SUVs took over roads worldwide. It’s easy to see why with excellent capabilities for off-road adventures, towing, and people capacity. Most modern SUVs are bland city dwellers that are a distant echo of what it means to be great. Looking back at the models from the past, we discover some of the coolest discontinued SUVs ever.
Some excellent SUVs like the Ford Bronco and the Chevrolet Blazer made comebacks that draw owners looking for something more unique and capable. Unfortunately, these other discontinued SUVs haven’t been so lucky. One model, however, may make a return, 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 during its time, it was glorious. Toyota’s FJ Cruiser was adventure-ready, uniquely designed, and individually unique. It was retro-styled and fitted with a large 4.0L V6 engine.
Another unique aspect of the FJ Cruiser is the suicide door design, providing easier access to the rear seats. Inside, the FJ Cruiser features off-road-ready materials for easy clean-up after hardcore off-road adventures. Plus, the FJ is fording capable and has an optional snorkel setup.
7 Nissan Xterra
Nissan killed the Xterra in 2015, and ever since, fans have begged Nissan to bring back the compact truck-based SUV. The Nissan Xterra is perhaps best known for its vibrant colors, but real fans will remember the Xterra for the 4.0L V6 and go-anywhere attitude.
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The Xterra came only in a four-door configuration with unique, almost hidden handles to get into the rear seats. While the Xterra had a Nissan badge, its production, manufacture, and distribution happened solely in the United States.
6 Isuzu VehiCROSS
No one says the VehiCROSS looks stylish. Instead, people comment on its unique design and point to other aspects of this Isuzu that make it great. For example, the Torque-On-Demand four-wheel-drive system was ahead of its time and allowed the VehiCROSS more access to off-road adventures than competitors.
Aside from 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 was extremely capable on or off the road. A mere 5985 VehiCROSSes ever made it to production, but it remains one of the coolest discontinued SUVs ever.
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 life for two production years in 1992 and 1993, but the world will never forget the unique SUV that was the Typhoon.
The Typhoon featured a 4.3L turbocharged V6 that put out 280 horsepower. That was a significant bump in power over a standard Jimmy, which had only 190 horsepower. The Typhoon could hit 60 MPH in just 5.3 seconds and sported a top speed of 132 MPH with the extra power.
4 Jeepster Commando
The Jeepster Commando was built to compete directly with the Land Cruiser, Bronco, and International Scout. Unfortunately, it only lasted from 1966 until 1973 but remains one of the coolest SUVs ever.
The Jeepster Commando came in several models and a variety of engine options. A 210-horsepower AMC V8 was available. With a convertible body style, 4WD drivetrain, and military Jeep heritage, the Commando will remain of the coolest discontinued SUVs.
3 Plymouth Trail Duster
The Plymouth Trail Duster was a Dodge Ramcharger companion and Bronco competitor from 1974 to 1981. Despite the short-lived tenure, the Trail Duster had a shorter wheelbase than a truck and 4WD for off-road capability, which was popular.
The Trail Duster also competed with the International Scout, the Blazer, and, naturally, the Ramcharger. It even offered an optional 440 c.i. V8 at one point and was marketed as a comfortable way to explore life off the beaten path.
2 Mitsubishi Pajero
Mitsubishi finally killed the Pajero worldwide in 2021. In North America, 2006 would be the Montero's last year; note that the Pajero was called the Montero in that market. The Pajero was a heavy-duty, 4WD, off-road focused model. This compact then mid-sized SUV looked like a knock-off Land Rover or G-Wagon, but for an affordable price.
We’ll always remember the Pajero for its Dakar Rally legacy, great looks, and off-road capability. The Pajero featured various engine sizes, from a small 2.4L inline-four to a burly 3.8L V6. By 2021, the engine size had settled on a 3.5L V6 capable of 184 horsepower.
1 International Harvester Scout
Although the International Harvester Scout existed during the 60s and 70s, it finally met its end in 1980. The Scout would set the stage for modern SUVs and compete directly with the Jeep Cherokee, Ford Bronco and Chevrolet Blazer. It came in several trims and models, including the Scout II, perhaps the most famous Scout model.
The International Harvester Scout was a competent off-roader with 4WD standard on most models. Early models even had a fold-down windshield, and some Scouts had removable doors and roofs. Its no-frills, rugged two-door design remains iconic.