Cars are designed to balance form and function, but certain models fall into an awkward place where their proportions feel odd, too tall, too squat, too long over the nose, or curiously stubby in the cabin. Whether driven by quirky design experiments, packaging compromises, or awkward heritage cues, these cars spark strong reactions. Below are ten cars notorious for their unusual proportions; some are cult classics, while others serve as cautionary tales.
Fiat Multipla (1998–2010)
The Multipla wears iconoclasm like a badge of honor. The bulging, two-tiered front end places the headlights low on the bumper, while the upper level seems to float. The cabin is unusually squat and wide, designed to maximize interior space for six seats, but its shape results in a quirky silhouette that has divided opinions like no other. This unconventional aesthetic earned both ridicule and admiration from design purists and space pragmatists.
Nissan Juke (2010–2019)
The Nissan Juke’s compact crossover form pushed the envelope with its high waistline, bulbous wheel arches, and stacked lighting elements. From some angles, its greenhouse looks pinched while the rear haunches hover in near isolation. Despite or because of its oddball shape, the Juke became a hit, proving that weird proportions can translate to commercial success.
Pontiac Aztek (2001–2005)
Widely cited in lists of “questionable design,” the Aztek’s proportions feel disjointed. A tall, boxy body sits on a relatively short wheelbase, and a heavily sloped, plastic-clad rear clashes with a truncated front. Despite its attempts to be an outdoor lifestyle vehicle, the Aztek's aesthetic remains a textbook example of how packaging decisions can overpower design cohesion.
Honda Element (2003–2011)
The Honda Element featured a purposeful and functional design that prioritized utility over aesthetic appeal. The tall, squared-off body and broad stance, along with the clamshell doors, created a striking and unorthodox look. The interior provided significant versatility, with seats that could be completely folded or removed, emphasizing its utility. Although its proportions were frequently criticized as odd, they were viewed as a purposeful design decision to improve interior functionality.
Toyota FJ Cruiser (2006–2014)
The Toyota FJ Cruiser was inspired by the classic FJ40 Land Cruiser, featuring a short wheelbase, an upright windshield, and noticeable overhangs. The round headlights and retro grille added to its distinct character, while the high ground clearance and bold body dimensions created a visually strong yet unconventional profile. Despite its atypical proportions, the FJ Cruiser was widely appreciated for its off-road capability and distinctive styling.
Chevrolet SSR (2003–2006)
The Chevrolet SSR combined the attributes of a pickup truck and a convertible sports car, resulting in a vehicle with unusual proportions. Its elongated hood, short rear bed, and curvilinear body lines created a visually striking yet atypical stance. The retractable hardtop emphasized its dual identity, making the SSR a notable example of a design that challenges conventional automotive categorization.
Smart Fortwo (1998–2022)
The Smart Fortwo represented an extreme compact design, featuring a short wheelbase and a small, tall body that accommodated two passengers. The low overhangs and upright proportions improved urban maneuverability and parking convenience. While its design was divisive, the Fortwo illustrated how strict spatial limitations can shape a vehicle's overall form and practical character.
Toyota iQ (2008–2015)
The Toyota iQ was a remarkably compact vehicle engineered to accommodate four passengers within a limited footprint. The vertical cabin design and compact overall length resulted in a profile that is both top-heavy and space-efficient. The vehicle's dimensions strike a balance between interior usability and city-friendly design, showcasing innovative approaches to addressing spatial constraints.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV (2009–2022)
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV's design was shaped by its electric powertrain, resulting in a compact body with low front and rear overhangs. The vehicle's tall, narrow shape and compact length made it both distinctive and suitable for urban surroundings. The proportions demonstrate conscious design choices that accommodate the battery while increasing internal space, all while maintaining a familiar automobile shape.
Cadillac CTS Coupe (2011–2014)
The Cadillac CTS Coupe combined long-hood proportions with a sharply raked roofline, producing a bold and dynamic silhouette. The length-to-height ratio created a pronounced profile that conveyed sportiness and elegance, although some observers considered the proportions visually exaggerated. The design illustrates the careful balance between aesthetic impact and proportional coherence in a luxury coupe.
Why Proportions Matter
Proportions play a vital role in automotive design, influencing both aesthetic perception and functional performance. Balanced dimensions signify stability, beauty, and performance, whereas irregular ratios may suggest distinctiveness or eccentricity. The intended application, interior packaging, and brand identity often shape design choices. Thoroughly analyzing proportions enhances functionality, visual attractiveness, and the emotional connection between the vehicle and the driver, underscoring their significance in the design process.
