SUVs have become the go-to choice for middle-class families. They’re spacious, practical, and versatile. However, not every SUV deserves your hard-earned money. Some are overpriced, inefficient, or plagued with reliability issues. In fact, these vehicles can become financial pitfalls waiting to happen.
Today, we’re checking into the 2025 SUVs that middle-class buyers should avoid and breaking down why these vehicles are not worth the investment.
The Rising Cost of Vehicle Ownership
SUVs dominate the market, but that doesn’t mean every model is a good buy. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average transaction price for a new vehicle in 2024 hit $48,644, while used vehicles hovered around $26,000.
Monthly payments have reached record highs, with 18.9% of buyers now paying over $1,000 per month. This data, provided by Edmunds in their Q4 report, shows that purchasing the wrong SUV could crush your budget.
Audi RS Q8
First on the list is the Audi RS Q8. With an MSRP of nearly $140,000, this performance SUV is a wallet-draining status symbol. The average monthly payment for this vehicle is $2,265 on a standard five-year loan, making it financially out of reach for most middle-class buyers.
To make matters worse, it delivers a combined fuel economy of just 16 miles per gallon. You’ll spend more time at the gas pump than enjoying the drive. For middle-class buyers, this SUV is more than impractical—it’s borderline financially irresponsible.
BMW X7
The BMW X7 may impress with its tech and luxury features, but at a price of up to $153,000, it’s a financial stretch for most buyers. Its fuel efficiency ranges from 17 to 22 miles per gallon, which is not exactly economical.
Adding to the financial burden are BMW’s notoriously high repair and maintenance costs. This SUV may fill your garage with prestige, but it could empty your wallet just as quickly.
Volkswagen Taos
At first glance, the Volkswagen Taos appears to be a great deal, with a starting price of around $26,000. However, a deeper look reveals several issues.
It holds an underwhelming 3.6-star consumer rating on Kelley Blue Book and is plagued by poor performance, mediocre quality scores, and reliability concerns.
Owners frequently report cheap-feeling interiors and high maintenance costs. Sometimes, a low price isn’t worth the headaches.
Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery has long been known for its luxurious features, but it comes with a reputation for unreliability. It has a 2.9-star expert rating on Kelley Blue Book and a combined fuel economy of just 19 to 21 miles per gallon.
Between constant maintenance trips and high fuel costs, this SUV is a financial sinkhole. There are better and more reliable options available for middle-class buyers.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric, with an MSRP between $34,000 and $43,000, might seem appealing due to its electric powertrain. However, its 3.3-star consumer rating on Kelley Blue Book tells a different story.
Nearly 40% of reviewers gave it just one star, citing poor reliability and disappointing build quality. When even entry-level EVs can’t impress, it’s clear that this SUV doesn’t justify its price tag.
Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade is the ultimate American luxury SUV, with an MSRP ranging from $90,000 to $162,000. However, luxury comes at a price. With a combined fuel economy of just 12 miles per gallon, your gas budget will balloon alongside the vehicle’s price tag.
Additionally, the annual repair cost averages around $1,000. For most middle-class buyers, the Escalade is simply too costly to justify.
Final Note
One final note: if you are in the market for a new vehicle, connect with your local dealership and test drive at least three different vehicles. My reviews can give you insights, but the true strengths and weaknesses of a vehicle can only be discovered when you are behind the wheel.
