3 WORST and 4 BEST SUV's you Should Buy in 2025

Thinking about buying an SUV in 2025, here's something you need to know. Not all SUVs are created equal. While some models promise luxury, performance, and reliability, others come with shocking issues that can drain your wallet and your patience. In this video, I'll reveal three SUVs you should avoid at all costs. These models may look good on the surface, but their hidden flaws could make them some of the worst choices you can make this year. But don't worry, it's not all bad news. I'll also introduce four incredible SUVs that combine style, performance, and value, giving you the best options for your money. By the end of this video, you'll have a clear idea of which SUVs to skip, and which ones might just become your next ride. Ready to make an informed decision? Let's dive right in. First up, let's talk about the Volkswagen Tiguan. Over the years, it has gained a reputation for evolving with every generation, but not always for the better. Despite its sleek design and a starting price of around $30,000, many owners have expressed deep regrets about their purchase. One major issue? Excessive oil consumption. Imagine having to top off your oil multiple times between changes. That's what many Tiguan owners report. According to Volkswagen, this is considered normal, but for buyers, it's an unwelcome hassle. Another deal breaker is the third row seat. While having extra seating is a selling point, the space is so tight it's practically unusable for adults or taller passengers. This lack of practicality can be a big turnoff for The touchscreen interface doesn't help either. Drivers find it unintuitive and distracting, which takes their attention off the road. A serious safety concern. And then there's the engine performance. Many users complain that it's either too sluggish or overly sensitive, making the driving experience unpredictable and frustrating. If you're still not convinced, listen to this. One owner described their experience as a nightmare, stating, I had to add three quarts of oil between my first two changes. Never again. Even the EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon combined fuel economy does little to redeem this SUV, as other models in its class offer better efficiency and reliability for the same price. So if the Tiguan is on your list, you might want to think twice. But don't worry, the alternatives we'll discuss later are much better options. Stay tuned, because the next SUV has even more issues that might shock you. Next on the list is the Ford Explorer XLT. While it's marketed as a versatile family SUV, many buyers have learned the hard way that its promises don't match the reality, especially considering its hefty price tag of over $40,000. One of the most common complaints? Owners report their vehicles spending weeks in repair shops due to a lack of spare parts, leaving them stranded and frustrated. For an SUV in this price range, this kind of inconvenience is simply unacceptable. Interior quality is another disappointment. The materials feel cheap, with limited durability and comfort, particularly in the third-row seats, which are poorly padded and rigid. For a vehicle aimed at families, this lack of attention to comfort is a significant drawback. The transmission in the hybrid version adds to the woes, with many describing it as clunky and inconsistent. Handling issues are also frequently mentioned, with rides feeling stiff and uncomfortable, especially when equipped with larger wheels. And then there's the cost-to-value imbalance. One buyer, who paid $70,000 for their Explorer XLT, shared a scathing review. The leather seats looked worn out within months. It's embarrassing to drive a car that feels decades old inside, especially at this price point. The Explorer's EPA-estimated fuel economy isn't much to brag about either. 24 miles per gallon for the rear-wheel drive version, and just 23 miles per gallon for all-wheel drive. Compared to other SUVs in this segment, it's hard to justify these figures. If you're looking for a dependable, family-friendly SUV, the Explorer XLT falls short in almost every category. But don't worry, there are far better options out there, which we'll get to soon. First, let's take a look at another SUV you might want to avoid, the Hyundai Kona. And trust me, the issues with this one are just as surprising. The Hyundai Kona may seem like a compact and stylish option at first glance, especially with its affordable starting price. However, a deeper look reveals why so many owners regret buying this SUV. Despite its initial appeal, the Kona is plagued with issues that make it a risky choice. One of the most significant problems is its short lifespan for parts and systems. Many owners report frequent breakdowns, with some having to resell their cars after dealing with ongoing anomalies. For a vehicle marketed as reliable, this is a