The Worst Cars To Buy In 2026

Dan Gray in More

3/2/26

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For those considering a new car in 2026, there's no shortage of vehicles on the market, from traditional gas guzzlers to hybrids to full electric models. While it's an exciting time for car aficianados, it can be overwhelming for those who are just looking for a reliable daily driver.

Here's our list of the absolute worst cars to buy in 2026, covering a range of brands, styles, and form factors. Avoid common pitfalls and make an informed choice by reading ahead.

Volkswagen Atlas: $39,420 - $54,315

Volkswagen

The Volkswagen Atlas is a crossover SUV with a large interior cabin, towing capabilities, and a fairly low starting price. While all of this sounds good, it's unfortunately not a particularly reliable vehicle, according to Consumer Reports.

Compounding the reliability issues is the fact that the Atlas is slow to accelerate and doesn't offer good fuel efficiency.

Nissan Versa: $17,530 - $21,540

Nissan

Nissan's Versa is an affordable, fuel-efficient car that can be had for under $20,000, making it a compelling option for new drivers.

However, its low price comes at the cost of underpowered performance, a lack of interior space, and very basic cabin options.

Ford Escape: $30,990 - $41,995

Ford

Buyers will find plenty of powertrain and trim options to tinker with when it comes to the Ford Escape, including a plug-in hybrid variant.

It's a capable compact SUV by most measures, but its over-reliance on hard, cheap plastic in the interior make it a very basic vehicle compared to others on the market.

Jeep Compass: $27,495 - $35,490

Jeep

The Compass is Jeep's sleek, modern take on an old classic, and is designed more for city driving than off-roading (though it does come standard with AWD).

Unfortunately, the Compass has a lacklustre interior compared to some of its rivals, and the driving experience — featuring stiff steering and a sensitive brake pedal — leaves something to be desired.

Genesis GV60: $53,350 - $70,900

Genesis

EV buyers will likely be intrigued by the Genesis GV60, which offers up a 77.4 kWh battery which carries a range of up to 321 miles — not the best in its class, but pretty good all the same.

However, the GV60 fails to measure up in one key area: Price. Despite its strong attributes, it isn't significantly better than its lower-priced competitors.

Chevrolet Equinox: $27,995 - $33,195

Chevrolet

The Equinox is a tried-and-tested model from Chevy, with its low pricing making it a best-seller for years now. However, this low price is immediately apparent when you step behind the wheel.

Chevy put an underpowered 175-hp four-cylinder engine into the Equinox, making for a slow and sluggish ride. By all appearances, it's time to revamp this aging model.

Maserati Ghibli: $110,995 - $166,495

Vauxford/Wikimedia Commons

Maserati has replaced their Ghibli with the Quattroporte (keep reading for our take on this newer model), meaning slightly-used Ghibli models are popping up at car dealerships.

Buyers might find the Maserati name appealing, but the Ghibli is fairly cramped, features an underwhelming array of amenities, and a sluggish engine. Anyone looking to spend six-plus figures on a car will find far better options elsewhere.

Dodge Hornet: $32,995 - $37,995

Dodge

The Dodge Hornet comes off like a budget version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, with a distinctive exterior to go along with a 268-hp four-cylinder engine.

The Hornet's Achilles' heel comes in the form of cramped cabin and storage space. It's still a good car, but buyers will find more appealing and budget-friendly options in something like a Honda CR-V.

Mini Countryman: $33,645 - $43,695

Mini

Mini's Countryman is available in multiple powertrains, along with a hybrid model, and also comes with Mini's excellent complimentary maintenance.

However, buyers are paying the (not insignificant) price for its retro styling, as the Countryman is thoroughly underwhelming in most regards.

Jaguar E-Pace: $50,675

Jaguar

On the surface, the Jaguar E-Pace seems like a dream vehicle as it offers the Jaguar name at a relatively low price. However, a look under the hood reveals that it's a bog-standard vehicle in most regards.

Despite its luxurious interior, the E-Pace has a sluggish four-cylinder engine, poor fuel efficiency, and a cramped backseat.

Jeep Wrangler: $33,890 - $93,440

Jeep

The Jeep Wrangler is a truly iconic vehicle, and buyers will find plenty of powertrain options, along with a hybrid variant, making it easy to customize the vehicle to their specific needs.

However, the distinctive Jeep aesthetic comes with some drawbacks, including a small interior cabin, poor soundproofing, and — worst of all — a disappointing reliability rating from Consumer Reports.

Infiniti QX80: $76,045 - $87,730

Infiniti

The Infiniti QX80 has undergone some stylistic changes to update the model, but despite its new looks, it's a fairly underwhelming vehicle for its price point.

Considering the Infiniti's similarities to the Nissan Armada — both vehicles are virtually identical in many ways — it's tough to justify spending this amount of money on an overpriced vehicle.

Lexus LS: $80,685 - $115,560

Lexus

The LS has long served as the Lexus brand's flagship offering, and it's priced accordingly. However, the LS — now in its fifth generation — feels less luxurious than models of the past.

