Additional Coverage:
- 8 New SUVs Under $40,000 You’ll Probably Regret Buying (financebuzz.com)
Buyer Beware: Eight 2025 SUVs You Might Want to Skip
Buying a new vehicle is a significant investment, especially with today’s fluctuating economy and rising automotive prices. For those eyeing a new SUV in 2025, it’s more crucial than ever to ensure your purchase is a wise one.
While the market is flooded with new SUV options, not all are created equal. Some models, unfortunately, come with reliability concerns and offer less-than-stellar value for your hard-earned cash.
Just as comparing auto insurance rates helps you save money, a thorough comparison of new SUVs can guide you toward the best choices and away from potential regrets. To help you navigate the crowded market, we’ve identified eight 2025 SUVs that reviewers and consumers suggest you might want to steer clear of.
1. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
MSRP: $28,495
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross has faced criticism from Edmunds reviewers for its uninspired driving experience, deeming it an inferior choice compared to other vehicles in its segment. Furthermore, a Consumer Reports survey revealed that only 45% of 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross owners would repurchase this small SUV, indicating a significant level of dissatisfaction.
2. 2025 Volkswagen Taos
MSRP: $25,495
Another small SUV struggling to win over its owners is the 2025 Volkswagen Taos, with only 39% of buyers surveyed by Consumer Reports stating they would buy it again. Car and Driver’s review highlighted its mediocre acceleration, perceived overpricing, and a driving experience that fell short of the brand’s historically more engaging vehicles.
3. 2025 Jeep Compass
MSRP: $26,900
Edmunds reviewers were notably unimpressed with the 2025 Jeep Compass, awarding it a below-average rating of 6.6 out of 10 and placing it second to last in its class. This SUV has been criticized for its convoluted interior controls, a noisy engine, poor outward visibility, and frustrating advanced driver-assistance features. Given that it hasn’t seen a redesign since 2017, its price point is considered particularly high for what it offers.
4. 2025 Hyundai Tucson
MSRP: $28,705
While the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is praised for its smooth ride, some reviewers have pointed out that its 2.5-liter base engine suffers from sluggish acceleration. Beyond performance, consumers have voiced concerns regarding this small SUV’s reliability, filing numerous complaints with the NHTSA concerning issues with its electrical system, engine, and forward collision avoidance system.
5. 2025 Toyota RAV4
MSRP: $29,800
Consumer Reports advises potential buyers to avoid the 2025 Toyota RAV4, citing its uninspired interior, noisy engine, and poor ride quality. They conclude that this long-standing SUV doesn’t offer sufficient value for its price and suggest considering superior alternatives in its class, such as the Subaru Forester or Mazda CX-5.
6. 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
MSRP: $36,400
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has drawn criticism from Edmunds reviewers for its stiff front seats, a sluggish engine, and less cargo space compared to competitors. They also noted that rivals from Kia and Hyundai often provide more features for a lower cost. Furthermore, numerous drivers have reported concerns about this midsize SUV’s reliability and overall manufacturing quality.
7. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
MSRP: $36,495
Reviewers have pointed out that the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee reserves desirable features for its more expensive trim levels, while other SUVs in its class offer them as standard, diminishing its overall value proposition. Additional complaints include a confusing button layout on the interior console and materials that, while appearing decent in photos, are described as disappointing in person.
8. 2025 Mazda CX-90
MSRP: $38,045
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 has been noted by reviewers for its cramped third-row seating, below-average cargo capacity, and an engine that provides lackluster acceleration. Consumers have also filed various complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding this three-row SUV, citing issues with its electrical system, engine, and service brakes, among other concerns.
The Bottom Line
With SUVs remaining a popular choice among consumers, the market offers a wide array of new options. However, it’s essential for shoppers to recognize that not all SUVs deliver the same level of quality and value. Some models are plagued by reliability problems, while others simply don’t justify their price tag.
Considering the average new vehicle now costs approximately $48,000, consumers looking to make smart financial decisions should prioritize SUVs that are both reliable and offer substantial value for their investment.
Read More About This Story:
- 8 New SUVs Under $40,000 You’ll Probably Regret Buying (financebuzz.com)