SUVs are universally loved because they both look good and are practical with their bigger size.

Some, however, look rather quirky

Like the black sheep of the SUV family. 

There are many beloved SUVs out there, such as the BMW X5 or the Tesla Model Y. However, not every motorist has the budget to go for something like a Volvo EX90 lease, so in recent years we have seen a huge push to make SUVs accessible to more drivers. 

This has led to many different types of SUVS being produced, from the stylish and sleek, to the quirky and quizzical.

So, let’s dive into 7 of the most unique and quirky SUVs.

Green Ford Puma ST

Ford Puma

Halfway between a hatchback and a SUV, the Ford Puma was inspired by the fan-favourite Fiesta, though it’s notably a bit more bulbous than the infamous hatchback.

It has noticeably large front headlights that sit much higher than traditional SUVs. Couple that with the large front grille and you have an SUV that looks like it’s pulling the cheesiest of grins.

Compare the Ford Puma design to some of its more traditional rivals like the SEAT Arona or Volkswagen T-Cross and you’re certainly not short of character.

If you know you want a Ford SUV but might prefer a more refined design, we recommend considering our Ford Kuga lease deals.

There’s a reason why Ford leasing is so popular and that reflects in the Puma – it’s practical and effective.

Orange Renault Captur

Renault Captur

We'd say the Renault Captur looks up to its hatchback alternative, the Clio, but it would be impossible as the Captur is definitely bigger.

But it's certainly taken some cues from the design. 

Thanks to its adjustable rear seats that allow you to create an array of different boot capacities, the Captur is one of the more practical compact SUVs on the market. Achieve up to 536L of space by moving the rear bench forward. 

Do your passengers need more legroom? Simply slide it back.

That flexibility allows the Captur to rival some of the best in its class.

While the Captur’s exterior design may not be as bold as the Puma, its character shines through with the interior, where a splash of colour and some nice quality finishes make it an enjoyable ride.

Nissan Juke Tekna

Nissan Juke

Solidifying its place in our list of unique SUVs is the Nissan Juke, with it even being classed as being one of the ugliest cars ever.

The famous trio from The Grand Tour being one of many to give it this honour.

If you take out a Nissan Juke lease, what you’ll get in return is a compact SUV that certainly isn’t lacking in any power. It feels punchy to drive and certainly won’t struggle to pick up speed on the motorway. 

It’s not without its quirks though, and a lot of that comes from the design. On the outside, Nissan have tried to tame the Juke from previous models by giving it more angular lines and dare we say it, somewhat Range Rover Evoque vibes?

Stay with us here.

The side profile is similar to that of the Evoque. Though from the rear we're thinking more Honda than Land Rover. With the interior, you’re not short of high levels of comfort or nice quality finishes in the cabin.

However, if interior space is a priority, you might be better off upgrading to the Nissan Qashqai. But if you’re simply after a bigger drive, there’s potential for the Juke to be fun to drive.

jeep renegade longitude

Jeep Renegade

Jeep Renegade vs Jeep Wrangler. This competition was never going to be easy.

In the Renegade, Jeep have produced a no-nonsense compact SUV that still gives you an element of that edge and character promised with the former.

They’ve combined some of the core values and stylistic choices that have defined the brand and adapted them with the modern demand for compact and practical SUVs.

The Renegade turns its nose up at convention within the class thanks to its boxy design, while the circular headlights and wide front grille give it an unmistakable look. By definition, a ‘renegade’ is someone who rejects the idea of ‘conventional behaviour’ - and that sums this Jeep up perfectly. 

It’s different.

It’s edgy.

It’s like a teenager going through a phase.

But with off-road capabilities throughout the Renegade range, you can both have fun and still enjoy a practical SUV, ready for family life.

CHR

Toyota C-HR

Bold design? Absolutely.

The C-HR’s design is striking, to say the least, especially if you choose the ‘scorched orange’ as part of your two-tone paint option, which really makes the car stand out.

From the front, the C-HR looks like an improved and more muscular Yaris. Meanwhile, the sloping roof gives it a noticeably low profile and the two rear spoilers add to its sporty feel.

Like so many in this market, the design could be the defining factor that separates the C-HR from its rivals.

Mini countryman

MINI Countryman

MINI’s have always been a unique car.

Easily identifiable, MINI have built up a style over the years that all their cars would go on to be renowned for. You could argue that they risked losing some of that charm by upscaling into a compact SUV.

Fortunately for MINI fans, that isn’t the case. The Countryman retains that famous MINI styling, be it through the bodywork or the Union Jack rear lights.

It’s a MINI by name, but it’s anything but ‘mini’ by nature.

The character and uniqueness that comes with the MINI Countryman doesn’t end with the exterior – the interior and infotainment system is like no other that you’ll find in rival compact SUVs.

The Countryman retains the huge circular centre screen that we’ve seen in other models and the fact it’s based on the excellent BMW iDrive system means it’s as easy to use as it's good-looking.

Fiat 500X test drive review

Fiat 500X

You remember the Fiat 500? That cute, chic little car.

Now have you ever wondered what it would look like as an SUV?

Well, meet the Fiat 500X.

While the 500X has some similarities to the 500, it’s a far cry from the cute little Italian car that has proven to be so popular over the years. It shares more similarities with the Jeep Renegade, which has the same platform.

As we’ve come to expect from Fiat, there’s plenty of opportunities to customise your 500X to your liking.

The interior may not be rivalling the very best in the class, but it’s practical, comfortable and screams of that retro Fiat design complimented with a vibrant pop of colour.

There are plenty of quirky SUVs out there. These are just 7 of our favourites. But whether you’re into quirky SUVs, or sleek, stylish ones, there is one out there for you.

You’ve just got to find it.

Ryan Darby

Ryan Darby

Ryan takes the lead on all things 'wordy'. With a sports media background, a true passion for cars, and a LOT of driving experience under his belt, he'll make sure you have all the information you need, when you need it.