The acquisition of a sports utility vehicle represents a significant investment for Brazilian families, requiring a careful analysis that goes far beyond aesthetics or engine power. Dados recent releases released by
The study, which crosses information from road tests with owner reports and workshop data, points out that the wrong choice can result in frequent headaches and loss of property. In the current economic scenario, where efficiency and durability are priorities, avoiding models with a proven history of mechanical failures is essential to protect the household budget against unforeseen expenses and accelerated depreciation at the time of resale.
Automotive sector experts reinforce that when purchasing an SUV you should consider not only the sticker price, but the total cost of ownership in the long term. Modelos that have recurring defects in vital systems, such as transmission and suspension, tend to spend more time stopped in workshops than on the road, frustrating the expectations of those looking for safe and reliable transport for everyday life or for long trips.
To assist in decision-making, we compiled the main observations about the vehicles mentioned in the survey, detailing the technical and marketing reasons that place them on the list of options to be avoided this year. Below, we present an in-depth analysis of the critical points identified in each model.
Reliability issues in the luxury segment
The Jeep Grand Cherokee, a traditional name in the SUV market, appears in negative light due to an unfavorable combination of high price and questionable reliability. Embora is a vehicle that conveys visual robustness, reports indicate that it is among the cars that consumers should avoid, mainly due to structural and mechanical flaws that do not match its market value.
At Brasil, where the price of this model easily exceeds R$300,000, the initial investment is not justified given the risks presented. Testes of reliability shows that the vehicle has a score well below the category average, which raises a warning sign for those looking for a premium car that offers peace of mind.
In addition to the acquisition cost, owners report frequent problems that require costly corrective maintenance:
- Premature wear and failures in suspension components;
- Recurrent problems in the transmission system;
- Electronic failures that compromise the functioning of accessories;
- High cost of spare parts on the national market.
Compared to other options available in the same price range, the Jeep model leaves something to be desired in terms of durability. Para a vehicle aimed at intense use and, often, family, mechanical unpredictability becomes a decisive factor in excluding it from the rational purchase list in 2026.
Comfort and interior space challenges
Another model from the same automaker that faces severe criticism is the Jeep Compass. Apesar despite being a sales success in several markets, technical analysis indicates that the vehicle suffers from an excessively rigid suspension, designed to guarantee stability, but which ends up sacrificing the comfort of occupants on irregular roads, common in Brazilian cities.
The driving experience is described as tiring on long journeys, as impact absorption leaves something to be desired. Além Furthermore, internal space is a critical point, especially for those traveling in the back seat. The vehicle’s design, although attractive, compromises livability, offering less leg and shoulder space than direct competitors.
Issues related to driving dynamics were also observed, such as a slow throttle response in retaking and overtaking situations. Mesmo With recent aesthetic updates, the model’s practical usability has not evolved at the same rate, which can frustrate drivers who expect more agile performance and a smoother ride.
Unbalanced cost-benefit ratio
The Alfa Romeo Tonale makes the list for not delivering what it promises in terms of sports performance. Equipado with an engine that generates 285 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the SUV should offer an exciting driving experience, befitting the Italian brand’s heritage. However, in practice, the car is perceived as too simple for the luxury segment in which it tries to compete.
The lack of agility is one of the most criticized points. Apesar of the robust technical sheet, the power delivery is not linear, and the vehicle does not convey the expected feeling of sportiness. Quando puts the amount charged for the model on the scale — which exceeds R$ 250,000 in direct conversion considering taxes — the math doesn’t add up for the rational consumer.
Furthermore, the quality of the interior finish and ergonomics do not justify the premium price. Proprietários point out that, compared to German or Japanese rivals, the Tonale lacks refinement and driving assistance technologies that are already standard in vehicles in this category, making it an unattractive option compared to the competition.
Complications with new hybrid technologies
Mazda, known for its driver-focused engineering, stumbled with the launch of the CX-90, specifically in the plug-in hybrid version. The introduction of new propulsion technologies has brought with it a series of reliability issues that directly affect vehicle usability. The hybrid system has presented integration failures, resulting in frequent error codes and the need for unscheduled visits to the dealership.
One of the most cited problems involves charging the battery and the transition between the electric and combustion engines. In a country like Brasil, where the charging infrastructure is still expanding and the maintenance of electrified vehicles requires specialized labor, owning a car that has “bugs” in the electrical system can become a logistical nightmare.
The additional mechanical complexity of the hybrid system, when not perfectly calibrated, exponentially increases the risk of failure. Para the consumer looking for the fuel savings promised by electrification, the CX-90 ends up delivering insecurity and unforeseen costs, nullifying any financial advantage obtained from gasoline consumption.
The issue of technological obsolescence
The Land Rover Defender is an icon of design and off-road capability, but its current generation faces the challenge of technological obsolescence. Embora maintains a robust and attractive aesthetic, the model is considered outdated when compared to its direct competitors in terms of infotainment systems and autonomous driving assistants.
The technology embedded in the Defender has stopped in time. Enquanto other luxury brands invest heavily in intuitive digital interfaces, 5G connectivity and predictive security systems, the British model still depends on an electronic architecture that shows signs of age. Isso affects not only the user experience but also the active safety of the vehicle.
In the chaotic urban traffic of large Brazilian cities, the lack of modern braking and traffic monitoring assistants can be a negative difference. The owner pays the price of a state-of-the-art car, but takes home a technological package that has already been surpassed, which will certainly impact its resale value in the coming years.
Direct impact on market devaluation
Choosing an SUV with chronic problems or a poor market reputation has a devastating effect on the owner’s pocket: sharp depreciation. In the Brazilian market, models that gain a reputation as “problematic” or “expensive to maintain” suffer immediate rejection in pre-owned stores, forcing the seller to drastically reduce the price in order to close a deal.
Market data shows that vehicles like the Renault Captur and other SUVs with a history of discontinued production or expensive parts can experience annual depreciation of up to 24%. Isso means that, in just one year, a quarter of the value invested in the vehicle evaporates. Essa statistic is alarming and should be the main decision factor for anyone who sees the car as an asset.
Ford models, such as the Ka and Focus (although from other segments, serve as an example of a market phenomenon), saw their prices plummet by up to 25% after the announcement of leaving the factory or end of line. The rule is clear: high maintenance and low reliability result in low liquidity. Para To avoid losing money, consumers should prioritize brands and models with extensive after-sales support and a proven track record of durability.
Before closing any deal in 2026, the recommendation is to carry out a detailed pre-purchase inspection, preferably with a trusted mechanic specialized in the brand. Verificar review history and researching the satisfaction of other owners on forums and consumer protection websites can be the difference between making a dream come true or acquiring endless debt.