Crossover cars are quirky hybrids that blend eras, styles, and design philosophies. They’re not just SUVs pretending to be sedans; they’re unique creations that fuse unlikely elements. Some are masterpieces, others are head-scratchers, but all are worth a second look. Let’s explore 25 unconventional cars that have left their mark on automotive history.
Chevrolet SSR (2003–2006)
What do you get when you cross a retro pickup truck with a convertible? The Chevrolet SSR. This curvy, quirky vehicle looked like it could haul hay one minute and then cruise to a beach bonfire the next. Despite its bold looks and respectable power, its hefty weight (over 4,700 lbs.) hampered performance. The SSR struggled in the market due to its niche appeal and steep price tag, leading to low sales—just over 24,000 units were sold across its run.
AMC Eagle (1980–1988)
The AMC Eagle was an off-road station wagon. By slapping four-wheel drive under a family-friendly body, AMC essentially invented the crossover before anyone even coined the term. It was rugged enough for a camping trip but still had enough suburban charm for the grocery run. Bravo, AMC, for thinking outside the (station wagon) box.
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011–2014)
A convertible SUV? Sure, why not? The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet was the car no one asked for, but everyone secretly wanted to drive it just once. It combined the practicality of an SUV with the breezy fun of a drop-top. Critics praised its smooth ride and daring design but questioned the practicality and steep price (starting around $47,000). While it catered to a niche market, sluggish sales (fewer than 20,000 units) led to its discontinuation in 2014.
Volkswagen Beetle Dune (2016–2019)
Take a retro-styled Beetle, jack it up with some extra ground clearance, slap on rugged trim, and voila! The Beetle Dune was born. It featured rugged design cues, such as raised suspension (0.4 inches higher than the standard Beetle), wider tracks, and bold cladding around the wheel arches.
Subaru Brat (1978–1994)
Part pickup and part compact car, the Subaru Brat epitomized quirky crossovers. Its off-road capability was enhanced by a dual-range transmission and lightweight design, making it a favorite among adventurers. The rear-facing seats—complete with seatbelts—became a BRAT signature, blending utility with novelty (and maybe a dash of questionable safety). And, though discontinued in 1994, the BRAT’s legacy lives on as a cult classic, beloved for its oddball charm and rugged reliability.
Plymouth Prowler (1997–2002)
This one’s a time traveler. Inspired by 1930s hot rods, the Prowler featured dramatic open front wheels, a low-slung body, and bold curves. The Prowler debuted with a 3.5L V6 engine producing 214 hp and was upgraded to 253 hp in 1999. Though critics lamented the absence of a V8, the aluminum-intensive construction (weighing just 2,838 lbs.) kept it quick.
Chrysler PT Cruiser (2000–2010)
Regarding retro-futurism, the PT Cruiser looked like a car that could’ve ferried jazz musicians in the 1940s—or soccer moms in the 2000s. Its quirky design, reminiscent of 1930s hot rods, quickly attracted fans and critics. Available as a 5-door hatchback and later a 2-door convertible, it offered surprising versatility. Chrysler also managed to blend art-deco design with modern practicality.
Ford Ranchero (1957–1979)
Is it a car? Is it a truck? Yes. The Ford Ranchero was among the first to blur these lines, offering a full-passenger cabin with a truck bed. It debuted in 1957 as a response to Chevrolet’s El Camino and was based on the Ford Fairlane. It featured a car-like front and a pickup bed. Also, initially, it offered V8 and inline-6 engines, catering to different performance needs.
Honda CR-Z (2010–2016)
What happens when you try to make a hybrid fun? You get the Honda CR-Z. Its compact dimensions (just 160.5 inches long) enhanced agility, making it a city-friendly hybrid. Inside, a driver-focused cockpit featured a futuristic digital instrument cluster with eco-monitoring tools, further reinforcing its hybrid identity.
Lamborghini LM002 (1986–1993)
Yes, Lamborghini made an SUV before it was cool. Weighing over 6,600 pounds, the LM002 was no speed demon but could still reach 118 mph. It guzzled gas at 8 mpg, and its custom Pirelli Scorpion tires were specifically designed to handle dunes or rocky terrain. Production was limited to 328 units, making it a rare beast. The LM002 wasn’t practical, but it was a glorious mix of absurdity and opulence.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF (2017–Present)
The Miata RF is what happens when a roadster gets a touch of Targa styling and coupe aspirations. It retains the lightweight SKYACTIV chassis, rear-wheel drive, and nearly perfect 50:50 weight distribution, crucial to the Miata’s renowned handling. The RF is also powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0L inline-four engine, producing 181 horsepower (post-2019 update), and a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Pontiac Aztek (2001–2005)
Ah, the Aztek—often voted one of the ugliest cars ever yet somehow beloved by a cult following (thanks, Breaking Bad). With its distinct, angular design, it quickly became a symbol of the early 2000s’ automotive “what were they thinking?” moments. Initially aimed at the adventurous, active lifestyle market, it combined an SUV’s practicality with a minivan’s versatility.
