Why Are Rear Wipers Still a Joke on Big Family SUVs?

ArabGT

01-06-2025

There's a detail on many family SUVs that often goes unnoticed — until it rains or mud splashes your rear windshield: the rear wiper. And when it comes to visibility, especially in large family vehicles, its performance matters more than you might think.
In a lighthearted and ironic feature, we raised a curious question: Which cars are battling it out for the title of the world's tiniest rear wiper? These oddly undersized wipers often leave large portions of the rear glass untouched — an inconvenience that turns into frustration in real driving conditions.
Small Wipers, Big Vehicles: The Worst Offenders
Let's take a closer look at some of the most glaring examples of rear wiper design gone wrong — and explore why this puzzling trend persists.
Honda Prologue and Chevrolet Blazer EV: Great Size, Tiny Swipe
From a distance, the Honda Prologue might look like a compact SUV — until you realize it's hiding a rear wiper so short it's practically decorative. The blade covers only a sliver of the glass, making it nearly useless in poor weather. The same problem plagues its sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer EV. Both models share the same platform, and both suffer from the same design compromise: a high beltline and narrow rear window opening that restrict the size and movement of the wiper.
If a longer blade were used, it would clash with the upper spoiler, so the designers opted for a minimal solution — a small, low-mounted wiper that delivers little functional benefit and draws more laughs than praise.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Wagoneer, and Ford Bronco Sport: Unmet Expectations
The problem doesn't end with Honda and Chevy. Even full-size SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneer, with their large rear windows, suffer from the same misstep: rear wipers that only clean the lowest strip of glass. The result? A massive rear windshield with just a tiny clean patch — not exactly ideal for visibility or aesthetics.
The Ford Bronco Sport, with its rugged appeal, falls into the same trap. Its rear wiper is disproportionately short, especially considering the vehicle's size and adventurous image. When snow or dirt builds up, drivers are often forced to step out and clean the glass themselves — a frustrating task in a vehicle meant for comfort and capability.
What Hyundai and Kia Got Right: The Elegant Fix
Thankfully, not all automakers are missing the mark. Hyundai and Kia have implemented a simple yet brilliant design tweak on models like the Tucson and Sportage. Instead of mounting the rear wiper at the base of the window, they've cleverly integrated it under the upper spoiler.
This hidden, spoiler-mounted setup keeps the rear glass visually clean when the wiper isn't in use, while still delivering full coverage when it's needed. It's a seamless blend of form and function — discreet, effective, and a small innovation that makes a big impact.
More Than an Afterthought
These examples show that the rear wiper isn't just an aesthetic feature — it's essential for safety and visibility. Unfortunately, poor design choices can turn it into a design joke, as seen in many large SUVs. But as Hyundai and Kia have demonstrated, thoughtful engineering can resolve the issue without compromising the vehicle's design language.
So next time you're standing behind a massive SUV with a rear wiper that looks like it belongs on a toy car, ask yourself: How did we end up here? And better yet, what simple ideas could help fix it?
We'd love to hear from you — have you experienced the woes of a barely functional rear wiper? Or do you prefer the sleek, hidden approach adopted by some brands? Let us know your thoughts, and share your tips for improving this often-overlooked feature.