Consumer Reports’ latest reliability rankings landed like a plot twist nobody wanted, putting some of the most popular family SUVs near the bottom of their annual list. Their data, based on surveys covering over 380,000 vehicles, reveals these SUVs are about as dependable as a weather app during hurricane season. These aren’t just minor inconveniences; they’re rolling reminders that sometimes the flashiest marketing can’t hide fundamental design flaws, from transmission meltdowns to electrical gremlins that could strand you faster than bad GPS directions.
7. Chevrolet Traverse (Exterior)
Image: Mecum
This “baby Tahoe” comes with truck-sized reliability headaches that could derail your next family adventure.
Consumer Reports slapped the Chevrolet Traverse with below-average scores, which might make you rethink that cross-country road trip.
Chevrolet Traverse (Interior)
Image: Mecum
Promoted as a “baby Tahoe,” this SUV’s new truck-like design delivers truck-sized problems, including powertrain issues that could leave you mapping the quickest route to the nearest repair shop instead of scenic overlooks.
6. GMC Acadia (Exterior)
Image: Wikipedia
All-new for 2025, but owners are discovering that “new” doesn’t always mean “improved.”
The GMC Acadia‘s growing pains include major transmission failures and fluid leaks requiring replacements on low-mileage vehicles.
GMC Acadia (Interior)
Image: Wikipedia
Add brake issues and electrical accessory problems, and you’ve got a recipe for roadside assistance calls. Given GMC’s ranking in the bottom third overall, this redesigned SUV proves that sometimes first-year models are better left to the brave—or foolish.
5. Chevrolet Equinox (Exterior)
Image: Wikipedia
Well-below-average reliability makes this redesigned compact SUV a risky bet for family transportation.
The 2025 redesigned Equinox has earned “well-below-average reliability” ratings, with owners reporting fluid leaks and driveline problems on low-mileage units.
Chevrolet Equinox (Interior)
Image: Wikipedia
The infotainment system’s habit of rebooting or going black at highway speeds adds insult to injury. Its twin, the GMC Terrain, shares these DNA-level issues, making both vehicles about as reliable as a weather forecast.
4. Buick Enclave (Exterior)
Image: Wikipedia
Marketed for long-distance comfort, but reliability issues might cut those road trips short.
Consumer Reports flags the 2024 redesigned Buick Enclave with below-average reliability scores. Owners report differential and driveline issues, fuel system problems, climate control failures, and steering/suspension concerns.
Buick Enclave (Interior)
Image: WIkipedia
For a vehicle positioned as your comfortable home away from home, these problems could turn that relaxing cruise into an expensive lesson in automotive disappointment.
3. Ford Explorer (Exterior)
Image: Wikipedioa
Vibrations, leaks, and average fuel economy make it hard to justify this family hauler’s reliability risks.
Ford Explorer owners get treated to a vibration concert instead of smooth sailing, thanks to leaking suspension struts and a stiff ride.
Ford Explorer (Interior)
Image: Wikipedia
Average fuel economy only adds insult to injury, like ordering a healthy salad but getting it drenched in bacon bits. These issues make questioning this SUV‘s overall value pretty much inevitable.
2. Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid (Recharge) (Exterior)
Image: Wikipedia
Despite 455 horsepower and electric range, reliability glitches are stranding owners when they least expect it.
This Swedish hybrid packs 455 horsepower but scores poorly due to glitches that leave owners stranded. The ride’s stiffer than expected, and the technology proves so finicky that you might find yourself Googling error codes instead of enjoying your destination.
Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid (Recharge) (Interior)
Image: Volvocars
For a premium brand promising reliability, these issues sting worse than the sticker price.
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee (Exterior)
Image: Wikipedia
Bottom-of-the-barrel reliability makes this midsize SUV more drama than dependability.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee sits at the reliability rankings’ bottom with steering, suspension, and drivetrain problems, plus a symphony of noises and leaks.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (Interior)
Image: Wikipedia
If your SUV handles like a shopping cart with a busted wheel while sounding like mechanical interpretive dance, those off-road adventures might become tow-truck adventures instead.
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