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The short answer: The 2025 Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon XL, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Nissan Pathfinder, Buick Enclave, Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid, Dodge Durango, and Hyundai Kona Electric all present a credible value warning for the average U.S. buyer. The Chevrolet Equinox is a borderline addition that deserves comparison rather than an automatic rejection.
That does not mean these SUVs are universally unsafe, mechanically defective, or wrong for every owner. In this guide, avoid means avoid paying a premium for a vehicle whose depreciation, fuel or energy costs, insurance, reliability outlook, or capabilities do not match your needs. A Yukon XL may be a rational purchase for someone who regularly tows or needs maximum cargo space; it is a poor value for a commuter who simply wants a five-seat family vehicle.
This is a U.S.-market, 2025-model-year buying guide based on Consumer Reports testing and predictions, CarEdge ownership estimates, manufacturer pricing and specifications, 2025 sales data, and safety reporting. The Consumer Reports figures cited here are identified as a snapshot from October 2025, while CarEdge costs are forecasts rather than personal guarantees.
How we defined worst value
There is no authoritative ranking of the ten worst-value SUVs. Value depends on what a vehicle does, what it costs to buy, and how long the owner keeps it. The most expensive SUV on this list may be a better tool for towing than a cheaper crossover that cannot safely perform the job.
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We evaluated each candidate using these questions:
- What does it cost up front? Price, equipment, destination fees, financing, and expensive option packages all matter.
- How much value does it retain? Depreciation can outweigh modest savings on fuel or maintenance.
- What does it cost to operate? Insurance, fuel, electricity, tires, scheduled maintenance, and likely repairs are part of the ownership equation.
- Does expert testing support the price? Road-test results, comfort, controls, efficiency, and capability help show whether the SUV delivers enough for its cost.
- What is the reliability outlook? Predicted reliability is not a guarantee, especially for a new or redesigned vehicle, but a weak forecast is relevant when a model is expensive or complex.
- Does its special ability justify the compromise? Towing, serious off-roading, three-row space, electric driving, and long cargo capacity can justify a vehicle that would otherwise be financially inefficient.
Popularity also needs a clear definition. The Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Explorer, Tucson, and Equinox were among the recognizable high-volume nameplates in 2025. The Expedition, Yukon XL, Enclave, CX-90 PHEV, and Kona Electric are included because they are widely marketed and heavily considered in their segments, not because each was a top-selling SUV. For context, 2025 U.S. sales data included 210,082 Grand Cherokees, 167,322 Wranglers, and 274,356 Equinoxes.
Important note for shoppers reading this after 2025
A new 2025 SUV purchased during its model year is not the same financial proposition as a used 2025 SUV purchased later. In 2026 and beyond, an advertised 2025 may be leftover new inventory, a dealer demonstrator, or a used vehicle. Check its title status, in-service date, remaining warranty, incentives, financing rate, and actual out-the-door price.
The original article associated with this topic was published on December 25, 2024, but it mixed 2024 vehicles with 2025 shopping advice and included the Mazda CX-9 without establishing it as a 2025-model-year purchase. Its list is a starting point, not a definitive 2025 ranking. This updated scope excludes the CX-9 from the ten because it does not belong in a current-new-2025 comparison. See the original article for the source of that earlier list.
