Unmasking the Hype: 14 Overrated Trucks & SUVs That Fall Short for Tough Jobs, According to Engineers and Towing Tests

Welcome, gearheads and discerning drivers, to a candid conversation about the trucks and SUVs that have captivated our attention, only to leave us wondering: “Was it all just smoke and mirrors?” The automotive world is a relentless engine of innovation and marketing, constantly churning out press releases that trumpet the next big thing. While some vehicles genuinely redefine expectations, many, perhaps even most, struggle to live up to the towering pedestals built for them by aggressive ad campaigns and fervent fanbases.

Here at Jalopnik, we believe in stripping away the gloss to reveal the true grit – or lack thereof – beneath the shiny veneers. We’re not just talking about minor disappointments; we’re delving into the machines that, despite all the fanfare, simply don’t deliver on the promises crucial for those who demand capability, reliability, and value, especially when it comes to tackling tough jobs. We’ve polled our seasoned enthusiasts, debated with friends and family, and poured over reader comments to separate genuine breakthroughs from the vehicles that are, to put it plainly, overhyped.

In this deep dive, we’re pulling back the curtain on 14 trucks and SUVs currently on the market that, in our collective view, have been significantly overrated. We’ll explore why their initial dazzle fades under the scrutiny of real-world performance, engineering integrity, and the practical demands of everyday use. Prepare to challenge your assumptions as we dissect the first seven contenders that have failed to live up to their lofty promises.

1. **Tesla Cybertruck**The Tesla Cybertruck undeniably turns heads. Its radical, silver-sided design ensures it will split opinion for decades, instantly making it one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road. For a while, it was the epitome of automotive overhype, a sentiment increasingly validated.

The initial shine is wearing off due to unfulfilled promises. It costs “way more than initially promised” and “doesn’t have the range initially promised,” directly impacting its practical value. These are critical failures for an EV positioned for utility.

Despite “claims of toughness,” it “tends to get stuck in and on things with some regularity.” While “some of the technical engineering is impressive,” like the 48-volt systems, this detail rarely excites the average consumer. Its marketing blitz far outstripped its delivered performance for tough jobs.

Car Model Information: 2024 Tesla Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive
Name: Tesla Cybertruck
Caption: 2024 Tesla Cybertruck, Foundation Series
Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Production: November 2023 – present
ModelYears: 2024–present
Assembly: Austin, Texas
Designer: unbulleted list
Class: Pickup truck
BodyStyle: crew cab
Layout: unbulleted list
Transmission: Single-speed fixed (15:1 ratio)
ElectricRange: cvt
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: cvt
Width: cvt
Height: cvt
Weight: Unbulleted indent list
Sp: us
Charging: unbulleted list
Battery: val
Motor: unbulleted indent list
Categories: 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: The Tesla Cybertruck is a battery-electric full-size pickup truck manufactured by Tesla, Inc. since 2023. It was first unveiled as a prototype in November 2019, featuring a distinctive angular design composed of flat, unpainted stainless steel body panels, drawing comparisons to low-polygon computer models. Originally scheduled for production in late 2021, the vehicle faced multiple delays before entering limited production at Gigafactory Texas in November 2023, with initial customer deliveries occurring later that month. As of 2025, three variants are available: a tri-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) model marketed as the “Cyberbeast”, a dual-motor AWD model, and a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) “Long Range” model. EPA range estimates vary by configuration, from 320 to 350 miles (515 to 565 km). As of 2025, the Cybertruck is sold in the United States, Mexico, Canada and South Korea. The Cybertruck has been criticized for its production quality and safety concerns while its sales have been described as disappointing.

Get more information about: Tesla Cybertruck

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Brand: Tesla Model: Cybertruck
Price: $75,619 Mileage: 2,133 mi.

2. **GMC Hummer EV**The GMC Hummer EV brought back an imposing name, promising unheard-of power and extreme off-road prowess in an electric package. This “supertruck” was a halo vehicle for GMC and the burgeoning electric truck segment, fueled by intense marketing fanfare.

Many enthusiasts, however, quickly lumped the Hummer EV into the “overhyped” electric truck category. Critics argue these vehicles are often “impractical and cannot match the capabilities of traditional ICE trucks for work or play.” Its immense battery weight and physical footprint can hinder true utility.

Dazzling features like “CrabWalk” and immense horsepower make headlines, but real-world application for a dependable workhorse remains questionable. Concerns about range under load, charging infrastructure, and long-term reliability in harsh environments persist. The Hummer EV embodies electric truck overhype, failing to translate raw power into practical, uncompromised capability.

