The Worst Used Crossover SUVs Ever, According To Drivers
Would you be discouraged from purchasing a used crossover SUV if none of the auto shops within 30 miles were familiar enough with your vehicle to service it? Wouldn't you want to know ahead of time that the safe, affordable crossover you had your eye on would become a recall and repair nightmare?
From 2009 to 2014, find out which used crossover SUVs U.S. News ranked as the worst and what buyers had to say about their used car purchase after spending a year or longer behind the wheel. Leave a comment if you think we forgot one!
2009 Hyundai Veracruz
The 2009 Hyundai Veracruz falls short when it comes to handling. U.S. News reviewed the mid-sized SUV, noting "sloppy handling" which may disappoint drivers who expect a sporty, responsive experience in a crossover SUV.
As an owner of a 2009 Hyundai Veracruz, Mr. Joe on Edmunds commented that he disliked the lag when hitting the gas from a stop. He also noted that the seats don't go back as far as he'd like as a tall driver. This is surprising, as it's expected that a crossover would offer enough legroom.
2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
Buyers looking for a used crossover SUV might be initially attracted to the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe for its affordability and upgraded interior, but be sure to take this vehicle for a test drive before signing any papers.
Drivers note they were concerned with long braking distances and poor handling and power. Once you buy a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, it's likely yours for the long-haul, as resale values are weak and expenses on this crossover can quickly add up.
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a sleek design and good safety ratings. Drivers who've previously owned a VW sedan such as a Passat Jetta might look to the same automaker when they're looking to bump up to a crossover SUV. However, if added room is the goal, the Tiguan is not a good option.
This vehicle was scored low when it comes to cargo space, which is compromised by the sleek, sporty body that attracted potential buyers in the first place.
2011 Ford Escape
U.S. News gave the 2011 Ford Escape 7.7 out of 10 stars but some drivers might rate this crossover SUV even lower. Both passengers and drivers complained of a bumpy ride in this vehicle, making the drive less enjoyable.
The Ford Escape also falls short when it comes to safety ratings. This is a red flag to parents who are looking to purchase a crossover SUV for the family vehicle that may also turn into a teenager's first car one day.
2011 GMC Acadia
The 2011 GMC Acadia might have the cargo space you need for your road trip, but the passenger and driver might not be so comfortable after 50 miles of travel. U.S. News gave this crossover SUV low rankings when it comes to the interior, describing the features as "cheap".
Peter, who owns the 2011 GMC Acadia, shared on Edmunds, "The frequency and exorbitant cost of maintenance has made the Acadia our worst car purchase to date... It was a huge financial mistake."
2010 Ford Flex
Buyers are attracted to the 2010 Ford Flex for its unique look but are often disappointed when it comes to its performance. The Flex only gets 16-17 miles per gallon in the city and 22-24 highway, but drivers are more concerned about the poor brakes on this used crossover SUV.
One owner shared on Edmunds, "When the car has been parked overnight or for a few hours the brake pedal is very hard the car will not stop. Ford says this is 'normal' operating procedure and we have to warm the car up for five minutes before driving which is totally unacceptable."
2009 Nissan Rogue
From the exterior, the 2009 Nissan Rogue appears to be a sporty option for potential buyer shopping for a used crossover SUV. However, once drivers get behind the wheel they're underwhelmed by the power of the Rogue.
U.S. News reports that lacking a V6 engine option and an underpowered four-cylinder engine place the 2009 Nissan Rogue low on the list of options. Owners have complained of the transmission failing at 108,000 miles and advise potential buyers to read the fine print on the warranty, that ends at 120,000 miles.
2009 Pontiac Torrent
The 2009 Pontiac Torrent has low ratings in a few categories which led to the crossover SUV landing on this list. Its below-average safety ratings are the most concerning, but drivers will likely take notice of the low fuel economy first.
Owners of the Torrent are disappointed with the quality and comfort of the interior, and think they could have gotten a better deal buying a competing used crossover SUV instead.
2014 Nissan Juke
The 2014 Nissan Juke looks vastly different than the majority of crossover SUVs but that doesn't make it better. In fact, it's the unique body shape that has turned off buyers in the first place.
Reviews say a cramped back seat and little to no cargo space have the Juke lacking the features that draw buyers to a crossover SUV in the first place. Owners also wish the Juke had better gas mileage.
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
With an even lower rating than the Nissan Juke, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander is low on the list of used crossover SUVs. Once buyers get behind the wheel, the cheap interior lacks comfort and style.
This vehicle seats 5-7 people which decreases the cargo space. Owners say the back seat "folds down strangely" and that it makes it difficult to pack up the car for a road trip. Another concern is that buyers found many shops aren't familiar with the vehicle, so it might be hard to find an auto shop if you need maintenance or repairs.
2012 Suzuki SX4
The 2012 Suzuki SX4 falls short in several categories for a used crossover SUV. The most surprising might be the poor fuel economy, at 22-25 miles per gallon in the city and 29-33 on the highway.
Drivers weren't impressed with the interior, noting cheap parts, and say that it can be difficult finding a dealer to service the SX4, since not many shops are familiar with it. In this case, you get what you pay for.
