeep Wrangler start at $32,095, going up to $99,995 (plus $1,995 destination charge).

It sits on Toyota’s global TNGA-F truck platform, making it highly durable and ready to handle the toughest conditions. The new Land Cruiser’s improved off-road capabilities lie in its footprint, which is more compact compared to the previous Land Cruiser 200 series. Additionally, this mid-size SUV gets full-time all-wheel drive with low range, a limited-slip center differential and the ability to disconnect the front stabilizer bar for better wheel articulation.

For performance, the Land Cruiser gets a new four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that replaces the gas-guzzling V8 of its predecessor. Although not as powerful as the V8, it offers plenty of torque, which is useful during off-road driving. Prices for the new Land Cruiser start at $57,200 and go up to $63,275 (destination charge costs an additional $1,495). However, is it reliable? Here’s what you can expect from the reliability of the new Land Cruiser.

Like the original, the G-Class still retains its iconic, angular shape. While the G-Wagen was presented as a spartan off-roader for military use, Mercedes’ performance division, AMG, worked its magic on the G-Wagen by adding a big V8, some luxury upgrades and bright colors. The formula worked, and the G 63 as we know it today is the staple of rappers, athletes and movie stars. The sturdy, non-AMG G-Class looks understated, but impresses with its luxurious cabin and go-anywhere capabilities, thanks to a robust ladder chassis and three limited-slip differentials.

In terms of powertrain, the G-Wagen comes with petrol, diesel and electric motors. The diesel isn’t available in the US – in the States we get a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol engine, an electric powertrain or a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in the G 63. The G-Class starts at $153,980, rising to $195,500 for the AMG G 63 (expect to pay around $1,150 extra as a destination charge).

It’s also off-road capable, thanks to three limited-slip differentials, all-wheel drive, a snorkel air intake and solid axles. Although it has an old-school approach to mobility, such as ladder frame construction, a two-speed manual transfer case and recirculating ball steering, the Grenadier does get a modern 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine sourced from BMW and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Prices for the Grenadier start at $72,600 and go up to $92,350 for the 1924 Limited Edition variant (plus destination charge). Not building the Grenadier in the US means tariffs will be levied. Fortunately, the CEO of Ineos wants to rectify that by building vehicles in America.