Consumer Reports Says You Should Avoid These Luxury SUVs – Jalopnik

There can be immense heartache and disappointment when you get a luxury SUV that doesn’t quite deliver the experience you’d expect, as buying a new one costs a huge amount. Unfortunately, the reality of buying a car is that there is always a chance this could happen. That’s why it’s important to do your research and find out which car is worth your money and time before you take it to the metal. Still, with the numerous models available, it can be difficult to know which luxury SUVs to consider and which to avoid.

That’s why organizations like Consumer Reports do the legwork to identify which models are likely to cause concern, so you can shop without worry. After testing more than 150 SUVs, Consumer Reports has compiled a list of the worst and most disappointing luxury SUVs that she thinks you should never buy. But the nonprofit didn’t just list the bad apples. The company also recommended what it considers the better options based on their performance in road tests, as well as reliability and owner satisfaction surveys. Again, it’s worth remembering that buying a car generally involves some degree of risk, and your experience with each vehicle may vary. CR therefore gives no guarantees about possible problems here. Rather, its purpose is to provide you with the information to avoid being let down.

European luxury SUVs didn’t all fare well in CR’s eyes this year, and the Alfa Romeo Tonale is the first offender on the list. One problem with the Tonale, according to the nonprofit, is that the powertrain doesn’t offer consistent power delivery and the handling is dull for what you’d expect from an Alfa Romeo. CR was also unimpressed with the way the Tonale tackles winding roads, the quality of the interior and the amount of noise entering the cabin. Additionally, the Tonale’s average reliability scores will turn off many buyers.

Instead of the Alfa Romeo SUV, Consumer Reports recommends the 2025 Mini Cooper Countryman as the better choice for those who want a subcompact SUV. The Mini Countryman is a solid alternative to the Tonale, with similar dimensions, fuel economy and interior space. And while the Cooper Countryman’s 241 horsepower is 44 horsepower less than the Tonale, it makes up for that deficit with rewarding handling. CR also found the Mini Cooper Countryman’s interior to be significantly quiet.

With all the other Jaguars dead, the F-Pace is the only option for buyers hankering for a car from the British behemoth, and it looks incredibly tempting. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it’s also comfortable and really fun to drive. The F-Pace also offers a smooth transmission and a range of engine options, including a 567-hp supercharged 5.0-liter V8 found under the hood of the F-Pace SVR 575. However, Consumer Reports is convinced that these qualities are not enough to make up for the shortcomings.

The F-Pace is said to have below-average reliability and owner satisfaction, and the infotainment system is considered difficult to use. Then there is the AC system, which also failed to convince. Based on the Jaguar’s shortcomings, CR thinks the 2025 Acura RDX is the right choice. That’s because the RDX offers slightly better fuel economy, above-average reliability and a quality and comfortable interior, all while being engaging to drive. But the RDX is not without its quirks. CR notes that the touchpad is finicky and the push-button selector lever has a steep learning curve. While not deal breakers, they are still worth keeping in mind.

The internal combustion Defender is still a strong performer (for now) despite increasingly strict emissions regulations, so the mid-size SUV will undoubtedly appeal to those who prefer conventional petrol. However, according to Consumer Reports, you’ll have to put up with certain issues. One of those issues is reliability concerns, given the vehicle’s below-average rating. CR also believes that you might be put off by the frustrating controls and annoyingly slow responses of the infotainment system. As for the audio and climate controls: says CR the tasks can be “confusing to complete and require multiple steps.”

If you’re interested in an SUV from this segment, CR recommends the BMW X5. While not a go-anywhere car in the same sense as the Defender, it is seen as a good all-round car and is praised for its interior quality, agility, power delivery and solid fuel economy. It averaged 23 mpg in the CR test, which says the organization is “the best among its gasoline-only peers.” By comparison, the Defender returned a slightly lower 18 mpg overall. In terms of reliability, the BMW X5 scores above average, which makes it all the more tempting.

The Lincoln Aviator has received a host of updates for 2025, including a new infotainment system, an instrument cluster screen and an available BlueCruise Level 2 system. However, CR claims it’s still not a great place to start your search for a luxury midsize SUV with three rows of seats. Like the Land Rover Defender above, the Lincoln Aviator is said to offer average fuel economy and complicated controls. The predicted reliability and satisfaction of the owners also appear to be below average.

Then there’s the engine, which doesn’t always run smoothly when accelerating, and the cruise control interface, which CR says can be distracting. CR also blames the voice command button on the steering wheel rim for being too easy to activate without intending to do so. Therefore, it recommends the Lexus TX instead, as it boasts above-average reliability, a well-constructed interior, spacious accommodation, as well as impressive body control and precise cornering characteristics for a vehicle of its size and weight.

Traditionally synonymous with luxury, the Cadillac Escalade has been updated for 2025 to keep it fresh and in line with the current design language being rolled out across the brand’s EV range. Even with the welcome updates, the base trim still lacks things like blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, which CR considers a disappointment considering its sky-high price tag (prices start at $88,100 for the base trim, plus a $2,595 destination fee).

The SUV’s high step is also said to make getting in difficult, and forward visibility is somewhat obstructed by the high hood. The Escalade’s below-average reliability score also detracts from it being a smart purchase. So Consumer Reports says the better choice is the 2025 BMW X7, which it considers a more reliable proposition thanks to its above-average rating. The X7 also drives comfortably, has a smooth-shifting transmission and a quiet and luxuriously finished interior.