8 New SUVs Under $40,000 You’ll Probably Regret Buying

Purchasing a vehicle is not a small decision, especially given the current economic climate. With automotive costs skyrocketing, consumers who are considering purchasing a new SUV in 2025 should take extra care to make sure that their new vehicle will be a good investment.

And while there are many new SUVs to choose from this year, others should be avoided due to reliability issues and the lackluster value they offer consumers.

Just like comparing auto insurance rates can help consumers avoid wasting their hard-earned money, shoppers can compare new SUVs to decide which ones are worth purchasing. Here are eight worth steering clear of.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings

Compare car insurance rates in Virginia

See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes

Check Rates

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

MSRP: $24,135

Reviewers for Edmunds blasted the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross for being boring to drive and an inferior option compared to the other vehicles in its class.

Additionally, of the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross owners that Consumer Reports surveyed, only 45% said they would purchase this small SUV again.

MSRP: $24,995

According to a survey from Consumer Reports, only 39% of SUV buyers would purchase the 2025 Volkswagen Taos again.

Car and Driver criticized this small German SUV in its review, noting that it had mediocre acceleration, was overpriced, and was not as fun to drive as some of VW's previous vehicles.

MSRP: $26,900

Reviewers for Edmunds were not impressed by the 2025 Jeep Compass. They gave it a below-average rating of 6.6 out of 10, while ranking it second to last in its segment.

The SUV has been criticized for its confusing interior control console, noisy engine, poor outward visibility, and advanced driver assistant features that were frustrating to operate. In addition, reviewers consider it especially pricey given that it hasn't seen a redesign since 2017, which means your money could be better spent elsewhere.

MSRP: $28,705

While the 2025 Hyundai Tucson has been praised for its smooth ride quality, some reviewers had issues with the 2.5-liter base engine, which they noted was notoriously sluggish to accelerate.

Consumers have also taken issue with this small SUV's reliability, having filed numerous complaints with the NHTSA over issues with this vehicle's electrical system, engine, and its forward collision avoidance feature.

MSRP: $29,250

Consumer Reports advised SUV shoppers to steer clear of the 2025 Toyota RAV4 because of its uninspired interior, noisy engine, and poor ride quality.

Overall, they felt that this storied SUV does not offer sufficient value for its price range and urged consumers to consider purchasing some of the better options in the class than this SUV, such as the Subaru Forester or Mazda CX-5.

MSRP: $36,400

Reviewers for Edmunds criticized the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder for having stiff front seats, a sluggish engine, and less cargo space than some of the other SUVs in its class. They also highlighted that some rivals, such as Kia and Hyundai, offer more for less.

Numerous drivers themselves have also complained that this midsize SUV has poor reliability and lackluster manufacturing quality.

MSRP: $36,495

Some reviewers criticized the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee for only having certain features on its more expensive trim levels, even though other SUVs in its class offer them as standard, which they stated undermines this SUV's overall value.

Other complaints include the interior console's confusing button layout and its cheap materials, which they noted looked respectable in pictures but were an absolute letdown in person.

MSRP: $38,045

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 has been known to have a cramped third row seat, below-average cargo capacity, and an engine with lackluster acceleration, according to reviewers.

Consumers have also filed various complaints against this three-row SUV with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration due to issues with its electrical system, engine, and service brakes, among other concerns.

With SUVs being so popular amongst consumers, there is no shortage of new options for buyers to choose from.

However, shoppers should keep in mind that not all SUVs are created equal. Some of them suffer from horrendous reliability issues, while others do not offer good value for their asking price.

And with the average new vehicle costing roughly $48,000, consumers who want to make smart money moves should direct their attention to SUVs that are reliable and offer them plenty of bang for their buck.