Quick answer: the 10 SUVs that deserve the most scrutiny
| SUV | Main value concern | Evidence to consider | Who may still want it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Expedition | High depreciation, fuel, insurance, and financing exposure | CarEdge estimates $93,240 over five years and 41.29% value retention; Consumer Reports predicted reliability 2/5 | Buyers who genuinely need full-size towing, cargo, or three-row capacity |
| GMC Yukon XL | Very high purchase price and running costs for extreme size | Starts at $70,900 before destination; higher trims exceed $100,000; published estimates put five-year ownership near $92,343 | Large families, serious cargo users, and frequent towers |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Expensive for a midsize SUV with weak predicted reliability and satisfaction | Consumer Reports score 73, predicted reliability 2/5; CarEdge value grade D | Drivers who value its upscale cabin or four-wheel-drive capability |
| Jeep Wrangler 4xe | Plug-in-hybrid premium and poor projected resale can erase fuel savings | CarEdge estimates $72,227 over five years and 41.45% value retention | Owners who can charge regularly and need Wrangler off-road hardware |
| Nissan Pathfinder | Weak resale outlook despite adequate three-row utility | CarEdge value grade D-, $59,825 estimated five-year cost; CR predicted reliability 2/5 | Buyers who obtain a substantial discount and need its specific space or towing setup |
| Buick Enclave | Premium positioning without clearly superior reliability or efficiency | CR score 75; predicted reliability 3/5; early owner reports include electronic and transmission concerns | Buyers prioritizing its quiet ride, space, or available Super Cruise |
| Mazda CX-90 PHEV | Complexity and weak predicted reliability; efficiency advantage depends on charging | CR score 81 but predicted reliability and satisfaction both 1/5 | Short-trip drivers with home charging who specifically want a Mazda PHEV |
| Dodge Durango | Old-school fuel consumption and aging safety/technology trade-offs | CR measured 18 mpg overall and criticized fuel economy; safety comparison gave it the lowest Basic verdict in its group | V8 performance, towing, or traditional SUV buyers |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | Depreciation and insurance can overwhelm low energy and maintenance costs | CarEdge estimates 39.93% five-year value retention and a C- value grade | Home-charging commuters who plan to keep it for many years |
| Chevrolet Equinox | Borderline value: average predicted reliability and potentially weaker resale than leading rivals | 274,356 U.S. sales in 2025; CR score 77 and predicted reliability 3/5 | Price-sensitive buyers who negotiate well and compare the warranty and total cost |
CarEdge ownership forecasts use standardized assumptions and are not quotes for every driver. Consumer Reports results are a 2025 data snapshot, not a permanent verdict.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute1. Ford Expedition: a costly way to buy more SUV than most families need
Why it belongs on the list
The Expedition is a legitimate full-size SUV rather than a defective product. Its problem is financial: many buyers pay for its maximum towing, cargo, and passenger capability without using those abilities often enough to justify the cost.
CarEdge estimates five-year ownership for a 2025 Expedition at $93,240. Its forecast breaks that down into approximately $42,723 of depreciation, $17,119 of insurance, $15,422 of fuel, and $4,746 of maintenance. CarEdge predicts only 41.29% value retention and assigns the model an F value grade.
The numbers are not universal bills. CarEdge assumes a 40-year-old driver with good credit, a 72-month loan at 6.99% APR, 20% down, 15,000 miles per year, and standardized fuel and insurance inputs. Your costs could be materially different, but the estimate illustrates the Expedition’s exposure to depreciation and operating expenses.
Consumer Reports’ October 2025 SUV chart listed the Expedition as still in testing, with predicted reliability of 2 out of 5 and predicted owner satisfaction of 3 out of 5. In addition, Ford faced a 2025 recall involving nearly 274,000 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs over a brake-line defect that could cause a loss of brake function, according to Associated Press reporting. That recall is a reason to perform a VIN-specific check; it is not proof that every 2025 Expedition is defective.
The better buying rule
Do not automatically choose the most heavily optioned Expedition or four-wheel-drive version if you do not need the extra capability. Large wheels, luxury equipment, and expensive drivetrain options can increase the purchase price, tire bill, insurance cost, and depreciation risk.
The Expedition makes sense when you regularly tow, carry a large family and luggage, or need full-size SUV space. For ordinary commuting, compare a minivan, a less expensive three-row crossover, or another full-size SUV with a powertrain and price that better fit your annual mileage. Do not repeat broad claims that every Expedition has a transmission failure or that every repair costs more than $6,200; those are reported problems or repair examples, not a verified failure rate for all 2025 vehicles.
2. GMC Yukon XL: exceptional space that can become an exceptional expense
Why it belongs on the list
The Yukon XL is one of the clearest examples of a vehicle that can be both useful and poor value. GMC lists 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 36.7 inches of third-row legroom. That is meaningful space, especially for a family that carries people and luggage simultaneously.
The financial commitment is equally substantial. GMC’s 2025 configurator listed the 2WD Elevation at $70,900 before destination, or $73,495 including destination in the configuration shown. Higher trims rise above $100,000. Published coverage citing CarEdge placed estimated five-year ownership at approximately $92,343, including depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Because that total is reported through the source article rather than a directly cited Yukon CarEdge page here, treat it as an approximate comparison, not a universal cost.
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If you need long cargo length, adult-usable third-row space, a high towing rating, or the ability to carry a large group comfortably, the Yukon XL’s size is the point. Calling it a bad buy without acknowledging that would be misleading.
