10 Of The Best-Looking Japanese SUVs Ever Made

The Japanese car industry has created some fantastic-looking vehicles over the decades, but with the exception of Toyota, many of them don’t receive the praise they rightfully deserve. We bet almost everyone will appreciate the boxy, clean lines and circular headlights on a classic Land Cruiser, something we appreciate Toyota bringing back for the newest generation, but when the SUV craze kicked off in the 1980s, plenty of other companies threw their hats in the ring with some incredible results.

These models were traditionally designed classics all the way up to luxurious family haulers that helped to define their era by pushing the boundaries of styling and also sticking to what works. While many may not have particularly stood out in their time, looking back, the chosen models continue to get better with age given the homogenization of crossover and SUV design these days.

These are some of our favorite SUVs to ever come out of Japan, but it’s by no means a comprehensive list. While the included models may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s best to keep in mind that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you feel like we left something out, feel free to include it in the comments section below.

1 First-Generation Nissan Pathfinder (1985–1995)

The first-generation Nissan Pathfinder is a hallmark of the 1980s SUV design era. Very obviously based on the Nissan Hardbody pickup truck at the time, its bold, boxy shape and rugged proportions captured the spirit of off-road adventure that so many vehicles were attempting to convey at the time, like the Ford Bronco II and Jeep Cherokee.

Its size made it approachable, however, and the later addition of a four-door version with hidden handles in the C-pillar gave the vehicle an iconic look that later Nissans continued for decades. It didn’t just look like a capable off-roader, it was one, with suspension components sourced from the Nissan Safari and a capable 4WD system. Later versions became softer and immediately lost the charm of this first one, and now, these first-gen models have become a rare sight on the road.

2 Current Suzuki Jimny (2018–present)

When Suzuki finally stopped selling consumer vehicles in the US in 2012, we can’t say we were too upset about it. Until it debuted the current generation of the Jimny in 2018, that is. The Jimny has long been a fan-favorite pint-sized off-road option around the world, but the newest generation has taken it to new heights, with the perfect blend of modern luxury, retro-styling, and affordability.

It retains the rugged silhouette of previous Jimnys, but the design has been elevated, with many comparisons being made to a mini Mercedes G Wagon, especially from the rear. Its rugged charm makes it appealing to off-road enthusiasts, but its size makes it a great option for urban dwellers, proving compact SUVs can be stylish and capable.

3 Isuzu Trooper (1981–1991)

Many may not be familiar with the Isuzu Trooper at this point, but it was another rugged SUV that aimed to offer a utilitarian and understated design. The model featured a rather tall greenhouse that made visibility a breeze, giving the inside a spacious and airy feel, that was only accentuated on the two-door variants with the exceptionally long rear side windows.

Its squared-off design gave it a commanding presence that was only elevated if you opted for a model with flared wheel arches and more prominent bumper designs. It wasn’t a flashy vehicle, and by the looks of it the design wasn’t particularly innovative either, but its simple boxy nature has continued to age well, particularly in the short wheelbase versions (not pictured above). Of course, subsequent generations rounded the car out to make it more appealing to the masses, but they once again lost the charm of the original.

4 First-Generation Nissan Xterra (1999–2004)

The Nissan Xterra was designed with adventure in mind, and its rugged styling perfectly complemented its go-anywhere attitude. While we like both generations of the Xterra, the first generation had a nimbler appearance that complimented its off-road nature a bit better. With a bold roof-rack standard and solid approach and departure angles, it looked ready to hit the trails right from the factory, and it had a retro-air that made it broadly appealing (check out those hidden rear door handles).

Complimented by bulging fenders, it was made for some chunkier rubber right from the factory, and later versions could even be optioned with a supercharged V6 which gave it a bump in power. Designed for Americans right here in America, Nissan’s take on the 4Runner was a solid effort, and we hope in our current off-road SUV-crazed world there’s space for a successor.

5 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 (1960–1984)

Few off-roaders have the timeless appeal of a classic Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. Its utilitarian appearance, defined by its flat grille, circular headlights, and upright stance, perfectly encapsulates the Land Cruiser’s legendary durability. It was essentially Japan’s take on the Willy’s Jeep, and they knocked the design out of the park. It just inspires confidence from any angle, though you’re going to have to live without basically any real convenience.

