The Most Strikingly Unconventional Cars of Recent Years

Discover the top 3 most controversially designed cars of the last 5 years—vehicles both criticized and admired for their unique looks.

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but in the automotive world, it’s also in the lines, the angles — and sometimes, in the controversy. Over the past five years, some car designs have sparked heated debates not because they’re conventionally attractive, but precisely because they aren’t. And yet, it’s that oddness, that refusal to conform, that makes them strangely appealing.

Tesla Cybertruck: Stainless Steel and Sharp Reactions

Ever since its unveiling in 2019, the Tesla Cybertruck has been at the center of attention. And while that launch is no longer fresh, the conversation around this angular pickup hasn’t faded. In fact, with production finally scaling and test drives rolling out in 2024 and 2025, the design is once again under the spotlight.

Unlike anything else on the road, the Cybertruck’s sharp geometry and unpainted stainless steel body have drawn comparisons to sci-fi props. It's hailed by some as a masterpiece of minimalism, and dismissed by others as an eyesore. But one thing is certain — it doesn’t go unnoticed.

BMW XM: When Luxury Turns Brutal

BMW’s 2023 XM SUV is as bold as it is divisive. Massive grilles, chiseled angles, and a powerful stance make it a visual heavyweight. It doesn’t whisper sophistication — it shouts for attention.

Critics have been split: some admire its courage to break norms, while others accuse it of abandoning elegance. Whether it’s called avant-garde or a misfire, the XM provokes a reaction — and that, perhaps, is the point.

Hyundai Santa Fe (2024): A Radical Makeover

Hyundai took a sharp left turn with the redesigned 2024 Santa Fe. What was once a mild-mannered family SUV is now a squared-off, bold-faced machine that’s nearly unrecognizable from its predecessors.

The blocky proportions and dominant front end have triggered strong reactions. For some, it’s a daring reinvention. For others, a visual misstep. Regardless, the Santa Fe’s transformation has certainly caught attention, marking a new chapter for the model’s identity.

A Matter of Taste — or Time?

These so-called “ugly-beautiful” cars challenge traditional aesthetics and remind us that design is not just about pleasing lines but also about making statements. In an era where most cars look increasingly alike, standing out might just be the new standard.

And who knows? Today’s design outliers may become tomorrow’s icons — just as many once-criticized classics now sit proudly in museums and collector garages.