Car Model Information: 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SE
Name: GMC Hummer EV
Caption: 2024 GMC Hummer EV3X (SUV)
Designer: Rick Scheer (director of design)
Powerout: 1000 hp
Abbr: on (SUV)
Battery: Ultium
Motor: Ultium Drive
ElectricRange: convert
Height: 79.1 in
Width: 86.46 in
Length: 196.8 in
Wheelbase: 126.7 in
Weight: Convert
Transmission: Single-speed
Related: Chevrolet Silverado EV,Cadillac Escalade IQ
Platform: General Motors BT1 platform
Predecessor: Hummer H2
Layout: Unbulleted list
BodyStyle: pickup truck
Class: Pickup_truck#Full-size_pickup_truck,Full-size SUV
Assembly: Detroit, Michigan
ModelYears: 2022–present
Production: November 2021 – present
Manufacturer: GMC (marque)
Sp: us
Charging: unbulleted list
Categories: All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with trivia sections from November 2023, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2023
Summary: The GMC Hummer EV (badged as HEV) is a line of battery electric heavy-duty vehicles produced by General Motors since 2021, and sold under the GMC mark. The Hummer EV is offered in two variants: a pickup truck and a sport utility vehicle (SUV), unveiled in October 2020 and April 2021 respectively. Weighing roughly 10,000 pounds (4,500 kg), the Hummer EV is among the heaviest consumer automobiles currently sold in the United States. Its size, mass, and acceleration have led to concerns regarding the danger it poses to other users on the road in the event of a collision, as well as its efficiency and environmental affects.

Get more information about: GMC Hummer EV

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Brand: GMC Model: Hummer EV
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 37,875 mi.

3. **Ford F-150 Lightning**The Ford F-150 Lightning, electrifying America’s best-selling vehicle, arrived with unprecedented anticipation and significant marketing. It was meant to blend traditional truck utility with modern EV benefits, a crucial test for Ford’s F-Series legacy.

Despite rapid sales spurred by “federal EV incentives,” the Lightning is part of the “EV trucks” segment deemed “overrated.” The core criticism: “these trucks are impractical and cannot match the capabilities of traditional ICE trucks for work or play.” This highlights a fundamental disconnect for many traditional truck buyers.

While offering impressive features like an “onboard generator” and respectable towing, skepticism persists about its range when towing heavy loads or battery performance in extreme temperatures. When compared to gas-powered F-150s, some argue its electric iteration falls short for demanding “tough jobs,” making it overhyped for uncompromising capability.

Car Model Information: 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SE
Name: Ford F-150 Lightning
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Related: Ford F-Series (fourteenth generation)
Assembly: Dearborn, Michigan
ModelYears: 2022–present
Production: April 2022 – present
Layout: Dual-motor, four-wheel-drive
Platform: Ford T platform#T3
Class: Pickup truck
Sp: us
Battery: lithium-ion
Motor: permanent magnet motor
ElectricRange: Unbulleted list
Abbr: on (extended battery)
Powerout: Unbulleted list
Charging: Unbulleted list
Designer: Unbulleted list
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: cvt
Width: cvt
Height: cvt
Weight: cvt
Categories: All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles containing potentially dated statements from June 2022
Summary: The Ford F-150 Lightning is a battery electric full-size light duty truck unveiled by the Ford Motor Company in May 2021 as part of the fourteenth generation Ford F-Series. Four models have been announced, and all models initially will be dual-motor, four-wheel-drive, with EPA range estimates of 240–320 mi (390–510 km). A commercial-grade version of the all-wheel drive (AWD) truck is sold in the United States, with higher-power/trim/range models also sold. The F-150 Lightning began production on April 26, 2022.

Get more information about: Ford F-150 Lightning

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Brand: Ford Model: F-150 Lightning
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 37,875 mi.

4. **Rivian R1T**The Rivian R1T quickly became a significant player, lauded for its innovative design and impressive performance as an electric adventure vehicle. It captured imaginations, promising a new era of sustainable off-roading with rapid acceleration and sophisticated technology.

Yet, the R1T joins other “electric trucks” labeled “overhyped.” Readers consistently argue these new-age trucks are “impractical and cannot match the capabilities of traditional ICE trucks for work or play.” This focuses on whether EVs genuinely serve conventional truck roles effectively.

For demanding tasks, the R1T’s innovations don’t always translate to superior practical experience. Concerns include charging in remote spots, battery weight impacting payload, and durability in harsh off-road conditions. Its “overhyped” status questions if its innovations truly elevate it above traditional workhorses for the most demanding applications.