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For everyone else, start with the actual requirement. A regular-length Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Sequoia, or minivan may cost less or be easier to live with. The right choice depends on whether your priority is cargo length, towing, fuel economy, passenger comfort, or parking practicality. Do not downsize to a compact crossover if it cannot meet your payload and trailer needs, but do not buy a long-wheelbase full-size SUV merely because it looks spacious on a dealer lot.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee: premium image, ordinary ownership economics
Why it belongs on the list
The Grand Cherokee is unquestionably popular: Jeep sold 210,082 in the United States during 2025. It also has genuine strengths, including a more upscale cabin than many mainstream crossovers, available four-wheel drive, and credible off-road ability in the appropriate configuration.
The concern is what buyers pay for those traits. Consumer Reports gave the 2025 Grand Cherokee an overall score of 73, recorded 20 mpg overall in its testing table, and predicted both reliability and owner satisfaction at 2 out of 5. CarEdge estimates five-year ownership at $59,767, with only 46.45% estimated value retention and a D value grade. Its estimate includes about $27,385 depreciation, $10,973 insurance, $9,885 fuel, $8,481 interest, and $3,042 maintenance.
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The better buying rule
Separate the standard Grand Cherokee from the Grand Cherokee L and Grand Cherokee 4xe. They have different dimensions, seating, powertrains, and pricing. For the standard model, be particularly cautious about paying luxury-SUV money for a heavily equipped trim when a less expensive crossover delivers the space and features you actually need. Four-wheel drive is valuable for a real off-road or severe-weather use case, not as a substitute for evaluating tires, driving conditions, and total cost.
Family buyers should cross-shop the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, and Kia Telluride. In the Consumer Reports 2025 table, each had a higher overall score than the Grand Cherokee. An off-road buyer may reasonably choose the Jeep anyway; a buyer seeking quiet, efficient, low-risk family transportation should demand a discount or keep comparing.
4. Jeep Wrangler 4xe: a plug-in hybrid that is not automatically an economical Wrangler
Why it belongs on the list
The Wrangler nameplate was popular in 2025, with 167,322 U.S. sales. The 4xe is also a technically appealing idea: electric driving for shorter trips combined with Wrangler hardware and gasoline range.
Its value depends on how it is used. CarEdge estimates five-year ownership of the 2025 Wrangler 4xe at $72,227, with 41.45% estimated value retention and a D- value grade. The forecast includes about $33,094 depreciation, $13,261 insurance, $11,946 fuel, $10,249 interest, and $3,676 maintenance.
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Those figures do not prove that the 4xe costs more to operate than every gasoline SUV. A driver who charges at home and uses electric range for most daily trips can reduce gasoline consumption. The issue is that the plug-in-hybrid premium, financing, insurance, complexity, and projected depreciation can offset the savings, especially for an owner who cannot charge regularly or drives mostly long highway distances.
Do not confuse the 4xe with the standard Wrangler
The conventional 2025 Wrangler deserves separate treatment. CarEdge forecasts approximately 70.73% five-year value retention and gives the standard Wrangler an A- value grade. That is dramatically different from the 4xe’s forecast. Therefore, the defensible recommendation is not to avoid every Wrangler; it is to avoid the 4xe unless its electric and off-road capabilities both matter to you.
For serious off-roading, compare the conventional Wrangler. For economical daily transportation, compare a conventional hybrid crossover. For either version, price the exact trim, tires, insurance, charging access, and likely resale before assuming the electrified badge makes it the financial winner.
5. Nissan Pathfinder: useful three-row SUV with an unconvincing resale forecast
Why it belongs on the list
The Pathfinder is an adequate family SUV, but adequacy is not enough when competing vehicles offer stronger ownership projections. CarEdge gives the 2025 Pathfinder a D- value rating, forecasts only 40.42% value retention, and estimates five-year ownership at $59,825. The estimate includes roughly $27,412 depreciation, $10,984 insurance, $9,895 fuel, $8,489 interest, and $3,045 maintenance.
Consumer Reports gave the Pathfinder an overall score of 81 and recorded 21 mpg overall. That is not a disastrous road-test result. However, CR predicted reliability and owner satisfaction at 2/5 and criticized the ride as overly firm. The combination of an acceptable vehicle, weak resale forecast, and middling reliability prediction makes the Pathfinder a vehicle to negotiate carefully rather than an automatic recommendation.
