Trucks That Wow & Trucks That Whoa
Not all pickup trucks are built to impress. Some roll off the assembly line, looking like the design was an afterthought, while others command attention right out of the gate. Hence, for every truck that looks like a work of art, there's another that makes you wonder what went wrong. So, let's take a look at what the industry has had to offer over the years, from the downright ugly to the breathtakingly incredible.
1. 1991 Ford Skyranger
The 1991 Ford Skyranger looks like a confused mashup of a pickup and a dune buggy, but not in a cool way. Its stubby, lifted stance and awkward roll bar give it the look of a toy truck that lost its proportions in the wash. The worst offender? That soft-top roof looks like an afterthought and makes the whole thing seem unfinished.
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2. Lincoln Blackwood
Luxury pickups should blend utility with elegance, but the 2002 Lincoln Blackwood failed miserably. It had a plush interior but a fake-wood-lined, non-functional cargo bed that couldn't handle real work. Buyers rejected its impracticality, and it lasted only one year before disappearing from dealerships.
3. Chevrolet SSR
What happens when a hot rod, convertible, and pickup combine? The 2003 Chevrolet SSR—a confused identity crisis on wheels. While its retro design aimed at nostalgia, its awkward proportions and lackluster performance doomed it. Sales flopped, and it vanished after a short-lived production run in 2006.
4. Chevrolet Avalanche
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a design misfire, stuck awkwardly between a truck and an SUV. Its bulky front end, oversized grille, and sloping headlights clash, while the plastic-clad panels cheapen its look. The awkward sail-panel design only adds to its bloated, mismatched proportions.
U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wikimedia
5. Honda Ridgeline (First Generation)
Honda’s 2006 Ridgeline ditched the traditional truck formula and paid the price in aesthetics. Its sloped rear pillars and rounded edges made it resemble a mutated SUV rather than a proper pickup. Although its unibody design had benefits, its looks kept many buyers away.
6. GMC Sierra HD (2020 Model)
Bigger isn’t always better, as proven by the 2020 GMC Sierra HD. An oversized chrome grille dominates its face, making it look bloated. While its capabilities impress, its bulky front end and exaggerated lines make it more of an eyesore than a head-turner.
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7. Ford Econoline Pickup
A cab-over design on a truck? Ford thought so in the 1960s, creating the Econoline Pickup. Its flat-nosed, van-like appearance never found widespread admiration. The awkwardly short hood and top-heavy stance made it look more like a delivery truck than a workhorse.
8. Datsun U521
Some vintage pickups age like fine wine; others, like the Datsun U521, curdle. Introduced in the late 1960s, its tiny, bug-eyed headlights, and slab-sided body looked unfinished. It was reliable, but it lacked the charm that defined other trucks of its era.
Kzaral,cropped and altered by uploader Mr.choppers on Wikimedia
9. Toyota Tundra Stepside
The Toyota Tundra Stepside is an unfortunate attempt at adding sportiness to a full-size truck. The narrow, flared bed looks out of place, making the rear seem awkwardly pinched compared to the bulky front. Lastly, the mismatched proportions and odd curvature give it a disjointed, almost unfinished appearance.
10. 1984 Chevrolet K10 Sno Chaser
Bright colors, excessive decals, and awkward two-tone paint—Chevy’s 1984 K10 Sno Chaser screamed ‘80s excess. Although it was functional for snowy terrains, its gaudy graphics and mismatched design elements made it a visual mess. Thankfully, modern winter-ready pickups ditched the loud aesthetics.
1984 Chevy K10 Silverado DRIVE UP by Nor-Cal Nostalgia
Now, let’s look at ten incredible-looking pickup trucks that turn heads with their bold designs and striking details.
1. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Compact and aggressive—the Colorado ZR2 proves that midsize trucks can be both capable and stylish. Its flared fenders, lifted stance, and off-road-ready appeal make it a standout. It was introduced in 2017, and it quickly became a favorite among off-road enthusiasts and urban adventurers alike.
2. Ford F-150 Raptor
An absolute powerhouse, the Ford F-150 Raptor combines desert-racing DNA with a head-turning presence. First launched in 2010, it features a bold grille, flared wheel arches, and a menacing stance. It’s a truck that looks like it was born to conquer terrain and demand attention.
3. Toyota Hilux
Reliability meets sharp styling in the Toyota Hilux. It also happens to wear its durability with style. Its sculpted body lines and aggressive front fascia make it one of the most visually appealing workhorses on the market. Tough never looked this good since its inception in 1968.
4. Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
Sleek yet muscular, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross blends adventure-ready aesthetics with urban sophistication. Its sharp headlights, sculpted bodywork, and aggressive front grille make it one of the best-looking pickups available in Asia and Europe. It’s built for both business and weekend off-roading.
5. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 sports a sculpted hood, an aggressive grille, and a luxurious interior. Unlike other full-size trucks, it balances brawn with elegance. Its aerodynamic design, introduced in 2019, makes it stylish and efficient—perfect for those who want muscle with flair.
6. GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
Luxury meets pickup truck sophistication in the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. Chrome accents, a sculpted front end, and a premium cabin enhance its appeal. Unlike some over-styled trucks, its refined design remains tasteful, making it a top choice for those who demand aesthetics.
2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate: TEST DRIVE+FULL REVIEW by W.T.F Car Reviews
7. Nissan Navara
The Nissan Navara’s bold, dynamic styling ensures it never blends into the crowd. Its modern design features sharp headlights, strong shoulder lines, and an overall look that feels fresh and aggressive. A midsize truck that refuses to be ignored, no matter the terrain.
8. Ford Ranger
Tough, practical, and undeniably stylish, the Ford Ranger carries an unmistakable presence. Its sculpted lines, powerful stance, and optional blackout grille packages make it a global favorite. Since its relaunch, it has proved that midsize trucks can be as visually striking as full-size ones.
9. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Few trucks make a bolder statement than the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Its muscular front fascia, distinctive LED lighting, and wide stance make it a design icon. Whether at a construction site or a city street, it’s a truck that asserts dominance without saying a word.
10. Honda Ridgeline (Second Generation)
The 2017 redesign of the Honda Ridgeline transformed it from awkward to attractive. With a sleek, aerodynamic profile, it ditched the boxy look for something more refined. Unlike most trucks, it blends crossover aesthetics with pickup practicality—an ideal choice for those who want sophistication in a truck.