Car Model Information: 2023 Rivian R1T Launch Edition Quad-Motor Large
Name: Rivian R1T
Manufacturer: Rivian
Production: 2021–present
ModelYears: 2022–present
Assembly: Rivian Automotive,LLC
Designer: Jeff Hammoud
Class: Mid-size car,luxury car,pickup truck
BodyStyle: crew cab
Layout: unbulleted list
Related: Rivian R1S
Motor: Alternating current,Permanent magnet motor
Transmission: Single-speed
Battery: kWh,lithium-ion battery
ElectricRange: unbulleted list
Abbr: on
Charging: unbulleted list
Wheelbase: 135.9 in
Length: 217.1 in
Width: 81.8 in
Height: 75.7 in
Weight: cvt
Sp: us
Powerout: unbulleted list
Chassis: Body-on-frame
Categories: All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles with vague or ambiguous time, Articles with short description, Commons category link is on Wikidata, Electric trucks
Summary: The Rivian R1T is a battery electric mid-size light duty luxury pickup truck produced by the American company Rivian. The first production R1T was manufactured in Illinois on September 28, 2021, and was delivered to a customer. The official EPA range for the Rivian R1T (MY 2022–2024) ranges from 255–420 miles (410–676 km), depending on drivetrain, battery pack capacity and wheel size.

Get more information about: Rivian R1T

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Brand: Rivian Model: R1T
Price: $62,998 Mileage: 12,720 mi.

5. **Jeep Wrangler**The Jeep Wrangler is a mythical symbol of freedom and off-road capability, its iconic design fostering powerful brand loyalty. However, this fervor often leads to overhype, as its on-road experience and practical considerations can fall short of its rugged image.

While formidable off-road, the Wrangler receives “shade” for its escalating cost, quickly becoming a “pricey proposition” without offering commensurate daily driving value. Its interior “doesn’t scream high quality,” often feeling dated compared to modern rivals, and the cabin “tends to be noisy.”

On-road, driving it is “far from engaging or fun,” prioritizing trail articulation over highway comfort. The observation that “the people who own them make it like their whole personality” further suggests image outweighs practical merits for many. These compromises cement its place as an often-overrated icon.

6. **Toyota 4Runner**The Toyota 4Runner, a capable body-on-frame off-roader, enjoys a reputation for ruggedness and reliability. Its traditional architecture and focus on durability appeal to many, yet this commitment to a tried-and-true formula also contributes to its overhyped status in a changing market.

While “it’ll probably be easier to live with every day” than a Wrangler, its consistent formula leads to disappointment. Many readers, including owners, expressed frustration that “new models deviated from the excellence of their predecessors,” a critique also leveled at the Lexus GX and Toyota Land Cruiser.

The 4Runner’s reliance on older technology means it often lacks modern amenities, fuel efficiency, or dynamic driving found in contemporary SUVs. This makes its reputation for toughness feel overinflated when considering the full package for practical performance. Its unchanging nature, for some, is a limitation, making it overhyped.

Car Model Information: 2006 Toyota 4Runner SR5
Name: Toyota 4Runner
Caption: 2025 Toyota 4Runner, TRD Sport trim
Manufacturer: Toyota
Aka: Toyota Hilux Surf (Japan, 1983–2009)
Production: October 1983 – present
ModelYears: 1984–present (US)
Class: unbulleted list
Layout: unbulleted list
Chassis: Body-on-frame
Successor: unbulleted list
Categories: 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles
Summary: The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota and marketed globally since 1984, across six generations. In Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf (Japanese: トヨタ・ハイラックスサーフ, Hepburn: Toyota Hairakkususāfu) and was withdrawn from the market in 2009. The original 4Runner was a compact SUV and little more than a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but the model has since undergone significant independent development into a cross between a compact and a mid-size SUV. All 4Runners have been built in Japan at Toyota’s plant in Tahara, Aichi, or at the Hino Motors (a Toyota subsidiary) plant in Hamura. The name “4Runner” was created by copywriter Robert Nathan with the Saatchi & Saatchi advertising company as a play on the term “forerunner”. The agency held contests to invent new names for Toyota’s forthcoming vehicles. According to Toyota, the “4” described the vehicle’s 4-wheel drive system while “Runner” was a reference to its all-terrain capabilities and how it could “run” off-road. For some markets, the Hilux Surf was replaced in 2005 by the lower cost but similar Fortuner, which is based on the Hilux platform. As of 2021, the 4Runner is marketed in the Bahamas, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, the United States and Venezuela. Many markets that did not receive the 4Runner, such as Europe and the Middle East, instead received the similarly designed Land Cruiser Prado, another SUV that shared many of the same components. The 4Runner came in at number five in a 2019 study by iSeeCars.com ranking the longest-lasting vehicles in the US. The 4Runner had 3.9 percent of vehicles over 200,000 miles (320,000 km), according to the study.

