Avoid These 11 SUVs If You’re Retired, Say Auto Specialists

If you’re retired and shopping for an SUV, not all models are worth your time or your money. Auto specialists warn that some SUVs can be uncomfortable, unreliable, or simply impractical for senior drivers. Here are 11 models experts suggest you skip.

Range Rover

Alright, starting with the Range Rover, and honestly, I know it looks amazing, all luxurious and British and classy, but man, the reliability is just not there. Like, Consumer Reports constantly ranks it near the bottom, and I mean, you’re retired, do you really want to be at the dealership every other month? The tech is complicated, lots of buttons and screens that are kinda confusing if you’re not super tech-savvy, and repairs? Uhm, they’re insanely expensive because everything’s proprietary. Price starts around $100,000 or more depending on trim, and that’s before the maintenance costs pile up. Not gonna lie, my neighbor had one and spent more time getting it fixed than driving it, so yeah, maybe skip this one for something more dependable.

BMW X7

The BMW X7 is huge and fancy, sure, but here’s the thing, it’s got all these driver assistance features that beep at you constantly, like, lane keep assist going crazy if you drift an inch. For retirees who just want a smooth, simple drive? That’s annoying, you know? Plus, maintenance costs are brutal because BMWs require specialized service, and the iDrive system is honestly pretty complex, touchscreens within touchscreens. Starting price is like $80,000, but the real pain comes later with those service bills piling up. I mean, it rides nice, but uh, side thought: is it worth the stress of figuring out all those menus just to change the radio? Probably not for most folks in retirement.

Maserati Levante

Oh man, Maserati Levante, this one’s tricky because it’s beautiful, Italian styling, that trident badge, feels special. But reliability? Terrible, like, really bad according to most auto experts. Things break often, parts are hard to find, and dealerships aren’t everywhere, so if you’re in a smaller town, good luck. Price is around $85,000 base, but honestly, the depreciation is awful too, it loses value fast. Random observation: I saw one at a mechanic once with the check engine light on, and the owner looked miserable. For retirees on a fixed income, this is a money pit waiting to happen, not gonna lie, skip it for something Japanese maybe?

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Alfa Romeo Stelvio, gorgeous to look at, drives sporty, but uh, reliability is questionable at best. It’s got that Italian passion thing, but also Italian electrical gremlins, you feel me? The infotainment system crashes sometimes, and parts can be expensive because Alfa isn’t super common in the U.S. Starts around $45,000, which seems okay, but then you’re dealing with random issues and warranty claims. I mean, for retirees who want peace of mind, not stress about whether the car will start, this isn’t it. Side joke: it’s like dating someone exciting but unreliable, fun at first, exhausting later.

Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery, another British SUV with a reputation for breaking down. It’s got great off-road capability, but honestly, how many retirees are rock crawling? The air suspension fails a lot, like, that’s a known issue, and replacing it costs thousands. Tech is complicated with terrain modes and settings most people never use, and the price? Around $60,000 starting, but those repair bills add up fast. Not gonna lie, I’d be nervous owning this out of warranty, and for seniors on a budget, it’s just not practical. Random thought: why do British cars look so good but break so often? Anyway, maybe look at a Honda Pilot instead.

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler, okay, hear me out, it’s iconic and fun, but for retirees? Kinda rough. The ride is super stiff and bouncy because it’s built for trails, not smooth highways, and getting in and out is hard with that high step-up, not great if you’ve got joint issues, you know? Wind noise is loud on the highway, and fuel economy sucks, like 20 mpg if you’re lucky. Price starts around $35,000, which isn’t terrible, but uh, comfort-wise it’s just not ideal for daily errands or long drives. I mean, if you’re retired and want adventure, cool, but for most folks? There are easier SUVs to live with, honestly.

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS is massive and loaded with every luxury feature, but that’s kinda the problem, too much complexity. The MBUX system has voice commands and gesture controls that are neat in theory but confusing in practice, and all those driver aids? They intervene constantly, which some retirees find annoying rather than helpful. Starting price is like $80,000, and maintenance at Mercedes dealers isn’t cheap either. Not gonna lie, it’s comfortable, but uh, side thought: do you really need 12-way adjustable seats with massage when a simpler car does the job? For the money and hassle, maybe not worth it.

Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac Escalade, the boat on wheels, and I mean that kinda literally, it’s huge. Parking this thing is a nightmare, especially in tight spots or crowded grocery store lots, and the fuel economy is terrible, like 15 mpg city if you’re gentle. Price is around $80,000 base, and while it’s plush inside, it’s just too much vehicle for most retirees, you know? Visibility can be tricky because of blind spots, and honestly, maneuvering in city traffic is stressful. Random observation: I see these mostly with younger families, not seniors, because it’s just impractical. If you want Cadillac, maybe the XT5 is more manageable?

Tesla Model X

Tesla Model X, all electric and futuristic, but here’s the thing, the tech learning curve is steep. Everything’s on a touchscreen, even basic stuff like opening the glove box, and those falcon-wing doors? They look cool but can be finicky in tight parking spots, sometimes not opening fully. Price starts around $100,000, and while running costs are lower, repairs are expensive and you have to go to Tesla service centers, which aren’t everywhere. Not gonna lie, if you’re not comfortable with apps and software updates, this might frustrate you. I mean, it’s fast and efficient, but uh, maybe too much tech for folks who just want simple transportation.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne, sporty and fun, but maintenance is Porsche-priced, meaning expensive. Oil changes and routine service cost way more than regular SUVs, and the ride can be firm depending on the trim, not super comfortable for long drives. Starting price is around $75,000, and honestly, for retirees, that money goes further with something less flashy. The tech isn’t super intuitive either, Porsche’s infotainment system is okay but not as user-friendly as Toyota or Honda. Side thought: it’s a great car if you’re into driving dynamics, but most retirees prioritize comfort and reliability, so yeah, probably not the best fit.

Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln Navigator, another giant SUV, even bigger than the Escalade somehow, and just as hard to park. Fuel economy is awful, around 16 mpg combined, and with gas prices fluctuating, that adds up fast on a fixed income. Price starts around $80,000, and while Lincoln’s luxury is nice, the size makes it tiring to drive daily, you know? It’s got lots of features, but honestly, for retirees who want something easy and stress-free, this is overkill. Random thought: unless you’re hauling eight people regularly, which most retirees aren’t, something smaller makes way more sense. Maybe look at a Lexus RX instead, more manageable size.