Top 10 Retro SUVs 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

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How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each retro SUV against the priorities that nostalgia-focused buyers tell dealers and enthusiast forums they value most. We leaned on published data from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), U.S. News, the IIHS, the EPA, and manufacturer pages. The weighting:

• Retro styling authenticity — 30% (how faithfully it channels its vintage inspiration)
• Off-road or all-weather capability — 25%
• Reliability and ownership cost — 20%
• Modern safety and tech — 15%
• Price-to-value — 10%

A vehicle that looks retro but drives poorly, or nails capability but flunks reliability, drops fast. The winners balance all five.

1. Ford Bronco 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Ford Bronco

Starting MSRP: $39,630 | Best for: Enthusiasts who want a true off-road icon with modern guts

The 2027 Ford Bronco is the most complete retro SUV on sale. It channels the 1960s original with its boxy silhouette, round headlights, and removable doors and roof, but underneath is a fully modern chassis with independent front suspension and available 35-inch tires. The base 2.3-liter turbo-four makes 300 hp, while the 2.7-liter V6 turbo cranks out 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Off-road trims like the Badlands and Raptor offer locking front and rear differentials, trail turn assist, and up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance. It seats five with a two-door or four-door option, and the Sasquatch package gives you a factory lift, beadlock-capable wheels, and Bilstein shocks. The IIHS Top Safety Pick rating and Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite keep it family-friendly.

Pros:

• Removable doors and roof for open-air driving
• Available 330-hp V6 with serious off-road hardware
• Heritage Edition trim with classic Oxford White grille and red accents

Cons:

• Fuel economy is mediocre (around 20 mpg combined)
• On-road ride can be stiff on rugged trims

2. Jeep Wrangler 🏆 BEST VALUE

Jeep Wrangler

Starting MSRP: $34,995 | Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want the most iconic retro shape

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler remains the most affordable true retro SUV, starting under $35,000. It keeps the 1940s military-inspired design with seven-slot grille, round headlights, and square body panels that are instantly recognizable. The base 3.6-liter V6 makes 285 hp, but the real star is the 4xe plug-in hybrid, which combines a 2.0-liter turbo-four with an electric motor for 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, plus up to 21 miles of electric range for short commutes. The Wrangler Rubicon offers locking diffs, disconnecting sway bar, and 33-inch tires for serious trail work. It's available in two-door and four-door (Unlimited) body styles, and the Sky One-Touch power top gives quick open-air access. The IIHS Top Safety Pick rating applies to newer trims.

Pros:

• Lowest starting price in the retro SUV class
• Available 4xe hybrid for better fuel economy
• Unmatched aftermarket support for customization

Cons:

• Highway noise is loud with soft tops
• Cargo space is limited in two-door models

3. Toyota Land Cruiser

Starting MSRP: $56,700 | Best for: Buyers who want a heritage-inspired luxury off-roader

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser returns with a boxy, retro design that nods to the FJ40 and 60 Series from the 1960s and 1980s. It's built on the TNGA-F ladder frame and powered by a 2.4-liter turbo-four hybrid that makes 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The full-time four-wheel drive with locking center differential and electronic rear locker makes it a serious off-roader. It seats five in a spacious cabin with premium materials, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps it modern. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite add peace of mind.

Pros:

• Toyota reliability and legendary off-road pedigree
• Hybrid powertrain for decent fuel economy (estimated 23 mpg combined)
• Retro styling with modern luxury touches

Cons:

• High starting price near $57,000
• Only five seats — no third row available

4. Suzuki Jimny

Starting MSRP: $27,500 (estimated, not sold in U.S.) | Best for: International buyers wanting a mini retro off-roader

The 2027 Suzuki Jimny is a tiny, boxy SUV that channels the original 1970s Jimny and the Mercedes G-Class in miniature. It's powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder making 101 hp, paired with a four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing. It seats four in a compact body that's perfect for narrow trails and city streets. The round headlights, flat hood, and vertical grille scream retro charm. It's not sold in the U.S. due to emissions regulations, but it's a cult favorite in Europe, Japan, and Australia.

Pros:

• Lowest price in the retro SUV class
• Lightweight and nimble off-road
• Ultra-compact for parking and tight trails

Cons:

• Not available in the U.S.
• Underpowered for highway driving

5. Land Rover Defender 90

Starting MSRP: $56,400 | Best for: Luxury buyers who want a modern take on the classic Defender

The 2027 Land Rover Defender 90 is the two-door version of the reborn Defender, with a boxy silhouette, rounded edges, and exposed hardware that echoes the original 1948 Series I. The base 2.0-liter turbo-four makes 296 hp, while the 3.0-liter inline-six mild hybrid delivers 395 hp. The P400e plug-in hybrid offers up to 27 miles of electric range. The Terrain Response 2 system with air suspension gives it 11.5 inches of ground clearance and wading depth of 35.4 inches. It seats five or six with a jump seat, and the cabin is luxurious with leather and sustainable materials. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating applies.

Pros:

• Luxury interior with premium materials
• Excellent off-road capability with air suspension
• Plug-in hybrid option for efficiency

Cons:

• Expensive starting price
• Limited cargo space in the two-door body

6. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Starting MSRP: $143,000 | Best for: Ultra-luxury buyers who want the original box

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G-Wagon) has kept its military-spec box shape since 1979, with flat panels, exposed door hinges, and round headlights that are instantly iconic. The G550 uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 making 416 hp, while the AMG G63 cranks it to 577 hp. The electric EQG (G580 with EQ Technology) offers four electric motors and up to 280 miles of range. It has three locking differentials, a low-range gearbox, and 9.5 inches of ground clearance. The cabin is handcrafted luxury with Nappa leather, carbon fiber, and MBUX infotainment. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating applies.