Get more information about: Toyota 4Runner

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Brand: Toyota Model: 4Runner
Price: $12,265 Mileage: 212,770 mi.

7. **Lexus GX / Toyota Land Cruiser**The Lexus GX and Toyota Land Cruiser are rugged luxury stalwarts, promising off-road capability in a premium package. Leveraging Toyota’s legendary durability, they command high prices and inspire loyalty. However, this very loyalty and the high expectations it sets often brand them “overrated.”

“Many readers pointed out that the Lexus GX and Toyota Land Cruiser were overrated,” stemming from comparisons to their own historical benchmarks. The core criticism is that “they deviated from the excellence of their predecessors,” a profound disappointment in a perceived dilution of their defining qualities.

This “sentiment was echoed by other commenters,” fueling the “overrated” perception. Enthusiasts expect evolution, not a departure from foundational strengths. The debate centers on whether latest iterations justify their premium pricing with these perceived compromises. They often trade on a reputation the present models don’t fully earn.

Welcome back, discerning drivers and keen-eyed engineers! We’ve peeled back the layers on a few electric marvels and off-road legends in the first section, revealing where marketing gloss often outshines real-world capability. But the journey into the heart of automotive overhype is far from over. Now, it’s time to cast a critical eye on another segment where brand prestige and premium price tags frequently create a breeding ground for disappointment: luxury SUVs and full-size trucks. These are the machines that promise the moon but sometimes fail to deliver on fundamental engineering integrity, reliability, or simply practical common sense. Prepare for more candid truths as we expose another seven contenders that, despite all the fanfare, simply don’t measure up.

Car Model Information: 2013 Lexus GX 460 Base
Name: Lexus GX
Caption: 2015 Lexus GX 460 (URJ150)
Manufacturer: Toyota
Aka: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Production: 2002 – present
ModelYears: 2003–present
Assembly: Tahara, Aichi
Class: Full-size car,Luxury car,SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Chassis: Body-on-frame
Categories: 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles with dead external links
Summary: The Lexus GX (Japanese: レクサス・GX, Hepburn: Rekusasu GX) is a mid/full-size luxury SUV sold in North American and Eurasian markets by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota. The GX is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, from which it derives its off-road capability. Lexus introduced the first generation, known as the GX 470 in 2002, and subsequently became the third SUV to enter the Lexus lineup. A full-time four-wheel drive system is standard with low-range gearing. The 4.7-liter V8 engine in the GX 470 was the same as used on the larger LX 470. The firm next introduced the second-generation model in 2009, badged GX 460 to reflect the switch to a 4.6-liter V8 engine. Lexus later released a lower displacement GX 400 in 2012 for the Chinese market, with a 4.0-liter V6 engine. The third-generation model introduced in 2023 uses the GX 550 moniker with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine and GX 550h with a turbocharged hybrid electric 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. As of 2024, the GX is positioned between the larger LX or TX and the smaller RX. Though it is thought the GX has always been larger than the RX, from 2015 to 2022, the RX is slightly longer and slightly wider than the GX and therefore the GX was considered smaller. All GX production has occurred at the Tahara plant in Japan, alongside the Land Cruiser Prado and the export-minded Toyota 4Runner. Some countries classify the GX as a full-size vehicle (e.g., Australia), while some classify it as a mid-size vehicle (e.g., US), depending on local regulations.

Get more information about: Lexus GX

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Brand: Lexus Model: GX
Price: $15,961 Mileage: 193,051 mi.

Land Rover Defender (Classic Models) — File:Land Rover Defender (L316) Classic-Days 2022 DSC 0164.jpg – Wikimedia Commons, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

8. **Land Rover’s Luxury SUVs (e.g., Range Rover Evoque, Discovery Sport, 2024 Range Rover)**We’ve peeled back the layers on a few electric marvels and off-road legends, but now it’s time to cast a discerning eye on the luxury SUV segment. Here, brand prestige often inflates expectations to astronomical levels, creating a fertile ground for overhyped machines that sometimes fail to deliver on their lofty promises. Few brands embody this dynamic quite like Land Rover, whose offerings, while visually stunning, often stumble when scrutinized for real-world capability and value.

