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Nowadays, so many new cars come with the latest technology, safety features, and comfort upgrades that you don’t need a high-end label to have a great driving experience.
“Just because it’s luxury doesn’t make it last longer,” Chris Pyle, an auto expert. just answerWrote in an email. “You’re paying more for the looks and features. Those things drive the cost of the car up much more than the MSRP, and those are the things that depreciate the fastest.”
Here are the luxury vehicles that car buyers should avoid and consider.
cadillac escalade
The 2026 full-size Cadillac Escalade three-row SUV comes in six different trim levels equipped with advanced technology and a luxurious interior. According to Cadillac, it comes with 24-inch wheels, the largest ever offered on an Escalade, and a 55-inch screen that spans the entire front row.
However, Pyle said this should be avoided. according to motornation On YouTube, the Escalade is one of the most expensive SUVs to buy, own, and maintain.
mercedes eq
The Mercedes EQE is quiet and serene with a luxurious interior, but Car and Driver reported that it looks like a computer mouse, has mediocre performance and isn’t fun to drive.
According to auto expert Melanie Musson AutoInsurance.org“The EQE is an electric vehicle, and that’s not a Mercedes specialty.” Over the years, it has had repeated problems including electrical system failures, infotainment system glitches and software problems.
lincoln navigator
The 2026 Lincoln Navigator has a turbocharged V-6 and a comfortable interior, but according to Car and Driver, its center infotainment screen placement distracts attention from the road, its size creates parking problems and it offers low fuel economy.
Car and Driver also reported that although the EPA has not yet released fuel economy information, the 2025 model has earned ratings of 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined. It is also a luxury vehicle that Pyle said to avoid.
Infiniti QX50
The 2025 Infiniti QX50 is a compact luxury SUV with all-wheel drive at a more affordable price than other luxury vehicles; However, Kelley Blue Book noted that it is “hard to get excited” when its competitors are more reputable, offer better value or are more fun to drive.
“The QX50 is being discontinued, and when that happens, the value of discontinued vehicles decreases rapidly,” Musson explained. “Luxury cars already depreciate more quickly than other cars, so with the QX50’s added depreciation risk, buying it would be a poor investment.”
land rover range rover
With the top trim level costing close to $250,000, the Range Rover offers a powerful off-road experience and a first-class status symbol. However, Car and Driver said it might be too good to take off-road, especially with that price.
According to Pyle, this is another luxury vehicle that most drivers should avoid.
what to buy instead
If you prefer a safe vehicle with luxury features, Musson recommends the Lexus.
“If you’re looking for a luxury vehicle that depreciates more slowly than others, the Lexus RX is one of Lexus’ most popular vehicles in the lineup, and it’s a good choice because it’s reliable yet luxurious,” Musson wrote. “The focus on building an excellent engine did not take away from the interior and driver and passenger comfort.”
Pyle also gave his recommendations along with the cars he said to avoid. Instead of buying an Escalade, “buy a Suburban, Tahoe or Yukon instead,” he wrote. And if you like the looks of the Lincoln Navigator, he recommends the Expedition.
And instead of the Range Rover, “go for another mid-size SUV that can do the same thing but not have as much cost of ownership, service and better maintenance value,” he explained.