I’m a Car Expert: 5 Least Improved Luxury SUVs Not Worth Your Money
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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The luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) market is flooded with options, features and upgrades for your purchasing delight. However, not all SUVs are made the same, and while some auto manufacturers have learned from the past about what is needed for future models, others have not done their homework on how to advance their luxury rides.
GOBankingRates asked automotive experts what the five least improved luxury SUVs were and why they are not worth your money for the market suggested retail price (MSRP).
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- Average Starting MSRP: $48,000
Alex Black, Chief Marketing Officer at EpicVIN, explained the Alfa Romeo Stelvio “…is a blast to drive, but the dealer network is slim, parts expensive, and long-term reliability reports continue to flash warning signs.”
Black warned the interior technology is a step behind, and side-impact ratings trail competitors. While the price does not seem too steep for a luxury SUV, you definitely do not want to spring for the Quadrifoglio, which starts around $95,000.
Range Rover Evoque
- Average Starting MSRP: $50,000
“Expensive for what you get, reliability falls at the bottom of nearly every ranked list, and the 2.0-liter turbo has not really had a facelift in nearly a decade,” commented Black, adding that using premium gas to fill up for regular trips to work and for errands will only drain your wallet.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
- Average Starting MSRP: $74,000
John Ellmore, EV Fleet Editor at Know Your Business, called the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV “an electric SUV that appears to fall short of market expectations,” highlighting that, for the price, “you’d expect cutting-edge features, but this model seemingly disappoints with slow home charging at a dreadful 9.6 kW, frustrating braking performance, and overly complicated dashboard controls that distract drivers!”
“At a price point that should really guarantee excellence, the EQE SUV simply hasn’t made the right improvements to stand out in the competitive electric SUV segment,” Ellmore pointed out.
Infiniti QX80
- Average Starting MSRP: $82,000
According to Black, the Infiniti QX80 is made of used bones from a 2010 truck, and even guzzles gas like one with a 13 MPG city rating.
“… a brand-new coat can’t cover obsolete crash-avoidance technology,” Black noted. “You’re essentially spending Escalade prices for hardware from the 2000s.”
Maserati Levante
- Average Starting MSRP: $103,000
For a car that crosses the six figures line in terms of cost, Black advised the Maserati Levante is not worth a dollar of your money.
“Beautiful sound, but sky-high maintenance costs and electricity gremlins kill resale appeal,” Black went on to describe. “Safety package and graphics on screen seem a generation behind the Germans.”
Conclusion
Black advised that if you are looking for a luxury SUV, pass on these makes and models which have not evolved to keep up with the times.
“These rigs may be sharp in a suburban driveway, but haven’t caught up in the important stuff: reliability, fresh safety equipment and value-for-dollar,” Black summarized. “Wiser money is on a new-platform BMW X5, Lexus RX or Genesis GV80.”
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