“Two Used Luxury SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead,” Advises Consumer Reports

According to a recent Consumer Reports analysis of used luxury cars based on reliability data and input from consumers who have owned these vehicles in the past, seeing is not always believing.

Sure, those used luxury cars from online ads look almost new and appear to have been well-taken care by whatever auto enthusiast owned them; however, there's something previous owners know about their cars that you might not—after 5 years of use and the engine and powertrain warranty have ended, many popular luxury SUVs begin to burden owners with multiple high-cost repair bills due to reliability problems that surface as the car ages.

Related article: Used Luxury Cars Shoppers Don't Look For…But Should!

"…be careful not to buy the wrong model, or else you're likely to experience the opposite of luxury: an uncomfortable ride, maddening controls, a cramped interior, and expensive out-of-warranty repairs," warns CR analysts.

However, this does not mean that you "…need to give up on your desire to own a luxury SUV; you just need to pick the one that won't leave you fuming," states CR analysts.

In short, it's a matter of knowing which luxury cars have passed the test of time…and those that have failed.

Those to Avoid, and Those to Buy

That said, here is a recent list from the good folks at Consumer Reports that points out not just those popular (when new) luxury models to avoid, but those proven as more reliable models to choose from, as well as some under-the-radar alternatives that the majority of car shoppers might have missed that actually turned out to be exemplary.

Related article: Consumer Reports Says These 10 Vehicles Are the Least Reliable to Own

THE WORST USED LUXURY CAR LIST

Popular Compact SUV to Avoid #1

Audi Q3 2018

Price Range: $12,500 - $16,600

Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg

The Better Choice

Acura RDX 2015

Price Range: $10,350 - $11,825

Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg

The Under-the-Radar Alternative

Buick Envision 2017

Price Range: $10,625 - $15,075

Owner Reported MPG: 26 mpg

Popular Midsized SUV to Avoid #2

Genesis GV80 2021

Price Range: $29,775 - $40,000

Owner Reported MPG: 20 mpg

The Better Choice

Lexus RX 2020

Price Range: $28,950 - $36,925

Owner Reported MPG: 21 mpg

The Under-the-Radar Alternative

Cadillac XT5 2023

Price Range: $26,225 - $35,375

Owner Reported MPG: 24 mpg

HOWEVER…

If you just have to have a certain luxury model that is affordable just because it is used, here are the top 10 luxury vehicles that devalue the most (and why) according to the Car Help Corner YouTube channel that we reported on earlier this year. 

Top 10 Luxury Vehicles That Devalue the Most

• Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: 47% Depreciation converting to approximately $40,000 depreciation.
• Audi S8: 47% Depreciation converting to approximately $65,000 depreciation with 33% of that within the first year.
• Maserati Levante: 47% Depreciation converting to approximately $55,000 depreciation.
• Land Rover Range Rover: 47% Depreciation converting to approximately $68,000 depreciation.
• Audi S5: 48% Depreciation converting to approximately $30,000 depreciation.
• Alpha Romeo Stelvio: 49% Depreciation converting to approximately $28,000 depreciation with 30% of that within the first year.
• BMW 7-Series: 49% Depreciation converting to approximately $65,000 depreciation.
• Tesla Model X: 50% Depreciation converting to approximately $45,000 depreciation.
• Maserati Ghibli: 50% Depreciation converting to approximately $56,000 depreciation with 35% of that within the first year.
• Audi Q8 Etron: 51% Depreciation converting to approximately $42,000 depreciation.
• Mercedes EQS (an Honorable Mention in the comparisons): 47% within the first year followed by 65% within 3 years.

Avoid These Cars That Lose 50% Value In Under 3 Years!

For additional Consumer Reports recommendations, here are three recent related articles for your consideration:

1. Consumer Reports Best Deals on 10 Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs
2. Most Fuel-Efficient Used Compact SUVs Recommended Today
3. Best of the 2025 New-Car Deals for the 4th of July Holiday Recommended by Consumer Reports

COMING UP NEXT: Best Used Cars and SUVs Under $15,000 -The Models Below Are The Ones We'd Recommend to Our Friends and Family

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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