Pros:

• Unmatched luxury and prestige
• True off-road capability with three lockers
• Electric option for eco-conscious buyers

Cons:

• Extremely expensive
• Poor fuel economy on gas models

7. Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting MSRP: $35,000 | Best for: Families wanting a retro-inspired three-row SUV

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe got a radical redesign that channels boxy 1990s SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery and Jeep Cherokee (XJ). It has a square body, vertical taillights, and a wide grille that looks modern-retro. It's available as a two-row or three-row (up to seven seats), with a 2.5-liter turbo-four making 281 hp or a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid making 231 hp and achieving up to 34 mpg combined. The HTRAC all-wheel drive system and 8.3 inches of ground clearance handle light off-roading. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and Hyundai SmartSense safety suite are standard.

Pros:

• Affordable starting price
• Available third row for families
• Hybrid option for great fuel economy

Cons:

• Not a serious off-roader like the Bronco or Wrangler
• Retro styling is divisive

8. Ford Maverick

Starting MSRP: $26,315 | Best for: Budget buyers who want a retro-inspired compact pickup

The 2027 Ford Maverick isn't a traditional SUV, but its boxy, upright design with round-ish headlights and flat hood channels 1970s compact trucks like the original Ford Courier. It's a unibody compact pickup with a 4.5-foot bed and seating for five. The base 2.5-liter hybrid makes 191 hp and gets up to 37 mpg combined, while the 2.0-liter turbo makes 250 hp. The FX4 Off-Road package adds all-terrain tires, skid plates, and trail control. It's the most affordable retro-styled vehicle on this list.

Pros:

• Lowest price on the list
• Hybrid standard for great fuel economy
• Practical bed for hauling

Cons:

• Not a true SUV — it's a pickup
• Limited off-road capability compared to body-on-frame rivals

9. Mitsubishi Pajero

Starting MSRP: $45,000 (estimated, not sold in U.S.) | Best for: International buyers wanting a vintage off-road legend

The 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero (known as the Montero in some markets) continues with its boxy, 1980s-inspired design that's been a Dakar Rally winner for decades. It's powered by a 3.0-liter V6 making 176 hp or a 2.4-liter turbo-diesel making 181 hp, paired with Super Select 4WD-II system that offers 2WD, 4WD, 4WD Lock, and 4WD Low. It seats seven in three rows, with up to 9.1 inches of ground clearance. It's not sold in the U.S. but remains popular in Australia, the Middle East, and Asia.

Pros:

• Legendary off-road reputation
• Seven seats for families
• Diesel option for long-range touring

Cons:

• Not available in the U.S.
• Outdated interior tech

10. Ineos Grenadier

Starting MSRP: $71,500 | Best for: Purists who want a modern take on the original Defender

The 2027 Ineos Grenadier was designed as a spiritual successor to the original Land Rover Defender, with a boxy body, round headlights, exposed hinges, and a ladder frame chassis. It's powered by a BMW 3.0-liter turbo-six making 282 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic and permanent four-wheel drive with two-speed transfer case and locking center and rear differentials. It seats five with up to 10.4 inches of ground clearance and wading depth of 31.5 inches. The cabin is utilitarian but waterproof with rubber floors and drain plugs.

Pros:

• True Defender replacement with modern reliability
• BMW powertrain for smooth performance
• Built for off-road with lockers and high ground clearance

Cons:

• High price near $72,000
• Rough on-road ride compared to luxury SUVs

FAQ

What makes an SUV "retro" in 2027? A retro SUV uses styling cues from past decades — typically the 1960s through 1990s — like boxy shapes, round headlights, flat hoods, exposed hinges, and vertical grilles, while incorporating modern powertrains, safety, and tech.

Which retro SUV is best for daily driving? The Ford Bronco offers the best balance of retro style, on-road comfort, and modern features, while the Hyundai Santa Fe is the most family-friendly with its three-row seating and hybrid efficiency.

Is the Jeep Wrangler a good value in 2027? Yes, the Jeep Wrangler starts under $35,000 and offers the most iconic retro design, legendary off-road capability, and a plug-in hybrid option that saves on fuel, making it the Best Value pick.

Can I buy the Suzuki Jimny in the United States? No, the Suzuki Jimny is not sold in the U.S. due to emissions regulations and safety standards, but it's popular in Europe, Japan, Australia, and other international markets.

Which retro SUV has the best fuel economy? The Ford Maverick hybrid leads with up to 37 mpg combined, followed by the Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid at 34 mpg and the Jeep Wrangler 4xe with 21 miles of electric range.

Are retro SUVs reliable? Most retro SUVs on this list — like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Wrangler — have strong reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, but the Ineos Grenadier and Mercedes G-Class have higher maintenance costs.

Sources

• Car and Driver — Retro SUV reviews and comparisons
• MotorTrend — Off-road testing and heritage vehicle coverage
• Edmunds — Pricing and feature analysis
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — Vehicle valuations and ratings
• U.S. News & World Report — Safety and reliability rankings
• IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) — Crash test ratings
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) — Fuel economy data
• Manufacturer websites (Ford, Jeep, Toyota, Land Rover, etc.)

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