The worst options: which SUVs you should not buy in 2025

Off-road vehicles are four-wheel all-terrain cars for use on all kind of roads. As the global auto market continues to stabilize after a tumultuous four years of high prices and low inventories, SUVs are undoubtedly gaining momentum. However, recent trends suggest that this segment is becoming significantly more expensive.

According to Kelley Blue Book, consumers' desire to spend less is pushing compact SUVs to the top of the list. In 2024, the compact and subcompact car segments increased their market share, while sales of midsize SUVs and large pickups of popular brands declined. Experts told us which models should be avoided because they do not differ in quality.

Volkswagen Taos

SUVs are known for their versatility, spaciousness, and capabilities, which is why they attract a wide range of drivers. The 2025 Taos model has been updated inside and out and is equipped with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a more powerful 174 hp engine, which also affected the price. However, Consumer Reports (CR) ranked only one car below the Volkswagen Taos (the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan) in its ranking of the most unreliable cars in 2024.

Ford Explorer

Despite the fact that the cost of repairs and maintenance is average and the severity and frequency of repairs is low, RepairPal ranked the Ford Explorer only 19th out of 26 midsize SUV models. The Explorer is the worst SUV you can rent, according to CarsDirect's analysis of data.

Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Jeep's reputation and reliability have taken a beating over the years. According to the CR reliability rating, which included road tests and levels  of reliability, satisfaction, and safety, Jeep was in last place. The Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L are included in CR's list of the 10 least reliable vehicles.

Land Rover Discovery

Luxurious on the inside and built for off-roading, the Discovery is a powerful all-terrain vehicle. However, those who want a Land Rover that performs well on city roads and highways may want to look elsewhere. When GOBankingRates asked expert Chris Pyle about Discovery, the expert noted, "They are expensive to maintain doing just general maintenance, and when they fail, the parts and labor are high."

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo's 2025 mid-size hybrid SUV has received less than positive reviews from major industry experts such as Edmunds, MotorTrend, Car and Driver. There is a possibility that CR's concerns about the battery and charging of electric vehicles, electrical accessories, climate control, and electronics in the car have improved in the new model year.

Jeep Wrangler

The fact that no Jeep model received a predicted reliability score above 45 out of 100 is already something to take account into. Experts point to problems with the steering and suspension, electrical, engine, and drive system of the Wrangler.

Hyundai Tucson

Despite RepairPal's above-average reliability rating, Mike Winter, owner of MDP Diesel & Auto Repair in Jackson, Michigan, noted that the Tucson is a "ticking time bomb" due to engine and transmission failures. Although CoPilot experts noted that 2011, 2012, and 2015-2017 models should be avoided, the 2024 Tucson received average ratings on several expert sites, including J.D. Power.

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