2009 Dodge Journey
Although passengers of the 2009 Dodge Journey say the cabin space felt roomy, the interior lacked comfort and the trim design looked cheap. Drivers gave the engine a low rating, as well as the vehicle itself.
Edmunds reviews include, "Do not buy!!!", "Run away!!", and "Junk!!!" Drivers report that the vehicle loses power, the check engine light frequently comes on, and the Journey is constantly taking a trip to the shop to replace more parts. This one is a money pit.
2009 Hyundai Tucson
The 2009 Hyundai Tucson looks sleek and sporty on the exterior, but disappoints buyers on the inside with its cheap parts. U.S. News gave low ratings to the Tucson's engine power, as well as several buyers who shared their reviews on Edmunds.
One buyer was disappointed in the gas mileage compared to similar crossover SUVs with the same size or a larger engine. It's best to manage your expectations when considering purchasing a used 2009 Hyundai Tucson.
2009 Jeep Compass
To summarize what makes the 2009 Jeep Compass an undesirable option: everything. This used crossover SUV received low ratings in nearly every category it was ranked in: cheap interior, no off-road capability, and limited cargo space.
Passengers say the back seats are uncomfortable. Repeat buyers of Jeeps shared that they are confident in Chrysler vehicles, but believe that the 2009 Jeep Compass is a lemon that should be avoided if you don't want to take several trips to the auto shop.
2014 Jeep Patriot
The 2014 Jeep Patriot came in towards the very bottom of the list for used crossover SUVs. While many interested drivers want to believe this Jeep will be a smart purchase, ratings and reviews show otherwise.
The vehicle was docked for slow acceleration, small cargo small, below-average fuel economy, cheap interior, and few standard features overall. The 2014 Jeep Patriot is also a low-level option for both power and handling.
2009 Kia Sportage
The 2009 Kia Sportage may appear spacious from the outside but has low ratings when it comes to comfort for back seat passengers. This crossover SUV may be an especially bad choice for purchasing used, as buyers say the interior quickly falls apart, as well as essential features like the door lock.
Overall, you get what you pay for with this crossover SUV but your money might be better spent on one of its leading competitors.
2009 Buick Enclave
Though Buicks are generally known for their style and smooth ride, you may want to pause before getting this crossover SUV. The 2009 Enclave has high marks when it comes to safety and space.
Where customers were not impressed is with its lack of towing and off-roading ability. If you just need a car to get around the city, this one can get the job done. But for the outdoorsy people, this crossover SUV won't make the list.
2009 GMC Acadia
The 2009 GMC Acadia has some great features. In terms of safety and fuel economy, it checks out. It also is highly regarded for its spacious cabin, which is a valued feature when it comes to crossover SUVs.
Where this model lacks is in its interior material. Some reviewers remarked that the inside material feels cheap, which isn't something you want on long trips. Especially for a vehicle you plan to have long-term, you don't want to skimp out on the interior.
2009 Mazda Tribute
The 2009 Mazda Tribute excels when it comes to fuel economy. Buyers also appreciate the quality of the interior. What they didn't like about this model was the performance the rear seat.
Especially with crossover SUVs, having a functional interior is paramount. While the material is nice, the seats can be difficult to fold down. Additionally, the overall performace of the car had mixed reviews, meaning that some found that it wasn't up to par.
2013 Mini Cooper Countryman
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman is that it earned outstanding safety ratings. Unfortunately, that's also one of the only things buyers can rave about.
When it comes to the base engine and tech features, owners were not impressed. They described the ride as "stiff" and thought the base engine lacked power. To top it all off, some of its features can be a little complicated to handle.
2012 Nissan Rogue
When it comes to comfort, the 2012 Nissan Rogue has decent marks. Drivers love the handling and storage spaces, and the seats are generally regarded as being supportive. The downside with this crossover SUV is how it operates.
Reviews regarded the 2012 Nissan Rogue as being too slow to accel and having limited visibility of what's behind the vehicle. To top it all off, the transmission was ranked as noisy.
2011 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse got high marks when it came to the interior space. Buyers appreciated the cargo space and how large the third row feels, making it great for trips or taking on several passengers.
Where this model fell flat was how it drives. Though the ride is described as comfortable and quiet, the driver has to put in a little extra work since the large body can make it difficult to manuever.
2011 Honda Crosstour
The 2011 Honda Crosstour has a unique look in that it is a cross between a sedan, crossover SUV, and a station wagon. Unfortunately, that's also why buyers found it to be a nuisance: it seems to be doing too much at once.
The result is a low fuel economy and a heavy feel on account of the all-wheel drive. Buyers were also disappointed at the slow-moving brakes, which is the last thing you want to worry about in terms of safety.
2011 Subaru Forester
The 2011 Subaru Forester has ample interior room that buyers can appreciate. With plenty of cargo space and all-wheel drive, its the kind of crossover SUV that looks great on paper, but in practice some reviewers had reservations.
The primary concern was that it wasn't as "refined" as some of the competiting models available. For drivers who want the best of the best, they may find themselves disappointed with the 2011 Subaru Forester.
