Even though SUVs cost more than sedans and hatchbacks, the SUV market expands annually. Despite this, their popularity continues to rise. inflationary Or due to economic uncertainties, SUVs firmly reign supreme in the American automobile market.
Given that ownership expenses such as upfront payments, loans, devaluation, premiums, gas, along with various parking and citation charges, are quite high, automobiles stand out as the top financial drain for numerous motorists, particularly affecting those from less affluent backgrounds and people living on set incomes.
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Based on data from Statista, the SUV market in the U.S. is expected to hit $333 billion this year. However, with such a wide array of options out there, certain models offer great value for money, whereas others might not be worth considering at all.
When discussing SUVs not worth buying, auto expert Chris Pyle, who works as a full-time online mechanic, was consulted. JustAnswer , and Mike Winter, the longtime owner of MDP Diesel and Automotive Repair Shop In Jackson, Michigan, and here’s their take on various SUV models or categories: SUVs That You Should Avoid Buying .
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Top-Selling SUVs That Mechanics Advise Against Buying
- Land Rover Range Rover
- Land Rover Discovery
When discussing Land Rover's luxurious sport utility vehicles, they often receive criticism regarding their cost-effectiveness and durability. An experienced driver might avoid the Range Rover due to numerous concerns, noting "dismal depreciation and poor resale values, exorbitant repair expenses... electrical problems, cooling system issues, and turbo troubles."
Pyle also targeted a Land Rover, specifically advising against the Discovery model. "Maintaining them for regular upkeep can be costly, and repairs become quite expensive both in terms of parts and labor," he explained.
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- Toyota 4Runner
Pyle argues that the issues with the 4Runner arise from its pricing and failure to utilize the vehicle as it was meant to be used. He stated, "Inside and out, it's an excellent vehicle—a buy you won’t regret." However, he added, "While this model excels at being off-road, many owners rarely take advantage of these capabilities. Essentially, they're paying extra for functions they'll seldom use. For those who stick mainly to highways, opting for a more affordable SUV might make more sense."
- Volkswagen Taos
Consumer Reports (CR) evaluates vehicles using road test scores and predicted reliability, along with subscriber satisfaction and safety ratings. However, their reports should be viewed cautiously. Despite this, CR ranked the Taos as the second-least reliable model for 2024, a stance shared by Winter. This indicates that the five-passenger compact SUV from Volkswagen might necessitate recurrent and costly maintenance. While the pricing seems attractive—with an expected 2025 MSRP of approximately $26,000 according to Kelley Blue Book—the question remains whether these savings justify potential repair costs.
- Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer
- Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator
The CR ranked both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee L within their top ten list of most unreliable vehicles for 2024, also naming Jeep as the lowest-performing brand among 34 manufacturers. According to Winter, "electrical problems, transmission troubles, and excessive oil usage" have been problematic areas for the Cherokee model. Additionally, he considers the Wagoneer to be significantly overvalued with poor resale value, along with several other concerns.
Concerning the Wrangler and Gladiator, Pyle asserts, "These vehicles do not boast exceptional engine durability. Similar to the 4Runner, their design prioritizes off-roading. However, this can lead to issues when owners subject them to rough terrain and subsequently criticize their performance on highways. These cars tend to be noisy and unstable, with soft-top roofs that leak during rainfall."
- Hyundai Tucson
Even though the Tucson boasts an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, Winter’s personal experience deems it a "ticking time bomb" because of significant problems with engines and transmissions as well as a high incidence of engine failures. According to CoPilot, Hyundai has enhanced its reputation for dependability recently; therefore, those interested in getting a Tucson should steer clear of earlier model years such as 2011, 2012, 2015 through 2017.
- Ford Escape EcoBoost
- Ford EcoSport
The Ford Escape EcoBoost model differs significantly from the EcoSport in terms of dimensions and build quality; the latter being more compact. However, as noted by Winter, significant maintenance problems and structural concerns affect both vehicles. Specifically concerning the Escape, reliability suffers due to cooling system malfunctions, carbon accumulation, and excessive oil usage. As for the EcoSport, it is described as an unpleasant vehicle to operate, plagued by severe engine troubles and failures along with exorbitant repair expenses.
- Full-Size SUVs ( Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade )
Pyle highlighted a collection of problematic full-sized SUVs to steer clear of, specifically pointing out the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Cadillac Escalade. "These vehicles are large, cumbersome, lack aerodynamics, and consume fuel," Pyle explained. "They're designed for transporting families and pulling trailers. However, many owners of these cars often carry fewer than four people and seldom use them for towing. Essentially, you’re paying a premium for features you may not actually require."
- Premium Luxury SUVs (Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes G550/GLS/EQS, Audi RS Q8, Lexus LX, BMW X7)
Pyle also took the opportunity to discuss various luxury SUV models. He mentioned that vehicles such as the Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes G550/GLS/EQS, Audi RS Q8, Lexus LX, and BMW X7 "simply come at too steep a price," according to him. "Many more affordable options offer comparable amenities but can be had for tens of thousands of dollars less. Additionally, these higher-end brands often pose difficulties when seeking repairs since fewer shops are willing to work on them." Pyle further argued that buying an automobile priced above $100K makes little sense; he believes this remains excessively costly for most people.
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The piece initially surfaced on : I'm a Mechanic: 11 SUVs That I Would Absolutely Avoid and the Reasons Why They Don't Make Sense To Purchase
