Certain sport utility vehicles are currently among the most popular and favored cars on the roads. Acquiring one can mark a momentous occasion in a person’s life, given their suitability for commuters and families. Nonetheless, not all SUVs are created equal. Some lack the qualifications to be considered genuine SUVs, while others have a notorious track record of breaking down at the most inconvenient times.
To safeguard against purchasing a potential lemon or a vehicle that could endanger you and your loved ones, it is essential to review this list before embarking on the quest for a new or used car. Presented here is the compilation of the all-time worst SUVs.
Please continue reading on the next page for the compilation of the all-time worst SUVs.
1. Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery, a mid-sized model from the Land Rover manufacturing firm, made its debut in 1989. Five distinct generations of Discovery SUVs have been sold separately and are distributed globally.
Despite the initial popularity of the Discovery, sales of the Land Rover vehicle have recently begun to decrease. Despite its sturdy exterior, it is known to be unreliable and expensive to repair.
2. Acura ZDX
The Acura ZDX is a mid-size luxury crossover that blurs the lines between a sedan, an SUV, and a coupe, contributing to its unique appearance.
This mixture of inspiration led to audiences developing conflicting expectations for the ZDX, and the uncertainty was evident in the vehicle’s sales. Just over 5,000 of these machines were sold throughout its 4-year manufacturing period, which spanned from 2009 to 2013.
3. Isuzu VehiCROSS
Isuzu manufactured the Isuzu VehiCROSS, a compact SUV, from 1997 to 2001. The VehiCROSS, designed for both on- and off-road driving, received varied reviews when it was presented at the Tokyo International Auto Show.
Isuzu manufactured the Isuzu VehiCROSS, a compact SUV, from 1997 to 2001. The VehiCROSS, designed for both on- and off-road driving, received varied reviews when it was presented at the Tokyo International Auto Show.
4. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is a compact and mid-size SUV that has been in production since 1983. The 4Runner, also known as the Toyota Hilux in various regions of the world, was designed to serve as a family vehicle.
The 4Runner lacks distinctiveness and does not offer buyers anything particularly unique that they couldn’t find elsewhere, except for a few more advanced technology features included in the latest models. If you are not seeking a medium-sized SUV for off-roading, there are plenty of alternative options available.
5. Jeep Wrangler
Even Jeep Wrangler buyers who are well aware of the vehicle’s abysmal gas efficiency are still taken aback by just how dismal it is once they hit the road. Numerous individuals end up taking it to a mechanic for inspection.
On the Wrangler Forum online, owners of the vehicle have engaged in discussions about gas mileage, with many of them questioning what might be wrong with their car since it performs so poorly. Some respondents attribute the subpar performance to their “heavy foot,” while others who are more realistic remark, “I mean, welcome to the world of Jeep man; tune-ups will help, but everyone dreams of 15 mpg.
6. Suzuki X-90
The Suzuki X-90 is a subcompact SUV that combines elements of both a car and a pickup truck. Initially showcased as a concept car in 1993, the X-90 didn’t enter production until 1995. It was available for purchase for two years before being discontinued in 1997.
During its two-year existence, fewer than 6,000 units were sold, and in 2013, Top Gear labeled it “One of The Worst Cars Ever Made” due to its lack of amenities and unappealing design.
7. Lincoln MKT
The Lincoln MKT, a full-size luxury crossover SUV positioned between the Lincoln MKX and Lincoln Navigator, stands as the second-largest SUV manufactured and sold by Ford Motor Company.
Although it was in production for nine years, from 2010 to 2019, fewer than 30,000 units were sold throughout that period. Although those vehicles outperformed the MKT, Lincoln initially designed it to compete with the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz R Class.
8. Infiniti QX56
The Infiniti QX56, a full-size luxury SUV designed to rival the luxury Nissan Patrols in terms of performance, underwent a rebranding after 2013 and became known as the QX80.
Both SUVs were named based on their engine size, and as the name suggests, the QX56 was equipped with a standard 5.6-liter engine. Unfortunately, the Infiniti QX56 faced its downfall due to being an unimproved version of a non-luxury car.
9. Chrysler Aspen
The Chrysler Aspen, a spacious luxury SUV with five doors and a Hemi engine, was originally built on the Dodge Durango platform. Chrysler aimed to enter the competitive market by introducing the Aspen as one of its first truck-based SUVs, but it did not meet expectations.
