In 2025, retro-inspired SUVs are making a comeback in the American automotive market. Today, most car buyers, especially the Millennials and Gen Z, are looking for vehicles that boast a blend of classic design cues from past decades with modern tech, safety, and practicality we now expect.
Automakers are reaching into their archives and reviving their iconic models. The revival comes with homage to yesteryear’s legacy with high-end interior, electric powertrains, and advanced driver-assist systems. One of my favorites, the new Ford Bronco, is the best example of this retro renewal done right.
From rugged off-roaders to stylish everyday drivers, retro-style cars are more than just about looks and aesthetics. It is about car buyers wanting to connect to the idea of raw, real, and fun driving, like their parents and grandparents.
If you are also looking for modern new cars that look old and beautifully capture the charm of another era, this blog is your guide. Here, we have the top 10 available options on the market that you can actually buy in 2025 from car brands like Toyota, Ford, Jeep, Fiat, Hyundai, and more.
What Makes an SUV Retro-Inspired Today?
Before you get all hyped and determined to buy a modern car that looks retro, there are certain things that you need to understand. Firstly, not every SUV with a boxy or square body shape or round lights qualifies as retro-inspired.
Secondly, not every old-model revival gets it right. The Chevrolet SSR, designed to bring back the look of 1940s Chevrolet Advance Design pickup trucks, is a live example.
Previous decades-inspired automotive models act as a bridge between collectible vintage cars and modern SUVs. They proudly showcase the signature elements from their historic counterparts like:
- circular headlights,
- upright windshields,
- boxy frames,
- bold grilles,
- two-tone paint jobs,
- throwback badging, and present them with current enhancements and driving requirements.
You get the feeling of the older generations driving with the digital convenience, safety, comfort, and practicality we now expect. Overall, these rides offer the best of both eras together.
Check Out 10 Retro-Inspired SUVs That Stand Out in 2025
Any retro car with a modern outlook you can find this year on the market is offering more than the head-turning looks. They are delivering jaw-dropping performances with much-wanted present-day practicality. They are not just copies of old classics but smart reimaginings that showcase how vintage can work well with modern.
Here are the standout SUV models that smartly bring nostalgia and innovation together. If you want vintage vibes with your modern-age car, these are the vehicles to look out for.
1. Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is the ultimate retro car whose comeback stands as a proof how beautifully we can bring our glorious past into our present. Introduced in 1966 as a rugged and go-anywhere utility vehicle, the original Bronco became a household name and an American icon with its boxy silhouette, off-road prowess, and clean lines.
In 2021, the company finally resurrected this legacy which continues to the present day. The new Bronco with its round headlights, removable doors, flat grille, and squared-off stance, has an old-school appeal. What’s truly impressive is the presence of modern upgrades like Goes Over Any Terrain driving modes, a high-resolution trail camera system, and advanced 4WD with locking differentials under all the nostalgia. Its Free Wheeling edition, with its gradient rainbow side stripes, brings back the vibrant 1970s era.
On the inside, you get a waterproof cabin, wireless Apple CarPlay, and safety tech like lane-keeping assist and pre-collision alerts, features that the original Bronco could never dream of. Ford has even boasted and celebrated their new launch on X (formerly Twitter). The post has over 108,000 views.
2. Jeep Wrangler
Committing to the years-long car payments is totally worth it if it is for a vehicle like the fabulous Jeep Wrangler. This globally hailed off-roader is the direct descendant of 1941 Willys MB. While this lineup has evolved over the years, it has never lost its military-inspired features, especially the circular headlights, upright windshield, and exposed hinges. Its seven-slot grille remains the most cherished symbol of its past.
This year, Jeep declared all these elements more strongly with a purpose. There is a Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid variant. This one introduces electric torque to trail driving without compromising on the raw and mechanical spirit that Jeep purists have come to love and admire. Driving this silent rock crawler feels like piloting a future machine in a WWII body.
The Willys ’41 edition, with its olive-green paint and old-school graphics, takes the retro homage to the next level. The dashboard is the perfect definition of simplicity, featuring digital cluster customization, touchscreen navigation, and forward-facing trail cameras.
3. Toyota Land Cruiser
If there is one SUV whose return has shaken up the car market at present, it is Toyota’s beloved Land Cruiser. The company halted production back in 2021. However, with the 2024 model year, this lineup came back with heavy similarity to the FJ40 from the 1960s but did not lose its durability.
The round headlights, box shape, and two-tone roofline are packed within hybrid performance and Toyota’s advanced safety suite, something which I personally admire. The latest Land Cruiser now comes with a leaner and more off-road-focused posture, totally different from its earlier full-size luxury SUV build. It even features the automaker’s new i-FORCE MAX hybrid system, delivering both efficiency and torque. This one is no longer a daily driver but also a capable trail rider.
