Experts looked at the modern SUV market and named some models that people should not buy. The main problems with the car were that it was unreliable, the seats were uncomfortable, and it didn’t offer good value for the price.
Many people love SUVs because they can cross rivers and other difficult terrain. But they’re not all the same. SUVs used to be known as fuel-guzzlers, but modern technology has made a big difference. At the same time, experts at Consumer Reports have studied various SUV models and made a list of those to avoid, according to Slashgear.
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Experts say this car is not as good as it should be. It has problems that make other cars better. Experts also say that this SUV is not very fuel-efficient.
Experts recommend the 2025 Honda Passport as another option. They said that for the price, it’s a smooth-riding car.
Jeep Compass 2026
According to experts, this car feels more like a bus. It has stiffness, jerks, and an engine that makes a wheezing sound when you speed up.
“On top of that, the car’s interior is uncomfortable, and some passengers may feel claustrophobic. This makes the car difficult to compete with other cars in its class. The Compass is known for being a rough drive, putting you in an unnatural position with bent knees and outstretched arms. You shouldn’t drive like that for long distances unless you plan to stop at a massage parlor along the way,” says Slashgear.
Therefore, experts recommend the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek. It has a roomy interior, a smooth ride, and a lower starting price. It is also easy to drive.
It also has X-Mode, which is an all-wheel-drive system that adjusts power distribution for maximum control. In short, the Subaru Crosstrek is available, so there’s no real need for the Jeep Compass,” the article explains.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale will be available in 2026
Experts say that this SUV is not much better than the 2025 model. The suspension is not good, and there are a lot of plastic surfaces on the inside that don’t make the car feel luxurious.
“The inside feels cheap, loud, and noisy. Sure, 285 horsepower and all-wheel drive are nice, and hybrid compatibility is always welcome, but there’s nothing about the Tonale that fully lives up to its status as a luxury SUV,” the experts explain.
Consumer Reports recommends the 2026 BMW X1 instead. It provides a more comfortable ride and has a more stylish interior.
“Luckily, this feeling of luxury also applies to the car’s performance. It has all-wheel drive, a four-cylinder turbocharged engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission, and smooth handling.
The ride itself is still a bit stiff, like the Alfa Romeo Tonale, but it’s much better in almost every way,” the publication emphasized.
The 2025 Mazda CX-90
A Consumer Reports survey found that the CX-90 is unreliable, and the plug-in hybrid version performed even worse. Many people think the Mazda CX-90 has the potential to be a great SUV, but it hasn’t lived up to that so far.
At the same time, according to experts, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2025 is a competitor to this model.
“It’s as big as you want an SUV to be. It’s cozy inside and looks great outside. It’s not as big as the Grand Highlander, which is even bigger, but in that case, you’re just showing off. However, it’s not the cheapest Toyota; the cheapest is the Toyota Corolla Cross. It’s a reliable car, and that’s what Toyota really needs right now,” Slashgear explains.
GMC Terrain 2026
Experts say that this car is not very good for driving off-road or climbing hills.
The publication says that if you’re only going to be driving on quiet suburban streets, the GMC Terrain is fine, but most drivers will want something more versatile.
Consumer Reports recommends the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid, which has a hybrid transmission and a 194-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
The Land Rover Defender will be available in 2026
If you like the boxy design of Land Rover vehicles, you’ll like the spacious interior of this model. However, experts believe that the 2026 Land Rover Defender seems like a relic of a bygone era.
“On the other hand, it can seat up to eight passengers, which is great for especially large families or if you need to transport instruments for a school marching band. In the end, the 2025 Defender would have been great 20 years ago, but now it’s not good enough, especially when there are other options like the 2026 BMW X5,” the article said.