major letdown. The ride quality doesn't fare much better. Drivers often describe it as shaky and jerky, especially when driving over bumps or uneven terrain. This lack of smoothness makes it uncomfortable for both the driver and passengers, especially during longer trips. Another recurring complaint is the scarcity of spare parts. Owners have reported waiting weeks or even months for essential repairs because parts were backordered. This downtime not only disrupts daily life, but also creates a frustrating experience for anyone relying on the Kona as their primary vehicle. Interior usability is yet another issue. The backlighting for the controls is poorly designed, with dim lighting that makes it hard to see buttons and switches at night. It's a small detail that ends up being a big annoyance for drivers. One owner summed it up perfectly, I regret buying this car more than anything. Parts are impossible to find, customer service is non-existent, and it's been nothing but recalls and frustration. While the Kona does offer decent fuel economy, 29 miles per gallon city, and 34 miles per gallon highway, it's clear that the savings at the pump don't outweigh the headaches that come with owning one. If you're considering the Hyundai Kona, you may want to look elsewhere. Speaking of alternatives, the next sections will introduce SUVs that not only outperform these troubled models, but also deliver on their promises of reliability and value. Stay tuned, because the next SUV might just be the perfect fit for you. Now, let's shift gears and talk about an SUV that's everything the previous ones weren't. The Subaru Crosstrek. If you're looking for a reliable, versatile, and affordable SUV, this one stands out as a top contender for 2025. One of the Crosstrek's biggest strengths is its standard all-wheel drive. Unlike many competitors, this feature comes included at no extra cost, providing better traction and stability in all driving conditions. Whether you're navigating slippery roads or venturing off the beaten path, the Crosstrek is built to handle it all. Fuel efficiency is another highlight. With an EPA rating of 28 miles per gallon city and 34 miles per gallon highway, the Crosstrek balances performance with savings at the pump, making it a great choice for daily commutes or weekend getaways. Inside, the Crosstrek impresses with its simple yet spacious interior. The cabin feels roomy and comfortable, offering ample space for both passengers and cargo. Whether you're running errands or heading out on a road trip, it's designed to make every journey enjoyable. But what really sets the Crosstrek apart is its off-road capability. It outperforms many rivals in this category, thanks to its higher ground clearance and advanced traction systems. This SUV is more than ready to tackle rough terrain without breaking a sweat. Don't just take my word for it, here's what one owner had to say. I was looking for a smaller SUV than my RAV4, and the Crosstrek was perfect. It's smooth on the road, the all-wheel drive is a lifesaver, and the seats are so comfortable. Starting at just $26,540, the Subaru Crosstrek offers incredible value for its price. And with Subaru's latest safety suite, including standard emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control, it's also one of the safest choices in its class. If reliability, versatility, and affordability are at the top of your list, the Crosstrek is a no-brainer. But don't stop here, the next SUV might be even more impressive for your needs. The Toyota RAV4 is a name that's been synonymous with reliability and practicality for years, and the 2025 model doesn't disappoint. This SUV continues to impress with its balance of comfort, utility, and fuel efficiency, making it a standout option in its class. One of the RAV4's biggest draws is its spacious interior. It offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone needing versatility. Whether it's groceries, luggage, or sports equipment, the RAV4 can handle it all without compromising passenger comfort. The ride quality is another high point. With its quiet cabin and smooth handling, driving the RAV4 feels effortless. This level of comfort transforms daily commutes or long road trips into enjoyable experiences for both drivers and passengers. Safety is a priority with the RAV4, as it comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assist features. Standard options include emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Buyers can also add blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts for even greater peace of mind. Fuel efficiency is where the RAV4 really shines, boasting an EPA rating of 28 to 30 miles per gallon combined. For an SUV of its size, this is a huge plus, especially for those who want to save on fuel without sacrificing performance. One owner summed it up perfectly. I've been driving my 2025 RAV4 for a month, and