Honda CR-V 
Honda introduced the first-generation CR-V in 1995, and the second in 2001. Although both models had different designs, they both followed a very similar form factor, because at the start of the 2000’s, SUVs were designed more to go off road. This is why the both generations incorporated features such as rear mounted spare wheels, more utilitarian, rugged looks and sideways opening boot doors. This is something that nowadays, even in off road orientated SUVs is very rare to see, and certainly in the new CR-V which, is much bigger, and features a more elegant design, with luxury features and premium materials.
Discover the modern-day CR-V
Hyundai Terracan 
In the early 2000’s, Hyundai had three SUVs in their lineup, two of which are still on the market today, the TUCSON and the SANTA FE. The third model, the Terracan in this lineup sat above the SANTA FE in the range, and at the time was 200mm longer. This was like the CR-V in some ways, as it was more offroad orientated and was built on a ladder chassis, making it feel less car-like, although it did have a more conventional boot, and no rear mounted spare wheel. The Terracan could also be had with a 3.5 V6 engine, and was sold until 2007. Obviously, this form factor, although familiar is generally very different to SUVs we know today, and the current SANTA FE is actually longer than the Terracan.
Discover the Hyundai Range
Nissan Terrano 
Like Hyundai and Honda, Nissan too was building a ladder chassis SUV, with a rear mounted spare wheel and side hinged boot. The Terrano was available in 5 and 3 door body-styles, which at the time was really common, whereas now the 3 door in general is slowly being phased out, with all the models from the Holdcroft brands being sold as 4 and 5 doors. This however gave the Terrano a really unique look, with it’s squared off rear juxtaposing its shorter length, very different to current models like the JUKE and the new ARIYA. Interestingly, despite this imposing appearance, the three door Terrano is actually only 40mm longer than the Nissan Juke.
Discover the Nissan Range
Renault Scenic RX4 
In the early 2000’s, when SUV meant to many manufacturers, rugged and utilitarian, Renault introduced an SUV variant of their popular Scenic MPV. The Scenic RX4 was a modified version of the standard Scenic that came with a four wheel drive system, which may not have allowed it to go offroading as easily as the other models in this list so far, but it did make the Scenic more useable in the winter. Although the RX4 was designed to take a different approach, it still featured SUV like tropes, such as side hinged boot and a spare wheel, although the top half of the boot opened conventionally meaning that things could be loaded without the hassle of opening the side hinged boot.
Discover the Renault Range
Volvo XC70
Like Renault, Volvo too had a go at an SUV that was more car like, using the Volvo V70 estate as a base car, and increasing its ride height, and fitting it with plastic body cladding to make the Volvo XC70. The XC70 predates the XC90, and actually was Volvo’s second attempt at an SUV as they had previously sold a similar model based on the previous generation V70, the V70 Cross Country. However, the XC70 had a 210mm higher ride height than the standard V70 but otherwise was very car-like, featuring the same engines as the standard V70.
Discover the Volvo V90 Cross Country
To discover other models from the past, why not check out our other Throwback Thursdays?
