SUVs are best known for their spaciousness and their versatility, making them some of the most commonly adopted vehicles around the globe today. The cars are extremely popular with drivers who need the extra space but at a lower cost than a truck or van. However, some popular SUVs end up costing more than they are initially worth because of cumbersome repairs. If you are looking for popular SUVs to avoid and what to buy instead in the proper price range, This is the right guide for you.
1. Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox has a base 1.5-liter engine that makes 170 horsepower but struggles with acceleration, even when fully loaded. Fuel economy averaging just 28 miles per gallon on the road isn’t nearly competitive enough in its class. Owners often report problems with the faulty infotainment system and below-average build quality. This can lead to a frustrating ownership experience. Equinox also has a low resale value in terms of price range. This makes it a less attractive option for buyers looking for long-term investments. It is by far one of the most popular SUVs to avoid buying.
Buy Honda CR-V Instead
A much better option is the Honda CR-V, which offers a mix of performance, reliability, and convenience. With a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing up to 190 horsepower, the CR-V offers smooth acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency. It can get up to 34 miles per gallon on the highway, with improved performance and a V4 fit engine that purs nicely on the highways. The CR-V has a spacious interior, advanced security features, and strong resale value. This makes it a top choice for families and everyday commuters. The CR-V is priced at around $28,000. It is a solid investment for long-term and one of the best SUVs under 35k.
2. Ford Edge
Ford Edge, despite being equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower, often feels clunky and unrefined. Its fuel economy is below average, averaging just 29 mpg on the highway. Motorists reported frequent gearbox problems and internal quality problems, some of which make for a less-than-ideal driving experience. The Edge also suffers from poor resale value, per consumer reports, which makes it a risky choice for those budget-conscious buyers.
Buy Toyota RAV4 Instead
For a more compelling choice, Toyota rates the RAV4 with a 2.5-liter engine that produces 203 horsepower. This engine delivers the perfect combination of power and efficiency and achieves up to 35 mpg on the highway. This Toyota is fitted with a roaring v6 engine, which is ideal for all-terrain. It has much more purchase value than the Ford Edge. The RAV4 is well known for its roomy interior and outstanding safety ratings, making it a good owner satisfaction score. With a starting price of around $28,000, it’s an attractive option that will hold its value over time.
3. Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue’s 2. A five-liter engine produces a meager 170 horsepower, resulting in slow acceleration and an overall lackluster performance. Moreover, the fuel function system, rated at 33 mpg on select roads, is distinctly sub-par. Owners frequently record mechanical issues with the vehicle’s generation and reliability, which often results in costly repairs. The Rogue’s resale price also dropped, making it much less appealing for long-term ownership.
Buy Subaru Forester Instead
A much better option is the Subaru Forester, which comes with a 2.5-liter engine producing 182 horsepower. The Forester provides a smooth and confident ride, with a v4 build that can cruise from 0 to 60 in a short 8 seconds. An all-wheel-drive function is available, and it is capable of turning for various steering conditions. With fuel efficiency up to 33 mpg on the road, it’s economical for everyday use, as in consumer reports. The Forester is known for its safety, resources, and reliability. Starting at around $26,000, it’s a smart investment with strong resale value.
4. Jeep Compass
Jeep Compass is popular for its solid design. It comes with a 2.4-liter engine with only 180 horsepower, however, which seems to be comparatively low power. Fuel economy is disappointing, especially when off-road, with an average consumption rate of just 29 miles per gallon on the road. Car owners often lodge consumer report problems with the transmission and interior quality, negatively impacting the overall driving experience. Compass also has a low resale value, ranking it high amongst popular SUVs to avoid buying. It is a risky investment to get a reliable SUV.
Buy Mazda CX-5 Instead
For a better choice, the Mazda CX-5 offers a more comprehensive driving experience. The 2.5-liter, 187-horsepower engine provides excellent handling and responsiveness. Its respectable v4 build gives an automated transmission for greater purchase. Its fuel efficiency is competitive, up to 31 miles per gallon on the road. The CX-5’s luxurious interior and advanced safety features make it the best choice. So you can find comfort and style. At around $26,000, it’s a smart investment and has a strong resale value.
5. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer may seem like an attractive SUV model because of its size, convenience, and driving distance. However, its fuel consumption is high and inefficient. While being a Ford best-selling vehicle, mechanical issues, especially in the transmission system, make this car a terrible fit, especially when traveling off-road. This car ranks high amongst popular SUVs to avoid buying. On top of that, finding spare parts and suitable mechanics is difficult, leading to costly repairs.
Buy Toyota Highlander Instead
Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, is one of the few SUVs made for a host of driving conditions. With a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine hitting 295 horsepower, it is an impressive purchase for both city driving and rural terrain. Durability and high-reliability ratings make it a standout in its field, coupled with its fuel efficiency, which is 24 mpg combined, which is more than adequate for a mid-size SUV. Whether you’re navigating city streets or taking on off-road adventures, the Highlander’s smooth handling ensures a comfortable ride. Parts are widely available, which reduces maintenance hassles, and its strong resale value makes it an excellent long-term investment. At a starting price of about $40,000, the Highlander offers a balance of performance, reliability scores, and long-term value. It is scoring high in owner satisfaction.
6. Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is another SUV that might catch your eye due to its budget-friendly price and roomy interior. However, it is flawed in many important respects, with low reliability scores. This is another very popular car that is best to avoid buying. Powered by a 2.4-liter engine, the Journey lacks the power needed for smooth highway driving, especially when carrying passengers or full cargo. Poor fuel economy is aggravated by hard and uncomfortable driving, per consumer reports. Makes it a less-than-ideal family car. Additionally, it receives low safety ratings for traveling. Common complaints include brake problems and poor suspension that wears out quickly. This causes long-term maintenance costs to increase.
Buy Honda Passport Instead
The Honda Passport is a much better choice in the mid-size SUV category for a more reliable and comfortable ride. The 3.5-liter 6-cylinder full-range engine produces 280 horsepower. This is more than enough for city driving and long-distance travel. The Passport also offers better handling. This is especially true on uneven terrain. Spacious interior, well designed, good suspension, has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto. It also offers competitive fuel efficiency (22 mpg combined) and better safety ratings than the Dodge Journey. At approximately $41,000, the Passport is built to last. It has a high resale value, an extended warranty, and a reputation for reliability.
7. Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade looks tough and ready for adventure. However, Jeep enthusiasts tend to shy away from cars like this in terms of performance. Powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, the Renegade struggles with acceleration and fuel economy. It has an average fuel economy of only 24 miles per gallon. It is often criticized for its aggressive driving and poor performance on the motorway. Even though it may have some coping skills, it doesn’t live up to the expectations of other Jeeps, and it has frequent reliability issues. It ranks high among the most popular SUVs to avoid buying. On top of that, the Renegade has a history of poor reliability. It has frequent transmission problems and expensive repairs. Especially as it ages.
Buy Subaru Crosstrek Instead
If you’re looking for a small SUV that can handle city roads and rough terrain within your choice for budget, the Subaru Crosstrek is a much better choice. Powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four-cylinder powerful engine, the Crosstrek offers strong performance with 152 horsepower and much better fuel efficiency (up to 33 mpg on the highway). An important component of the model is a sleek v4 machine, which makes the standard all-wheel drive capable of off-roading. And the smooth suspension makes for a comfortable ride. The Crosstrek also has the Subarus safety package, including soft cruise control and drive-ranging assist. This makes it a much safer and more attractive alternative to the Renegade.
8. Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson, with its 161-horsepower 2.0-liter base engine, often seems an underpowered type of vehicle and lacks the steering dynamics of its competitors. The Tucson offers decent fuel economy of 28 mpg on the road, and many owners report having problems with it. A build quality and cramped interior sourced concerns about reliability. And with frequent trips to the shop, what appeared to be good business quickly turns into an expensive mistake. Especially considering it now has little to no resale value.
Buy Kia Sportage Instead
A much higher alternative is the Kia Sportage, with a 187 horsepower 2.5-liter engine. The Sportage offers a more comprehensive riding experience. Being in the newer slate of vehicles, engine modifications spring with superior safety features. The Kia Sportage sports a v4 motor with smooth torque. With 30 mpg on the roads, it is a good value for normal use. Known for spacious interiors and high-quality materials, the Sportage begins at around $26,000. This model guarantees stable financing with a first-rate resale value.
9. Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 184 horsepower, but many owners and technical reports consider it underpowered, especially when fully loaded. Fuel economy averages about 27 mpg on the road. Owners also often report reliability issues, most of which involve electrical systems and expensive repairs. The Tiguan’s resale value has also decreased over time since its release. This has made it a less attractive option for longevity and, thus, a popular SUV to avoid.
Buy Chevrolet Traverse Instead
For a greater dependable opportunity, the Chevrolet Traverse is a first-rate preference. Equipped with a 310 horsepower range. Its 6-liter V6 full-range engine imparts superb acceleration and steerage control on any given terrain. Even for a mid-size SUV, the Traverse achieves 27 miles consistent with a gallon on the street. It is also well-known for its reliability and sturdiness. With a spacious interior and advanced safety features, it’s priced at around $34,000, making it a terrific funding source for drivers searching out tire consolidation and toughness.
10. Ford EcoSport
Although the Ford EcoSport may serve as the ideal compact SUV for city driving, its 1.0-liter engine has left much to be desired in terms of power and acceleration for many years. The EcoSport also has poor interior quality, cheap materials, and an uncomfortable seating arrangement. It has been somewhat criticized for its under-average fuel economy, and outdated designs don’t help. It is among the most popular SUVs to avoid.
Buy Hyundai Kona Instead
Hyundai Kona is a good choice for a more refined and capable compact SUV. It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and delivers outstanding performance with faster acceleration and smoother handling. It also has modern features, such as a full-resolution infotainment system. It also sports a front-screen driving display and excellent fuel efficiency. Driver assistant technical report a more spacious, high-quality interior, with a starting price of around $23,000. The Kona isn’t just a fun-to-drive and quiet ride; it also improves fuel economy and long-term durability.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SUV can make all the difference to your driving experience and long-term satisfaction. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular SUVs to avoid that look attractive at first glance. Performance issues, high maintenance costs, And the resale value remain unfavorable in the long term. Choosing a more reliable alternative with glowing consumer reports will offer better value. Save more fuel and long-term durability. Make informed choices that ensure your investment provides comfort and confidence on the road.
