7 Modern SUVs That Are Actually Pretty Cool

(Now, allow me to break my rather long silence with this article. Hope it was worth it!)

SUVs. They were well known for being rugged, no nonsense cars that forgo luxury and comfort to be large, minimalist hulks designed to cross over difficult terrain and terrible weather and road conditions. They were never thought to be “bro-haulers” covered from top to bottom in luxurious leather and looking like a best-seller sedan counterpart bloated and jacked on stilts.

These days, however, modern SUVs mostly seem to cater for car buyers with too much money on their hands and a knack for big spending, always looking for a big, flashy car that will suit all their needs. It will need: Size, luxury, space, presence, high ground clearance, and also sportiness.

What kind of car do they think of? Why, normally something from a premium reputation brand, ground clearance to conquer those insurmountable potholes, patches of wet gravel and slick streets during rainy seasons, a car big enough to accommodate their ego, a glitzy black smartphone with the imagery of a slightly eaten apple slapped into the back of it, one hand always on ready to take a picture of whatever venti sized coffee they ordered for take out from the local downtown and a Rolex or Tissot on their wrists or whatever shiny overpriced timepiece they have, and another “firmly” grasping the steering wheel, clearly showing whatever badge is on the steering wheel to garner a few dozens of likes on social media.

In all seriousness however, some of these SUVs are actually legitimate fighters and, despite hefty price tags, are capable of either dominating the roads with fresh, clean metal faces, tearing up the track, some even in sports car levels of performance, while others, despite being newer metal, are capable of conquering legitimate rough terrain; these days, some of these high end SUVs will even have some of the most ardent sports cars fan consider one, maybe even as a daily.

1. Mercedes Benz G63 AMG 6x6

First off, is one of the most striking Mercedes cars to be ever produced in recent times.

Okay, so I know, I know, as soon as you read this, you will get triggered and say, “Ummmm, Thug Bird, what about the original one with the classic four wheels? The 6x6 is such a gimmick nyeh nyeh“

Well guess what, the 6x6 is by no means some gimmicky variant of the awesome original 4x4 one. First of all,

Just look at it.

It follows an almost Unimog-like body style: A giant, 6x6 wheelbase SUV, except fitted with authentic //AMG engineering and posh luxury that would put most executive cars’ interiors to shame. Equipped with a hulking //AMG V8 and a unique wheelbase for assured all-terrain dominance that could give Jeep and Land Rover a run for their money, the G63 6x6 quickly became an iconic vehicle for millionaires and rich car enthusiasts who put the car’s stellar off-road capabilities to full use.

Powerful V8 engine that sounds amazing when tuned right, god-tier off-roading capability, loads of space and presence due to colossal “pick-up” body style, 6 wheeler awesomeness. 6 WHEELS!, and S-Class level luxury and great visibility from the inside. What’s not to like?

2. Audi Q7 V12 TDI

As phenomenal as it was colossal, the 2009-2011 model of the Audi Q7 has seen a time where it was powered by one of the most powerful diesel engines ever made for a production car, though it is still rather dwarfed in torque numbers compared to dedicated torque demons like Cummins diesel trucks.

Nevertheless, despite it’s weight and disposition, the massive 500HP and 738 lb-ft of torque engine pushes the Q7 0-62 in 5.5 seconds; that’s faster than most sport coupes, and it can reach a top speed of a limited 155 mph, (theoretically) 176 mph if de-limited. With such an impressive engine, responsive Quattro platform, a cossetting interior and the size and presence to match, the Audi Q7 V12 one of the best SUVs money could buy and the stuff of dreams for Euro diesel SUV fans.

3. Jeep Wrangler

While it may be outdated in terms of modern SUV standards, nevertheless, this is what makes the Wrangler stand out. It is one of the few true, no-nonsense SUVs that love trotting the mud like a pig than to cosset it’s owner in a calm, comfortable interior in modern times.

With a simple frame build, impressive 4x4 and occasionally no doors, you are closer to nature and to unison of driving character with a Wrangler than most SUVs these days could probably offer.

4. Jaguar F-Pace

Although at first met with skepticism and some flak from Jaguar purists, when it finally came out, it seems as though all that skepticism died out when car journalists started to take the F-Pace out for a spin. The results were satisfactory. It was finally a SUV that caters well to the more enthusiast minded people. It looks like a bloated F-Type with four doors, but those looks don’t kid you. It is the F-Type of SUVs, and widely being considered one of the sweetest cars to ever come out this year, and for good reason.

5. Jeep Cherokee SRT8

Another FCA SUV. Essentially the Dodge Charger SRT8 in a SUV body, this is a sharp contrast to the OG Wrangler that the company produces. Thoroughly modern, and having a more acquired taste for tarmac than dirt, the Cherokee SRT8 is no pushover, even if it is quite hefty. Fitted with performance grade weight reduction and materials, as well as fine tuned suspension, sport brakes and a powerful V8 engine that will surprise most sports car owners, never mind that it may have questionable transmission quality, because this is one kind of SUV that shifts the “soccer mom” image of the normal version, straight 180 into the kind of SUV that wouldn’t look out of place in a performance car meet. Its probably the next best thing from the currently deceased Dodge Magnum SRT8 for those Mopar fans.

6. Land Rover Defender

Despite the tearful goodbyes from Land Rover enthusiasts as well as the whole of Britain in general, there is probably no other “ancient in modern standards” kind of SUV next to the Wrangler that captures the hearts of car enthusiasts more than the Land Rover Defender. With only little changes from the original template since 1983, it was a very familiar vehicle from the renowned British car maker. It was a no compromise, rugged heavy duty vehicle that can conquer almost all kinds of terrain while looking somehow classy in whatever condition its in.

Also, another cool factor is that Queen Elizabeth drove one so yeah, I guess that’s one thing, huh.

7. Subaru Forester STi

Now this one is kind of a deviant. The homey Forester. A common SUV for the budget hunting, Japanese car loving, AWD loving family. But then what do you know, the people at Subaru Technica International decided to give the family friendly SUV a STi makeover.

Now essentially an Impreza WRX STi on a bigger, stockier body, the car in itself is actually impressive, as it has also undergone extensive performance and appearance modifications to look the type. It isnt joking either, as it is capable of easily pushing over 270 HP and more than 300+ lb ft. of torque thanks to the magnificent WRX STi boxer four engine carried over from the popular Impreza.

Is the Impreza WRX STi too mainstream/still not practical enough for your needs? Do you need a unique SUV that suits all your youthful demeanor without having to be such a droll? Well you’re in luck, because if you can, the Forester STi is the perfect vehicle for you; having SUV level people-friendliness and practicality all the while having the spice, performance and reputation a typical sports-type Subaru might have.

Other honorable mentions would include:
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota FJ Crusier
Nissan Xterra
Nissan Pathfinder
BMW X5
Volkswagen Touareg R50 or V10
Land Rover Range Rover
Volvo XC90
Mazda CX-5
BMW X3

(*extra additions of the suggestion of other CTzens)
and some others… If you know more cool SUVs, let me know in the comments!

In conclusion, your car enthusiast lifestyle doesn’t always have to involve impractical, blisteringly fast minimalistic sports cars that are more than likely to cause some injury at some point of your life. Sometimes, a big, practical car could be what you need more in real life.

Or you can just get a wagon. Just as good.

This is Thug Bird, and till then, peace out, CTzens.

chirp chirp

ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