WORST SUVs of 2023 You Should Never Buy

The Car Help Corner

In today’s article the Car Help Corner YouTube channel has some timely advice for SUV shoppers who have their eye’s on buying one of the latest models of SUVs.

Spoiler Alert

If you do not want to watch the video or just want to find out what ten models of 2023 SUVs are recommended as those you should avoid buying (as well as some recommended alternatives to choose instead), here is short summary of the list.

SUVS IN DESCENDING ORDER OF LEAST WORST TO WORST OF THE WORST

#10. 2023 Ford Explorer: Typically low on Consumer Reports reliability listings, this vehicle is unremarkable in any of its features. More importantly, however, it has repeated customer complaints about its electronics, 10-speed automatic transmission, and a poorly performing 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine in lower trim models. Price range of $37,005-$55,25 is pricey when a better vehicle can be had for the same money or less---like a Toyota Highlander.

#9. 2023 Jeep Cherokee: At $31,950-$40,940 this model does not offer good value for the money spent. The V6 and turbo 4-cylinder engines are poor on fuel economy and repeated customer complaints about its engine reliability. Subaru Forester or Toyota Rav4 are better choices.

#8. 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan: While the Tiguan is a fairly decent SUV in its features, its pricing $27,785-$38,615 is on the high side for what you get and is better matched against similar competitors. Long-term engine reliability and repair costs are also negatives concerning this model. A better choice is the Mazda CX5.

#7. 2023 Ford Escape (EcoBoost): Unlike the Escape Hybrid and Plugin Hybrid, the ICE version of Escape with turbocharged 4-cylinder engines are historically problematic and its pricing at $28,660-$38,325 with an expected low resale value make this one a poor choice for the money. The Hybrid or Plugin Hybrid are better economic choices.

Related article: Consumer Reports Most Fuel-Efficient Used Compact SUVs Recommended Today

#6. 2023 Mitsubishi RVR or Outlander Sport: At $22,640-$29,240 and despite its well-made features and reliability, servicing and repairs can be challenging due to limited number of U.S. dealerships, making both of these models nota good economic choice unless you can find a really good deal through incentives or change in the market. The Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru Crosstrek are better choices.

#5. 2023 Jeep Compass: At $28,380-$38,580 the Compass does not offer much value for the money. Just another crossover SUV, the Wrangler is a better choice for those expecting and wanting offroad adventure for the money spent. But if a crossover is what you want in an SUV, better choices include the Mazda CX30, the Honda HRV, or the Toyota Corolla Cross.

#4. 2023 Volkswagen Atlas: Not a recommendable long-haul ownership SUV due to reliability issues after the warranty period. Priced at $35,895-$53,085, a similar sized 3-Row Honda Pilot, a Honda Odyssey, or a Toyota Sienna Hybrid are good alternative choices.

Related article: SUVs With the Roomiest and Most Comfortable Interiors Per Consumer Reports Testing

#3. 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain: A history of engine reliability issues in earlier models makes both of these models not recommendable despite their popularity. Pricing at $27,695-$32,895 makes them less competitive with rival models that offer better fuel economy, reliability and higher resale value. Plus, the Equinox will be scrapped by 2024 with an all-electric model. Look to Mazda, Subaru or Toyota for better alternatives.

#2. 2023 Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave or the GMC Acadia: “Like the Equinox and the Terrain, all three are similar under the skin and equally bad,” says the host. Long term reliability issues with the engines and the transmissions make these bad choices.

#1. 2023 Fiat 500X: According to the host this lowest rated SUV on his list is “One of the absolute worst choices you can buy,” Quality and reliability after the warranty period for a small crossover SUV priced at $28,120-$34,100 makes this one the worst of the worst.

Top 10 WORST SUVs of 2023 You Should Never Buy

And finally…

For additional articles about the worst cars to buy, here are a few for your consideration:

• Worst Recalls on Used Cars You Will Want to Avoid

• Used Luxury Cars That Are the Worst in Repair Costs and Reliability

• One of the Worst Used Dodge Cars to Buy Warns This Mechanic

COMING UP NEXT: Top 10 States Where Flood Damaged Vehicles Wind Up for Resale

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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