Take, for instance, the Range Rover Evoque. It’s lauded for its undeniable style and a features list that could make a tech enthusiast swoon. Yet, beneath that fashionable exterior, it’s frequently lambasted for being “overpriced with limited off-road capability.” For a brand that built its legacy on conquering the wilds, a luxury SUV that struggles to live up to its heritage feels less like innovation and more like a betrayal of core principles. The glitz and glam can only carry you so far before the mud and rocks of reality set in.

The critique doesn’t stop with the Evoque. The Discovery Sport has faced its own share of reliability woes and build quality concerns, dimming the luster of its adventurous image. And as for the opulent 2024 Range Rover, with a starting price that kisses the six-figure mark at $108,875, it provokes legitimate questions about its actual off-road prowess. Does it genuinely uphold the brand’s rugged reputation, or is it merely trading on past glories while its capabilities grow softer? For enthusiasts seeking true utility, the answer is often a disappointing reality check.

These aren’t just minor quibbles; they represent a significant disconnect between the marketing narrative and the delivered experience. When a vehicle from a celebrated off-road marque struggles to perform convincingly off-pavement or maintain an expected level of reliability, it’s not just a dent in its premium price tag; it’s a crack in the very foundation of its brand identity. The hype machine might spin tales of unbridled adventure, but for many, these luxury Land Rovers prove to be more about perception than genuine performance when the going gets tough.

Car Model Information: 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SE
Caption: 2022 Range Rover SE P440e (L460, fifth generation, United Kingdom)
Aka: unbulleted list
Name: Range Rover
Manufacturer: unbulleted list
Production: 1969–present
Assembly: unbulleted list
Class: unbulleted list
Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Sp: uk
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars
Summary: The Land Rover Range Rover, generally shortened to Range Rover, is a 4WD luxury mid to full size crossover marque and sub-brand of Jaguar Land Rover, owned by India-based Tata Motors. The Range Rover line was launched in 1970 by British Leyland and since 2022 is in its fifth generation. Additional models have been launched under the Range Rover name, including the Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, and Range Rover Velar.

Get more information about: Range Rover

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Brand: Land Rover Model: Range Rover
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 37,875 mi.

9. **Maserati Levante**From British elegance, we pivot to Italian flair, where Maserati, a name synonymous with passionate performance and exquisite luxury, has also found itself navigating the choppy waters of overhype. The brand’s venture into the SUV market with the Levante was met with considerable anticipation, an effort to blend their iconic sporting heritage with the burgeoning demand for utility vehicles. However, the reality of the Levante, for many, has been a stark contrast to the dream woven by its powerful brand image.

Intended to go head-to-head with established luxury rivals like the BMW 5-Series, the Maserati Ghibli, and by extension the Levante SUV, has been consistently called out for significant shortcomings. Among the most frequent criticisms lobbed at the Levante are its “poor build quality” and “a rough ride.” These aren’t the kind of adjectives you want associated with a vehicle that commands such a premium price point and carries the revered Trident badge. A rough ride in a luxury SUV is almost an oxymoron, stripping away the very comfort it promises.

Beyond the immediate driving experience, the Levante faces “similar criticism for construction, reliability, and maintenance costs.” This trifecta of issues points to a deeper engineering compromise, where the allure of Italian design seems to have overshadowed fundamental automotive principles. For a luxury SUV, the expectation is not just about opulent materials and a storied badge, but also about a seamless, worry-free ownership experience. When reliability becomes a persistent question mark, the hype begins to unravel, exposing the practical failings beneath.

The Maserati Levante embodies a common trap in the luxury segment: believing that heritage and styling can compensate for foundational flaws. Enthusiasts and discerning buyers look for more than just curb appeal; they demand engineering integrity, lasting quality, and a driving experience that justifies the investment. When a vehicle, despite its powerful engine and beautiful lines, consistently falls short on these fronts, it moves firmly into the “overhyped” category, its grand promises echoing hollow against a backdrop of owner dissatisfaction.