It's still a luxury car, mind you — but considering the fact that the model was originally intended to rival the Mercedes-Benz S-class and now fails to offer many of the S-class features — it seems like a poor choice.

Subaru Ascent: $35,740 - $49,790

Subaru

There's a lot to like about the Subaru Ascent, from strong fuel efficiency, a zippy engine, and Subaru's trademark AWD coming standard. However, it's more comfortable for four passengers than six thanks to a cramped interior, and soundproofing leaves something to be desired.

There's nothing wrong with choosing a Subaru Ascent as your next ride, but it isn't particularly competitive against other V6 options on the market.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: $41,830 - $75,140

Jeep

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mainstay in the SUV space, but in some ways, it seems that Jeep has been resting on its laurels.

Consumer Reports gave the Grand Cherokee a disappointingly low reliability score of just 23. Couple this with an unusually high price point for its fully-loaded models, and the Grand Cherokee fails to impress.

Kia Soul: $21,565 - $25,865

Kia

The Kia Soul is positioned as an entry-level vehicle for new drivers, and boasts a fun design, spacious interior, and infotainment options for a low price point.

However, it isn't particularly fuel efficient and doesn't offer an all-wheel-drive option. It's a reliable car, but better options are out there.

Nissan Titan: $48,050 - $61,720

Nissan

Nissan's beefy Titan pickup truck is extremely capable when it comes to raw power, with a V8 engine and 413 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the more powerful trucks on the market.

However, the Titan's tow rating and interior cabin fail to match up to offerings from Chevrolet, Ram, and Ford. It's a truck that values raw power above all else.

Maserati Quattroporte: $140,995

Maserati

For those who want the luxury that only a brand like Maserati can provide, the brand's Quattroporte probably isn't the best choice. Despite its gorgeous design, it measures up poorly against its competitors from brands like Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz.

For the price point, the Quattroporte has an interior that isn't as luxurious as it could be, and doesn't come in a V8 variant. This is a case of paying for brand recognition above all else.

Nissan Sentra: $22,030 - $25,120

Nissan

The affordable Nissan Sentra features an eye-catching design, thoughtfully-designed interior, and comfortable seats. It seems like the perfect smaller car for a solo driver, but it consistently underperforms.

With a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, the Sentra generates only 149 horsepower and a strangely noisy engine. It's also fairly cramped inside, making it a poor choice for taller drivers and passengers.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: $25,305 - $30,310

Mitsubishi

The Outlander Sport certainly looks the part of a vehicle that can do it all, but its all-wheel drive struggles with its underpowered powertrain options.

The interior of the vehicle doesn't improve matters much, as a lack of premium materials and over-reliance on cheap black plastic leave the car feeling low-rate.

Nissan Frontier: $31,540 - $42,095

Nissan

Nissan's entry into the crowded midsize pickup truck market is largely a dud, with a low reliability score of just 23 from Consumer Reports.

Truck fans may fall in love with its distinctive, rugged design, but with issues ranging from its transmission to electrical accessories, buyers are better off looking elsewhere.

Cadillac XT4: $39,090 - $43,190

Cadillac

Cadillac's subcompact luxury SUV features a fairly stiff drive, and despite its luxurious pedigree, it largely fails to live up to the standards set by competitors from brands like Genesis and Lexus.

The XT4 does have a relatively nice interior with ample infotainment options, along with a pleasing exterior design, but it simply doesn't do enough to justify its cost.

Ford Explorer: $38,455 - $57,310

Ford

The Ford Explorer family has always been known for making safe, quick cars that work just as well on city streets as off the beaten track, but newer Explorers have failed to impress.

Consumer Reports flags several potential reliability issues, and while none of these are necessarily deal-breakers, the Explorer measures up poorly against its competitors — particularly when it comes to its cheaper interior materials.

Chevrolet Malibu: $26,195 - $32,595

Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Malibu features a pleasing design and a relatively affordable price, but this cost-cutting immediately becomes apparent with one look at its lower-tier materials in the cabin.

There's nothing particularly wrong with the Malibu, but its standard features and lack of variants makes it a bland choice when better options are available.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L: $43,830 - $74,835

Jeep

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L adds a third row to its non-L cousin, and comes in either a V6 or V8 variant, with rear- or all-wheel drive.

It's a fairly expensive vehicle, though, and its reliability doesn't match its price point. Consumer Reports gave it a 23 on its reliability scale, making it a poor value for the price.

Volkswagen Jetta: $22,660 - $30,050

Volkswagen

Volkswagen's Jetta has been on the market for years, and it may have reached a point of being too bland to stand out in the competitive auto market.

Its starting price is attractively low, but the Jetta is unfortunately not as reliable as some of VW's other offerings. Consumer Reports gives it a low ranking of just 25 when it comes to reliability.

Lexus LX600: $93,915 - $134,490

Lexus

This luxury SUV from Lexus carries a premium price tag and comes standard with a long list of features, including four-wheel drive, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and 479 pound-feet of torque.

However, despite its impressive specs, the LX600 is suprisingly cramped, with limited third-row space and storage capabilities. It's a good SUV, but just too expensive for what it offers.