Regrettably, only 30 units were sold in its final year of production, leading to the discontinuation of the Aspen in 2010. The poor response from consumers resulted in people avoiding dealerships for this model.
10. Pontiac Aztek
The General Motors-produced Pontiac Aztek, classified as a mid-size crossover SUV, and the Buick Rendezvous were both vehicles that shared numerous similarities in body and style. The Aztek came equipped with conventional features such as a swing-open trunk door and a sliding cargo door for grocery shopping, which were included as standard features.
Following its appearance in the television series Breaking Bad, the Aztek experienced a short-lived surge in popularity. However, its popularity declined again after a brief increase in sales, leading to the discontinuation of the product.
11. Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500X, categorized as a subcompact SUV, serves as a complement to the Fiat 500, but despite being an SUV, it shares similar space and capacity limitations with its smaller sibling.
Both the Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade have a close connection and are manufactured by the same companies. However, the Fiat 500X is primarily produced in Italy. In the US, the 500X offers five base trim levels: Pop, Pop Star, Lounge, Cross, and Cross Plus.
12. Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango, a mid-size SUV built upon the foundation of the Dodge Dakota, was initially marketed as a large truck-based SUV with a capacity to seat up to 7 passengers. As time passed, Dodge transitioned the perception to a more gentle and less rugged one.
As a result of a potential flaw that could have hindered the deployment of airbags following an accident, Dodge was ultimately compelled to recall and repair tens of thousands of Durangos.
13. Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade, a subcompact crossover SUV designed for off-road adventures, was unveiled to the public in 2014. In recent years, it has experienced a drop in sales.
The Renegade was specifically created to cater to customers seeking a smaller, more affordable entry-level Jeep with similar features and a comparable appearance to the Jeep Wrangler. It was made available for purchase globally and was intended to replace the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot during that period.
14. Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90, a mid-size luxury SUV now in its second generation, was initially showcased as a concept car in 2001 and has been in production since 2002.
This practical SUV is an excellent option for families with children or pets. Conversely, if you prefer driving a substantial, gas-guzzling vehicle, the XC90 also excels in that aspect.
15. Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey, an FCA-made mid-size crossover SUV, bears a resemblance to a smaller minivan. Despite being intended as a distinct and unique model in Dodge’s lineup, it shares many similarities with the Dodge Durango.
In 2014, Fiat introduced the Journey Crossroad as part of its initiative to explore new directions for its products. Since 2007, sales of the Journey have fluctuated, with recent trends showing a decline.
16. Subaru B9 Tribeca
The Subaru B9 Tribeca, named after the affluent New York area, was a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Subaru from 2006 to 2007. Initially, it faced criticism from the public, leading Subaru to change the B9’s name to simply the Subaru Tribeca in response.
Unfortunately, Subaru discontinued the Tribeca in 2015 due to sluggish sales, with less than 84,000 vehicles produced during the ten-year manufacturing life of the model.
17. Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA considered an SUV sports vehicle, was initially designed to rival the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. The SUVs are nearly indistinguishable from each other, except for minor cosmetic label changes, and the car’s body is built upon a Nissan QX30 platform.
In a unique collaboration, Mercedes-Benz and Nintendo teamed up to create an advertisement for the GLA featuring Mario behind the wheel. Despite the innovative marketing for the GLA models, there has not been significant progress or an increase in sales over the past few years.
18. Lexus LX570
The Lexus LX570 is a full-size luxury SUV built upon the Toyota Land Cruiser. Essentially, it is a Land Cruiser with a Lexus emblem on the front.
Although there are a few small changes to the LX line, there aren’t any striking characteristics that make it stand out among other luxury SUVs in its class. The “Luxury Crossover” in the car’s name stands for just that: a luxury crossover. Since 2007, sales of the Lexus LX570 have varied, although the car company has never sold more than 8,000 cars in a calendar year.
19. Lamborghini LM002
The Lamborghini LM002, a 4-door sport SUV, marked the company’s initial foray into the realm of SUV pickups. The design and construction of the LM002 involved certain risks, evident in its appearance and usability.
Since its introduction in 1986, only 328 Lamborghini LM002s have been manufactured in total. This SUV famously referred to as the “Rambo Lambo,” serves as a testament that not all luxury sport SUVs are equal in appeal and necessity.
20. GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia took inspiration from General Motors’ mid-size crossovers, the Chevrolet Traverse, and Buick Enclave.
