Here are the coolest abandoned SUVs of all time
SUVs have taken over the roads all over the world. It’s easy to see why with excellent capabilities for off-road adventures, towing and people capability. Most modern SUVs are bland city dwellers that are a distant echo of what it means to be awesome. Looking at models from the past, we discover some of the coolest discontinued SUVs of all time.
Some great SUVs like the Ford Bronco and Chevrolet Blazer have made comebacks that are appealing to owners looking for something more unique and capable. Unfortunately, these other discontinued SUVs weren’t so lucky. One model, however, may make a comeback, but until then, here are the coolest discontinued SUVs ever made.
8 Toyota FJ Cruiser
The FJ Cruiser officially bit the dust in 2014, but back then it was glorious. Toyota’s FJ Cruiser was ready for adventure, uniquely designed and individually unique. It was retro styled and fitted with a big 4.0 liter V6 engine.
Another unique aspect of the FJ Cruiser is the suicide doors giving access to the rear seats. Inside, the FJ Cruiser features off-road-ready materials for easy cleanup after tough off-road adventures. Additionally, the FJ is wading capable and has an optional snorkel setup.
7 Nissan Xterra
Nissan killed the Xterra in 2015, and fans have been begging Nissan to bring back the truck-based compact SUV ever since. The Nissan Xterra may be best known for its bright colors, but true fans will remember the Xterra for its 4.0L V6 and go-anywhere attitude.
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The Xterra was available in two- or four-door configurations. The four-door versions were equipped with unique, almost hidden handles to access the rear seats. While the Xterra had a Nissan badge, its production, manufacture and distribution took place solely in the United States.
6 Isuzu VehiCROSS
Nobody says the VehiCROSS is elegant. Instead, people comment on its unique design and point out other aspects of this Isuzu that make it great. For example, the Torque on-demand four-wheel system was ahead of its time and allowed the VehiCROSS to have more access to off-road adventures than competitors.
Besides looks, the VehiCROSS came with two V6 options, a 3.2L and a 3.5L. Thanks to 215 horsepower and the TOD system, the VehiCROSS performed extremely well on wet and icy roads. Only 5985 VehiCROSS made it to production, but it remains one of the coolest discontinued SUVs of all time.
5 GMC Typhoon
GMC’s Typhoon was the SUV counterpart to the Syclone and was essentially a performance version of the Jimmy. It only saw the light of day for two years of production in 1992 and 1993, but the world will never forget the unique SUV that was the Typhoon.
The Typhoon featured a 280-hp 4.3-liter turbocharged V6. Horsepower this high was a significant boost in horsepower over a standard Jimmy, which only had 190 horsepower. The Typhoon could hit 60 MPH in just 5.3 seconds and sported a top speed of 132 MPH with the added power.
4 Jeepster Commando
The Jeepster Commando was created to directly compete with the Land Cruiser, Bronco and International Scout. Unfortunately, he only lasted from 1966 to 1973 but remains one of the coolest SUVs of all time.
The Jeepster Commando is available in several models and a variety of engine models. A 210 horsepower AMC V8 was available. With a convertible body style, 4WD, and military Jeep heritage, the Commando will go down as one of the coolest discontinued SUVs.
3 Plymouth Trailduster
The Plymouth Trailduster was a companion to the Dodge Ramcharger and a competitor to the Bronco from 1974 to 1981. Despite the short-lived tenure, the Trailduster had a shorter wheelbase than a truck and 4WD for off-road capability, which was popular.
The Trailduster also competed with the International Scout, the Blazer and, of course, the Ramcharger. It even had a 440 V8 as an option at one point and was marketed as a comfortable way to explore life off the beaten track.
2 Mitsubishi Pajero
Mitsubishi finally killed the Pajero worldwide in 2021. In 2006, however, the Pajero met its North American end. The Pajero was a rugged 4WD off-road model that stood in contrast to its smaller vehicles. This full-size SUV looked like a fake Land Rover or G-Wagon, but at an affordable price.
We will always remember the Pajero for its Dakar Rally heritage, good looks and off-road capability. The Pajero featured different engine sizes, ranging from a small 2.4L inline-four to a big 3.8L V6. In 2021, displacement had settled on a capable 3.5L V6 of 184 horsepower.
1 International Reaper Scout
Although the International Harvester Scout existed in the 60s and 70s, it finally came to an end in 1980. The Scout would pave the way for modern SUVs and compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler. It came in several trims and models, including the Scout II, perhaps the most famous Scout model.
The International Harvester Scout was a capable off-roader with 4WD standard on most models. Early models even had a folding windshield, and all Scouts had removable doors and roofs. Its two-door design remains iconic, and Volkswagen has hinted at a possible return of the Scout to compete with the recently revived Bronco.
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