The automotive world is all about trends. Whether it’s the muscle car “golden age” of the 1960s, or the SUV takeover of today, automakers are always looking to jump on the latest bandwagon in order to secure consumers’ attention (not to mention their wallets). However, while sometimes there is safety in numbers, on other occasions it’s better to stray from the beaten track, choosing instead to carve your own path.Over the decades, there have been plenty of vehicles that went against whatever the major trend of their era was, in a variety of different ways: refusing to downsize, adopting a unique design aesthetic, and much more. In this list, we have put together 10 cars that we think have diverged from the mainstream in some way or another, preferring to do things their own way. Morgan Supersport 2026 Morgan Supersport front 3/4We start with a car that goes against the grain thanks to its unique look, the core features of which are shared with the rest of the Morgan lineup. The Morgan Motor Company, a small British automaker, is best known for producing cars that look like they’ve jumped out of a time machine: their distinct look draws inspiration directly from the iconic pre-war Morgans that helped the brand establish its identity.The Supersport is a recent addition to the Morgan family, having arrived last year. It was built as a successor to the Morgan Plus Six, which was discontinued around the same time. Its vintage-inspired design includes many of the elements that set Morgans apart from the crowd, such as the inverted U-shaped grille and round headlights. Jeep Wrangler Jeep Wrangler Whitecap Next up, we have a car whose suspension puts it at odds with the mainstream. The Jeep Wrangler, currently in its fourth generation, is sticking with a solid front and rear axle, instead of adopting an independent suspension. This sets it apart from most other SUVs on the market.The more rugged solid axles provide advantages when off-roading and tackling rough terrain, and their simpler design is better suited to customization. However, they do have some drawbacks. These include a less comfortable ride on the road, as well as the infamous “Jeep Death Wobble” (a violent vibration of the vehicle, caused by the solid axle being struck at a particular angle and frequency). Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Front 3/4 ViewIn today’s automotive world, downsizing is commonplace in most automakers’ lineup. Larger engines are being replaced with smaller, turbocharged units or hybrid powertrains; efficiency and emissions control are major priorities. Although the vehicles themselves are, on average, getting bigger, their engines are going in the opposite direction and getting smaller.The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, however, refuses to follow this particular trend. Powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8, this beast delivers SUV practicality and muscle car performance in one package: an increasingly rare animal in the modern car market. It’s not showing any signs of being discontinued, and we hope that doesn’t happen for a very long time. Honda Civic Type R 2025 Honda Civic Type RAll-wheel-drive drivetrains are increasingly popular across a wide spectrum of vehicles in the modern automotive world. Once the nearly exclusive preserve of off-roaders, they have since expanded into ordinary road cars and performance-oriented cars as well.There is, however, one popular car which does not offer an AWD option at all: the Honda Civic Type R. This spicy Civic, a firm favorite among car enthusiasts, goes against the trend: its six-speed manual transmission only sends power to the front wheels, and there is no indication this is going to change at any point in the near future. The existing recipe is clearly working for Honda, and does not need any new ingredients thrown in the mix. GMA T.33 gordon murray automotive t33 The GMA T.33, one of Gordon Murray Automotive’s stunning creations, was introduced to the world in 2022. A modern, high-tech super GT (which, unlike its predecessor the T.50, is road legal in America), the T.33 nonetheless features a powertrain whose personality is decidedly vintage.The engine at the heart of the T.33 is a naturally aspirated V12, paired with a six-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The combination of NA V12 and manual transmission, unusual in the modern age, is part of what makes the T.33 so unique; the model blends classic features and futuristic design in a single package. Ford Mustang 2025 Ford Mustang EcoboostFord, one of the oldest car companies in the world, is moving away from cars. As odd as that sentence sounds, it has a kernel of truth: the Blue Oval mainly produces SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks these days. There is, however, one notable exception: the Mustang. This legendary model holds onto the coupe (and convertible) body style, although an SUV carrying the Mustang name now exists.The Mustang also refuses to include a four-door version in its lineup; performance and a sporty character are its core characteristics, too important to be sacrificed on the altar of practicality. Another feature of this model that bucks the general trend is its engine lineup: the Mustang still offers a 5.0-liter V8, as well as a 5.2-liter supercharged (!) V8 in the more extreme GTD version. Mazda Miata 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Red Front Angle City DrivingToday’s cars are, for the most part, getting bigger and heavier: an increased number of sophisticated tech components weigh them down, while expanded cargo and passenger space make them larger and bulkier. Not everyone, however, is convinced this is the way to go.The Mazda Miata, one of the most famous and popular entry-level sports cars around the world, is sticking to the formula that has given it that title: small, lightweight, agile. Becoming bigger or heavier would go against its core characteristics, and jeopardize the DNA of what is one of the most iconic, beloved models in Mazda’s history. Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG 2007 Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG front, three-quarterThe R63 AMG was a short-lived, high-performance version of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, a luxury minivan introduced in 2006. While the R-Class lasted on the market for over a decade – eventually being discontinued in 2017 – its AMG sibling was far less lucky.The R63 arrived at the same time as its standard counterpart, and was poorly received by the public: just 200 units were built in total before its discontinuation later the same year. The combination of a minivan body style with performance was clearly one the automotive world was not interested in: today, the R63 remains one of the rarest ever AMG models. Porsche 911 2025 - 2026 Porsche 911 Carrera studio The rear-engined layout has been used in several iconic vehicles throughout the decades. The Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat 500, and even the DeLorean DMC-12 are all part of that particular family. No model, however, is more closely associated with this setup than the Porsche 911: the legendary German sports car continues to offer a rear-engined layout in the present day, which makes it highly unusual.Porsche’s commitment to sticking to the rear-engine layout has been aided by factors such as the flat-six engine, which helps keep weight low. The 911 remains a tricky car to get to grips with, partly due to its layout, however it also continues to provide endless driver enjoyment and stellar performance on and off the track. Tesla Model S 2026 Tesla Model SThe Tesla Model S may not seem like much of a rebel today, in a world where EVs are mainstream and charging stations can be found on every corner. However, when it was released over a decade ago in 2013, the landscape looked very different. The Model S, Tesla’s second-ever vehicle after the first-gen Roadster, helped popularize EVs in a way no other car had been able to do.A couple of years after its release, the Model S became the world’s bestselling plug-in electric vehicle. It is widely considered to be one of the most influential electric cars of all time, as it was crucial in proving that mass-market EVs could be viable. Along with the rest of the Tesla lineup, it has become an ubiquitous sight on American roads and beyond, placing the brand at the top of EV sales rankings.Sources: Ford, Porsche, Tesla, Morgan, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Honda, Dodge, GMA