As the brand’s inaugural front-wheel-drive passenger car, the Acadia lacked certain standout features that might have appealed to buyers. In its second generation, sales of the Acadia have experienced a recent decline, with a drop of 30,000 units between 2017 and 2018.
21. Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai’s Santa Fe is a mid-size crossover SUV that has been in production since 2000, marking Hyundai’s initial entry into the SUV market. Since then, Santa Fe has gone through four generations, with the current one expected to extend from 2018 to 2024.
Over the years, Santa Fe sales have declined, mainly due to limited buyer alternatives, minimal changes from one generation to another, and extended wait times for updates.
22. Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevrolet Trailblazer, later succeeded by the Chevrolet Traverse in 2009, represented the brand’s mid-size SUV offering from 2001 to 2008. Though it is no longer produced in the United States, it continues to be manufactured in other regions, particularly in some areas of Asia and Brazil.
Following extensive testing, the Chevrolet Trailblazer received a low rollover safety rating, and since its debut in 2001, annual sales have noticeably decreased.
23. Range Rover Evoque
Jaguar Land Rover has been manufacturing the Range Rover Evoque, a subcompact premium crossover SUV, since 2011. Continuously, new variants are being produced and remain available in the market to this day.
Initially, the Evoque was offered to customers as either a three-door or five-door vehicle, with the option of two-wheel or four-wheel drive. However, in 2015, Land Rover had to recall over 60,000 vehicles due to a flaw that could cause the car doors to unlock without the driver’s awareness.
24. Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi Motors has been manufacturing the 5-door Mitsubishi Outlander, a compact crossover SUV, since 2001, previously known as the Mitsubishi Airtrek.
Mitsubishi’s aim with the Outlander was to provide drivers with a sense of embarking on a new adventure every time they took the wheel. Unfortunately, the vehicle lacked significant visual appeal. Beginning in 2018, prospective buyers of the Mitsubishi Outlander were given the option to purchase the plug-in hybrid version.
25. Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse, available in both full-size and mid-size SUV options, shares the same body and chassis as the Buick Enclave. Its latest version commenced production in 2018, but it has been in production since 2008.
Initially, some early critics referred to the Chevrolet Traverse as odd-shaped due to its egg-like body form, which Chevrolet has now abandoned in favor of a more realistic truck appearance. Although the introduction of the second generation brought significant exterior and interior alterations to the SUV, no discernible changes have been made since 2018.
26. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a compact to mid-size SUV that the company has been manufacturing since 2002, and it is currently in its third generation. It shares the same underpinnings as previous SUVs and larger pickup trucks.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluated the Kia Sorento and assigned it a poor safety rating. In recent years, sales of the Kia Sorento have seen a significant decline, dropping by nearly 15,000 units between 2016 and 2017.
27. Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that General Motors has been manufacturing since 1934, with several name and body modifications over time. It has consistently been one of Chevrolet’s top-selling vehicles.
Initially designed as a station wagon, the Chevrolet Suburban later adopted a full-size pick-up truck frame and gradually evolved into the SUV it is today. Despite being a significant moneymaker for Chevrolet throughout the years, sales of the Suburban have recently experienced a decline.
28. Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet
The Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet, the world’s first all-wheel-drive crossover convertible, showed us that such a vehicle is not essential for the market.
Apart from being impractical for driving with family or pets, Nissan also limited the choices available to SUV buyers. The Nissan Murano base model’s features and engine were the only ones that came as standard, providing minimal customization possibilities for buyers.
29. Honda Element
The Honda Element, a 4-door, boxy small crossover SUV, was manufactured from 2002 to 2011. Its roof was intentionally curved and arched to resemble a surfboard, and its body style drew inspiration from a lifeguard station.
Honda ceased production of the Element in 2011. In its most recent iteration, Honda introduced a unique feature that brought great delight. To boost declining sales, they offered a dog-friendly package at an additional cost of $1,000.
30. Buick Rendezvous
The Buick Rendezvous, General Motors’ entry-level midsize crossover SUV, shared the same body and chassis as the Pontiac Montana and Chevrolet Venture.
Buick aimed to produce a vehicle that offered all-wheel drive as an option, combining the best features of a minivan with a truck design. This decision came as the company had avoided producing larger cars since the early 1920s. However, the Buick Rendezvous was eventually discontinued in 2007, and in its final year, sales reached only 20,000 units.
