A small but steadily expanding number of carmakers are embracing a new approach to electric vehicles—making them uniquely quirky in ways that feel intentional and appealing. One standout in this growing trend is China’s Chery and its sub-brand, iCar. While iCar has already introduced a handful of unconventional EVs, none stands out quite like the V23. This rugged-looking SUV seems like the unexpected lovechild of a Land Rover Defender and a Suzuki Jimny, brought to life in a design lab obsessed with boxy aesthetics and straight edges.
The V23 already carries strong retro appeal in its standard form. Its sharply squared silhouette, upright front and rear fascias, and prominent fender flares give it a bold, nostalgic look. But now, iCar has dialed up the eccentricity even further with its newly introduced ‘Retro Emotion Package.’ This styling upgrade includes a matte green wrap that not only suits the vehicle's off-road-ready vibe but also enhances its visual presence. While it may look somewhat out of place crawling through crowded urban traffic, the design seems tailor-made for open country roads or forest trails.
Enhancing the SUV’s throwback feel is a revamped front grille, a stealthy blacked-out bumper, and a somewhat polarizing large spotlight mounted on the hood. Although the spotlight might come across as a bit kitschy—many enthusiasts might prefer classic round fog lamps—it adds to the SUV’s offbeat personality. Other exterior enhancements include black rocker panels, convenient side steps, and a set of aggressive 19-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. Even if it never ventures off the pavement, it certainly looks the part of a serious adventure vehicle.
Interestingly, iCar didn’t just design this kit for style points. According to reports from Chinese media outlet Ithome, the green exterior wrap features an anti-glare coating similar to that used on military vehicles, potentially helping with camouflage in rugged environments. Moreover, the grille has been designed for quick removal and replacement, giving owners a bit of practical functionality along with visual flair.
What makes the V23 and its upgrades even more attractive is their affordability. In a market known for budget-friendly EVs, the V23 stands out with a base price of roughly $15,000, topping out around $20,500 for higher trims. The Retro Emotion Package itself costs between 4,000 and 10,500 yuan—or approximately $550 to $1,450—depending on the configuration. This keeps the total cost well within the budget EV category.
To put that into perspective, the base V23 costs about the same as a used 2021 Nissan Versa with over 60,000 miles—and far less charm. In terms of performance, base models deliver 136 horsepower through a rear-wheel-drive setup, while higher trims add a second motor for all-wheel drive and a total of 211 horsepower. While these figures aren’t jaw-dropping, they’re more than sufficient to keep this small SUV feeling zippy in urban environments and capable on winding rural roads.