We usually make a recommendation and praise some models for upcoming seasons. But, this time we want to point to problems you can find with some SUVs. We were investigating consumers’ reports and internet forums to check out which are the worst SUVs in the market. We also consulted dealers to learn their opinions. So, here it is – the list of 10 worst SUVs for 2020 season.

2020 Tesla Model X

This is definitely the vehicle to avoid. It is futuristic, looks magnificent, premium features will make your ride easier… and that’s it. You will pay the 2020 Tesla Model X too much right at the start. Then, the maintenance cost is very expensive. Have in mind that Model X was the most unreliable model for 2019 and the company didn’t bring any important changes.

For two years in a row, this was the least reliable SUV in the market. We hope that the carmaker won’t make the same mistakes with the upcoming Model Y. Reasons, why you should be careful with the 2020 Tesla Model X, are electronics inside the car, wing door problems, and strange drive systems. Plus, the recharging network is not so wide, so you need to calculate your trip. Definitely, this one was an easy pick for our list.

2020 Dodge Journey

Another easy choice. Don’t believe in ads. The 2020 Dodge Journey is one of the examples of great marketing for a poor vehicle. Everything about the SUV is questionable. There are rumors telling the FCA is going to discontinue the vehicle. Well, changes for the 2020 season are not going to deny these rumors.

First of all, the engine choice for the mid-size SUV is not the best. Durango can do things right with its V8 units. The base version of the 2020 Dodge Journey will get a four-pot powerplant. And that’s it. For the new season, both Pentastar V6 and AWD are gone. We don’t know what does the FCA tries to do, but lack of options will kill the Journey. Plus, the transmission was the biggest problem of the drive system and engineers didn’t fix it.

We are not done yet. The infotainment system is there to help you. But, the 2020 Dodge Journey is not going to make anything so simple. Add the lack of safety features to the list of complaints in previous editions, and you will guess why we rank the Journey among the first SUVs to avoid in 2020.

2020 Dodge Journey Changes (Full Review)

2020 Dodge Journey SRT

2020 Buick Enclave and 2020 Chevy Traverse

These two models are coming from the same company and share the same platform. Unfortunately, the problems you see on the 2020 Buick Enclave are also present on 2020 Chevy Traverse, and vice versa. Even the update in 2018 didn’t help. Well, the good thing about the new versions is the availability of the Infotainment 3 system instead of MyLink. But, the small change is not going to change the overall impression. Buyers are still unhappy with these two and official ratings are pretty poor.

Although there are some positive sides, both the 2020 Buick Enclave and the 2020 Traverse will find it hard to gain a reputation among buyers. The new generation for these SUVs was launched in 2018 and it is still early for a big redesign. If you plan to spend $33,000-$40,000 for the SUV, there is plenty of other models you will find a lot better.

2020 Acura RDX

Sales of the RDX started growing after the new generation was launched in 2019. However, we wouldn’t recommend this premium crossover yet after the problems it had in the previous generation. Of course, the new series fixed a lot of issues, but it is not easy to change the minds of buyers, especially when they have to spend extra money on a premium vehicle.

The safety was above average and the 2020 Acura RDX is offering a lot of cool features. Whatsoever, these are not always easy to handle. Also, the lack of options its larger sibling, Acura MDX, is offering might be the reason why owners of the RDX are sometimes furious. So, we can’t recommend the 2020 Acura RDX, although it is an all-new model. Be aware, wait for the feedback, let others test it for you, and in 2021, buy the crossover.

2020 Volvo XC90

Honestly, we were shocked when we heard that owners are questioning the reliability of the Swedish SUV. That made us learn more about its problems. According to Consumer Reports, Volvo XC90 has only a 22 percent rating. It is the second-worst outcome in the three-row segment. The new model is coming unchanged. So, don’t expect too much from the 2020 Volvo XC90 and its infotainment system in the first place. Plus, some electronic issues troubled the owners, which is another reason to be cautious with the purchase of the Swedish SUV.

Optional features and drivetrains are definitely something worthy of consideration. But, the price jumps very quickly with every new upgrade. For the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid system, you will have to spend at least $73,000.

2020 Nissan Armada

The 2020 Nissan Armada is one of the most reliable vehicles in the market. It has power, a lot of room in the cabin, and the SUV is pretty safe. It is even one of the cheapest full-size models in dealerships. So, why it is on the list? Awful fuel consumption. The 2020 Nissan Armada is going to return only 14 mpg. We can find other examples as well, but these vehicles will offer huge amounts of power or plenty of premium features. Armada is not one of them.

The 2020 Nissan Armada is not going to be worth of it. For $50,000 you will spend for the base unit, you can buy many other premium SUVs, with a lot of space, or much better gas mileage. Still, the rugged appearance makes Armada so special. Still, with only 30k sales, it can’t be called one of the most popular models in the class.

2021-Nissan-Armada-changes

2020 Jeep Compass

Multiple reliable sources are claiming there are a lot of reasons why the 2020 Jeep Compass is not going to be among the most popular vehicles in the compact crossover SUV segment. This model ended the last generation with a terrible reputation. Still, the new series re-gained the popularity, but the Compass is still far away from the competition. Nothing is exciting about it. Plus, there are a few reasons why you should question the purchase.

First of all, the base model is cutting features from the offer to become more affordable. And it looks cheap, though. The reliability took a huge blow after recent recalls with brakes issues. Owners are praising the engine lineup, but the suspension and electronic problems are harming the overall impression. Plus, the infotainment system is still waiting for a serious update.

2020 jeep compass redesign

2020 Land Rover Discovery

The 2020 Land Rover Discovery is going to be one of the models where we have to take all the pros and cons to check what to do. Definitely, we are not fans of this model thanks to its poor reliability. All its drivetrains and spacious cabin are cool, but the mid-size SUV still needs a lot of improvements.

With recalls due to engine problems, we can’t see the 2020 Land Rover Discovery among the best models in the market. No recommendations for the SUV, although it offers plenty of power and an acceptable fuel economy. Plus, when you add a slow infotainment system, there are no doubts why the 2020 Land Rover Discovery is going to be one of the worst buys you can make.

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander is a three-row SUV. However, the second and third rows are not offering enough space. Plus, the total 64 cubic feet of cargo space is not something that will draw more buyers. Furthermore, the seven-seater is not going to stun you with its power or performance. A 2.4-liter motor delivers 166 hp. Just for comparison, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are good for 290 and 280 ponies. Even a larger 3.0-liter V6 cannot match the outputs of the most reliable units. The PHEV version is not different.

One of the bright sides of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander is its warranty. The company is going to offer 5 years/ 60,000 miles. But, the sales network in the USA is really, really bad. So, maintenance is a big problem. Imagine you need repair during the road trip. It could easily happen that there is no service anywhere close. So, the warranty is cool, but it doesn’t mean too much.

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Will be Worth of Waiting

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander engelberg tourer
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander teaser image

2020 Mazda CX-3

The final crossover in our list of top 10 worst SUVs for 2020 is Mazda CX-3. It is a small, unreliable model that has only a cool styling. According to reports, the new version fixes the climate control issues that caused a lot of troubles. However, we need to see what does the 2020 Mazda CX-3 brings before we change our minds. As said before – let others test it for you.

Definitely, the SkyActiv engine is the biggest reason why you should test any Mazda vehicle. But, the subcompact CX-3 fights some other problems. The tiny crossover is not too safe. Still, it is not expensive as well. The base package is not going to meet most demands and higher trim levels are significantly more expensive. The gas mileage is not going to make it up for the lack of power. So, in all segments, we can find better options.