Let’s be real, SUVs are everywhere. Dealerships are packed with folks dreaming of driving off in the latest high-rider. But just because an SUV flies off the lot doesn’t mean it’s actually great. Sometimes, popularity masks some serious flaws.
Enter Delivrd, a car-buying pro who recently dropped his hot takes on social media about the most overrated SUVs heading into 2025. Some picks might shock you, but he backs them up – calling out boring designs, shaky value, and brands that seem kinda lost.
Here’s his rundown, starting with one that almost made the cut:
The “Reliable But…”: Toyota RAV4
Yeah, the RAV4 is a sales monster. Bulletproof reliability? Check. Good gas mileage? Sure. But Delivrd thinks it coasts way too hard on that rep. “It only does one thing really well: reliability,” he says. He finds the design snooze-worthy, the driving experience about as exciting as watching paint dry, and points out it hasn’t brought much new to the table lately. Still, he admits it’s a solid choice overall – hence the “honorable mention” instead of the top 5.
#5: Buick SUVs (The Whole Lineup)
Instead of picking just one model, Delivrd threw shade at Buick’s entire SUV family. His main gripe? They’ve lost their soul. “The build quality often isn’t up to par with rivals, and honestly, the whole brand feels a bit stuck in the past,” he argues. Models like the Encore GX and Envision try to feel “premium” but miss the mark on both luxury and performance, leaving them in a weird no-man’s land. In a crowded market, that lack of identity really hurts.
#4: Mazda CX-70 (The Copycat)
Mazda usually gets props for sharp handling and nice interiors. But the CX-70? Delivrd calls it a lazy effort. “It’s basically just a CX-90 without the third row,” he points out. While it’s fundamentally a decent SUV, being practically identical to its bigger sibling makes it feel pointless in Mazda’s showroom. If you’re paying CX-70 money expecting something fresh or unique, prepare for disappointment.
#3: Jeep Wrangler (The Off-Road Icon That Flops Daily)
Hardcore off-roaders adore the Wrangler, and its look is iconic. But as your everyday ride? Delivrd gives it a hard no. “It’s not practical, not super safe, and honestly? Not that reliable.” He doesn’t mince words: bad gas mileage, so-so safety scores, and a reputation for needing frequent repairs, especially as it ages. Unless you’re actually hitting the trails regularly, you’re probably overpaying for a bumpy ride and nostalgia.
#2: Audi Q5 (The Jack of All Trades, Master of None?)
The Q5 is often seen as the perfect, balanced luxury family SUV – smooth, techy, refined. Delivrd thinks that balance is its weakness, especially for the price. “It doesn’t do anything better than a Mercedes or BMW,” he contends. While competent, it lacks a standout feature. Audi’s design is starting to feel repetitive too. If you want serious performance, luxury, or cutting-edge tech, rivals like the BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC might give you more bang for your buck.
#1: Lexus GX 550 (All Show, Less Go?)
Topping the “overrated” list is Lexus’s flashy new GX 550 – a luxury off-roader with serious looks and a premium badge. So why the harsh verdict? “It looks amazing, but the interior? Underwhelming,” Delivrd states bluntly. “For that kind of money, the Toyota Land Cruiser is actually a smarter buy.” While the GX 550 delivers rugged capability and a bold new look, reports suggest its cabin doesn’t scream “luxury” at its hefty price point. Compared to the upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser (which shares its guts and capability), the GX 550 might be charging you mostly for the Lexus emblem.
More…
Just because an SUV is popular doesn’t mean it delivers the best performance, comfort, or value. Delivrd isn’t necessarily saying these are bad vehicles – some get decent reviews. But his list highlights how the hype often overshadows the real-world ownership experience: practicality quirks, reliability concerns, and whether you’re truly getting what you paid for.
Shopping in 2025? Look past the shiny ads. Ask the tough questions: How practical is it really? What’s the long-term reliability track record? How’s the resale value? Does it actually drive as well as they say? The most talked-about SUV isn’t always the smartest choice for your driveway. Do your homework!