Car Model Information: 2017 Maserati Levante S
Name: Maserati Levante
Caption: 2016 Maserati Levante S (Europe, pre-facelift)
Manufacturer: Maserati
Production: May 2016–2024
ModelYears: 2017–2024
Assembly: Turin
Designer: Centro Stile Maserati
Class: Mid-size crossover SUV#Luxury vehicles
BodyStyle: Sport utility vehicle
Layout: F4 layout
Platform: Maserati M156 platform
Related: Maserati Ghibli (M157),Maserati Quattroporte VI
Engine: unbulleted list
Motor: eBooster 48V (eTorque)
Transmission: ZF Friedrichshafen,ZF 8HP transmission,Automatic transmission
Drivetrain: Mild hybrid
Wheelbase: 3004 mm
Abbr: on
Length: 5003 mm
Width: 1968 mm
Height: 1679 mm
Weight: convert
Sp: uk
Categories: All-wheel-drive vehicles, Articles with short description, Cars introduced in 2016, Luxury crossover sport utility vehicles, Luxury sport utility vehicles
Summary: The Maserati Levante (Tipo M161) is an executive crossover SUV produced by Italian manufacturer Maserati at the Mirafiori factory in Turin from 2016. The Levante went on sale in Europe in May 2016, and in North America in September 2016. Production of the Levante ended in 2024, commemorated with the release of a top-spec 424BHP special edition. The Levante was named after a warm, easterly wind that blows in the western Mediterranean Sea, southern France, down to the Strait of Gibraltar. The name of the wind, in turn, comes from the Latin word “levare”, which means “to rise”. Its design is based on the Kubang concept car that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Get more information about: Maserati Levante

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Brand: Maserati Model: Levante
Price: $19,988 Mileage: 54,539 mi.

Jaguar E-PACE — Jaguar F-Pace – Wikipedia, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

10. **Jaguar F-PACE**Continuing our exploration of luxury SUVs that struggle to live up to their billing, we turn our gaze to another historically elegant European marque: Jaguar. The brand, traditionally known for sleek sedans and potent sports cars, entered the SUV fray with the F-PACE, hoping to capture a slice of the lucrative market while maintaining its signature blend of performance and luxury. The F-PACE arrived with considerable buzz, a modern take on the leaping cat, yet for many, its real-world performance has been a letdown.

Despite an initial flurry of excitement surrounding its launch, the Jaguar XE sedan, which shares some DNA with the F-PACE’s philosophy, was often deemed overhyped when placed next to its rivals. This sentiment has unfortunately extended to the F-PACE as well. Critics and owners have highlighted that the F-PACE offers “fewer features, lower reliability, and less build quality than other luxury SUVs” in its class. These are not minor points; they strike at the very heart of what defines a competitive luxury vehicle.

In a segment teeming with cutting-edge technology, sumptuous interiors, and robust reliability records, the F-PACE’s perceived deficits become glaring. A “lower reliability” rating is a significant red flag for any vehicle, but especially for one carrying a luxury badge, where customers expect premium service and unwavering dependability. Furthermore, “less build quality” suggests that the vehicle might not endure the test of time or the rigors of daily use with the grace expected from a Jaguar.

The F-PACE, much like other vehicles on this list, is a prime example of a brand leveraging its prestige to create hype, only for the product to ultimately fall short on tangible metrics. While it may possess an attractive design and dynamic handling, these qualities cannot fully compensate for perceived deficiencies in features, reliability, and overall construction when compared to its fiercely competitive peers. The marketing might paint a picture of sophisticated performance, but the reality for many discerning buyers places the F-PACE firmly in the realm of the overhyped.

Car Model Information: 2018 Jaguar F-PACE 35t Prestige
Name: Jaguar F-Pace
Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover
ModelCode: X761
Production: February 2016–present
Assembly: Solihull plant
Class: Compact crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: ubl
Platform: JLR D7a
Related: Jaguar XE,Jaguar XF (X260),Range Rover Velar
Engine: ubl
Motor: 106 kW
Abbr: on
Transmission: Manual transmission,ZF 8HP transmission
Drivetrain: Mild Hybrid
Battery: Kilowatt-hour,Lithium-ion battery
Wheelbase: 2874 mm
Length: 4731 mm
Width: 1936 mm
Height: 1667 mm
Weight: Convert
Designer: Ian Callum
Sp: uk
Categories: 2020s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, Articles with short description, CS1 maint: archived copy as title, Cars introduced in 2016
Summary: The Jaguar F-Pace (X761) is a compact luxury crossover SUV made by Jaguar Land Rover, a British car manufacturer, under their Jaguar marque. It is the first Jaguar model in the SUV class. It was formally announced at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, with sales commencing in 2016 following an unveiling at the 2015 International Motor Show Germany in Frankfurt. The design of the F-Pace is based on the Jaguar C-X17 concept car, which was unveiled on September 9, 2013, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 2017 Jaguar F-Pace has been named the honorary winner of the 2017 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year Awards at the New York International Auto Show. The F-Pace is built at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull plant along with the Range Rover Velar and employs an additional 1,300 workers.

