2025 Reliability Shock: The Popular SUV Consumer Reports Says You Should Avoid

Consumer Reports’ 2025 reliability rankings are out and one popular SUV has shocked buyers by landing near the bottom of the list. Despite strong sales and a trusted brand name, owners report recurring mechanical issues, higher-than-average repair visits, and disappointing long-term durability. If you’re considering this SUV, the data shows you may want to pause before signing the paperwork. Here’s why Consumer Reports calls it one of the least reliable cars of the year.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Man, the Grand Cherokee, right? Starts around $37,000. Pretty much a legend with those off-road creds and that rugged look. Inside? Super comfy, techy enough for most folks. But here’s the kicker, Consumer Reports says it’s one of the least reliable, like real deal trouble with the transmission and electronics. Kinda makes you scratch your head is the adventure worth all the visits to the mechanic? Not gonna lie, I always thought Jeeps were the go-to for reliability, but, uh, times change, huh?

Mazda CX-90 PHEV

Alright, Mazda’s CX-90 PHEV, that slick three-row hybrid starting near $50k, looks real posh inside with leather and all that jazz. Drives pretty smooth too, but man, the reliability? It’s tanking. Powertrain issues, glitchy electrics, and owners swear it’s been a pain. So like, is the eco-friendliness worth the potential breakdowns? I mean, hybrids should be the future, but this one’s kinda dodgy right now.

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape Hybrid, kicking off in the low 30s price-wise, is supposed to be the fuel-efficient city SUV. Cute, right? But then CR drops the bomb: battery pack failures, brake wear, leaks. Ugh. You’d expect hybrids to hold up better but nope. I guess that ST-Line trim looks real sporty though, if you’re all about style over substance, right? Personally, I’d hesitate crashing with this long term.

Jeep Wrangler

Ah, the Wrangler it’s almost like a love-hate thing. Around $38k gets you that classic off-roader with removable roofs and doors. So much fun off-road, kind of the encyclopedia of adventure. But here’s the awkward part: 27 outta 100 reliability score, death wobble issues, those pesky electrical glitches. So is it a thrill ride or a money pit? I’m torn, man. Fun for weekends, questionable for daily grind.

Volkswagen Taos

VW’s Taos is the small city SUV with big personality, starting about $25k. Looks modern, roomy for its class, techy enough with screens and adaptive cruise control. But brakes seizing and infotainment crashes? Oof, not cute. VW’s always been a bit, you know, quirky with reliability, and this continues that tradition. If you love German charm with a side of frustration, maybe it’s for you.

Chevrolet Blazer

The Blazer, sportier-looking, around $35,000, tries hard with big displays and optional Super Cruise. Looks like it should be a slam dunk, right? But nope, 32 out of 100 on reliability, powertrain complaints. Kind of feels like a Camaro that’s confused about being an SUV. I’m imagining it’s fun for a quick spin, but long-term? You’d probably be shaking your head.

GMC Yukon

The Yukon is this massive, luxurious SUV with a hefty price tag topping $60k for Denali trims. Tow anything, ride like a cloud, V8 rumble, the works. But 31 reliability points? Transmission is slipping? Aw man, feels like such a waste to drop stacks on repairs. I mean, if you’re all about size and flash, it hits the mark, but durability? Definitely a question mark.

Chevrolet Tahoe

Tahoe’s the Yukon’s twin sibling, starting at about $58k. Big, roomy, tech-loaded with Google stuff onboard. Supposed to be the family hauler, but man, those powertrain headaches sound brutal. CR’s not messing around here. If you’re after reliability, better dodge this one or maybe just pray it holds up better than the Yukon.

Dodge Wagoneer

And then there’s the Wagoneer, full-size with those comfy seats and giant screens, $65k-ish price point. Looks like luxury on wheels, but uh, reliability vibe? Not so much. Electronics bugs, build quality that’s inconsistent. It feels like you’re driving a yacht sometimes but a yacht that needs a mechanic on speed dial. Could be the looker of the group, but maybe not the long haul buddy.