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If you have a list of vehicles you should avoid, it’s much easier to whittle down your list and figure out what you want to drive. Thankfully, many experts offer the advice desired, but few will tell you which popular SUVs you shouldn’t purchase. Whether you’re looking for a new ride or shopping in the pre-owned market, these are the SUVs you’ll want to avoid.

Black 2021 Chevy Suburban Z71 on the road
2021 Chevy Suburban Z71 | Chevrolet

Forbes agrees the Suburban has a high degree of usefulness, but it can be cumbersome as a daily driver. The Suburban is big and bold and offers room for your entire family inside this full-size SUV. The size is its greatest strength and weakness. Because this SUV is so large, it can be hard to maneuver, park, and load. Some consider it overpriced and underpowered.

Stay away from the Dodge Journey; you’ll thank us later

Red 2019 Dodge Journey on a country road
2019 Dodge Journey | Dodge

Thankfully, the Dodge Journey is no longer offered as a new vehicle in the market. That said, there are plenty of used versions of this crossover SUV that you could buy. If you see one of these SUVs, walk the other way. The price might be enticing, but the poor ride quality, lack of sound insulation, terrible power, and unimpressive fuel mileage will make this SUV a headache for you to drive.

The Jeep Cherokee is the Jekyll and Hyde of the SUV world

White 2022 Jeep Cherokee posed with sunset background
2022 Jeep Cherokee | Jeep

If you choose the V6-powered Jeep Cherokee, you’ve got a stylish compact SUV with off-road qualities. This version is quiet and solid and offers good towing numbers in this class. The Jeep Cherokee might be one of the most popular SUVs in the market, but you’ll want to avoid the four-cylinder model. This version is a below-average vehicle that simply gives the Cherokee a reasonably affordable starting price.

One of the most popular SUVs to avoid is the Nissan Pathfinder

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek sitting on the side of a canyon road.
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

The Nissan Pathfinder is spacious, easy to load, and offers a useful second-row seat. Great! You can load up this SUV with your family and cargo, and then what? Then the terribleness begins. This Nissan SUV is mired with poor acceleration, handling, and a cheap interior. You won’t enjoy the drive when you take the Pathfinder on the road. Look for other models that have more of what you desire.

The Nissan Armada defies its price with poor driving qualities

The best 2020 family SUVs in quality include this Nissan Armada
The 2020 Nissan Armada SUV | Nissan

While it’s standing still, you’ll ooh and ahh about the Nissan Armada. This is one of the most attractive and upscale popular SUVs in the market. Once you get inside and head out for a drive, the truck-like build shows itself in the ride. Unless you want a bouncy ride and heavy handling, you need to avoid the Nissan Armada. This big SUV doesn’t do you any favors when it comes to fuel mileage, either.

Next, check out the Toyota Highlander vs. Nissan Pathfinder, or learn more about the popular SUVs that you want to avoid in the video below:

This article was updated on 12/8/2022.

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