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Shopping for an SUV immediately seems like navigating a minefield of badges, trim ranges, and guarantees of journey. You’d suppose spending $40,000 or extra would assure years of trouble-free driving, proper? Nicely, right here’s the factor: a few of the hottest SUVs on American roads have a couple of skeletons of their reliability closets.
We’re not right here to throw shade at anybody’s dream journey, however when you’re about to drop critical money on an SUV, you should know what you’re entering into. Client Studies, J.D. Energy, and real-world proprietor experiences paint an attention-grabbing image—one the place even acquainted nameplates can shock you with sudden journeys to the service bay.
Let’s discuss which SUVs might need you on a first-name foundation along with your mechanic, and why reliability issues greater than ever in immediately’s costly automotive panorama.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee has been an American icon for many years, mixing on-road consolation with real off-road chops. It’s the SUV that made soccer mother and father really feel like journey seekers, and for good cause — it appears nice and drives even higher.
Nevertheless, Client Studies has recognized it because the least dependable midsize SUV for 2025, with downside areas together with steering, suspension, drive system, engine electronics, and varied noises and leaks. Homeowners have reported recurring test engine lights, transmission slipping points, and electrical gremlins that appear to multiply over time. The 2024 mannequin 12 months alone has confronted quite a few remembers, and the plug-in hybrid 4xe variant has had its share of battery and software program troubles.
It’s irritating as a result of when the Grand Cherokee works, it’s genuinely wonderful — however the frequency of points means you’ll need that guarantee protection greater than you suppose.
Jeep Wrangler
Right here’s the place issues get difficult, as a result of Wrangler homeowners are famously loyal — and for good cause. This factor will take you locations different SUVs can solely dream about, and that detachable prime expertise is genuinely magical. However let’s be actual: the Wrangler has by no means been about refinement or reliability.
Client Studies predicts the 2025 Wrangler might be much less dependable than the typical new automobile, and proprietor boards are stuffed with tales {of electrical} points, transmission complaints, and that notorious “demise wobble” that haunts some fashions. The complicated trendy electronics don’t all the time play good with the Wrangler’s rugged {hardware}, resulting in sensor failures and warning lights that appear to have a thoughts of their very own. Wind noise, water leaks, and squeaks are so widespread they’re nearly anticipated.
When you’re shopping for a Wrangler, you’re shopping for it for the approach to life and functionality; simply know that reliability isn’t a part of the package deal deal.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Ah, the German luxurious SUV that ought to be bulletproof however one way or the other isn’t. The GLE represents the whole lot we count on from Mercedes: attractive design, highly effective engines, and an inside that seems like a first-class lounge.
So why is it on this listing? The GLE has struggled with reliability points together with issues with the brakes, electrical equipment, gas system, local weather system, and transmission, with homeowners notably pissed off by the nine-speed computerized’s jerky gear adjustments and frequent infotainment system crashes. For a automobile that may simply push previous $70,000, these points really feel particularly disappointing.
The complexity that makes the GLE really feel so luxurious additionally creates extra potential failure factors. Some homeowners have had constructive experiences, however the knowledge suggests you’re rolling the cube on whether or not you’ll get a trouble-free instance or one which turns into intimately conversant in the service division.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas had a noble mission: give American households a three-row SUV with German engineering at an affordable value. It’s spacious, comfy, and actually fairly good-looking.
However reliability has been a priority, with homeowners reporting transmission and engine points even at comparatively low mileage. The Atlas’s issues typically focus on its powertrain, with some homeowners experiencing tough shifting and hesitation. Electrical glitches within the infotainment system have additionally been widespread complaints. It’s notably irritating as a result of VW positioned the Atlas as their American household hauler, and households want reliability above all else.
The automobile does many issues nicely, however the frequency of reported points means you’ll wish to hold an in depth eye on guarantee protection and think about whether or not an prolonged guarantee is smart on your scenario.
Ford Bronco
The Bronco’s return was probably the most thrilling automotive tales lately, and Ford completely nailed the design and functionality. It’s genuinely enjoyable to drive, appears improbable, and has that detachable prime magic that Wrangler homeowners have loved for years.
Nevertheless, the sixth-generation Bronco has accrued quite a few remembers since its 2021 debut, and early adopters have reported varied teething points that you simply’d hope could be sorted out by now. Some homeowners have skilled issues with the hardtop mechanisms, transmission issues, and varied electrical gremlins. The turbocharged four-cylinder and handbook transmission mixture, whereas enjoyable, has had its share of complaints.
It’s not that the Bronco is a foul automobile — removed from it — however Ford’s rush to market and the complexity of the fashionable platform means early reliability hasn’t been stellar.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe (Plug-in Hybrid)
Sure, one other Wrangler, however hear us out: the 4xe deserves its personal entry as a result of it combines Wrangler reliability issues with the added complexity of plug-in hybrid expertise.
The idea is good: electrical torque for trails, gasoline vary for street journeys, and potential gas financial savings for every day driving. In follow? The high-voltage battery has been topic to remembers attributable to potential inner failures that would result in automobile fires, with homeowners suggested to park outdoors and away from buildings till repairs are accomplished. Past the hearth threat, some 4xe homeowners have reported charging points, hybrid system defects, and all of the common Wrangler issues plus battery-related issues.
The 4xe is an costly Wrangler variant, and reliability points really feel notably painful if you’re already paying a premium for the hybrid expertise.