The visuals like vertical slats on the grille, bold Toyota badging, and squared wheel arches give the traditional adventurer vibes. But as soon as you step inside, you are welcomed by a refined, leather-lined cabin, a 12.3″ touchscreen (which I find big enough), wireless charging, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with radar-based cruise control. If I ever get a chance to trade off my Kia Telluride, it will be for this Japanese car.
4. Fiat 500e
The European automakers also have a thing or two to satisfy the growing demands of retro-styled SUVs. The simple yet brilliant Fiat 500e is a perfect purchase to feel all dreamy behind the wheel.
The original Fiat 500 has been a grace of Italian craftsmanship since 1957. It was a tiny, affordable, and unshakably charming ride. The current 500e model carries this same personality but with an electric twist. It boasts a petite stance, soft curves, circular headlights, and the signature whiskers and logo face that impressively captures the spirit of the original release. And adds more sleek, more width, and far more composure. It is no longer a tiny SUV but a refined EV.
The cabin is clean and minimalist, recalling the simplicity of its ancestor. But the modernity is kept alive with features like a touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, adaptive cruise control, and voice-activated controls. What’s worth knowing is that while the original 500 wasn’t ideally powerful, the modern 500e glides through traffic with near-instant electric torque.
5. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai’s latest Ioniq 5 borrows cues and features not only from one particular model year but from an entire era. Inspired by Hyundai’s first production car, the Pony (1975-1990), it impressively channels the blocky charm of the 1980s with its angular lines, clamshell hood, and parametric pixel lights.
What I like the most about this South Korean ride is that it isn’t made nostalgic for the sake of it. If you do not know, let me tell you that Ioniq 5 is one of the most advanced EVs on the market. It is built on company’s E-GMP platform, allowing ultra-fast charging and strong vehicle-to-load capabilities.
Its interior is a dream for a driver seeking minimalism wrapped in sophistication. The floor is flat, there is usage of recycled materials throughout the cabin, the center console is sliding, and dual 12″ displays are enough to make you lose your mind. There is even an optional solar roof which offers efficiency and a modern outlook.
6. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
If on your retro-futuristic car purchase journey, you do not wish to worry about things like oil change prices, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the ultimate choice. It is one of the few vehicles out there that has stayed true to its original design. G-Wagen was a military-grade off-roader debuted in 1979. It was all-box, rigid, functional, and specifically designed to conquer the Alps. Down the road, it became a global luxury icon, and this year, it is reinventing itself once again.
You can clearly see how the latest G-Class retains the shape of the original release, including its exposed hinges, flat windshield, and squared wheel arches. Even its door latch still delivers that famous thunk that most of us have only heard on the TVs or in online videos. But under this body, you get to see the next-level transformation.
The new G 580 comes with EQ Technology featuring an all-electric platform. You get all this without compromising the true off-road prowess. The interior features nappa leather, ambient lighting, dual widescreen displays, and the latest MBUX system. This ride of the digital age has not forgotten its roots, and as a car fanatic, I am nothing but grateful. Perform the mandatory A3 and A5 maintenance services, and you will never face any problems.
7. Mini Cooper
The Cooper from Mini car brand is a perfect blend of British charm and playful design that never overlooks its roots. This small ride has always worn its heritage proudly and it continues the trend in the current year as well. First launched in 1959, this icon is reborn for modern streets while still flaunting its short wheelbase, cheeky personality, and classic round headlights. Think of it as a cool grandparent who now uses an iPhone, a retro soul upgrading itself with time.
The short overhangs, contrasting roof colors, and a go-kart-like stance make the latest release even closer to yesteryear than I want to admit. It is sharper, smarter, and fully electrified. It is zippy to drive, and even your learning teenager can handle it well.
But what truly says nostalgia is the circular OLED display in the center of the dashboard. It is a bold interpretation of the classic Mini’s round speedometer. If you ask me, the modern Cooper is the 1960s reborn in a cleaner, faster, and more connected package.
8. Land Rover Defender
The 2025 Defender is an old-world utility reengineered for today’s explorer. Its squared-off shape and Alpine windows are the visual callbacks to the original Series I and Defender 90/110 models. But the automaker has redesigned nearly every bolt and panel for the modern world and drivers.
Do not get comfortable, as the new Defender OCTA edition takes it even further. With a sturdy build and gasoline engine (even in these times of rising fuel prices), it balances extreme off-road ability with shocking on-road refinement. You can cross rivers, crawl boulders, or cruise highways in an air-conditioned luxury.
The exposed bolt heads and heritage-style grab handles keep the past alive while a touchscreen infotainment system, configurable digital cluster, and wireless over-the-air updates provide modern ease. This rugged ride is a perfect example showcasing that the past can evolve if done right.
9. Rivian R3
Rivian is the only automaker on this list that does not have roots in the 20th century. But this does not stop this automaker from creating something worthy of your time and money. Its upcoming R3 lineup is live-proof that you do not need decades of history to channel vintage vibes.
Set for production in 2026 with pre-orders underway in 2025, the R3 borrows its visual cues from early rally cars and boxy ’80s hatchbacks, mixing utility with personality in a way few modern vehicles dare. Its silhouette is delightfully unconventional. It features short front and rear overhangs, upright proportions, and circular LED headlights that scream analog charm.
