10 SUVs That Owners Regret Buying the Most

Not every SUV lives up to the hype. From poor reliability and high maintenance costs to disappointing performance, these 12 SUVs have left their owners frustrated. Based on real owner feedback, here’s a look at the most regretted SUVs that people say they’d never buy again.

Jeep Cherokee

Man, I used to love how the Jeep Cherokee looked. That rugged vibe? Totally sold me for like two minutes. But then you hear from owners and it’s like, oof. The transmission’s kinda jerky, the infotainment freezes sometimes, and repairs can add up real fast. You think you’re paying around, what, $36,000 for adventure? Nope, you’re paying for shop visits and check-engine lights. And not in a fun “off-road badge of honor” way either.

Ford Explorer

You know that feeling when something should be good but just… isn’t? That’s the Ford Explorer. It’s big and comfy and looks cool in pictures. But then you realize it guzzles gas like an early-2000s pickup, and some older models had electrical gremlins that just wouldn’t quit. I mean, at $40,000 plus, that’s not the kind of “exploration” anyone signed up for. Especially when your check engine light’s your only dashboard companion.

Chevy Traverse

Honestly, the Traverse is one of those SUVs that feels like it’s trying so hard to please everyone that it ends up pleasing no one. It’s roomy, sure, and good for families, but then you drive it and it just… feels heavy? Like it’s moving through syrup. Plus, the interior doesn’t really match the price tag, around $38,000 new. I kept waiting for that one wow factor, but nope. Just kind of exists.

Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder’s name sounds adventurous, right? Like, “Find your path,” all that stuff. Except the only path some owners find is back to the dealership. The CVT transmission’s been a sore spot for years, and it’s super weird because Nissan knows how to make solid engines. I drove one once, nice seats, soft ride, but it also felt like it didn’t know what it wanted to be. Off-roader? Family hauler? Just pick one, man. Prices hover around $37,000, which makes the indecision even more annoying.

Volkswagen Atlas

Oh boy, the Atlas. This one tricks you, I swear. It’s gorgeous inside, feels classy, big enough for seven people to start a small band… and yet, the reliability? Questionable at best. Stuff breaks early, and sometimes the fixes aren’t cheap. Around $39,000 new, and I’ve heard people complain about annoying electrical problems. You think you’re buying German precision, but what you get feels more like, German “maybe-it’ll-work.”

Toyota C-HR

Not gonna lie, this one surprised me. Toyota usually nails it. But the C-HR? It’s like a cool pair of shoes that hurts to wear. Looks edgy, drives fine around the city, but that engine is tired. No AWD option either, which is weird for something that wants to be an SUV. Around $25,000 though, so yeah, budget friendly, but also not super practical if you want space or any kind of zippy drive. It’s more of a “yeah, it’s cute” car.

GMC Acadia

I feel like the Acadia suffers from a bit of identity crisis too. It’s not bad, but it’s not good either. The ride’s kinda floaty, the cabin’s decent, but there’s always something, like tiny tech malfunctions or transmission hiccups. And when you’re spending like $41,000, “tiny” issues start feeling pretty big. I don’t hate it, but I don’t get why people keep buying it, you know?

Honda Passport

I know, I know, Honda’s usually the reliable one. That’s what makes the Passport’s reputation kinda sad. It’s a good size, comfy, and quiet, but some owners complain about transmission shudders and annoying infotainment freezes. And fuel economy? Eh, not great for something priced at about $42,000. It’s like Honda phoned it in a bit. It’s fine, but not $40k fine.

Infiniti QX60

Luxury SUV vibes, sure, but luxury stress too. The QX60 looks sharp and the seats are plush, but underneath it’s a Nissan Pathfinder in a fancier jacket. Same issues, just more money, like $50,000 worth. Some folks hate how floaty the steering feels, and the infotainment feels a bit stuck in 2015. It’s like the kind of car that impresses passengers but annoys the owner after two months.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Oh man, Land Rover fans might come for me, but hear me out. The Discovery Sport is one of those cars that feels amazing on day one, soft leather, smooth ride, British charm, but the reliability is just brutal. I mean, when your warranty expires, hold onto your wallet. Maintenance on a $48,000 SUV shouldn’t feel like paying rent. Gorgeous looks though… but that’s the trap, right?