Overhyped Vs. Worthy Crossovers
Buying a crossover these days feels like a gamble. Between buzzword-loaded ads and sleek showroom looks, it’s easy to get suckered into a four-wheeled letdown. But not today. We’re cutting through the hype with 10 crossovers you should run from—and 10 that are worth every cent. Want to dodge transmission nightmares and land a ride you can trust? This list’s got you covered. Let’s kick things off with the ones that don’t belong in your garage.
1. Chevrolet Equinox (2018–2020)
Sleek exterior, but under the hood? The 1.5L turbo engine burns oil and underperforms. Owners report stalls and warning lights, turning daily drives into stress sessions. Reliability scores aren’t kind, either. So, skip this headache on wheels.
2. Jeep Cherokee (2014–2019)
This is not the tech leap Jeep you hoped for. The 9-speed transmission sounds advanced. However, it’s a mess. Hard shifts, delayed responses, and transmission failures were common in these Cherokee models. Reliability tanked year after year. Even updated models couldn’t shake the early issues.
3. Ford EcoSport (All Years)
EcoSport poses as a practical choice, but quickly feels clumsy. The ride is stiff, and the interior space feels more like a compact hatchback than a crossover. Then there's the rear door, which swings out sideways and blocks you in tight spots.
Norbert Aepli, Switzerland (User:Noebu) on Wikimedia
4. Nissan Rogue (2013–2018)
This generation of Rogue is infamous for CVT failures. Slipping, overheating, and early breakdowns made it quite expensive for owners. Even beyond the transmission, handling is dull, and interior quality is mediocre. Nissan has many better options, like the Murano or the newer Rogue models (post-2020).
5. Dodge Journey (All Years)
The Journey is what happens when a car overstays its welcome. Despite the name, it doesn’t go far, at least not comfortably. A sluggish engine and outdated tech create more yawns than excitement. Overall, the Dodge Journey feels like a crossover stuck in a time loop.
6. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (2011–2020)
There's not much to explore inside these models because the cabin lacks refinement, and the engine drones under pressure. Even the ride quality turns bumpy during daily commutes. It’s just a basic crossover that doesn’t age well, no matter how low the price starts.
7. Cadillac XT4 (2019–2021)
Luxury used to mean smooth and quiet, but not here. The XT4 brought brake issues, tech bugs, and a jarring ride. Buyers expected comfort, not these quirks. Sadly, this Cadillac proved that a mere badge doesn’t guarantee a lavish experience.
8. Buick Encore (2013–2021)
It's a small SUV, and a big letdown. The Encore feels underpowered and cramped, especially in the back, as the years pile on and reliability drops. What starts as a sensible buy often becomes a frustrating ownership story because. Lesson? Cute doesn’t mean capable.
9. Land Rover Discovery Sport (2015–2019)
There’s nothing worse than a car that looks promising but can’t deliver. That’s what happens with these Discovery Sport models. Drivers expected reliability and got headaches instead. The engine doesn’t hold up well, and the drive turns unpredictable fast. It’s the kind of car you stop trusting quite early.
10. Hyundai Tucson (2016–2018)
Buying a Tucson shouldn't involve learning the phrase “engine seizure.” Yet, here we are. A defect in this crossover caused engines to fail, sometimes suddenly. Hyundai extended warranties, but who wants that stress? So, this one’s a reminder: newer isn’t always better.
We’ve called out the clunkers—now let’s spotlight the stars. These next 10 crossovers deliver where it counts: ride quality, reliability, and on-road value. If you’re spending your hard-earned cash, here are your top choices.
1. Toyota RAV4 (2019–2025)
People often buy the RAV4, thinking it’s just another Toyota. Then, over the years, they realize how little they’ve worried about it. The gas mileage stays solid. Repairs rarely come up. And long after the payments end, it still is dependable.
2. Lexus NX (2022–2025)
Lexus refined nearly everything here. The new infotainment is finally intuitive, and seating comfort has also improved. Plus, hybrids feel smooth, not sluggish. The plug-in version adds usable electric range without overcomplicating things. It’s a luxury compact that finally fits the premium price tag. The 2025 Lexus NX 250 starts at $42,140.
3. Ford Escape Hybrid (2020–2025)
The hybrid versions deliver excellent fuel economy (up to 40 mpg in real-world conditions) without losing daily drivability. Reliability scores have trended up since 2020, making it a solid long-term investment. The steering feels light but responsive, and the ride stays composed even on longer drives.
4. Honda CR-V (2017–2025)
What makes a car worth the money? For many, it’s peace of mind. The CR-V delivers that with steady performance and a reputation that’s hard to ignore. It doesn’t show off, yet somehow, it ends up being the car people trust most.
5. Mazda CX-5 (2018–2025)
This one drives with confidence that most rivals lack. The steering feels connected, and cabin finishes look more refined than expected. Even on rougher roads, it holds its composure. Through it all, the cost of ownership stays refreshingly reasonable between $28,770 and $40,800 MSRP for 2025 models.
6. Kia Sportage (2023–2025)
Redesigned from the ground up, the Sportage now offers more rear-seat legroom than many midsize competitors. Ride comfort has noticeably improved, thanks to a longer wheelbase and retuned suspension. It’s also one of the few crossovers offering both hybrid and plug-in hybrid without sacrificing cargo space.
7. Hyundai Tucson (2022–2025)
The Hyundai Tucson has improved dramatically. The moment you step inside, it feels more thought-out. Everything just works better than the previous models. You don’t need to be a car expert to appreciate how easy the drive feels.
8. Subaru Forester (2019–2025)
The car turns heads, but it doesn’t stop there. You can feel the care in how it drives—steady, smooth, and confident. The interiors came across as upscale without trying too hard. For a starting price of $31,415, the 2025 Forester can give you more than expected.
9. Toyota Venza (2021–2025)
Many shoppers want a quiet ride, better mileage, and fewer dealership visits. The latest Venza subtly checks all those boxes. Its hybrid-only setup reduces fuel costs over time, and the cabin stays calm even on rough pavement. That kind of reassurance builds real ownership satisfaction.
10. Genesis GV70 (2022–2025)
Right off the lot, the GV70 feels polished in ways most crossovers don’t. The turbocharged engine delivers confidence on the road, and the cabin has a premium finish that rivals more expensive brands. Between $46,200 and $58,800, the value of the 2025 model feels surprisingly generous.
