6 Popular SUVs That Aren’t Worth the Cost — and 6 Affordable Alternatives

10/05/2024

2023 Grand Wagoneer

There are lots of options for Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) if you are looking for a car that can carry the whole family, go on rugged terrain and can pack all the hauling power you need for an adventure in the great outdoors. However, when looking at budget and value, not all SUVs are created equal, with many of them certainly not priced the same for what purchasing drivers end up getting.

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GOBankingRates reached out to several automotive experts to get their takes on what SUVs are worth the cost and which ones are not worth your money.

Also here are five SUVs to avoid buying for a variety of reasons.

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Expensive Low-Value SUVs

Here is a list of 6 popular SUVs not worth the cost, along with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP):

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

MSRP: $91,945

“You should expect a luxurious ride at that price point, but the Wagoneer is a Jeep,” said Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.

“It drives like a Jeep and its fuel efficiency is sorely lacking,” she said. “If your budget allows for that kind of spending, opt for a true luxury SUV.”

Land Rover Range Rover SE

MSRP: $107,900

Musson said at that price, you should expect superb reliability.

“Unfortunately, that’s not what you get,” she said. “The Range Rover is prone to many different types of problems from electrical to suspension issues. It also depreciates far more quickly than average.”

“While luxurious and capable off-road, the Range Rover’s high price tag often doesn’t justify its frequent reliability issues and expensive maintenance costs,” said to Shawn Miller, an automotive blogger at Modified Rides.

BMW X5 sDrive40i

MSRP: $65,700

Miller said “The BMW X5 offers a premium driving experience but can be costly to maintain and some find its handling to be less engaging than competitors in its price range.”

“The BMW X5 is a popular luxury SUV, but its high price tag and relatively small cargo space may not make it the best value for many buyers,” said Amanda Benson, the owner of the Dusty Trail RV. “Despite its premium brand name, the X5’s relatively small cargo space may not make it the best value for many buyers.”

Cadillac Escalade

MSRP: $81,895

“Known for its opulent features and spacious interior, the Escalade’s hefty price can be hard to justify compared to similarly equipped luxury SUVs with better fuel efficiency and reliability,” Miller said.

“Escalades are almost a status symbol,” Musson said. “Only the rich can afford them new, but just about anyone can afford a used one because they lose value so quickly. Other competitors offer similar features and space without the high sticker price.”

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC

MSRP: $$62,650

“The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a luxurious and well-equipped SUV, but its price tag may be difficult to justify when compared to other large SUVs that offer similar features and performance at a lower cost,” Benson said.

“While stylish and well-equipped, the GLE-Class can be pricey, especially when considering optional features,” Miller said. “Some owners report issues with its infotainment system and electronic components.”

Infiniti QX80

MSRP: $74,150

“Despite its spacious interior and powerful engine, the QX80’s outdated design and subpar fuel efficiency make it less competitive in its price range compared to newer SUVs offering more modern features,” Miller said.

Affordable High-Value SUVs

Luckily, you don’t have to settle for unpopular SUVs that will break your bank. Here is a list of 6 affordable SUVs that provide better bang for your buck, along with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP):

Toyota RAV4

MSRP: $28,675

“The Toyota RAV4 offers reliability, fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior at a competitive price point, making it a top choice for budget-conscious buyers,” Miller said.

Hyundai Santa Fe

MSRP: $33,950

“The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that delivers a comfortable ride,” Benson said, “a long list of standard features and a warranty that exceeds many of its competitors, making it a great value proposition.”

Honda CR-V

MSRP: $29,500

“With a reputation for reliability and a comfortable ride, the Honda CR-V offers ample cargo space and advanced safety features at an affordable price,” Miller said.

Benson added that “The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that provides a spacious interior, excellent fuel efficiency, and a reputation for reliability, all at a reasonable price tag.”

Subaru Forester

MSRP: $27,095

“Known for its standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Forester provides excellent handling in various road conditions, along with a roomy interior and impressive safety ratings,” Miller said.

Mazda CX-5

MSRP: $29,300

“Combining sporty driving dynamics with upscale features,” Miller said, “the Mazda CX-5 offers a refined interior and fuel-efficient engines at a competitive price point.”

Kia Seltos

MSRP: $24,490

“The Kia Seltos delivers a stylish design, user-friendly technology, and available all-wheel drive at an affordable price, making it a compelling option in the subcompact SUV segment,” Miller said.

Benson said, “The Kia Seltos is a midsize SUV that offers a stylish design, a roomy cabin, and a wide range of tech and safety features, all at a price point that undercuts many of its rivals.”

“These affordable SUVs offer excellent value for money without compromising on quality, making them worthy alternatives to their more expensive counterparts,” Miller said.