Controversial Car Designs Unveiled for 2023

Beauty is subjective, and what may be appealing to one person may not be to another. This is especially true in the design field, particularly in the automotive industry. Not every car design can please everyone. Below are some of the most controversial car designs of 2023.

Tesla Cybertruck

The Tesla Cybertruck has sparked controversy in the automotive industry since its first appearance as a concept car. Its unconventional design features angular and rugged lines with a stainless steel body that eliminates the need for paint and is resistant to dents. However, concerns have been raised about pedestrian safety in the event of a collision due to its large and boxy design.

Unlike traditional cars, the Cybertruck’s crumple zones, which are designed to absorb impact and protect passengers, may not deform properly due to its excessively rigid body. This raises concerns that the impact force may be transferred directly to the cabin and occupants in the event of a collision.

Furthermore, the unique design has caused production delays due to various issues.

BMW XM 2023

The BMW XM 2023 attracted attention with its oversized kidney grille, slanted headlights, and rounded body. However, opinions on its distinctive look are divided among car enthusiasts.

Carscoops even commented, “XM looks genuinely weird from every angle” and “It’s hard to find a truly good-looking perspective.”

The XM also has other controversial aspects, such as its excessive weight. Despite being the most powerful model from BMW, its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is slower than other cheaper “M” models.

According to BMW’s brand leadership, “controversial” is synonymous with “modern design” and often generates discussions, thereby boosting sales. BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse stated, “I want to stir up controversy.”

He gave an example of the BMW 7-Series E65, which outsold its more stylish predecessor, the 7-Series E38, despite a less enthusiastic reception.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2024

The design of the Hyundai Santa Fe 2024 sparked controversy due to its departure from previous generations.

The new Santa Fe features a boxy and rugged exterior with sharp lines, reminiscent of the luxury SUV Land Rover Defender. Some angles give a strong impression, while others appear boxy.

The rear of the car has been criticized for its lack of attention-grabbing elements, such as a flat trunk lid, raised “Santa Fe” lettering, and low-placed taillights.

SangYup Lee, Hyundai’s global design director, explained that the low-placed taillights ensure the width of the rear opening is not compromised, unlike traditional designs.

According to Hyundai, the design of the 2024 Santa Fe aims to optimize interior space and the luggage compartment. Hyundai’s designers also stated that it is an effort to “bring back the boxy design.”

Toyota Crown Crossover 2023

The Toyota Crown Crossover 2023 combines elements of a sedan and an SUV, which is a rare occurrence. It features large wheels, high ground clearance like an SUV, sedan body style, and no hatchback.

The trunk compartment is divided from the cabin by a half-wall partition, making it half like a sedan trunk and half like a crossover trunk.

Toyota explained that they wanted to introduce a crossover with the performance of a sedan. The new Crown is targeted at younger customers.

While the exterior design has sparked controversy, the interior of the Toyota Crown Crossover 2023 has received praise for its modern features.

Subaru Forester 2025

The new Subaru Forester has been criticized for its design. Many believe that it has lost its essence and looks more like a Ford vehicle than a Subaru.

The latest generation of the Forester features a more masculine and modern boxy style. It bears a slight resemblance to the Toyota RAV4 in terms of the side profile and the Ford Explorer in terms of the front end.

Despite the criticism, the interior of the Subaru Forester 2025 has been praised for its modern features.