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Despite costing more than sedans and hatchbacks, the SUV market grows every year. Regardless of inflation concerns or economic uncertainty, SUVs comfortably dominate the auto landscape in the US
Because ownership costs – initial cost, financing, depreciation, insurance, fuel and assorted parking and ticket fees – are so expensive, cars are the No. 1 money-killer for many drivers, especially low-income families and individuals on fixed incomes.
According to Statista, the SUV market in the US is projected to reach $333 billion this year, but with so many models available, there are some that are worth every penny and some that should be avoided at all costs.
About the SUVs you shouldn’t buy, GOBankingRates asked auto expert Chris Pyle, who works as a full-time virtual mechanic just answerand Mike Winter, longtime owner MDP Diesel & Auto Repair in Jackson, Michigan, and here’s what they had to say about the many SUVs and SUV groups that aren’t worth buying.
Popular SUVs that mechanics say aren’t worth the price
- land rover range rover
- Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover’s luxury SUVs get a bad reputation when it comes to value for money and reliability. For the experienced Vintner, the Range Rover model has a lot of concerns that make it a poor choice for buyers, citing,
“Terrible depreciation and resale value, very high repair costs… electrical issues, coolant issues, turbo issues,” he said.
Pyle also chose a Land Rover, but for him, it’s the Discovery to avoid.
“Just doing routine maintenance is expensive and when they fail, the cost of parts and labor becomes higher,” he said.
According to Pyle, the 4Runner’s problems stemmed from a waste of value and the vehicle’s intended use.
He said, “This is a stunning vehicle inside and out – a purchase you will not be disappointed with.” “The bad thing though is that it’s designed to go off-road and most (people) don’t. So, you’re paying for features you never use. A different and cheaper SUV is better suited to survive on the highway.”
Consumer Reports (CR) uses road test scores and predicted reliability for its vehicle analysis, but also relies on customer (customer) satisfaction and safety scores. Therefore, its articles should be taken with caution. Still, it ranked the Taos as the second least reliable vehicle for 2024, and Winter agrees. Volkswagen’s five-seat compact SUV may require frequent and costly repairs. The price is right (expected 2025 MSRP should be around $26,000 per Kelley Blue Book), but is it worth it?
- Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer
- jeep wrangler/gladiator
CR listed Jeep’s Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L among its 10 least reliable cars for 2024, and listed Jeep as the worst automaker out of 34 brands. Winter lists “power issues, transmission issues and oil consumption” as trouble spots for the Cherokee and believes the Wagner is priced “too high, with terrible depreciation” among the many issues.
Of the Wrangler and Gladiator, Pyle says, “They don’t have the greatest engine longevity. (And) similar to the 4Runner, they’re designed for off-road. The problem here is that owners thrash them off-road and then complain about the ride on the interstate. They’re loud and wavy, and the soft-top roof leaks in the rain.”
Despite its average RepairPal reliability ranking, in Winter’s experience, the Tucson is a “ticking time bomb” due to “major engine/transmission problems and a high engine failure rate.” As CoPilot notes, Hyundai has improved its reliability reputation in recent years, so if you’re keen on a Tucson, avoid older model years (2011, 2012, 2015-2017).
- ford escape ecoboost
- ford ecosport
There are noticeable differences in size inside and out between Ford’s Escape EcoBoost trim and its EcoSport (the EcoSport is smaller), but, according to Winter, major repair and durability issues plague both SUVs. Regarding the Escape, “reliability is not good due to coolant problems, carbon buildup and oil consumption,” and the EcoSport is simply a “terrible drive, with major engine problems/failures and high repair costs.”
- Full-size SUVs (Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade)
Pyle also mentioned a group of troublesome full-size SUVs that should be avoided; Specifically, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. “They’re big, heavy, not aerodynamic and drink gas,” Pyle said. “They’re for moving families and towing campers. A lot of (those who) have these vehicles rarely seat more than four people, and never tow anything. You’re paying a lot to get a lot, but it’s not what you really need.”
- High-end luxury SUVs (Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes G550/GLS/EQS, Audi RS Q8, Lexus LX, BMW X7)
Pyle also took time to address several luxury SUVs. The Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes G550/GLS/EQS, Audi RS Q8, Lexus LX and BMW X7 are “too expensive,” Pyle said. “There are also low-cost SUVs out there that cost thousands less with similar features. Plus you don’t have the hassle of finding a shop that will actually touch it if it breaks down. Buying a vehicle over $100K is stupid and for most, that’s still too much.”