When did this design element become popular on many SUV's and CUV's?
 

I have noticed on most new and newer CUV & SUV models something I don't personally like... they're using black trim around the wheel wells instead of that area just being the same color paint as the body. This has been common over the years on the lower-end trim models of most brands, but now they're doing it even on their upper end models. Here are a few examples (Telluride, Highlander, Pilot, new Blazer) - I tried to keep all of the pics white, but could only find the new Blazer in red. The German brands don't seem to do this (Audi Q7, Q8, MB GLE, GLS, etc) so I started thinking this was a more Japanese and/or Korean design trend (and personally think the new Blazer looks very Japanese in design with all of the sharp angles). I noticed the Infiniti QX80 doesn't have the black accent piece but seems like most everything else in the Japanese lineup has it. Thoughts? Opinions? Am I alone in disliking this?

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No idea who started it. It is also on the new GM trucks.

I do like the trend

A couple of months ago we bought a 2019 BMW X3 and it has the black trim. The car is black so it doesn't stand out much. I don't think it's really necessary but as you say it is popular. No doubt going for a rugged look.

I don't mind it. We took a few door dings on the wheel arches of our RX, that wouldn't have happened had it had the plastic there. I was kind of relieved our Highlander has it. The only thing I don't like is having to mask it off when I polish the car so white residue doesn't get stuck in the grain.

I did not like it when they put it on the 4th gen 4Runner. That was way, way too much.

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I think it's meant to give the car a more rugged look. Jaguar didn't do it on the F-Pace, but they did do it on the E-Pace.

I don't mind the look, as long as it's subtle. It's starting to get out of hand though.. see Mazda CX-30 for example.

Looks like crap on the 4Runner, unless it is body colored matched.

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First model in pics look best.

Good finds of the GLE, signdetres. Wonder if it's some type of option package on those? These pics of 2019's show without it? Note: I think the white one in my pic below is an AMG (GLE 43)??
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Would seem that black would lower costs? It's expensive to have components keyed to the color of the vehicle. Take a LS430 for example, down to the caps on the door handles. They're like $38 each for a knub. If they were simply black pieces of plastic on all cars, imho easier to get used parts and cheaper. Drip rails are another...

The first reaction many people would have, of course, is cost-cutting. But, in this case, IMO, this is one cost-cutting measure that actually makes sense, particularly on AWD SUVs which are often driven in bad weather and on snowy roads, with salt and abrasives. The gray or black-cladding that is substituted for regular body-color paint helps prevent lower-body damage, stains, and paint discoloration. in fact, I'd like to see more of the cladding up front, surrounding the grille, because damage from salt and abrasives can also deteriorate the front-end trim.

I don't think it's cost cutting. It will likely cost more to have a painted fender, plus a molded plastic lip with fasteners/clips than it costs to just have a painted fender.

Are you suggesting that if you removed the black panel around the wheel well of one of these cars that what's underneath is not the color of the car? I just assumed the entire car was painted and then these pieces are added afterwards.

You're talking to someone who went looking for a new screw for a GM fender liner. They cost $4.81 each list price. You can get 38% off online, so ~$2.98 + $9.95 shipping = $12.93. Or you go to the dealer, get it for $5.10 with sales tax. Not a typo--ridiculous. I refused to pay that for a single screw. It's black, and looks like a wood screw. If Lowe's had it would be 23 cents.

What I ended up doing was to get knock-offs. No, not eBay coming from overseas, but rather, a OEM that makes classic car parts and for all we know they supply GM. I think I ended up with 25 for $12 plus another $4 for shipping? And yes, I only needed 1, but it was the principle.

The Audi Allroad (raised) wagon comes with black cladding. You can order one with body color cladding from the factory for a cool $1,000. Quite a few owners have them painted at a body shop for a lot less.