I can't find anything wrong with it. It's comfortable, smooth, and has everything I need. Plus, the acceleration is just fine for passing on the highway. With a starting price of $30,250, the Toyota RAV4 offers exceptional value across its wide range of trims, making it accessible to a variety of budgets. If you're looking for a dependable, comfortable, and versatile SUV, the RAV4 deserves serious consideration. But don't make your decision just yet. The next SUV might surprise you with its luxury and value. When it comes to combining style, luxury, and functionality, the Kia Telluride has firmly established itself as one of the top SUVs on the market. For 2025, the Telluride continues to impress with its spacious interior, advanced technology, and smooth performance, making it a favorite among families and SUV enthusiasts alike. One of the Telluride's standout features is its three-row seating. It offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, ensuring comfort for large families or anyone needing extra room. Unlike many other SUVs, the third row is genuinely usable for adults, making it a practical choice for road trips and carpools. Performance-wise, the Telluride's V6 engine delivers smooth and confident power, while still maintaining an impressive towing capacity of up to 5,500 pounds. This combination of capability and refinement makes it versatile enough for both daily drives and heavier tasks. The interior of the Telluride rivals that of luxury SUVs. With premium materials, plush seating, and a well-designed layout, it feels far more expensive than its starting price of $39,215. One owner described it as the most impressive SUV I've ever owned, offering a smooth ride, excellent infotainment, and a luxurious feel. Driver assistance features also come standard, including forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. These intuitive technologies enhance both safety and convenience, making the Telluride a pleasure to drive. Fuel economy is respectable, with the front-wheel-drive model rated at 20 miles per gallon city and 26 miles per gallon highway. While not the most fuel-efficient in its class, the Telluride's other advantages more than make up for it. If you're looking for a family SUV that combines luxury, reliability, and practicality, the Kia Telluride is hard to beat. But before you decide, there's one more SUV you absolutely need to hear about. It might just be the perfect match for you. Last, but certainly not least, is the Mazda CX-50, a compact SUV that stands out for its sleek design, powerful performance, and premium features. If you're looking for a vehicle that's both practical and fun to drive, the CX-50 should be on your radar in 2025. One of the CX-50's defining characteristics is its optional turbocharged engine, which provides fast acceleration and impressive power. This feature makes the CX-50 a joy to drive, whether you're merging onto highways or taking on winding roads. Inside, the CX-50 offers a luxurious and refined interior, with high-quality materials like leather and aluminum accents. The attention to detail in its design rivals more expensive vehicles, giving drivers a premium feel without the premium price tag. For those who enjoy outdoor adventures, the CX-50 boasts decent off-road capability for a crossover SUV. Its higher ground clearance and advanced traction systems make it well-suited for light trail exploration and weekend getaways. One owner praised their CX-50, saying, The Premium Plus model I bought feels like a high-end luxury vehicle. It's comfortable, powerful in sport mode, and packed with advanced electronics. It reminds me of my BMW, but at a fraction of the price. The CX-50's safety features are equally impressive, with advanced technologies designed to protect both drivers and passengers. Standard equipment includes emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, ensuring a secure and stress-free driving experience. Fuel efficiency is also solid, with EPA ratings of 24 miles per gallon city and 30 miles per gallon highway, making it a practical choice for everyday use. Starting at $35,200, the Mazda CX-50 offers an incredible blend of performance, luxury, and affordability. If you're seeking a compact SUV that excels in style, capability, and comfort, the CX-50 is a top choice. Now that we've explored all the options, let's recap and help you decide which one fits your needs best. So, there you have it, a deep dive into some of the best and worst SUVs for 2025. Each of these recommended SUVs brings something unique to the table, whether it's affordability, luxury, or versatility. Now, the choice is yours. Which SUV caught your eye? Let me know in the comments, and if you found this guide helpful, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don't miss more in-depth reviews and comparisons. Thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next video!