Avoid outdated reliability arguments
Historical complaints about timing chains and other problems on 2013–2016 Pathfinders should not be transferred to every 2025 Pathfinder. Reliability claims need to identify the generation, engine, production period, and applicable recall. A used buyer should investigate the specific VIN and service history rather than relying on a decade-old reputation.
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Compare the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, and a minivan. The best alternative depends on whether you need an adult-friendly third row, low fuel consumption, towing, or the lowest purchase price. If you choose a Pathfinder, a substantial discount and a favorable financing offer can materially change the value equation.
6. Buick Enclave: comfortable and spacious, but early reliability data are not reassuring
Why it belongs on the list
The Enclave’s strengths are substantial. Consumer Reports noted its comfortable ride, roomy second row, generous cargo capacity, and available Super Cruise. It is easy to understand why a buyer might prefer it to a more utilitarian crossover.
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That evidence must be read cautiously. The 2025 Enclave was a relatively new generation, so early owner reports and predictions do not establish a mature, long-term failure rate. Still, a buyer paying premium money should not ignore those signals.
Who should still consider it
The Enclave can make sense for someone who values its ride, quietness, seating, cargo space, or Super Cruise more than maximum resale. Shop the exact equipment and warranty, obtain an insurance quote, and avoid paying a large premium simply because the badge feels more upscale.
Cross-shop the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot. The 2025 Consumer Reports table gave each a higher overall score than the Enclave, although availability and transaction prices can change the final decision.
7. Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid: impressive on paper, difficult to justify without regular charging
Why it belongs on the list
The CX-90 PHEV is not a low-scoring vehicle in every respect. Consumer Reports gave it an overall score of 81. Its value concern comes from the combination of a complex powertrain, early reliability expectations, and an efficiency advantage that depends heavily on charging behavior.
In CR’s 2025 snapshot, predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction were both just 1 out of 5. CR also criticized the stiff ride, unintuitive controls, weak refinement, adaptive-cruise performance, and the fact that fuel economy was no better than the standard six-cylinder version after the battery was depleted.
That last point needs precision: the CX-90 PHEV is not universally inefficient. It can be advantageous for short daily trips when the owner charges at home and uses the available electric range. But after the battery is depleted, a driver covering long distances may not receive the efficiency benefit expected from a plug-in hybrid. Public charging inconvenience can further weaken the ownership case.
Better alternatives depend on the use case
Compare the regular CX-90 if you prefer the Mazda but do not have consistent charging access. Compare the Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid if efficient family transportation is the priority. If you specifically want a plug-in hybrid, compare its electric range, charging speed, warranty, predicted reliability, and transaction price rather than assuming every PHEV saves money.
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Why it belongs on the list
The Durango remains appealing to buyers who want a traditional SUV feel, strong towing ability, supportive seats, quietness, and available V8 performance. Consumer Reports credited it with comfort, nimble handling, and more towing capability than many competitors.
The trade-off is fuel economy and an aging overall package. CR recorded only 18 mpg overall for the 2025 Durango and criticized its fuel economy and rear visibility. Its later comparison of popular vehicles identified the Durango as the popular midsize SUV with the lowest Basic safety-verdict level in that group and recommended the Honda Passport as a safer alternative. That is a safety-specific comparison, not proof that every Durango is mechanically unreliable. The distinction matters: a poor value, safety verdict, reliability forecast, and crash-test result are different things.
When the Durango makes sense
If towing, V8 performance, or traditional SUV capability is central to the purchase, the Durango may justify its fuel bill. If it will mainly transport children to school and commute on paved roads, a newer three-row crossover or hybrid can offer a better balance of fuel economy, technology, and everyday practicality.
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Compare the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Kia Telluride, and other newer crossovers. Be especially careful with high-output engines, large wheels, and fully loaded trims if you do not need them; they can increase fuel, tire, insurance, and depreciation costs.
9. Hyundai Kona Electric: inexpensive energy, potentially expensive depreciation
Why it belongs on the list
The Kona Electric demonstrates why operating cost and ownership value are not the same thing. Hyundai listed the 2025 Kona Electric at a starting MSRP of $32,975. Depending on trim, official estimated range was 200, 230, or 261 miles. Its energy and maintenance costs can be attractive for a home-charging owner.
The financial risk is resale. CarEdge estimates five-year ownership at $44,775, with just 39.93% value retention and a C- value grade. Its forecast assigns approximately $20,516 to depreciation, $8,221 insurance, $7,406 energy, $6,354 interest, and $2,279 maintenance.
