The Greatest Head Scratchers On The Lot
Every driver's perfect car looks different. That's what makes the automotive world so interesting—and sometimes puzzling. The modern car scene includes models that spark heated debates among enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Keeping your personal taste aside, here are some choices that have consistently raised eyebrows the world over. Let's take a look at why these 20 cars are so baffling.
1. Chevrolet Bolt EV (2022)
After a battery recall that affected every single unit, General Motors kept selling them. The car can still only charge at half the speed of competitors and takes nearly 15 hours on a home charger. Plus, the interior feels like it's made from recycled plastic bottles.
2. Tesla Model S Plaid (2022)
A $129,990 sedan with a yoke instead of a steering wheel, which even Tesla fanatics struggle to defend. Would you like that? The build quality suggests it was assembled during an earthquake, with panel gaps you can see from space. Still, it keeps rolling out of factories.
3. Infiniti QX55 (2022)
Here’s what Infiniti did. The brand took their outdated QX50, sloped the roof to reduce practicality, raised the price, and called it innovation. Well, the CVT transmission makes more noise than forward progress, while the dual-screen setup looks like someone taped two iPads to the dash.
4. BMW iX (2023)
A $90,000 electric SUV with a face only its designer could love. The massive grille doesn't even serve a purpose since it's electric. Besides, the interior features fabrics that look like hotel carpets, and still, people choose to continue buying these.
5. Mercedes EQS SUV (2023)
This is proof that even Mercedes can miss the mark. As an electric blob, this piece manages to make its drivers seasick with bizarre active suspension movements. The hyperscreen dashboard has more glare than a mirror factory, yet costs more than some houses.
6. Toyota bZ4X (2023)
You wouldn’t believe it, but Toyota's first serious EV had wheels that could fall off, literally. After a major recall, it returned with glacial fast-charging speeds and less range than competitors. Also, the interior is noted to have an abundance of hard plastics.
7. Jeep Grand Wagoneer L (2023)
How about a massive SUV that gets 13 mpg in the city and costs over $100,000? Many owners report significant build quality issues, such as misaligned doors and improperly installed components. It also struggles with larger bumps, leading to uncomfortable body motions.
8. Genesis GV60 (2023)
This premium electric SUV features a crystal ball gear selector that rotates like a possessed paperweight. It has soft suspension, resulting in noticeable body roll during sharp turns, while the GV60's nearly 5,000-pound weight becomes apparent.
9. Range Rover Sport (2024)
Even after many reliability problems that would ruin other brands, Land Rover just can’t stop making these troublemakers. The touch controls are so touchy they seem to react to thoughts from a distance, and electrical issues come included with every purchase.
10. Mazda CX-50 (2024)
Mazda's attempt to make a rugged crossover resulted in something that can't decide if it's an off-roader or a luxury car. The ride is stiffer than week-old bread, and the infotainment system fights with your smartphone, yet dealerships can't stop ordering them.
11. Audi e-tron GT (2023)
Despite its $106,395 starting price, this Porsche Taycan clone offers less range than a Tesla, which costs half as much. The real-world range drops dramatically in cold weather, sometimes below 200 miles. Interior storage is also quite limited, making you struggle to fit a weekend bag.
12. Tesla Cybertruck (2023)
In the end, the long-awaited polygon on wheels showed more compromises than features. Sadly, its "unbreakable" armor glass shattered during its reveal. What else? Its stainless steel body shows fingerprints and scratches, and the single windshield wiper does not look so good.
13. Lexus LX600 (2023)
The off-road heritage of this luxury tank got lost in translation. While its Land Cruiser cousin conquers mountains, the LX600 conquers parking lots with a super big grille. Under that flashy shell lies an aging 3.5L twin-turbo V6 that drinks premium fuel like it's going out of style.
14. Acura Integra (2023)
Remember the original Integra's high-revving VTEC glory? Well, this one inherits a Civic's 1.5L turbo heart instead. The marketing team proudly calls it "all-new," but your dollars buy essentially a Honda Civic Si with leather seats and an Acura badge. At least they brought back the liftback design.
15. Fiat 500X (2023)
Flying in the face of Italian style, this 500 wannabe stumbles with a jerky 9-speed transmission that shifts like it's solving a Rubik's cube. Despite recent updates, the 1.3L turbo engine is sluggish and thirsty. Plus, the "premium" interior materials aren’t that great.
16. Toyota C-HR (2023)
Toyota's experiment in sacrificing function for form created a crossover where the 'cross' part is questionable. Those rear windows are so tiny kids in the back seat think they're in a bunker. The 144-hp engine struggles, while the cargo space is not sufficient enough.
17. Nissan Kicks (2023)
Sitting at the bottom of Nissan's SUV lineup proves you get what you pay for. The CVT transmission is louder than a teenager told to clean their room. Zero highway passing power means you'll become intimately familiar with watching other cars disappear into the distance.
18. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (2023)
Mitsubishi resurrected the Eclipse name for this confused crossover, insulting both sports car and SUV fans simultaneously. The split rear window design creates a blind spot big enough to hide a bus. Plus, the 1.5L turbo engine and CVT combo feel about sporty.
19. Jeep Compass (2023)
Despite a recent refresh, it's still the automotive equivalent of room-temperature coffee. The 9-speed transmission remains as confused as a squirrel crossing the street. About the off-road capability? Sure, if by off-road, you mean slightly raised curbs at the mall parking lot!
20. Buick Envision (2023)
For a starting price of $33,400, you get interior materials that would look cheap in a car half its price. One user on Edmunds reported a complete transmission failure at 10,914 miles, while another spoke about squeaking brakes as a recurring issue. Choose wisely!