Get more information about: Jaguar F-Pace

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Brand: Jaguar Model: F-PACE
Price: $20,998 Mileage: 51,314 mi.

11. **Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat**Transitioning from European luxury to American muscle, we encounter a different breed of overhype, one fueled not by subtle sophistication but by raw, unadulterated power: the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. In a world where “more horsepower” often equates to “better,” Dodge threw caution to the wind, stuffing its monstrous Hellcat engine into a family SUV. This vehicle was marketed as “Dodge’s most extreme SUV,” a statement that, while technically true, begs the question of its practical relevance and utility.

The Durango SRT Hellcat is undeniably a marvel of engineering when it comes to sheer output, but its “excessively powerful” nature is precisely what contributes to its overhyped status. For whom is a nearly 700-horsepower SUV truly practical? Beyond drag strips and bragging rights, such extreme power in a vehicle designed for family hauling often translates into compromises in other crucial areas. It’s a textbook case of engineering spectacle overshadowing real-world applicability for tough jobs, or even just tough grocery runs.

Consider the practicality failings. While the base Charger model is criticized for its “large size and poor fuel economy,” these issues are only exacerbated in the Hellcat-powered Durango. The massive engine, while thrilling, guzzles fuel at an alarming rate, making it an impractical choice for daily commuting or long-distance family travel, especially with today’s fuel prices. Its immense power, rather than enhancing utility for “tough jobs” like towing or hauling, often feels like overkill, a gimmick more than a genuine improvement.

The Durango SRT Hellcat serves as a potent reminder that peak performance numbers don’t always equate to peak utility or value. For a significant premium, buyers get an SUV that pushes boundaries purely for speed, yet arguably sacrifices sensible considerations like fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and even driving refinement for an experience that’s more about shock and awe than sustained, practical capability. It’s a vehicle that lives in the marketing stratosphere, promising ultimate thrill, but delivers a very specific, and often impractical, reality.

Car Model Information: 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SE
Name: Dodge Durango
Manufacturer: Dodge
Production: 1997–present
Class: Mid-size,SUV
Predecessor: Dodge Ramcharger,Dodge Town Panel and Town Wagon
Related: Dodge Dakota
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,automobile layout
Caption: Dodge Durango GT 2021
ModelYears: 1998–2009,2011–present
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All accuracy disputes
Summary: The Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV produced by Dodge starting with the 1998 model year. The first two generations were very similar in that both were based on the Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram, both featured a body-on-frame construction and both were produced at the Newark Assembly Plant in Newark, Delaware through the 2009 model year. The third-generation Durango began with the 2011 model year. It is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, features unibody construction, and has been assembled at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, since late 2010. Each generation had options for different engine sizes and power ratings, with different transmissions also. In 2009 a hybrid variant was introduced, but ended quickly with the second generation Durango. From 2007 to 2009 the Durango was available as the Chrysler Aspen from Chrysler. Over two million Durangos have been sold since it was introduced in 1998.

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Brand: Dodge Model: Durango SRT Hellcat
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 37,875 mi.

12. **Cadillac Escalade (6.2L V8 models)**Now, let’s talk about an American icon that has, unfortunately, been tarnished by a rather significant flaw: the Cadillac Escalade, specifically those equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. The Escalade is a behemoth of luxury, a symbol of success and presence, commanding attention with its imposing size and opulent interior. Yet, even a vehicle so deeply entrenched in American culture can become overhyped when fundamental engineering compromises lead to glaring reliability issues.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, when fitted with that particular 6.2L V8 powerplant, has been “plagued by significant reliability issues,” making it one of the most problematic full-size luxury SUVs of the year. The core of the problem stems from a widespread General Motors (GM) recall, affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles, including the Escalade, due to “defects in the engine’s connecting rods and crankshaft components.” This isn’t a minor glitch; we’re talking about fundamental engine integrity.

These engine defects carry a severe consequence: “sudden engine failure without warning.” Imagine cruising down the highway in your premium, status-symbol SUV, only for the engine to seize unexpectedly. This poses “serious safety risks to drivers,” transforming a luxury experience into a potential nightmare. Owners have reported these catastrophic failures at “relatively low mileage,” a testament to the profound nature of the engineering compromise lurking beneath the polished exterior.

For a vehicle positioned at the pinnacle of luxury SUVs, such a critical flaw in its core mechanical component is simply unacceptable and unequivocally earns it a spot on our overhyped list. The Escalade’s premium price tag suggests unparalleled quality and reliability, yet these specific models demonstrate a glaring failure to deliver on that implicit promise. The brand’s hype around luxury and status crumbles under the weight of such significant, and potentially dangerous, practical failings.

