Its Amazing that the Pontiac Aztek Looks *Almost* Normal Now

Perhaps one of the most controversial vehicles ever, the Aztek seems to have inspired some modern SUV designs.

In the age of crossovers, you often hear people complaining that “everything looks the same”. However, I’d argue that there are actually some pretty unique SUV designs out there. And all these aggressively styled, flashy, modern SUVs have one unique predecessor to thank: the Pontiac Aztek.

Throwback: The Pontiac Aztec and Buick Rendezvous were similar, but the Buick came across as more conventional.

For those of you that need a refresher: the Pontiac Aztek was an SUV produced between the 2001 and 2005 model years that was based on GM’s U-body minivans (the Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, and Oldsmobile Silhouette). It came standard with a 3.4L V6 engine and could be optioned with AWD and even a lifestyle tent that attached to the rear of the car. Its largely considered one of the ugliest vehicles of all time and holds the dual distinction to many as being the car that began Pontiac’s final decline into oblivion by 2010. A part of me feels the Aztek was ahead of its time on the crossover trend. Buick also made a version of the Aztek called the Rendezvous starting in 2002, although its styling wasn’t quite as… “controversial” let’s say. The Aztek was replaced by the Pontiac Torrent for the 2006 model year and Rendezvous was replaced by the Buick Enclave after the 2007 model year.

And that’s where we get to the meat of this post. For all the hate the Aztek got in the 2000s, there are a lot of SUVs now that emulate its once-bizarre styling. In particular, the split headlight trend that is going on now in the industry is worth noting.

Look at Hyundai’s entire SUV lineup for example:

The 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokee:

The face on the new Chevy Blazer and Trailblazer, also GM products:

Somewhat the Genesis GV80:

BMW X7:

2021 Nissan Rogue:

Lynk & Co:

And the new Mazda CX-30, which actually is a good looking crossover, BUT - it has a ridiculous amount of black lower body cladding like the Aztek had:

Bonus - Let’s not forget the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which ripped its rear styling directly from the Aztek:

And there are/will be others I’m sure. But to me, this just shows us two things. For one, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Because this whole split headlight and large grille trend is DEFINITELY NOT my cup of tea… But hey, it’s a look that sells! So, there must be something the masses like about it – maybe because it looks more aggressive/rugged. And two, society really does move in “waves” as I call it, or trends. This might be a trendy look now, but 10 years from now, who knows? Maybe we’ll all love sedans and coupes again.

Until then, thank your lucky Azteks for your high-style inspired SUV. Walter White would be proud.

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