Volkswagen Taos
VW’s entry into the subcompact SUV area regarded promising on paper: fashionable design, respectable tech, and German engineering at an accessible value level. The fact has been much less inspiring.
Regardless of its interesting value and tech-heavy inside, the VW Taos struggles with reliability, with the 2024 mannequin exhibiting a regarding observe document of transmission and engine points even at low mileage, incomes a poor Client Studies score of simply 18 out of 100. Digital glitches compound the mechanical issues, making a irritating possession expertise for what ought to be a easy, dependable every day driver. It’s disappointing as a result of the Taos has real enchantment in different areas — it simply wants to truly work persistently.
For budget-conscious consumers, the very last thing you want is sudden restore payments consuming into these month-to-month cost financial savings.
Dodge Hornet
Dodge’s latest entry shares DNA with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, which ought to have been a warning signal for reliability-focused consumers. The Hornet packs a strong turbocharged engine and aggressive styling that screams efficiency.
Sadly, early adopters have reported issues starting from engine misfires to malfunctioning tech options, and these early reliability points have contributed to disappointing gross sales figures. The automobile continues to be fairly new, so some teething points are anticipated, however the frequency and number of reported issues counsel deeper issues. Dodge has been working to handle points by means of software program updates and repair campaigns, however shopping for a first-year mannequin from a producer with combined reliability historical past is all the time a bet.
The Hornet has potential, however possibly anticipate them to work out the kinks.
Ford Escape
The Escape has been a mainstay of Ford’s lineup for many years, offering sensible, inexpensive transportation for households throughout America. You’d suppose by now they’d have the components down completely. Nevertheless, the 2024 mannequin has fallen wanting expectations, with homeowners reporting onerous shifts, transmission hesitation, and infotainment system glitches that create an inconsistent driving expertise.
These points are notably irritating in what’s alleged to be Ford’s bread-and-butter compact SUV. The Escape isn’t the worst offender on this listing, nevertheless it represents a disappointment if you count on a mainstream producer to ship strong reliability in a high-volume mannequin. When you’re contemplating an Escape, take a look at drive completely and possibly have a look at licensed pre-owned examples the place the main points have already been recognized and addressed.
Mazda CX-70 and CX-90
Mazda constructed a fame for reliability and driving dynamics that punches above its value level. Their latest massive SUVs, the two-row CX-70 and three-row CX-90, ought to have been slam dunks.
As an alternative, each fashions have accrued a number of remembers throughout simply two mannequin years, with the plug-in hybrid variant notably vulnerable to points. Homeowners have reported issues with the mild-hybrid turbo inline-six and the plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, together with varied different issues which might be disappointing from a model recognized for high quality. These are largely new designs with new powertrains, which explains some rising pains, however the frequency of points has been increased than anticipated.
Mazda sometimes engineers automobiles that final, however these twins may want one other 12 months or two of refinement earlier than they’re really sorted.
Vary Rover Evoque
British luxurious meets compact SUV practicality — what might go improper? Nicely, fairly a bit, really.
The Evoque is undeniably fashionable, with an inside that feels particular and street presence that turns heads. However the Vary Rover Evoque has confronted critical reliability issues which have left drivers pissed off, persevering with Land Rover’s unlucky custom of reliability struggles. Electrical points, transmission issues, and costly repairs are widespread complaints from Evoque homeowners. The compact luxurious SUV phase is brutally aggressive, and rivals from Germany and Japan merely work higher extra persistently. Sure, the Evoque has that particular Vary Rover attraction, however you’ll need a complete guarantee and possibly a very good relationship along with your native dealership’s loaner automobile division.
The possession expertise will be fantastic when the whole lot works — simply put together for these occasions when it doesn’t.
Cadillac Lyriq
Electrical SUVs signify the longer term, and the Lyriq reveals Cadillac can construct a genuinely spectacular EV with type, expertise, and refinement. It’s a surprising automobile in and out, with that massive curved display screen and easy, highly effective electrical motors.
The issue? With a predicted reliability rating of simply 53 out of 100, the Lyriq is among the many least dependable automobiles based on latest surveys, making it a dangerous proposition regardless of its spectacular expertise and luxurious options. The infotainment system, whereas visually dramatic, will be irritating to make use of. As with many first-generation EVs from conventional automakers, there are rising pains as they adapt to new expertise. The Lyriq is refined and fulfilling when it really works correctly, however early reliability knowledge suggests you may spend extra time than you’d like coping with software program glitches and {hardware} points.
Possibly think about leasing fairly than shopping for till Cadillac works by means of the teething troubles.
Conclusion
Right here’s the fact test: no SUV is ideal, and even essentially the most dependable manufacturers often produce problematic fashions. The automobiles on this listing aren’t essentially dangerous — lots of them excel in functionality, consolation, or expertise.
Nevertheless, reliability issues, particularly if you’re making a big monetary dedication. Earlier than you signal on the dotted line, do your homework past the spec sheet and advertising and marketing supplies. Learn proprietor boards, test reliability scores from a number of sources, and perceive what guarantee protection you’re getting. Think about whether or not you’re prepared to cope with potential points in alternate for the particular options or capabilities these SUVs provide.
Generally the center needs what it needs, and that’s okay — simply go in with eyes vast open. The appropriate SUV for you balances your wants, needs, and tolerance for potential upkeep complications, as a result of on the finish of the day, one of the best automobile is the one that really will get you the place that you must go with out drama…
