When it comes to SUVs, many drivers expect power, reliability, and versatility. However, not every model on the market lives up to the hype. In this list, we’ll take a look at 25 SUVs that promised much but ultimately fell short of expectations, leaving drivers disappointed and wishing they’d made a different choice.
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Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass aimed to blend the ruggedness of Jeep with the practicality of a compact SUV, but it struggled with underpowered engines and subpar interior quality. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Compass often disappointed drivers with its sluggish acceleration, unimpressive fuel economy, and outdated technology. The cabin, although spacious, was marred by hard plastics and a lack of refinement, making it fall short of the high expectations set by the Jeep brand.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse promised ample space and family-friendly features, but it fell short in terms of reliability and driving dynamics. While it offered a roomy interior and decent cargo space, the Traverse was plagued by transmission issues and a lack of engine refinement. Its handling was also less agile than competitors, making it feel cumbersome on the road. The high price tag only added to the disappointment for many buyers.
Ford EcoSport
Marketed as a versatile and compact urban SUV, the Ford EcoSport failed to impress with its underwhelming performance and cramped interior. The small, three-cylinder engine struggled to provide adequate power, and the ride quality was often harsh and noisy. The rear seats were tight, and the overall design felt outdated compared to other vehicles in its class. The EcoSport’s appeal quickly faded as more refined and capable competitors emerged.
Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue was hyped as a comfortable and efficient compact SUV, but it disappointed many drivers with its lackluster engine and uninspiring driving experience. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was often criticized for being noisy and unresponsive, leading to sluggish acceleration. While the Rogue offered decent cargo space and good fuel efficiency, its bland design and mediocre interior quality made it less appealing in a crowded market.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander aimed to offer a balance of affordability and practicality, but it fell short with its outdated design and poor performance. The base engine was underpowered, leading to sluggish acceleration and unimpressive fuel economy. The interior quality was also subpar, with cheap materials and an uninspiring layout. Despite its third-row seating option, the Outlander failed to stand out against more modern and well-equipped competitors.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave was marketed as a premium, full-size SUV with luxurious features, but it often left buyers underwhelmed with its high price and lackluster performance. While the Enclave offered a spacious interior and advanced safety features, it struggled with reliability issues, including transmission problems and electrical faults. The driving dynamics were also less refined than expected, making it a tough sell in the luxury SUV segment.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Land Rover Discovery Sport promised luxury and off-road capability in a compact package, but it fell short in terms of reliability and interior quality. The vehicle was plagued by frequent breakdowns and electrical issues, leading to a reputation for unreliability. Additionally, the interior, while stylish, suffered from cramped rear seats and a lack of premium materials. The high maintenance costs further diminished its appeal for many buyers.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas was introduced as a spacious and family-friendly SUV, but it was often criticized for its lackluster engine options and uninspired interior design. The base engine felt underpowered, leading to sluggish acceleration, while the optional V6 didn’t offer much improvement. Inside, the Atlas featured a bland design with hard plastics and low-rent materials, falling short of the expectations for a vehicle at its price point.
Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax was Chevrolet’s attempt at a small, affordable SUV, but it struggled to deliver in terms of performance and interior quality. The engine was noisy and lacked power, leading to a sluggish driving experience. The interior was also cramped, with cheap materials and an outdated infotainment system. The Trax’s low fuel economy and lack of advanced safety features made it less competitive in the growing subcompact SUV market.
Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee was supposed to bring rugged off-road capability to the compact SUV segment, but it disappointed many buyers with its inconsistent quality and lackluster performance. The nine-speed automatic transmission was a frequent source of complaints, with jerky shifts and hesitation. The interior, while spacious, lacked the refinement and modern features expected at its price point. Reliability issues further tarnished its reputation.
Infiniti QX60
The Infiniti QX60 was marketed as a luxury, three-row SUV with advanced features, but it fell short with its uninspiring driving dynamics and lack of premium feel. The engine was adequate but lacked the refinement expected in a luxury vehicle, and the CVT detracted from the driving experience. The interior, while spacious, didn’t offer the level of luxury or advanced technology found in competitors, leaving buyers feeling they didn’t get their money’s worth.
Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey was one of the most affordable three-row SUVs on the market, but it was also one of the most criticized. The base engine was underpowered, and the outdated design made the Journey feel out of touch with modern competitors. The interior was plagued by cheap materials, and the overall build quality was subpar. Despite its low price, the Journey’s lack of modern features and poor safety ratings made it a poor value.
Cadillac XT5
The Cadillac XT5 aimed to offer a luxurious and refined driving experience, but it often fell short in terms of performance and interior quality. The base engine was underpowered for a vehicle of its size, leading to sluggish acceleration. Inside, the XT5 suffered from inconsistent build quality and a lack of advanced technology features compared to rivals. The overall experience didn’t live up to the expectations set by the Cadillac brand.
Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR was Toyota’s attempt at a stylish and sporty subcompact SUV, but it disappointed many with its lack of power and limited practicality. The engine was underwhelming, leading to a sluggish and uninspiring driving experience. The interior, while modern, was cramped and lacked the cargo space found in competitors. Despite its bold design, the C-HR didn’t deliver the performance or versatility that many buyers were hoping for.
Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500X aimed to bring Italian flair to the subcompact SUV market, but it struggled with poor reliability and a lack of refinement. The engine options were underpowered, leading to a less-than-enthusiastic driving experience. The interior, while stylish, suffered from cramped seating and a lack of advanced technology features. Frequent mechanical issues further diminished the appeal of the 500X, making it a tough sell in a competitive segment.
Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V promised to offer a blend of practicality and efficiency in a small package, but it often fell short in terms of performance and interior quality. The engine was underpowered, leading to sluggish acceleration, and the CVT didn’t help matters. Inside, the HR-V featured a basic design with cheap materials and a lack of advanced technology features. While it offered good cargo space, the overall experience left many buyers underwhelmed.
Ford Explorer (2020 model)
The 2020 Ford Explorer was heavily hyped as a return to form for the iconic SUV, but it was plagued by numerous quality issues and recalls. Transmission problems, electrical faults, and build quality concerns were common complaints among owners. The interior design, while spacious, was criticized for its use of low-quality materials and outdated technology. Despite its strong heritage, the 2020 Explorer left many buyers disappointed.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia was marketed as a premium, mid-size SUV with advanced features, but it often fell short with its lackluster performance and interior quality. The base engine was underpowered, leading to a sluggish driving experience, and the handling was less refined than expected. Inside, the Acadia featured a bland design with hard plastics and a lack of advanced technology features. The overall experience didn’t justify the Acadia’s premium price tag.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent was introduced as a family-friendly, three-row SUV, but it quickly gained a reputation for reliability issues and underwhelming performance. The base engine struggled to provide adequate power, leading to sluggish acceleration, and the CVT was often criticized for its noise and lack of responsiveness. The interior, while spacious, lacked the premium feel and advanced technology features found in competitors, making the Ascent a disappointing option in its class.
Hyundai Santa Fe (2018 model)
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe was marketed as a stylish and well-equipped SUV, but it fell short in terms of performance and interior quality. The base engine was underpowered, leading to sluggish acceleration, and the handling was less responsive than expected. Inside, the Santa Fe featured a basic design with cheap materials and a lack of advanced technology features. Despite its attractive price point, the 2018 Santa Fe didn’t deliver the driving experience or refinement that buyers were looking for.
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX was introduced as a stylish and compact luxury SUV, but it often fell short in terms of performance and interior quality. The base engine was underpowered, leading to sluggish acceleration, and the handling was less engaging than expected. Inside, the NX featured a cramped interior with outdated technology features, making it feel less luxurious than its competitors. Despite its premium price tag, the NX didn’t deliver the level of refinement or driving pleasure that buyers expected from the Lexus brand.
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 was marketed as a sporty and stylish three-row SUV, but it often fell short in terms of performance and interior quality. The base engine was underpowered, leading to sluggish acceleration, and the handling was less responsive than expected. Inside, the CX-9 featured a basic design with cheap materials and a lack of advanced technology features. Despite its attractive price point, the CX-9 didn’t deliver the driving experience or refinement that buyers were looking for.
Acura RDX
The Acura RDX was introduced as a stylish and sporty compact SUV, but it often fell short in terms of performance and interior quality. The base engine was underpowered, leading to sluggish acceleration, and the handling was less engaging than expected. Inside, the RDX featured a cramped interior with outdated technology features, making it feel less luxurious than its competitors. Despite its premium price tag, the RDX didn’t deliver the level of refinement or driving pleasure that buyers expected from the Acura brand.
Kia Sorento (pre-2021 model)
The Kia Sorento, before its 2021 redesign, was marketed as a versatile and well-equipped mid-size SUV, but it often fell short in terms of performance and interior quality. The base engine was underpowered, leading to sluggish acceleration, and the handling was less responsive than expected. Inside, the Sorento featured a basic design with cheap materials and a lack of advanced technology features. Despite its attractive price point, the pre-2021 Sorento didn’t deliver the driving experience or refinement that buyers were looking for.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X was hyped as a revolutionary electric SUV with cutting-edge technology, but it often fell short in terms of reliability and build quality. The falcon-wing doors, while visually striking, were prone to malfunctioning, and the interior quality didn’t match the premium price tag. Additionally, the Model X was plagued by numerous software glitches and quality control issues, leaving many buyers disappointed with their purchase. Despite its impressive range and performance, the Model X failed to deliver the level of reliability and refinement that buyers expected from a luxury vehicle.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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