In other words, the Kona Electric is not a poor choice because it consumes too much fuel; it does not use gasoline. It is a value warning for buyers who may sell after only a few years, pay high insurance rates, rely on public charging, or buy at a price that does not account for rapid EV-market changes.
Who should buy it
A driver with reliable home charging, a predictable commute within the vehicle’s practical range, and a plan to keep the Kona Electric for many years may find its low energy and maintenance costs worthwhile. A buyer who prioritizes resale or long highway range should compare the gasoline Kona and larger EVs before signing.
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Why it is included cautiously
The Equinox is the weakest inclusion in a worst-value list, which is precisely why it needs a qualification. Chevrolet sold 274,356 Equinoxes in the U.S. in 2025, and sales rose 32% after the fourth-generation redesign. It is plainly popular and can be attractively priced.
Consumer Reports gave the 2025 Equinox an overall score of 77, recorded 25 mpg overall, and predicted reliability and owner satisfaction at 3/5. CR credited it with short stopping distances and many features for the price, while criticizing some unintuitive controls.
The argument against it is comparative rather than catastrophic: an inexpensive sticker price may not translate into the best five-year value if predicted reliability is merely average and resale is weaker than leading compact-SUV rivals. A later CarEdge analysis comparing 2026 models found substantially weaker projected value retention for the Equinox than for the Honda CR-V, but that is not a 2025-model-year result and should not be presented as one. See the CarEdge comparison for that later context.
The better buying rule
Do not avoid the Equinox at any price. Compare its negotiated out-the-door price, financing, warranty, insurance, and resale estimate against the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage. Consumer Reports’ small-SUV comparison specifically presented the Hyundai Tucson as a better choice than the Equinox. If the Equinox is heavily discounted and meets your needs, it can still be a reasonable purchase.
Models that do not belong on a blanket 2025 avoid list
A credible buying guide should identify the vehicles it deliberately leaves out. Popularity alone is not evidence of poor value.
Mazda CX-9
The CX-9 may be relevant to a used-SUV shopper, but it should not be presented as a current 2025 new-car option without a separate used-vehicle scope. A used CX-9 article would need model-year-specific reliability information, recalls, maintenance history, and inspection advice.
Standard Jeep Wrangler
The standard Wrangler has a very different value profile from the Wrangler 4xe. CarEdge forecasts 70.73% five-year value retention and an A- value grade for the conventional 2025 Wrangler. That is why this guide isolates the 4xe rather than condemning the entire Wrangler line.
Toyota RAV4
Consumer Reports criticized the 2025 RAV4’s engine noise, ride, and fit and finish and gave it a 73 overall score. Those criticisms do not establish that it is a poor ownership value. A separate timing issue can matter to shoppers after the 2026 redesign: a buyer should compare leftover 2025 pricing with the newer generation rather than pay nearly-new money for an outgoing model. That is a purchase-timing warning, not a reason to call the 2025 RAV4 one of the ten worst SUVs.
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Honda CR-V
The 2025 CR-V is better used as a control or alternative. Consumer Reports gave the gas CR-V an overall score of 88 and the CR-V Hybrid a 93; Honda also identifies the 2025 CR-V as a Car and Driver 10Best Trucks and SUVs selection. It may not be the cheapest vehicle on every dealer lot, but its combination of space, efficiency, and reputation makes it an important benchmark when evaluating the Equinox, Grand Cherokee, Pathfinder, or other compact and midsize SUVs.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Kia Telluride
Neither should be treated as an automatic winner for every buyer, but both are useful comparisons for three-row shoppers. Their strengths are more closely aligned with family transportation than the Wrangler, Durango, or full-size SUVs, and the Highlander Hybrid can directly address fuel-cost concerns. Verify current pricing and availability rather than assuming an alternative is always cheaper.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which trims and powertrains create the biggest value traps?
The model name is only part of the purchase. The same SUV can be a reasonable deal in one configuration and a poor deal in another.
- Luxury or fully loaded trims: Expensive electronic features and appearance packages may add heavily to the purchase price without adding equivalent resale value.
- Four-wheel drive bought without a real need: It can improve capability, but it may also increase price, weight, fuel use, tire costs, and maintenance exposure.
- Large-wheel packages: Bigger wheels can cost more to replace and may worsen ride quality. Price replacement tires before choosing the package.
- Plug-in hybrids without charging access: A PHEV is difficult to justify if it will rarely be charged. Calculate fuel savings using your actual daily mileage, not the vehicle’s best-case electric operation.
