If you’re planning on buying your first car or getting a new one, here are 30 2025 cars you should avoid at all costs due to their reliability, costs, and outdated features.
Rivian R1T
While it’s still futuristic and capable off-road, it has its issues. Owners have reported build quality and software problems. Its battery range struggles in cold weather as well. The driving experience isn’t as smooth or reliable as you’d expect with its price.
Ram 1500 TRX 6.2L Supercharged V8
With terrible fuel efficiency, its harsh ride, and bulky handling in city driving, it might not be the practical choice. It’s still a powerhouse, but not the best choice for everyday use.
Volkswagen ID.4
Holding a spacious cabin, it still lacks excitement. Its ride feels soft, and it has dull handling. The technology features sound good, but it can be glitchy with its laggy infotainment system.
Land Rover Discovery
It’s a good option off-road, but on-road handling can feel heavy and less refined. There have been reports of electrical issues and costly repairs.
Dodge Hornet
Its driving dynamics don’t match its aggressive looks, its handling is full, and the ride feels rough. Inside, the cabin is campy and less refined than the competitors’.
Toyota Corolla Cross
Its reliability and fuel efficiency are not good enough with this car’s weak engine. The interior is practical but basic, lacking technological features.
Ford Edge
This might be a safe choice with its comfy ride and spacious cabin, but its engine lacks power, handling can be heavy and the infotainment system is sluggish.
Ford Mustang
Besides still delivering power and classic muscle car charm, it’s starting to feel outdated. Its interior lacks modern technology, and its poor fuel economy makes it less appealing in the current eco-conscious market.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
It’s a safe choice for families looking for an eco-friendly option, but compared to others, its technological features are a little behind.
Ford Bronco Sport
This one’s capable off-road, but the ride can feel stiff and the cabin noisy. Interior materials feel cheap and overpriced, and the technology isn’t as advanced as in rival SUVs.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
This model used to be everyone’s favorite, and although it still handles rough terrain well, the ride feels bumpy, and steering is heavy on the road. With outdated tech and some cheap materials, its interior is not as luxurious as its competitors’. You might face some electrical issues and costly repairs.
Ford Explorer
Its design is solid, but the interior feels cramped and outdated for the price. The ride is stiff and handling isn’t as good as the competitors’. It faces transmission issues and engine troubles.
Honda e:Ny1
It might have its charm and have a compact, stylish design, but the driving range lags compared to the Hyundai Kona Electric and VW ID.4. The cabin looks modern but lacks the high-tech feel buyers usually expect. Honda has a reliable reputation, but this model has faced early issues such as slow charging speeds.
Jaguar I-Pace
This might be a stylish but unreliable option. It has software glitches, battery concerns, and inconsistent range. Despite its premium design, its high price doesn’t deliver the expected luxury.
Nissan Altima
This is a comfortable and fuel-efficient option, but it lacks the tech its competitors have. The spacious interior is not as premium as others, and its CVT transmission feels sluggish.
Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid
Its hybrid system lacks power, resulting in sluggish acceleration and uneven performance. Also, its fuel economy isn’t as good as other hybrids’. Although it might look luxurious inside, the technology feels outdated and is less reliable than other hybrids, since you might face frequent repairs.
Fiat 500
Keeping its stylish charm, it struggles with performance and reliability due to its weak engine, cramped interior, and sluggish infotainment system.
Toyota GR Supra 2.0
Its 2.0-liter engine makes handling less sharp than expected for a sports coupe. Its limited tech features make it less compelling in the competitive sports car market.
Nissan Frontier
This truck feels outdated. Its rugged exterior might feel like a classic, but the drivetrain and interior lag behind the competitors’. Owners have reported engine and transmission issues.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Clunky transmission, inconsistent handling, and a cabin that feels less premium than its competitors’, are some of the reports we’ve gotten from owners.
Volkswagen Taos
Besides its sleek design and reasonable price, it still struggles to make a strong impression. Its interior feels cheap, and the infotainment system is sluggish.
Volkswagen Jetta
This is an affordable and fuel-efficient option, but you might face some issues. Its interior feels cheap, and you might have some reliability issues like electronic glitches and transmission problems. Some users claimed that, while driving it, you feel you’re stuck in neutral.
Jeep Renegade
With a noisy interior, a rough ride, and outdated tech features, this car can give you a lot a concerns. It also lacks power and struggles with transmission and electrical issues.
Jeep Avenger
Jeep’s first electric SUV struggles to impress. Its range is shorter than the competitors’, and the cabin feels basic for the price, with hard plastics and minimal tech. Despite its name, its off-road performance is underwhelming.
Genesis G70
It still looks sharp and feels comfortable, but struggles to match rivals. The ride is stiff, and while powerful, it lacks smoothness. Its system feels clunky and has faced electrical issues.
Kia Carnival
It’s spacious and smooth, but rivals like Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna offer better tech and efficiency. Families might find stronger options elsewhere.
Audi Q5
It still offers comfort and luxury, but with the shift towards hybrid or electric cars, its gas-powered engine may not appeal to buyers.
Ford Fiesta
An affordable and fun choice to drive can still feel outdated due to its reliability issues, like engine and transmission problems.
Jeep Compass
Its 4×4 system is solid, but the interior has cheap materials and no modern technology. The engine feels underpowered, and the ride can be a little bumpy.
Bugatti Chiron
With extreme fuel consumption and demanding upkeep, this car might not be the best option. It might be comfortable at high speeds, but the ride feels stiff at lower ones.
