Boxy, brawny, and built to last—square body trucks weren’t just a design trend, they were a statement. From the mid-‘70s to the early ‘90s, manufacturers leaned into sharp lines, flat panels, and squared-off fenders that made these trucks look as tough as they performed. And let’s be honest—no modern truck looks quite like these classics. Here’s a look at 10 of the most iconic square body trucks, from a mix of brands that nailed that squared-up style.

1973 Chevrolet C10

The truck that started GM’s square body legacy. The 1973 C10 brought sharper styling, better ride comfort, and plenty of drivetrain options. You could spec it with everything from a 250 inline-six to a 454 big block. It was also the first GM pickup with a crew cab option. This was the truck that made square body cool—and it still holds that title today.

1985 Dodge D150

Dodge didn’t just follow the trend—they added their own flavor to it. The D150 had tough, boxy lines with that unmistakable crosshair grille. In ’85, the truck came with reliable powertrains like the 318 or 360 V8s and even a slant-six. Dodge gave you a straightforward workhorse wrapped in sheet metal that looked like it was designed with a straight edge.

GMC Sierra Classic

By 1981, GM sharpened up the look even further with a refreshed front end. The Sierra Classic trim brought some comfort to the rugged frame—wood accents, air conditioning, and plush interior touches. But don’t let the class fool you—it still had tough bones underneath and engine options like the 305 or 350 V8 that made it a dependable workhorse.

1986 Ford F-150

Ford leaned into the square body game in the ’80s with a rugged, no-nonsense design. The 1986 F-150 still wore those squared-off panels proudly, with a wide, boxy grille and flat fenders. It offered everything from a bulletproof inline-six to the popular 302 and 351 V8s. Tough, simple, and easy to wrench on, this generation helped set the tone for Ford’s F-Series dominance.

1988 Chevrolet K30

The K30 was GM’s one-ton brute. Think dual rear wheels, Dana 60 front axles, and often a 454 big block under the hood. This was the truck you bought when you needed to tow, haul, and take abuse all day long. It was a square body with serious muscle—and it’s still a fan favorite among those who want a classic truck that can still work hard.

1980 Dodge Power Wagon

The Power Wagon was Dodge’s heavy-duty answer to tough terrain and tougher jobs. In 1980, it came with a squared-off design, bold fender flares, and heavy-duty axles that made it a real trail boss. The Power Wagon badge was more than just branding—it meant 4WD capability, rugged durability, and an engine bay that usually held a 360 or 400 V8.

1984 Toyota Pickup

Toyota’s pickups didn’t just follow the boxy trend—they helped define it in the compact segment. The 1984 Toyota trucks had sharp body lines, a simple yet sturdy frame, and legendary reliability. Under the hood, you’d typically find a 22R engine, and these trucks were known to last forever. It’s no wonder these square-bodied Toyotas are still going strong on trails and farms today.

1987 Chevrolet R10

This was the end of the carbureted square body run. The R10 replaced the C10 nameplate and brought throttle-body injection to the mix, offering smoother starts and better fuel economy. It still had the same squared-up style but with a touch of modern tech under the hood. Collectors love these for being the last of the line and still simple to wrench on.

1979 International Harvester Scout II Terra Pickup

International Harvester knew how to build a tank of a truck. The Scout II Terra pickup had squared-off fenders, flat panels, and a no-frills interior. It came with everything from a 196 inline-four to a 345 V8. Though the Scout was better known in SUV form, the Terra pickup deserves a spot here for being one of the coolest and most underrated square-body rigs of the era.

Nissan D21 Hardbody

Nissan’s D21 Hardbody earned its name honestly—sharp edges, flat sides, and a reputation for durability. In 1987, it launched in the U.S. with either a four-cylinder or a V6, and it was tough as nails. This was the truck for the guy who wanted a smaller rig that could still take a beating and keep hauling. It may not have the V8 roar, but it had dependability in spades.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been car-fully, I mean carefully, reviewed by our editors.