Nissan Leaf: $29,280 - $37,330

Nissan

Nissan markets its Leaf as a simple EV for eco-minded drivers, and the Leaf does boast an appealing price tag. However, whichever variant you choose — the 147-hp or 214-hp electric motor — will come with a disappointingly short driving range.

Adding to the frustration, the Leaf takes longer than competitors to charge, meaning that drivers will not only have to charge often, but will also take a long time to do so.

Mercedes-Benz GLE: $63,800 - $87,850

Mercedes-Benz

The interior of the GLE features premium trim, comfy seats, and luxurious materials, but the SUV isn't as reliable as some others on the market, receiving poor grades for its steering controls and infotainment interface.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz has introduced subscription models with this vehicle, meaning that drivers will need to shell out the steep asking price in addition to more fees just to use its best features.

Nissan Pathfinder: $37,470 - $50,440

Nissan

Nissan's Pathfinder is a no-nonsense SUV that's big enough for the whole family, but despite its rugged appearance, it isn't particularly capable for doing anything off-road.

While some families will appreciate its large cabin, others are advised to look elsewhere if they want an SUV that can handle off-roading.

Rivian R1T: $80,800 - $82,850

Rivian

Rivian's futuristic R1T is one of the most head-turning EVs out there, with superior off-road abilities and the ability to tow heavy loads. However, this unique car is probably too expensive for what it features.

It gets a grade of 22 on Consumer Reports' reliability scale for various reasons, and even fails to utilize either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, even though these are standard features on other 2026 vehicles.

Volvo XC60: $48,195 - $76,545

Volvo

Volvo has had some trouble standing out in the hybrid market, with its XC60 SUV getting a dismal reliability rating of just 21, according to Consumer Reports.

Its problems involve the battery and charging system, along with multiple aspects of the in-car experience. Consumer Reports gives it poor grades for its electrical accessories, climate control, and in-car entertainment system.

Toyota bZ4X: $44,420 - $48,530

Toyota

The hard-to-remember model number of bZ4X is Toyota's first electric vehicle and feature a forward-thinking design and comfortable interior.

However, the list of positives seemingly ends there, as the bZ4X has an underwhelming highway range of 228-252 miles, depending on whether single or dual motors are used. Couple this with slow charging, and the bZ4X fails to impress on multiple levels.

Ford F-150 Hybrid: $38,565 - $84,495

Ford

The hybrid F-150 packs a serious punch, with a 400-horsepower drivetrain and twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine. It also boasts an impressive 700-mile driving range and can serve as a power generator.

However, the F-150 Hybrid isn't as reliable as its non-hybrid variant. Consumer Reports gave it a reliability score of just 19 in 2024, making it one of the least reliable vehicles on the list.

Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV: $45,440 - $50,935

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo's subcompact SUV could have used more time in development, as it tends to underperform on the road. Multiple reviewers gave it poor grades for steering feedback and a seemingly underpowered powertrain.

The Tonale's specs are appealing, with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine working in tandem with a rear electric motor, but its 2026 model seems half-baked.

Mini Cooper Electric: $31,895 - $36,700

Mini

Mini's iconic Cooper has a design that you'll either love or hate, and those who appreciate Mini's stylings will likely be excited at the prospect of an electric variant, which uses an electric powertrain and comes in at a fairly affordable price.

That said, Mini's low price comes at a significant cost when it comes to range. The 28.9 kWh battery pack under the hood can only power the vehicle for about 110 miles on a full charge.

Volkswagen Taos: $25,420 - $34,940

Volkswagen

Volkswagen has been manufacturing its Taos model for a while now, and while its design doesn't turn heads, it still features good fuel efficiency and enough space for an active family.

However, under the hood, the Taos just doesn't measure up. Consumer Reports has consistently rated it poorly for reliability, with the 2018 model adding up to a reliability score of 18, making it the second-least reliable car of that model year.

Toyota Mirai: $51,215 - $68,180

Toyota

The Toyota Mirai oozes with luxury and class, with a head-turning design and premium price point to match. It's also a forward-thinking car, as it's driven by hydrogen fuel cells.

It may well be the car of the future, but unfortunately, it's not really the car of the present. This isn't due to any failings with the car itself and is solely due to the lack of hydrogen refueling stations, which are mostly concentrated in southern California.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: $40,685 - $63,555

Chrysler

Chrysler makes its Pacifica in both traditional and hybrid models, and the Pacifica Hybrid appears to offer everything an eco-minded family might want out of their daily driver.

It has a fairly standard list of specs, including a 3.6-liter V6 engine and two electric motors driven by a 16.0 kWh battery pack. However, the vehicle's fatal flaw is its reliability, as Consumer Reports has repeatedly noted issues with its battery, charging, and electronics.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4: $19,055 - $20,855

Mitsubishi

It's somewhat rare to find a three-cylinder engine on the North American market, and Mitsubishi has been offering its three-cylinder Mirage for years now. While it's a budget-friendly option, the underpowered engine performs poorly on the highway.

At just 78 horsepower and 1.2 litres, the Mirage features one of the smallest engines out there, and this cost-cutting applies to the car's interiors as well, which tend to be weak and flimsy.