Chevrolet El Camino (1959–1987)
The El Camino followed in the Ranchero’s footsteps, mixing a sedan body with a truck bed. Initially introduced in 1959, the El Camino was built on the Chevrolet Impala platform, offering a smooth, sedan-like ride combined with the practicality of a cargo bed. Its first generation (1959-1960) featured a distinctive, eye-catching design, often regarded as one of the most stylish vehicles of its era.
Tesla Cybertruck (Upcoming)
The Tesla Cybertruck is a force to be reckoned with. Its tri-motor configuration delivers mind-boggling acceleration and impressive towing capacity. With a claimed towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds, it can effortlessly haul heavy loads, making it ideal for various tasks. The electric powertrain ensures instant torque and smooth power delivery, making it a joy to drive on and off-road.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan (2018–Present)
Luxury meets utility in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Named after the Cullinan Diamond, it offers an extraordinary combination of refinement and power. Its 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine generates 563 horsepower, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in about 5 seconds—surprisingly fast for a vehicle weighing over 5,300 pounds.
Mini Countryman (2010–Present)
Initially offered with various peppy engines (ranging from frugal 1.6L petrol to turbocharged zingers), the Countryman caters to fuel sippers and speed demons. 2017, it grew bigger, gaining serious practicality but sacrificing some of its original “mini-ness.” Also, fancy tech upgrades like a panoramic sunroof and digital dashboards joined the party.
Jeep Gladiator (2020–Present)
Jeep took their beloved Wrangler and added a truck bed, creating the Gladiator. It sits on beefy off-road tires and offers ground clearance to make rocks cry. Inside, it’s rugged but with creature comforts like an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. And, powered by a 3.6L V6 or a torquey diesel, it’s no slouch on or off the pavement. Simply put, it’s like a Wrangler, but with a trunk that actually exists.
Cadillac XLR (2003–2009)
The Cadillac XLR was a Corvette in a tuxedo. Based on the Corvette C6 platform, it shared a heartbeat (and frame) with Chevy’s legend but swapped muscle tees for a tailored dress. Its sharp-edged Art and Science design turned heads, with a retractable hardtop roof to make you feel fancy at the push of a button. The XLR lived fast and died young, killed off in 2009 when sales couldn’t justify its $76K+ price tag.
BMW X6 (2008–Present)
BMW calls it a “Sports Activity Coupe,” but we all know it’s an SUV that went to design school and returned with a sloping roofline. The current G06, launched in 2019, flexes harder with even more luxury and a face-lift so aggressive it practically growls. Its best hits? Twin-turbocharged engines, a plush interior, and a road presence that screams look at me. Downsides? Cramped rear headroom—it’s coupe life, after all.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac (2000–2010)
The Explorer Sport Trac was like the mullet of cars: business up front, party in the back. Built on the Explorer’s chassis, it featured a 4-door cabin and a stubby, 4-foot composite bed with a nifty tailgate. It also came in rear- or four-wheel drive, with trims ranging from “functional” to “fancy for the suburbs.” Critics loved its versatility but not its fuel economy, which was a thirsty 15–20 mpg.
Volkswagen Type 181 (Thing) (1968–1983)
The VW Thing was a bizarre mashup of military utility and civilian quirkiness. Powered by an air-cooled flat-four engine pinched from the VW Beetle (a modest 46 hp on a good day), The Thing wasn’t fast, but hey—it wasn’t built to outrun anything except time. It had a fully removable roof and doors, making it an open-air adventure mobile before Jeep Wranglers were cool.
Audi A6 Allroad (1999–Present)
Take a luxury wagon, lift it a few inches, and slap on rugged cladding. It’s an off-road-ready station wagon (yes, wagons are still cool) built on the A6 platform, with Quattro all-wheel drive as standard—because who needs smooth roads? Early models also flexed adjustable air suspension, raising their chassis like a peacock showing off its feathers while cladding gave it a rugged vibe.
Fiat 500L (2012–2020)
The Fiat 500L stretched the tiny 500 into a mini minivan, blending retro charm with practicality. The “L” stands for Large, but don’t expect limousine vibes—it’s more like a generously sized handbag. Inside, it boasts a spacious cabin with clever storage solutions, a panoramic roof option for dreamy road trips, and funky two-tone color schemes. Plus, engine options range from frugal diesel to perky petrol, though speed demons should look elsewhere.
Toyota Tercel 4WD Wagon (1983–1987)
Before crossovers were cool, the Toyota Tercel 4WD Wagon was doing its thing. Sporting a humble 1.5L 4-cylinder engine (62 hp), it wasn’t a speed demon, but it climbed hills and plowed through snow like a champ. Its part-time 4WD system featured a quirky “Extra Low” gear for steep or slippery situations, perfect for brave grocery runs on icy mornings. And let’s not forget the rear window, which rolled down (yes, like a car window!), a feature that remains oddly charming today.
Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022–Present)
The Santa Cruz is a modern take on the car-truck hybrid. Dubbed a “Sport Adventure Vehicle” (because of marketing), it boasts a small but versatile truck bed perfect for weekend warriors hauling kayaks or impulse-buying plants at Home Depot. Under the hood, you get two engine options: a base 2.5L 4-cylinder with 191 horsepower (perfectly adequate for Costco runs) and a turbocharged 2.5L version with an aggressive 281 horsepower.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
