Hero Image

5 SUVs to Stay Away From in 2025 (and Better Picks)

2025 is a great year to buy an SUV—but a few models still miss the mark.

To help you spend wisely, we’ve rounded up five SUVs to stay away from in 2025, why they fall short, and the better alternatives that deliver more value, comfort, and peace of mind.

1) Jeep Wrangler (Sport/Unlimited): Iconic, but impractical for many

The Jeep Wrangler remains a legend off-road, yet its daily-driving compromises are hard to ignore. Body-on-frame construction and chunky off-road tires translate to more wind noise and a choppier ride than most crossovers, especially on long highway trips.

Tech and safety trade-offs are another sticking point. While newer Wranglers added more airbags and available driver aids, many advanced features cost extra on lower trims, and the cabin still prioritizes ruggedness over quiet, family-friendly comfort. Fuel economy also trails most compact SUVs. That makes it a questionable pick for everyday commuters.

None of this diminishes the Wrangler’s trail cred, but if you spend 90% of your time on pavement, you’ll likely find better balance elsewhere.

  • Key drawbacks: Busy ride and wind noise, middling fuel economy, driver-assistance features often optional, limited cargo flexibility with certain roof/door configurations.
  • Consider instead: Ford Bronco (similar fun with better on-road manners in many trims), Toyota 4Runner (new-gen durability and utility), or the Subaru Forester (excellent daily comfort with light off-road capability).

2) Dodge Durango: Powerful, but past its prime

The Dodge Durango offers strong towing and V6/V8 muscle, but its age shows. This three-row SUV still rides on an older platform, and while the cabin tech has been updated over time, the overall refinement and efficiency lag behind newer competitors.

Thirsty powertrains and a tighter third row can make the Durango less family-friendly on daily errands. For shoppers prioritizing value and comfort over raw power, there are better-balanced options in the segment.

  • Key drawbacks: Below-average fuel economy, dated platform dynamics, tighter third-row space than class leaders.
  • Consider instead: Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, or Toyota Grand Highlander for modern safety tech, roomier third rows, and better overall efficiency.

3) Land Rover Discovery: Luxe feel, high running costs

The Land Rover Discovery delivers premium comfort, elegant design, and genuine off-road capability. However, long-term ownership can be costly. Insurance, maintenance, and out-of-warranty repair expenses are typically higher than mainstream rivals, and reliability has been inconsistent across model years.

For buyers who plan to keep their SUV beyond the warranty window—or who live far from a Land Rover dealer—the Discovery’s long-term cost profile may be a headache. If you want that high-riding luxury experience without the drama, consider more dependable alternatives.

  • Key drawbacks: Above-average maintenance and repair costs, mixed reliability history, premium fuel and parts pricing.
  • Consider instead: Lexus GX (rugged luxury with a reputation for durability), Acura MDX (sporty, tech-forward, and generally lower running costs), or the Toyota Land Cruiser (heritage toughness and strong resale).

4) Infiniti QX50: Clever engine, underwhelming execution

The Infiniti QX50 centers on a variable-compression turbo engine that’s innovative on paper. In practice, the pairing with a CVT can feel inconsistent and less responsive than competing 8-speed automatics. The cabin is comfortable, but some rivals offer a more cohesive infotainment experience and sharper driving dynamics.

Given the strength of the compact luxury field, the QX50 doesn’t stand out on efficiency, performance, or tech integration. Good lease deals can be tempting—but if you’re buying, your money may go further elsewhere.

  • Key drawbacks: Powertrain response not as polished as rivals, infotainment usability lags, value proposition weak against top competitors.
  • Consider instead: Acura RDX (engaging handling and strong standard features), Lexus NX (available hybrid and reputation for reliability), or the BMW X3 (benchmark dynamics and broad powertrain range).

5) Nissan Armada: Big personality, bigger trade-offs

If you need to tow and crave V8 smoothness, the Nissan Armada checks boxes. But as a daily family hauler, its size and thirst work against it. Parking is a chore, and fuel economy ranks near the bottom of the full-size class, which means higher running costs over time.

The Armada’s interior is comfortable and well-finished, yet its technology and packaging feel a step behind fresher rivals. If your priorities are family flexibility, efficiency, and road-trip range, look elsewhere. For a quick benchmark on class efficiency, browse the EPA’s SUV ratings.

  • Key drawbacks: Poor fuel economy for the class, massive footprint, dated tech compared with newer competitors.
  • Consider instead: Toyota Sequoia (hybrid power for better efficiency), Ford Expedition (strong towing with modern driver aids), or the Chevrolet Tahoe (wide trim lineup and improved tech).

Smart alternatives by category

Compact daily drivers

  • Honda CR‑V – Roomy cabin, excellent hybrid option, great resale.
  • Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Efficient and widely available driver assists.
  • Subaru Forester – Outstanding visibility and all-weather confidence.

Two-row midsize

  • Hyundai Santa Fe – Bold redesign, family-friendly features, value-packed trims.
  • Toyota Venza – Standard hybrid powertrain for smooth, quiet commuting.

Three-row family haulers

  • Kia Telluride / Hyundai Palisade – Consistent quality, comfort-first tuning, robust warranty.
  • Toyota Grand Highlander – Impressive space and available hybrid efficiency.

Luxury crossovers

  • Lexus RX/NX – Reliability, hybrid choices, polished cabins.
  • Acura MDX/RDX – Value-rich equipment and engaging dynamics.

How we chose these SUVs

To build this list of SUVs to avoid in 2025, we looked at long-term ownership costs, on-road comfort, interior packaging, technology maturity, and how each model stacks up to direct rivals. We also checked publicly available resources like IIHS safety ratings and the EPA fuel economy database for context, then prioritized models where drawbacks consistently outweigh strengths for mainstream shoppers.

Quick, practical buying checklist

  • Map your must-haves: Seating, cargo, AWD, towing, and budget—rank them before you shop.
  • Drive back-to-back: Test two alternatives the same day so differences in ride, noise, and tech usability are obvious.
  • Vet the numbers: Compare EPA ratings and warranty coverage; search for recalls via NHTSA.
  • Total cost of ownership: Ask dealers for maintenance schedules and parts pricing; get insurance quotes by VIN.
  • Check the forums: Owner communities can surface real-world quirks you won’t see on a spec sheet.

The bottom line

Every SUV involves trade-offs, but the five models above have drawbacks—comfort, tech maturity, reliability, or running costs—that are hard to justify in 2025. Skip them, shortlist the alternatives linked here, and you’ll land a smarter, lower-stress purchase that fits your life now and years down the road.