The Cool, The Bad, And The Ugly
Though speedometers may seem like minor details, they shape how drivers connect with their vehicles. A poorly designed display can disrupt the cabin’s look, while a striking one can enhance the dashboard in ways you couldn't imagine. Here's a look at the most awkward and most stunning speedometers ever made. Let's start with the 10 ugliest.
1. 2002 Pontiac Aztek
The Aztek’s digital speedometer sits awkwardly in the center dash, forcing drivers to turn their heads just to check speed. Its blocky monochrome LCD lacks clarity, while the dull green backlight adds to the confusion. Additionally, key info is jammed into one cluttered display.
2. 2014 Nissan Juke
With thick bezels and a recessed layout, the Juke’s speedometer hides in the shadows—literally. A harsh, red-orange backlight adds to eye strain at night, and the asymmetrical design splits vital information across two zones. This quirky setup sacrifices usability for forced flair.
RL GNZLZ from Chile on Wikimedia
3. 2001 Toyota Echo
Mounted in the center of the dash, the Echo’s speedometer makes you look right—way too far right. It has a thin analog needle floating over a beige background with faint tick marks. The cramped font and total lack of a tachometer scream budget design.
4. 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
This Malibu’s analog speedometer tries to look refined but falls flat. A thin red needle sweeps over a pale gray background with silver numbers that vanish in daylight. No digital backup exists, and the dim amber lighting casts an uneven glow across its cramped arc.
5. 2009 Honda Element
Honda’s Element packs its speedometer into a bulky oval frame with oversized, toy-like dials in white-on-blue. Its playful font clashes with the SUV’s otherwise rugged vibe. The thick, stubby needle covers tick marks as it swings, and the inconsistent backlighting dims around 40 mph.
6. 2007 Saturn Ion
Instead of facing the driver, the Ion’s speedometer lives in the center of the dash, off to the side. The dim, gray-on-black LCD looks more calculator than car tech. Updates also feel sluggish, with no animation or feedback, making even a speed check feel disconnected.
7. 2010 Jeep Compass
If you’re trying to get excited about driving, this Compass won’t help. Its speedometer is buried deep in a flat, lifeless cluster with a pale green backlight that barely shows up. Worse, the analog needle struggles to keep pace with real-time speed.
*SOLD* 2010 Jeep Compass Walkaround, Start up, Tour and Overview by Jakeman21642
8. 2003 Buick Rendezvous
Buick’s Rendezvous clusters its speed into a tight 90-degree arc, cramming too many numbers into too little space. The dull tan-and-white color combo does it no favors in low light. Plus, its black needle blends into the dial, and warning lights crowd the view.
9. 2012 Scion iQ
Although the Scion iQ tries to be funky, its speedometer feels more like a toy than a tool. All the info—speed, fuel, RPM—is stuffed into one tiny circular gauge. Bright orange and red backlighting flood the display, and the quirky layout favors design over legibility.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wikimedia
10. 2006 Mini Cooper
In the Mini Cooper, your speed is displayed on a large center-mounted dial. However, it is way out of your sightline. The tightly packed numbers wrap around the edge like a novelty clock, and reflections from the chrome trim make things harder to see.
While some speedometers miss the mark, these next designs prove that function and flair can coexist.
1. 2010 Lexus LFA
This car’s speed display is so fast that it had to go digital. While a motorized tach ring moves with revs, a crisp TFT screen shows luminous speed digits in real time. Inspired by F1 tech, this display also lets you tweak the visual theme.
2. 2020 McLaren 720S
In the 720S, the display is both functional and versatile. The screen flips down in Track Mode, turning into a minimalist bar that feeds you only what matters. High-res graphics, a deep black background, and adaptive layouts keep everything sharp and laser-focused on performance.
3. 2022 Porsche Taycan
The Taycan wraps its digital speedometer into a sleek 16.8-inch curved screen that feels like it belongs in a spacecraft. Layout options, like minimalist or tech-heavy, are available, each with crisp animations. No matter the sunlight, those bright white digits remain clear.
4. 2016 Ford GT
Hop into the GT, and the display reconfigures based on your drive mode: Track, V-Max, and more. In Track, the reading sits center stage in bold digits, flanked by wraparound RPM and gear info. Its wide screen is built for racing, not just reading.
5. 2008 Koenigsegg CCX
The CCX combines analog charm with digital precision. Speed shows up on a central digital screen framed by symmetrical gauges wrapped in carbon fiber and brushed aluminum. Sleek and purposeful, it is also easy to read, even when you’re cruising at 200 mph.
6. 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid
Tesla’s speedometers are positioned in front on a minimalistic digital display with legible numbers. A second readout appears on the steering yoke for quick-glance driving, especially during high speeds. For night drives, an adaptive brightness reduces glare and eye strain.
7. 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
This cluster blends classic analog dials with a sharp digital center that highlights speed in crisp white text. As you switch drive modes, GT-style animations bring the interface to life. Moreover, the chrome bezels give the entire layout a distinctly high-end feel.
8. 2015 Pagani Huayra
Rather than follow convention, Pagani features an analog speedometer resembling a luxury timepiece. The needle sweeps across gold-etched numbers over a rich purple background, all enclosed in milled aluminum. A blue ambient backlighting enhances visibility while adding a cinematic effect at night.
Edvvc from London, UK on Wikimedia
9. 2021 Lamborghini Huracán STO
Speed is displayed in massive red digits on a high-contrast 12.3-inch screen. Above that, shift lights flash in sequence as revs climb, like in a race car. And with telemetry, G-forces, and tire status all in view, it’s built for track-level focus.
10. 2017 BMW i8
The i8 displays its speed in cool icy blue, surrounded by crisp digital graphics. Whether you're in Eco Pro or Sport, the layout adapts to emphasize the most relevant performance info. Smooth motion graphics and futuristic visuals enhance the car’s high-tech personality.
