A new car must meet your needs and budget, but without aesthetic appeal, it may not earn a spot in your driveway. While beauty is subjective, certain cars possess a unique allure that garners attention. iGuides experts examined both new and classic vehicles to identify the most stilish cars. While classics may be hard to acquire, there are always new best looking cars available.
Classic Best Looking Cars
1. Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic
Enthusiasts of Art Deco marvel at the sleek design of the Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic coupe, a derivative of the touring model. Only four were made in the late 1930s, inspired by Jean Bugatti’s Aerolithe show car. The prototype, extracted from lightweight Elektron magnesium alloy, listed riveted body panels due to the material’s inability to be welded, resulting in the iconic dorsal fin.
2. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe
This Corvette is a product of William L. Mitchell’s vision that revolutionized automotive design. Mitchell drew inspiration from the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante, aiming to craft the first Corvette coupe. Peter Brock’s design prevailed in the competition, setting the stage for Mitchell’s iconic Corvette Stingray race car of the late 1950s. Later refined by Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapin in Mitchell’s secretive Studio X, the ’63 Corvette emerged as a stunning manifestation of aerodynamic elegance, marking a pivotal moment in automotive history. It could be an easy classic car to restore, as well.
3. Lancia Stratos HF Stradale
A notable figure in 20th Century rally history was the remarkable Lancia Stratos, designed to dominate the World Rally Championship, achieving consecutive victories from 1974 to 1976 under the skilled driving of Sandro Munari.
This vehicle emerged as a bold initiative by Bertone to secure Lancia’s patronage over its traditional collaborator Pininfarina, resulting in the creation of a striking wedge-shaped coupe featuring Bertone designer Marcello Gandini’s distinctive wraparound windscreen. Propelled by a mid-mounted 2.4-liter Ferrari V6 engine initially crafted for Ferrari’s Dino, around 500 road-legal cute cars were produced for homologation purposes, with surviving examples highly sought after in collector circles. The enduring appeal of the Stratos has also spurred the creation of numerous replicas.
4. 1964 Ford GT40
Ford sought the expertise of Lola, a British racing car manufacturer, to develop the chassis for its GT car, complementing it with a V8 engine and an aluminium body, meeting the maximum roof height requirement of 40 inches for international endurance racing. Thus, the iconic GT40 was born, securing its place in history with four consecutive Le Mans victories from 1966 to 1969, thanks to the contributions of Carrol Shelby and a talented lineup of drivers. Remarkably, the GT40’s stunning design also contributes to its sky-high value, exemplified by the significant prices fetched at auctions, such as the sale of an early prototype GT40 by Duncan Hamilton/Rofgo in 2020.
5. Porsche 911 (1964–Present)
Upon its introduction in 1964, the 911 marked a significant advancement from Porsche’s endearing yet modest 356 models. Though initial perceptions didn’t necessarily label it as a cute car for females, our team now recognizes its enduring beauty after 58 years of subtle refinement. We’ve consistently admired the daunting task faced by the 911’s lead designer, tasked with maintaining its iconic essence while infusing each iteration with novelty. Nonetheless, Porsche’s design team consistently rises to the occasion, perpetuating the model’s timeless allure. It is unusually considered as one of the best used cars on the market as well.
6.1974 Lamborghini Countach
Many fans favor the original Countach LP400, which debuted Bertone’s iconic ‘wedge’ design and adorned bedroom walls worldwide. Yet, the LP400 S amplifies Bertone’s vision, boasting broader wheel arches enveloping massive Pirelli rear tires, especially with the optional ‘flying-vee’ rear wing.
The wedge design’s impact, featuring the sleek screen and trademark scissor doors, has influenced Lamborghini’s top-tier supercars, including the present-day Aventador, along with exclusive models like the Reventon, Veneno, and Sian.
Best Looking Cars of Modern Time
1. 2023 Genesis G90
In a segment dominated by renowned luxury brands, the G90 stands out as a good looking car. It boasts a spacious cabin with premium design and materials, accommodating five passengers comfortably. Buyers can opt for a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine or a hybrid variant, both with standard all-wheel drive.
2. 2023 Rivian R1T
The R1T is the pioneering electric pickup from Rivian boasting a distinctive appearance, which sets it apart from competitors. Its front grille-free design incorporates a horizontal light bar and vertical oval cutouts housing headlights. Offering a seamless look, the R1T combines its five-seat crew cab with the bed, utilizing the rear space for a weather-sealed gear tunnel. With range options from 260 to 400 miles and power outputs ranging from 600 to 835 horsepower, Rivian’s electric pickup dominates the market.
3. 2023 Cadillac Lyriq
One of the advantages of electric vehicle architecture lies in its adaptability across various vehicle types, as seen with the GMC Hummer EV pickup sharing its platform with the luxurious 2023 Cadillac Lyriq. The Lyriq boasts a fresh Cadillac design, featuring a distinctive “black crystal grille” and dynamic lighting design with vertical LED elements and a synchronized lighting pattern. Its spacious interior is optimized with a tall front end and large wheels positioned at the corners, providing ample room for five occupants. The cabin is elegantly crafted, highlighted by a sweeping 33-inch instrument cluster and infotainment display across the dashboard.
4. 2023 Toyota Prius
No Prius has ever quite made the cut here, lacking in allure throughout its history. But that narrative shifted dramatically with Toyota’s unveiling of the breathtaking 2023 model, boasting a striking new design. The sleek and contemporary aesthetic was just the beginning of the surprises with this iteration. Toyota significantly enhanced the hatchback’s power, elevating it from a modest 121 horsepower to a robust 196 in all-wheel drive versions (194 in front-wheel drive). Moreover, they made strides in fuel efficiency, achieving EPA estimates as impressive as 57 mpg in combined city and highway conditions. This makes it one of the best mpg cars on this list, making it a strong contender for the Prius camper conversion.
5. 2024 Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 excels in maximizing the driving time between charges for fully-electric vehicles, offering a satisfying ride without burdening owners with EV complexities. Its stylish design sets it apart while delivering on performance and spaciousness. Boasting up to 310 EPA-estimated miles of range and a thrilling 576 horsepower in its GT version, it’s a compelling option. With rapid recharging capabilities of around 225 kW, it’s a practical choice for long journeys. While slightly pricier than its counterpart, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it outshines competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, and Nissan Ariya. Both Kia and Hyundai received the 2024 Editors’ Choice awards. The EV6 clinched the top spot in the U.S. News rankings last year. It secured the title of Best Electric Vehicle for Families.