- High-output engines: Performance can be the reason to buy a Durango or another SUV, but it often brings higher fuel, insurance, and tire costs.
- Low-demand configurations: An unusual combination of expensive options, a niche powertrain, or a top trim can narrow the future buyer pool.
When a dealer presents a monthly payment, ask for the cash price, selling price, destination charge, dealer add-ons, taxes, fees, interest rate, term, down payment, and total of payments. A low monthly payment can conceal a long loan and a high total cost.
Does a poor value score mean the SUV is unsafe?
No. Safety, reliability, satisfaction, efficiency, and value are separate measurements.
A safety verdict may combine crash performance and active-safety equipment under a particular organization’s methodology. Consumer Reports’ distinction between a Basic and Best safety verdict is not a reliability score and is not a finding that a vehicle is mechanically defective. Similarly, a 2/5 predicted-reliability rating is a forecast based on available data, not proof that every vehicle will fail.
Use the right source for the right question:
- For crash protection and safety equipment, examine current crash-test and safety-verdict information.
- For reliability, check predicted reliability, owner reports, recalls, service campaigns, and the vehicle’s actual maintenance history.
- For value, calculate purchase price, depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel or energy, maintenance, tires, and repairs.
- For a used vehicle, inspect the exact example rather than relying only on a model-wide score.
Consumer Reports’ popular-SUV safety comparison is useful context for the Durango, but its safety-specific conclusions should not be expanded into a blanket claim that every SUV on this list is unsafe. Read the methodology in Consumer Reports’ comparison.
Buyer-type guide: which alternatives make more sense?
| Your priority | Models to treat cautiously | What to compare instead | Most important test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest five-year cost | Expedition, Yukon XL, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler 4xe | Efficient two-row or three-row crossovers, a minivan, or a properly priced conventional hybrid | Depreciation, insurance, fuel, financing, and tires |
| Three-row family transportation | Enclave, Pathfinder, Durango, Grand Cherokee L | Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Kia Telluride, or a minivan | Third-row adult space, cargo room behind it, fuel economy, and predicted reliability |
| Heavy towing | Expedition, Yukon XL, Durango | Another properly rated full-size SUV or truck | Payload, tow rating, trailer equipment, cooling, hitch hardware, and actual loaded weight |
| Off-road use | Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe | Conventional Wrangler or a purpose-built off-road configuration | Ground clearance, tires, four-wheel-drive hardware, recovery points, and resale |
| Efficient commuting | Durango, Grand Cherokee, Pathfinder, full-size SUVs | Honda CR-V Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, or another efficient crossover | Real annual miles, winter conditions, insurance, and fuel cost |
| Home-charging EV use | Kona Electric if resale is a priority or public charging is unavoidable | Kona Electric at a strong price, or a larger EV if range and highway comfort matter more | Home electricity rate, winter range, insurance, charging access, and expected holding period |
| Highest resale priority | Pathfinder, Kona Electric, Expedition, Wrangler 4xe | Compare exact trim and drivetrain residual forecasts before selecting a mainstream alternative | Projected retained percentage, transaction price, and time you plan to keep it |
New versus used: the buying advice changes
If you are buying a new or leftover 2025 SUV
- Compare the final selling price with current-model-year vehicles. A leftover 2025 should generally have a meaningful price advantage over a newer equivalent, but do not assume the discount is large enough.
- Check whether factory incentives apply to the exact trim and whether the incentive changes the financing rate.
- Obtain an insurance quote before negotiating. A high-performance or luxury trim can change the premium substantially.
- Ask whether the SUV was used as a demonstrator, loaner, or test-drive vehicle.
- Confirm the warranty start date and inspect tires, wheels, paint, and interior electronics.
If you are buying a used 2025 SUV
- Run the VIN through the manufacturer’s recall system and the official federal recall lookup before purchase. Confirm that every completed campaign is documented.
- Check the in-service date, remaining basic and powertrain warranty, and any warranty transfer restrictions.
- Obtain service records and ask about technical-service campaigns, software updates, and repeated repairs.
- Have an independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including the underbody, suspension, brakes, cooling system, leaks, tires, and diagnostic trouble codes.
- For the Kona Electric or either plug-in hybrid, inspect charging equipment, verify that the vehicle accepts a charge, review battery-related warranty coverage, and account for winter range and public-charging costs.