2009 Mazda CX-9
There's no doubt that the 2009 Mazda CX-9 is a great pick when it comes to the interior and the performance. Giving it a test drive may leave you feeling like this is the perfect SUV crossover.
Where buyers later regret their decision is when they realize how poor the fuel economy of this vehicle is. Even worse, the safety features have only received subpar ratings, making this pick one to avoid.
2013 Nissan Juke
The 2013 Nissan Juke has a rounded look that is reminescent of a Mini Cooper, making it an eyecatching option on the lot. Unfortunately, its unique shape leaves buyers with a small cabin and a harsh ride.
To top it off, the interior is reviewed as being cheap. Though it has high marks in terms of fuel economy and has a sporty feel when it comes to driving, this may not be the crossover of your dreams.
2012 Mazda CX-7
Another Mazda hits the list - the 2012 Mazda CX-7 attracts buyers with its looks, but not with its space. Compared to other crossover SUVs, the CX-7 doesn’t offer much cargo space. Drivers who reviewed this model said the driving experience wasn’t as fun as they anticipated, either.
You may see a lot of these on the road, but just because they’re popular doesn’t mean they’re good. It’s also worth noting that this was the last year Mazda made the CX-7.
2010 Ford Edge
Drivers who purchased the 2010 Ford Edge reported being disappointed in the quality of the crossover SUV’s interior. This item but not be a must-have on your list, but what about overall value?
One buyer of the 2010 Ford Edge was furious when he learned that he needed a ne water pump on his vehicle after 65,000 miles, that had also been well-maintained. Normally, this fix isn’t a major problem, but with the Edge, it definitely is. Jeff E. reported spending $5,000 on the water pump failure, plummeting this car’s value.
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
Buyers are happy that the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with lots of standard features, including USB and Bluetooth. If you’re behind the wheel a lot the fuel economy looks good, you might be surprised to hear of owners of the Santa Fe being disappointed in the real mileage, as one driver reports only getting 14-15 mpg average.
The Santa Fe is also lacking in categories like power and handling, which are top requirements for many buyers who enjoy driving their crossover SUVs in the mountains.
2011 Hyundai Tucson
The 2011 Hyundai Tucson is highly-ranked in several categories, so how did it end up on this list? The Tucson has excellent fuel economy and good safety ratings, which is a pro for families. But if you’re looking for more comfort and a nicer interior, the Tucson might not be your dream car.
Drivers were also disappointed in the cargo space available, which many buyers are looking for in a crossover SUV. Cheap power steering all takes away from the driving experience.
2011 Kia Sorento
In 2011, Kia redesigned their Sorento crossover SUV, making it less like a truck and more like a sedan. While the redesign lent a hand in increasing fuel efficiency, drivers report feeling like the base engine is underpowered.
As a used vehicle purchase, buyers should be aware that some owners have reported having the transmission replaced as early as 15,000 miles, along with other costly parts. While the initial price tag is attractive, it’s best to read more reviews on the Sorento before deciding if this crossover SUV will save you money in the long run.
Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque is a sub compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by Jaguar Land Rover since 2011 with new models still made and available today.
Initially, the Evoque was offered to buyers in a three or five door model and allowed the buyers the option to choose between two-wheel or four-wheel drive. In 2015, Land Rover had to recall over 60,000 cars due to a defect that would unlatch the car doors without notifying the driver.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Originally known as the Mitsubishi Airtrek, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a 5-door compact crossover SUV manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors since 2001 and is currently available today.
Named the Outlander, Mitsubishi wanted the driver to feel that every time they drove the car, they felt like they were going on another adventure. Sadly, the car was far from impressive. Buyers interested in the Mitsubishi Outlander had the option to buy the plug-in hybrid model starting in 2018.
Chevrolet Traverse
Sold as either a full or mid-size SUV, the Chevrolet Traverse was built on the same body and frame as the Buick Enclave. It has been in production since 2008 with the most recent generation having started in 2018.
Some early critics labeled the Chevrolet Traverse odd-shaped due to its egg-like body style which Chevrolet has since abandoned for a more natural truck-like appearance. Though the launch of the second generation of Traverse's brought a lot of significant changes to the exterior and interior appearance of the SUV, no noticeable changes have been made since 2018.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Considered a sports car SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLA was initially designed to compete with the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. The car’s body is based on a Nissan QX30 and outside of some label changes, the SUVs are almost identical to one another.
To market the GLA, Mercedes-Benz partnered with Nintendo and created an ad that showed Mario driving one of the GLAs on television. While the marketing was creative, sales for the GLA models have been stagnant for the past few years without much increase or improvement.
Chevrolet Suburban
Historically one of Chevrolet’s best selling vehicles, the Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that has been manufactured by General Motors since 1934 – though it has gone through a lot of name and body changes since then.
The Chevrolet Suburban started off as a station wagon before it was placed on a full pick-up truck frame and slowly started to look like the SUV we know today. While it was a huge moneymaker for Chevrolet over the years, Suburban sales have gone down recently.
