5 Luxury Vehicles Mechanics Say To Avoid
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Nowadays, so many new cars come with the latest tech, safety features and comfort upgrades that you don’t need a high-end label to get a great driving experience.
“Just because it is luxury does not make it last longer,” Chris Pyle, an auto expert with JustAnswer, wrote in an email. “You are paying more for looks and features. Those things bump the car cost way over MSRP, and those things all depreciate the fastest.”
Here are the luxury vehicles car shoppers should avoid and the ones they should consider instead.
Cadillac Escalade
- MSRP: $91,100 to $168,000
The 2026 full-size Cadillac Escalade three-row SUV comes in six different trim levels equipped with advanced tech and a luxurious interior. It comes with 24-inch wheels, the largest ever offered on an Escalade, and a 55-inch screen that spans the entire front row, according to Cadillac.
However, Pyle said this is one to avoid. According to MotorNation on YouTube, the Escalade is one of the most expensive SUVS to buy, own and maintain.
Mercedes EQE
- MSRP: $66,100 to $74,600
The Mercedes EQE is calm and quiet with a luxurious interior, but Car and Driver pointed out that it resembles a computer mouse, has middling performance and isn’t fun to drive.
According to Melanie Musson, auto expert with AutoInsurance.org, “The EQE is an electric vehicle, and that’s not Mercedes’ specialty.” Over the last several years, it’s also had recurring issues, including failures of the electrical system, infotainment system glitches and software problems.
Lincoln Navigator
- MSRP: $94,590 to $124,590
The 2026 Lincoln Navigator has a turbocharged V-6 and a comfort-first interior, but according to Car and Driver, its center infotainment screen placement diverts eyes from the road, its size makes parking a problem and it offers low fuel economy.
Car and Driver also pointed out that while the EPA hasn’t released fuel economy information yet, the 2025 model earned a rating of 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined. It’s also a luxury vehicle that Pyle said to avoid.
Infiniti QX50
- MSRP: $44,350 to $52,550
The 2025 Infiniti QX50 is a compact luxury SUV with all-wheel drive at a more affordable price compared to other luxury vehicles; however, Kelley Blue Book pointed out that it’s “hard to get excited” about when its competitors are more prestigious, offer better value or are more fun to drive.
“The QX50 is being discontinued, and when that happens, the discontinued vehicles tend to lose value more quickly,” Musson explained. “Luxury cars already tend to depreciate more quickly than other cars, so with the added depreciation risk of a QX50, buying one would be a poor investment.”
Land Rover Range Rover
- MSRP: $115,450 to $247,850
With the top trim level near $250,000, the Range Rover delivers a powerful off-road experience and a first-class status symbol. However, Car and Driver stated that it might be too nice to take off-road, especially with that price tag.
According to Pyle, this is another luxury vehicle most drivers should avoid.
What To Buy Instead
If you prefer a safe vehicle with luxury features, Musson recommends the Lexus.
“If you’re looking for a luxury vehicle that depreciates more slowly than others, the Lexus RX is one of Lexus’ most popular vehicles in the lineup, and it’s a good option because it’s reliable yet luxurious,” Musson wrote. “The focus on creating an excellent engine did not detract from attention to the interior and driver and passenger comfort.”
Pyle also gave his recommendations along with the cars he said to avoid. Rather than buy the Escalade, “Go for a Suburban, Tahoe or Yukon instead,” he wrote. And if you like the look of the Lincoln Navigator, he recommends the Expedition.
And instead of the Range Rover, “Go for any other mid-size SUV that can do the same things but not cost as much to own, service and better retains value,” he explained.
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