SUVs come in all shapes and promises—some live up to the hype, and others leave you wishing you’d walked instead. Before you invest in your next ride, let’s take a scenic route through the best and worst on the market. Buckle up because we’re starting with the SUVs you’ll want to avoid before cruising into the ones worth every mile.

Volkswagen Atlas

A spacious cabin and smooth ride can’t save the Atlas from its long reliability concerns. Frequent transmission issues, unexpected stalling, and costly repairs have frustrated owners. With multiple recalls—including one for a fire hazard—it’s clear that this SUV struggles to keep up with expectations.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Some older Grand Cherokee models, notably 2011–2013, have been plagued by persistent electronic glitches and oil consumption woes, occasionally dimming their off-road appeal. Sudden engine stalls have left owners frustrated and facing hefty repair bills. While its fuel economy sits at 19–23 mpg combined—standard for its class—it may still feel underwhelming for efficiency-conscious drivers.

Nissan Pathfinder

Once a trailblazer, the Pathfinder struggles with a clunky transmission, sluggish acceleration, and an outdated interior. Owners frequently report jerky gear shifts and a lack of refinement compared to its rivals. This SUV might leave you lost if you want a smooth, trouble-free ride.

Chevrolet Tahoe

The Tahoe’s imposing presence is hard to ignore, but its size comes with trade-offs. Weighing in at 5,933 lbs, it’s not the most nimble in tight spaces, and its 39.7-ft turning radius can make city driving a hassle. With a combined fuel economy of 16-24 mpg, it’s on par with rivals but still costly for frequent drivers.

Land Rover Discovery

Is the Land Rover Discovery’s charm worth the headache? While it delivers comfort and off-road prowess, its reliability record tells another story. Owners have reported transmission quirks, finicky air suspension, especially in 2005–2009 models, and tech frustrations. And with an average of $900 yearly in maintenance costs, it’s just not it.

Toyota Highlander

After surviving the worst, it’s time to shift gears to the best. Dependable, efficient, and family-friendly, the Highlander is a balanced masterclass. Its well-crafted interior and advanced safety features make every drive effortless. With Toyota’s legendary reliability backing it up, this is an SUV built to last for years to come.

Honda Pilot

The Pilot shines with top-tier safety ratings, a strong V6 engine, refined ride quality, and a user-friendly infotainment system. Hauling a family or gearing up for adventure delivers space and dependability. Three rows of comfort and intuitive tech features make it a standout choice for any journey.

Kia Telluride

What makes the Kia Telluride such a standout? Its bold styling, premium cabin, well-equipped trim levels, or all of the above? It sets a high bar for modern SUVs. A smooth ride, a strong 291-hp V6, and solid safety ratings make it a top choice. While reliability is average, its soaring popularity speaks for itself.

Ford Bronco

Blending vintage appeal with serious off-road chops, the Bronco is designed for adventure seekers who want style and substance. Its turbocharged engines and modern tech add excitement, but the firm ride reminds you of its trail-ready roots. Early 2021–2022 models had some reliability quirks, yet its adventurous spirit remains undeniable.

Lexus GX

Luxury that lasts. That is the Lexus GX. It is proof that rugged and refined can coexist. Its plush interior cradles you in comfort while a V8 engine and off-road prowess easily tackle any terrain. Trends come and go, but the GX? It’s built to outlast them all.