- Compare the used price with the current price of a new or leftover vehicle. A lightly used 2025 is not a bargain if incentives make a new one nearly as cheap.
What to check before signing
- Exact model year: Do not let a 2024 or discontinued model be presented as a 2025.
- Exact powertrain: A Wrangler 4xe, standard Wrangler, CX-90 PHEV, and regular CX-90 should not be evaluated as the same vehicle.
- Exact trim and options: Price the wheels, tires, four-wheel drive, towing package, technology, and luxury equipment individually.
- VIN-specific recalls: Check both open recalls and whether repairs have been completed. A model-level reputation cannot replace a VIN check.
- Out-the-door price: Include destination, dealer accessories, documentation fees, taxes, registration, and financing.
- Insurance: Get a quote for the exact VIN or trim before assuming the premium is affordable.
- Fuel or charging cost: Use your annual miles, local fuel price, home electricity rate, winter conditions, and realistic charging habits.
- Warranty and exclusions: Pay attention to battery coverage, electronics, emissions components, towing-related use, and transfer rules.
- Resale: Compare the projected retained value of the exact drivetrain and trim, not just the model name.
- Inspection: For a used vehicle, pay for an independent inspection even if the SUV is certified or has low mileage.
Why expert scores need context
Consumer Reports’ predicted reliability is most useful as a comparative warning, not a promise. A new generation may have limited history. Early owner reports can reveal patterns, but a small number of reports does not establish the eventual failure rate. Recalls identify a known safety or compliance issue requiring a remedy; they are not the same as a statistical reliability rate.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsCarEdge’s five-year ownership estimates are also best used for comparison. Its standard assumptions include a 40-year-old driver, good credit, a 72-month loan at 6.99% APR, 20% down, and 15,000 miles per year. Change the mileage, loan rate, fuel price, insurance location, or holding period and the result changes. A high forecast is a reason to run your own numbers, not a bill you are guaranteed to receive.
Finally, a high overall road-test score does not guarantee good value. The CX-90 PHEV scored 81 from Consumer Reports while receiving 1/5 predictions for reliability and owner satisfaction. Conversely, a vehicle with a lower road-test score may be the correct purchase if it performs a capability you genuinely need. The decision should combine the score with price, use case, and ownership horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these 10 SUVs unsafe?
No. This is a value-warning list, not an unsafe-vehicle list. Safety ratings, active-safety equipment, reliability predictions, owner satisfaction, fuel economy, and depreciation measure different things. Check current crash-test information and the vehicle-specific VIN recall history before buying.
What is the single worst SUV value on this list?
There is no universal winner because use cases differ. The Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon XL create the greatest financial exposure for ordinary commuters because of their price, depreciation, fuel, insurance, and financing costs. The Wrangler 4xe is particularly difficult to justify without regular charging and a genuine need for Wrangler capability. The Chevrolet Equinox is only a borderline inclusion.
Should I avoid a used 2025 SUV completely?
No. A used 2025 can be a good deal if its depreciation has already been absorbed, the remaining warranty is valuable, recalls are complete, and an independent inspection finds no problems. Compare its price with leftover new inventory, verify the VIN, review service records, and inspect the exact vehicle.
Is the conventional Jeep Wrangler a bad buy because the Wrangler 4xe is on this list?
No. The conventional 2025 Wrangler has a much stronger projected resale profile in the cited CarEdge data: about 70.73% five-year value retention and an A- value grade, compared with 41.45% and a D- for the Wrangler 4xe. The right choice still depends on whether you need off-road capability and can accept its ride, fuel economy, and practicality compromises.
The Bottom Line
The right conclusion is not that these ten SUVs are universally bad. It is that each has a value problem that a buyer should be able to explain before signing: the Expedition and Yukon XL may be too large and costly, the Grand Cherokee and Pathfinder may not justify their ownership projections, the Wrangler 4xe and CX-90 PHEV depend on very specific charging habits, the Enclave and Durango involve reliability or efficiency trade-offs, the Kona Electric carries depreciation risk, and the Equinox deserves a careful comparison rather than an automatic pass.
Choose the SUV only after matching its capability to your real use. Get the out-the-door price, insurance quote, fuel or charging estimate, warranty terms, resale forecast, VIN recall report, and—if it is used—an independent inspection. In many cases, the best way to avoid a poor-value SUV is not to reject an entire model line, but to reject the wrong trim, powertrain, price, or buying situation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
