SUVs You’d Expect to Last But Surprisingly Don’t

Not all SUVs are as dependable as they seem. Some models, despite their tough looks and high price tags, have recurring reliability issues, expensive repairs, or disappointing long-term performance. Here’s a list of SUVs that may surprise you with their unreliability.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Alright, the Grand Cherokee iconic off-roader, looks tough as nails with that rugged vibe and premium interior, you know? It’s got decent towing, comfy seats, and that whole Jeep heritage thing going for it, which is cool if you’re into trails or just wanna feel adventurous on grocery runs. But uh, reliability? Consumer Reports slapped it with like the worst score out there, super low like 15 or whatever out of 100, ’cause of constant electrical gremlins, transmission slips, and engine woes that leave owners stranded. Starts around $40,000 but can climb to 60k easy with options, and for that? Nah, it’s surprisingly unreliable, like you’d think Jeep would nail their flagship but nope, high repair bills galore. Kinda makes me wanna stick to hybrids instead, or… wait, no, just avoid it unless you’re all-in on the style.

Rivian R1S

Man, the Rivian R1S is this electric beast, three rows of adventure-ready space, insane torque for off-roading, and that whole futuristic truck-SUV mashup that’s honestly drool-worthy. Features like air suspension, massive range on paper, and killer tech screens it’s like the Tesla killer for families who camp. But surprise, it’s got the lowest brand reliability from Consumer Reports, like 14% predicted or something ridiculous, with battery issues, software freezes, and build quality fails popping up way too often. Kicks off at about $76,000 and goes past $100k for loaded ones, which hurts even more when it’s in the shop half the time. I mean, it’s good for wow factor, but not gonna lie, too risky for daily life you know, better for influencers than real parents?

Mazda CX-90 PHEV

Okay so the CX-90 plug-in hybrid, Mazda’s fancy three-rower with that sleek Japanese design, zippy inline-six power, and kinda luxurious feel inside surprisingly upscale for Mazda, right? It’s got solid handling, decent efficiency if you plug in, and room for everyone without feeling cheap. But here’s the kicker, Consumer Reports gave it a dismal 15/100 reliability, thanks to PHEV system glitches, transmission hesitations, and electrical nonsense that nobody expected from reliable ol’ Mazda. Around $50,000 to start, up to 60k or more, so you’re paying premium for what should be a safe bet but ends up… meh, frustrating. Like, I was hyped at first, but now I’m thinking skip it for a regular hybrid or something stabler.

Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas, VW’s big family hauler, seven seats, quiet ride, and all that German engineering promising space without the fuss looks like a winner for road trips, yeah? Punchy engines, Apple CarPlay standard, and it’s got that upscale-ish cabin for the price. But damn, reliability tanks it Consumer Reports says low scores from powertrain failures, infotainment crashes, and body hardware breaking early. Starts at like $38,000, tops out near 55k loaded, which seems fair until you’re fixing stuff constantly. Surprisingly unreliable for a mainstream SUV, you know? Makes me wonder if they rushed it or what maybe Taos vibes carried over.

Chevrolet Blazer

So the Blazer, Chevy’s midsize crossover revival with sporty looks, bold grille, and a cabin that’s actually pretty nice with big screens and comfy seats kinda fun to drive too, zippy V6 option. Good for city folks wanting some flair without full truck vibes. But uh, Consumer Reports hit it with 32/100, calling out electrical glitches, suspension rattles, and transmission woes that surprise since Chevy usually does okay. Around $35,000 base, up to 50k or so, not bad pricing but those repairs add up quick. Honestly, it’s got style but feels like a gamble better comparisons like the Edge or something? Wait, no, those have issues too.

GMC Yukon

Big boy Yukon, full-size luxury-ish SUV with massive space, towing beast mode up to 8k pounds, and that Denali trim screaming rich uncle vibes plush leather, huge screens, you name it. Perfect for hauling boats or big families in comfort. But reliability? Oof, 31/100 from Consumer Reports, with V8 engine failures, tranny slips, and infotainment blackouts plaguing it. Starts at 60k, easily 80k+ for fancy ones, so wallet-busting when it breaks. Surprisingly unreliable for a GM flagship, like you’d expect truck toughness but nope makes me side-eye full-sizers altogether sometimes.

Chevrolet Tahoe

Tahoe’s basically the Yukon’s twin, same giant frame, V8 grunt, and family-hauling prowess with top safety tech and smooth ride iconic American SUV, right? Great for long hauls, third row actually usable. But same deal, 31/100 reliability score, transmission and engine bearing issues mirroring the Yukon, plus glitchy screens. Pricing mirrors too, 58k base to 80k loaded, which is steep for constant shop visits. Kinda funny how siblings flop together—good on paper, bad in reality, you know?

Dodge Hornet

Little Hornet, compact crossover with Italian flair from Alfa roots, peppy turbo power, and fun handling that punches above its weight cute styling, quick acceleration too. Affordable zip for urbanites. Consumer Reports though? 30/100, slamming brakes, electronics, and build quality fails that shock for a small fry. Around $30,000 to 40k, seems like a steal until repairs hit. Surprisingly unreliable, like why can’t Dodge nail the basics? Tiny joke more sting than substance.

Ford Escape Hybrid

Escape Hybrid, sensible compact with great mpg like 40ish combined, spacious for its size, and easy to park family-friendly with modern tech, solid choice on paper. Quiet ride, regenerative brakes, all that green cred. But bam, low reliability from Consumer Reports, hybrid system hiccups, transmission jerks, and electrical faults nobody saw coming from Ford’s bestseller. Starts at 33k, up to 40k, value pricing ruined by downtime. I mean, hybrids should be reliable, right? This one’s a curveball makes you rethink “efficient” equals “bulletproof.”