While this makes up the retro, everything else with this ride is coming of age. It is expected to offer Rivian’s signature quad-motor electric platform, adjustable ride height, and a smaller footprint making it suitable for both everyday drivers and adventure seekers alike. To put it simply, the upcoming Rivian R3 is nostalgic without being literal and fresh without losing its roots.
10. Toyota FJ Cruiser EV
There are only a few off-roaders in the US that stir the emotions like the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Introduced in 2006 as a throwback to the legendary FJ40, it carved a place for itself with its round headlights, white roof, and bold grille. And this year, Toyota is all set to bring back this family-size SUV but as a fully electric SUV. Fans and fanatics are already buzzing across Reddit and forums, and I am among those people.
Toyota has kept official specs under wraps, but the renderings and early leaks suggest that it will maintain its period cues, including beefy bumpers, flat sides, and a two-tone palette that channels its 1960s predecessor. It gets better with its EV platform (similar to the Toyota bZ4X), trail-ready tuning, lockable differentials, and battery thermal management for off-road conditions.
Sources suggest that this time around the interior is ruggedized with a utility-focused dash. If the automaker is able to execute it well, the highly anticipated FJ Cruiser EV could become the face of electrified retro done right.
Special Mention “Peel P50”
The Peel P50 is a washing machine-sized, one-seater car built in the 1960s. It was hailed as the smallest production vehicle in the world and became quite popular at that time. However, with people’s preference shifting towards bigger and sturdier vehicles, P50’s production was halted. But now it is making a comeback with modern touches here and there.
While ideally a one-person car, it is a perfect choice for people who want an easy-to-handle ride for their small commutes. Its three-wheeled body with one door, two-tone body color, and curved body scream nostalgia in every manner.
How to Choose the Right Retro SUV for Your Lifestyle
Before you go ahead and decide on which evocative model you want to stand in your garage or driveway, you first need to understand that not every retro-inspired SUV is built for all drivers. Some models are built to tackle tough trials, while others are better suited for city cruising. Do not worry, as I have an easy way for you to match the right model to your lifestyle:
For Adventure Seekers
If you are someone whose weekends always involve dirt, rocks, or national parks, you should go for a vehicle built to handle the wild. Models like Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler offer superior 4×4 capabilities with retro charm and modern off-road systems. Whereas the Land Rover Defender OCTA is a luxury-level overlander with some serious trail credibility.
For Urban Drivers
If you are looking for a daily driver that is stylish, easy to maneuver, and effortless to park, the Fiat 500e and Mini Cooper are small rides with big personalities. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is also a good choice, offering more room and EV practicality.
For Retro Enthusiasts Wanting Tech
If you are anything like me, you would appreciate the golden eras of the 20th-century American automotive industry but do not wish to give up advanced tech like wireless smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control, or more. For you, modern vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota FJ Cruiser EV, and Rivian R3 offer heritage styling with modern and futuristic comfort.
Maintenance and Resale Expectations
If you are eager to get behind the nostalgic wheels but are concerned about the maintenance and resale value, different models offer different perks.
- Bronco and Wrangler come with strong aftermarket support and retain their value well.
- Ioniq 5 and 500e offer lower maintenance costs, but their resale value can fluctuate based on their range and charging.
- Defender and Land Cruiser typically hold their value better, mainly due to their decades-old legacy and high global demand.
Where to Find These Retro-Inspired SUVs in the U.S.
One of the best things about these old-school-influenced SUVs is that you do not need to wait for years or travel abroad to get them. Most of these models are already on the U.S. roads, with some gracing the country soon.
You can check with the nearby dealership of the brand you are interested in or explore their official websites for regular updates. Some companies even offer pre-orders for their heritage edition models that feature retro graphics, unique paint jobs, or vintage badging.
Thus, keep a close eye, and you will not miss your chance to own a rare automotive marvel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are retro-inspired SUVs pricier than modern ones?
It depends. Some models may carry a premium price tag due to the brand heritage or simply being a limited edition, others are competitively priced within their segments.
Do these SUVs offer modern safety features?
Absolutely. Today, most nostalgia-fueled vehicles you see around you come with contemporary safety technologies, including advanced driver-assistance systems. They are paying homage to their roots but carrying on what is necessary in current times.
Will the trend of retro SUVs continue?
Yes. As the popularity of such vehicles keeps on rising and more and more automakers, working on reviving their classics with modern take, retro-inspired vehicles are likely to hold a strong presence in the American SUV space.
Retro Is The New Premium
The rise in the demand for retro-styled SUVs is more than just car buyers seeking something new. It is a cultural callback where people want a ride that rides into the future but takes its heritage with it. These models spare everyone from choosing between old-school looks and modern comfort.
As technology advances and more car seekers demand such a combination, we can expect more auto manufacturers to revisit classic designs, blending the best of both worlds.