While many different variants were made over the years, from pickup trucks to wagons, the basic two-door version is the one you want, because of the large greenhouse and stubby hood look much better proportioned here, and not as bloated as the other variants. It proves that a good design doesn’t need to be overly complicated, and we’re pleased the modern Land Cruiser has attempted to capture some of this retro aesthetic.

6 Current Lexus GX 550 (2024–present)

We’ll say it: we love the looks of the new Lexus GX 550. The brand’s luxury SUV has made a name for itself as a more capable model than many of its competitors, but still offering enough luxury to justify its price tag, but now the looks make it a real stand-out in the segment. Its bold, boxy design, with sharp lines and commanding spindle grille, gives it an unmistakable presence. The squared-off fenders and upright profile make it appear tall, but the overall design has an air of refinement.

Lexus was able to create a vehicle that perfectly reflects its dual nature: it’s built to handle tough trails but styled to turn heads when out on the town. We think it’s one of the best-looking luxury SUVs on sale today, and one of the best SUV designs, if not the best, that Lexus has ever released.

7 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution (1997–1999)

The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution is the only singular model on this list, but given just how insanely cool-looking it is, we feel it deserves a spot. A homologation special produced for Mitsubishi to compete in the Dakar rally, it has all the trappings of a performance SUV with some of the craziest body kits we’ve ever seen. Bulging fender flares, knobby tires, extreme venting, and those crazy wings in the rear: the Pajero may be tiny, but there’s no way you’re missing this thing.

Every curve and contour served a purpose with this model, and you can tell Mitsubishi didn’t miss a single thing with its design. This doesn’t even get into how technologically impressive the vehicle was with its MIVEC engine system and robust 4WD system. Trust us when we say it looks as crazy in person as it does in pictures, and is easily on the holy-grail list of coolest SUVs.

8 Infiniti QX70 (2009–2017)

The Infiniti QX70 was a trailblazer in the luxury SUV world, introducing a sleek, coupe-like silhouette when it first debuted as the FX based on the “Bionic Cheetah” design language. We’re not entirely sure what that means, but the vehicle definitely gives it off, with its long hood, flowing roofline, and muscular fenders giving it a sporty, aggressive stance. When the model first debuted, nobody was creating crossovers quite like it, and despite others eventually following, no one ever managed to do it quite like Infiniti.

Out of its generations, we think the very last, when it switched names from the FX to the QX, looked the best, as the changes to the front and rear fascias emphasized its sporty appeal in ways the earlier generation didn’t. While it does look a bit dated at this point, it has a presence most other SUVs still don’t have to this day, and we believe it’s going to be one of those vehicles looked at fondly in the future, particularly thanks to its athletic driving ability.

9 Second-Generation Toyota 4Runner (1990–1995)

The second-generation Toyota 4Runner saw the model take a bold step into becoming its own model, and not just an SUV created from the Toyota pickup. It now featured much more of its own styling, with rugged, curved lines, fender flares, and a high ride height that gave it the look of a vehicle that could tackle any terrain. In addition to a C-pillar that was still angled forward, one of the best design features of the vehicle was the rear window that could still be rolled down, a design that continues on the model to this day.

We particularly like the second generation of the model because it’s a good middle ground between the spartan first-generation and more built-out third-generation. It’s still skinny without an overly tall greenhouse and looks much more at home on the pavement than the first generation did. It’s a great sweet spot in the 4Runner’s long life.

10 Mazda CX-90 (2024–present)

The final model on this list is a recent one, but we think it may be Mazda’s best design to date. The CX-90 is the perfect encapsulation of the brand’s upmarket aspirations: sleek, elegant, and sporty. Everything about the soft lines of the body makes the model look like it was molded out of clay, with careful nips and tucks here and there to give it just the right amount of character.

Its long hood, rear-wheel-drive proportions, and sculpted bodywork embody Mazda’s “Kodo” design philosophy, which emphasizes elegance and motion. It’s a standout in the segment, one that’s perfect for the consumer who wants luxury without the luxury badge, and we hope to see how it influences the brand’s future designs.

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