7 SUVs to Steer Clear of in 2025

The SUV market is booming with these versatile, spacious vehicles continuing to dominate American roads. But not all SUVs are created equal, and some models fall well short of expectations. As automakers gear up for 2025, certain SUVs have already drawn criticism for their poor reliability, costly maintenance, and underwhelming performance. Now, based on insights from Consumer Reports, Kelley Blue Book, and Expert Analysis, here are 7 SUVs you may want to avoid in 2025. The refreshed 2025 Taos from Volkswagen comes with a more powerful 174-horsepower engine and upgraded interior features, including a standard 8-inch touchscreen. However, even these updates may not be enough to save the Taos from its abysmal reliability record. Ranked as one of the least reliable vehicles of 2024 by Consumer Reports, second only to the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, the Taos has struggled to win over drivers. While Volkswagen is charging $1,000 more for the 2025 model, many consumers are questioning whether the upgrades justify the price hike. So why avoid this, according to Consumer Reports? Poor reliability rankings. Expensive for its class with unimpressive updates. Limited appeal in a crowded, compact SUV market. Next, the Ford Explorer has long been a staple of the midsize SUV segment, but a 2025 model comes with some red flags. While RepairPal.com gives the Explorer average marks for maintenance, cost, and repair severity, it ranked only 19th out of 26 midsize SUVs. Even more concerning, CarsDirect.com labeled the Explorer the worst SUV to lease, citing poor incentives and a lack of value. So why avoid it? Subpar reliability and performance rankings. Unappealing lease deals. And mediocre ranking in its segment. Again, according to CarsDirect.com. Once a symbol of rugged reliability, Jeep's reputation has plummeted in recent years. In Consumer Reports reliability rankings, Jeep placed dead last among mainstream automakers. The 2025 Grand Cherokee and its three-row sibling, the Grand Cherokee L, further highlight the brand's decline. Fuel economy is abysmal, with the Grand Cherokee and L managing just 20 and 19 miles per gallon, respectively. Both SUVs made Consumer Reports' 10 Least Reliable Vehicles list, cementing their reputation as models to avoid. The Land Rover Discovery is a capable off-roader with a luxurious interior, but those strings are overshadowed by its sky-high maintenance costs and lackluster performance on city streets. According to Chris Pyle, a virtual mechanic with JustAnswer.com, parts and labor are expensive, even for routine maintenance. So why avoid it? Excessive maintenance costs, poor on-road performance, and the high risk of costly repairs, according to JustAnswer.com. The 2025 Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid has garnered glowing reviews from industry heavyweights like MotorTrend and Car & Driver, but its reliability record tells a different story. The 2024 model received a dismal 21 out of 100 from Consumer Reports, with frequent complaints about battery charging issues, electrical accessories, and climate systems. While the 2025 model may address some concerns, buyers are understandably cautious about paying luxury prices for a vehicle with such a checkered past. The Jeep Wrangler's reputation for adventure is tarnished by its low reliability scores, like it or not. According to Consumer Reports, no Jeep model earned a reliability score above 45 out of 100, and the Wrangler, no exception. Common issues include steering and suspension failures, electrical malfunctions, and engine troubles. Yes, chronic reliability issues across multiple systems are reasons to avoid, high cost of ownership, and mediocre safety and satisfaction ratings, according to Consumer Reports. Then you have the 2025 Hyundai Tucson. It boasts an above-average RepairPal.com reliability ranking, but not everyone is convinced. Mike Winter, an automotive repair expert, has called the Tucson a ticking time bomb, due to its history of engine and transmission failures. While newer models have avoided some past pitfalls, the Tucson remains a risky choice for buyers wary of long-term reliability. Yes, history of catastrophic engine and transmission failures, mixed reliability ratings across platforms, and higher-than-average repair costs are reasons to avoid the Hyundai Tucson. Clearly, not all SUVs are worth their price tags. These seven models serve as reminders to research thoroughly before making a purchase. Check Consumer Reports, Reliability Reports, Experts Analysis, even videos here on YouTube to ensure that you're getting the vehicle that meets your needs without the headache. You can find the best deal on a reliable SUV right now. Simply visit quotes.everymandriver.com to compare real-time dealer pricing for both new and used vehicles. Thousands of people just like yourself use this free search engine every day. They save hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Enter your zip code and start uncovering the best deals near you. Don't settle for less when you can drive with confidence. Visit quotes.everymandriver.com. There's also a direct link below this video. SUVs dominate the roads for their practicality, but affordability isn't usually their strong suit. However, savvy buyers like you might have reason to celebrate in early 2025. Some SUVs are predicted to experience significant price drops thanks to a combination of market pressures and manufacturer incentives. If you're planning to upgrade your ride, now is the time to start paying attention. Here's a closer look at four SUVs experts predict will see their prices slashed in early 2025, along with reasons why these models could become more affordable. The Mustang Mach-E, Ford's electric SUV, hasn't hit sales targets. Coupled with the waning popularity of EVs due to policy changes, Ford is likely to cut prices even further to clear out inventory. Earlier in 2024, Ford already implemented price reductions for this model and analysts expect this trend to continue. Lauren Fixt, founder of Car Coach Reports, notes that the potential rollback of EV mandates will also play a role. Quote, Ford wants to make this model more affordable to offload unsold units. What's that mean for you? If you're considering entering the EV market, this could be a golden opportunity. Lower prices combined with existing manufacturer incentives make the Mach-E a strong contender for buyers looking to save big. Volvo's flagship luxury SUV has already experienced a notable price drop, according to Fixt. With a crowded three-row SUV segment, the XC90 faces stiff competition from both luxury and non-luxury rivals, prompting further price cuts to remain competitive. Quote, The XC90 is a reliable and safe option, but heavy competition forces Volvo to be more aggressive with pricing, according to Fixt again. Luxury shoppers could get a great deal on a European SUV known for its safety and refinement, but at a price that undercuts its competitors. That is, the Volvo XC90 baseline price around $58. The plug-in hybrid version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee hasn't sold as well as anticipated, leading to discounts. Fixt again points out that the potential elimination of the $7,500 EV tax credit under new policies could further pressure manufacturers to lower sticker prices. Quote, This vehicle is a smart lease purchase for those who need a plug-in SUV. However, a lack of sales and shifting incentives will bring prices down, she says. For environmentally conscious buyers or those looking for tax advantages, weighting could pay off as prices continue to soften. This again is on the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. Already one of the most affordable SUVs in the market, the Ford Escape faces immense competition in the crowded compact SUV market. Fixt predicts that Ford will offer steep incentives to capture attention and boost sales. She says with so many options available, automakers need to offer incentives to entice buyers, and the Escape is no exception. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly compact SUV, the Escape could offer one of the best deals in its class by early 2025. So why is the SUV market cooling off? According to Brian Moody, executive editor over at Autotrader, the compact SUV segment is particularly overcrowded. With 25 models vying for sales, this situation has led to average incentives of 9.4% for small SUVs, well above the industry average of 7.2%. Buyers are already scoring deals below the industry average price of $36,700 for compact SUVs, Moody explains. Early 2025 could bring even better discounts. If you're looking to snag one of these SUVs at a discount, timing and research are key. Manufacturers often increase incentives early in the year to clear out previous inventory, meaning January and February are prime months for savings. If you're ready to make a move, visit quotes.everymandriver.com to access real-time dealer pricing for both new and used cars. Thousands of savvy shoppers just like you are using this free tool daily to save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on their vehicles. Don't miss out on the year's best deals. Enter your zip code now and find unbeatable offers near you by visiting quotes.everymandriver.com on your laptop or desktop or cellular device. 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