The increasing popularity of the sport utility vehicle as a mode of transport has swept the globe faster than the Covid-19 pandemic, with almost every vehicle brand or manufacturer now offering an SUV as part of their sales lineup. Choosing the right SUV can be tricky, but thankfully, HotCars has listed the best-selling SUVs for 2021 and provided potential buyers with key pointers.

Love ’em or hate ’em, the modern SUV and crossover vehicle to match is here to stay, with every shape, size and budget catered for, with luxury manufacturers and dedicated performance creators offerings like the AMG G63 and Lamborghini Urus release.

And while the eye is immediately drawn to these far more extravagant designs, the less-than-pretty vehicles seem to go unnoticed, which is a huge mistake because with a little attention and imagination, they too can set the world on fire.

9 mini compatriot

The not-so-Mini Countryman, when viewed with less than a John Cooper Works badge on its flank, could never be called a good-looking vehicle. All function and no form, it does very little to excite the eyeballs.

That doesn’t mean it’s a lost cause, however, as with a few modifications, the Countryman’s looks can be significantly lifted. Whether you go for the beefy WRC replica look or the sleek street racer, the Mini can take on a whole new personality.

Also see: The craziest Koenig specials of all time

8th Nissan Juke

Hugely popular around the world and a resounding success for Nissan, the first-generation Juke brought concept-car-inspired design to the masses and, despite its generally non-performance market, can be turned into a swollen monster.

Since Nissan released a Nismo RS version of their own, those looking for even more power, pace and aggressiveness can strap on a widebody kit, crank up the boost and get a remap, or “just” drop into a fire-breathing GT. R engine for the ultimate juke thrill.

7 Toyota C-HR

For many gearheads, choosing an SUV hybrid like the Toyota C-HR as your everyday vehicle might seem like being forced into a life of discussions about fuel economy and emissions, but fear not as it doesn’t have to be the end of a life motor obsession.

While the powertrain will likely cost a fortune to improve, the C-HR’s bodywork can be upgraded with relative ease, adding deeper fascias, larger rims, and even a huge tailgate-mounted spoiler to give it a bold look gives a more racy appearance.

6 Honda CRV

It wouldn’t be shortlisted if asked to design prime examples of exciting SUVs just because the Honda CRV was never designed to be exciting, it’s dependable, very reliable and relatively cheap to run, but as exciting as it is Mineral water.

All is not lost, however, as inspiration for a sexier, sportier CRV is easy to find and ranges from on-off motorsport racers to heavily modified road vehicles proving that even the most unlikely vehicle can be transformed into something cool can be.

Also see: 10 Coolest South Korean Concept Cars Ever

5 Dacia Duster

Built with leftover Renault parts from the last generation, the Dacia Duster is one of the cheapest SUVs on the market. It has carved a huge niche for those looking for the most cost effective way to get from A to B easily.

Thanks to its massive sales success, there are a number of specialist companies that transform the drab parts-bin SUV into something that looks almost sporty, and with its cheap price point there’s no reason not to modify a Duster.

4 VW Touareg

The Volkswagen Touareg is extremely capable, extremely comfortable and extremely boring. It’s a fine machine that will do everything you ask of it and more without complaint. Still, it fails to really excite its owner or driver on any level.

Strap on some flared bows, pump up the wheel size, add a few extra lights, then bang on a roof spoiler, and that same boring school SUV has suddenly become a mean-looking monster SUV just for the sake of it begs to be shown off every opportunity.

Related: These cheap sports cars are way more fun than people give them credit for

3 Porsche Cayenne

Not once has anyone pointed out a Porsche Cayenne and stated that it’s a fabulous looking car and that manufacturers should be making more of it for the simple fact that the Cayenne is just plain ugly. Even after its numerous facelifts, it’s still ugly.

But that shouldn’t stop you from buying one, because with a little cosmetic surgery or a lot, depending on finances, the Cayenne can be given a fresh perspective and look like the sporty-potent, high-performance SUV it should be in the factory.

2 Suzuki Jimny

Coming from the We’ll Only Use A Ruler design house, the latest Suzuki Jimny may take most of its styling cues from a lunch box, but it actually provides the foundation and an excellent platform to create an awesome off-roader.

Jacked up with a lift kit, the already competent Jimny will reach places that SUVs five times its price would fear, redesigned and with the addition of some new trim pieces, and the little Suzuki will enact an AMG G-Wagen on the road.

Related: These classic cars fetch millions at auction

1 BMW X5

Thicker and heavier over its lifetime, it’s as if BMW gave the X5 permission to embrace its middle-aged spread as younger, sleeker models eagerly sprint through the showroom to show off their smarter shells.

However, it would be foolish to ignore one of the best handling SUVs currently on the market simply because it has lost its looks, as a quick trip to any number of body kit specialists will ensure it is muscular and ready to take on the world .

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