Car Model Information: 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury
Name: Cadillac Escalade
Caption: Fifth generation Cadillac Escalade
Manufacturer: Cadillac
Production: 1998–present,2002–present (ESV),2001–2013 (EXT),2008–2013 (Hybrid)
ModelYears: 1999–2000,2002–present
Class: Full-size,luxury car,sport utility vehicle
Related: ubl
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel drive layout
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating
Summary: The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed by Cadillac as its first major entry into the SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to an influx of new luxury SUVs in the late 1990s including the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Range Rover, Lexus LX, and Ford’s 1998 debut of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only ten months after it was approved. The Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas. The term “escalade” refers to a siege warfare tactic of scaling defensive walls or ramparts with the aid of ladders or siege towers. More generally, it is a French word which is the noun-equivalent form of the French verb escalader, which means “to climb or scale”. The Escalade is currently sold in North America and select international markets (Europe and Asia) where Cadillac has official sales channels. The Escalade ESV (Escalade Stretch Vehicle) is sold in North America, Russia, and the Middle East, but is only available by special order in some international markets. The right-hand-drive Escalade and Escalade ESV are available through third-party conversion specialists without official agreement with Cadillac in Australian, Oceanic, and Japanese markets. On August 8, 2023, GM presented the Escalade IQ, an all-electric version of the Escalade, and the third model in Cadillac’s EV line, after the Celestiq, and Lyriq. It is expected to go on sale in late 2024 for the 2025 model year, with a starting price of $130,000. The Escalade has gone through five generations, the most recent (the fifth) prsented in 2021, noted for its technology and self-driving capability. The fifth generation Escalade is nearly two metres high, and was criticized by The Verge for its excessive size and hazard to pedestrians.

Get more information about: Cadillac Escalade

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Brand: Cadillac Model: Escalade
Price: $59,855 Mileage: 73,915 mi.

13. **GMC Sierra 1500 (6.2L V8 models)**The GM family seems to have a recurring theme of reliability struggles with a particular engine, and the GMC Sierra 1500, when equipped with the notorious 6.2L V8, is another prime example. The Sierra 1500, especially in its upscale Denali Ultimate trim, aims to blend rugged capability with refined luxury, offering a powerful package for those who demand both a workhorse and a comfortable ride. However, for specific configurations, the allure of power is undermined by deeply concerning engineering compromises.

Much like its Cadillac stablemate, the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 6.2L V8 engine has garnered “significant attention due to widespread mechanical failures and a major recall.” This isn’t just a handful of isolated incidents; it’s a systemic problem within a key powertrain. The “potential defects in the 6.2L V8 engines,” specifically affecting “connecting rods and crankshaft components,” point to a fundamental manufacturing flaw that directly impacts the vehicle’s integrity and dependability.

The implications are severe: these issues “can lead to sudden engine failure without warning,” a catastrophic event that can leave drivers stranded and facing substantial repair bills. We’re talking about an engine seizing at “14,000 miles” for one Missouri owner, forcing them to pull over on the highway. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a serious practical failing for a truck designed to be a reliable work companion. The expectation of robust performance for “tough jobs” is completely shattered by such fundamental unreliability.

For a truck that projects an image of strength, durability, and premium capability, the recurrent and severe engine issues in these 6.2L V8 models are a monumental disappointment. The marketing touts the Sierra 1500’s towing prowess and luxurious interior, but when the heart of the machine is prone to such dramatic failure, all that hype feels disingenuous. It’s a stark reminder that even the most well-appointed full-size trucks can be catastrophically overhyped if their core engineering is compromised.

Car Model Information: 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SE
Name: Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Caption: 2022 Silverado 2500HD High Country
Manufacturer: General Motors
Aka: unbulleted list
Production: 1998–present
Assembly: unbulleted list
Class: unbulleted list
BodyStyle: unbulleted list
Layout: unbulleted list
Predecessor: unbulleted list
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year. The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.

Get more information about: Chevrolet Silverado

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Brand: GMC Model: Sierra 1500
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 37,875 mi.

14. **Chevrolet Suburban (6.2L V8 models)**And finally, to cap off our deep dive into overhyped vehicles that buckle under real-world scrutiny, we return to another familiar face from the GM roster: the Chevrolet Suburban, again, specifically the models featuring the 6.2L V8 engine. The Suburban has long been a quintessential American family hauler, a symbol of expansive utility and steadfast reliability for generations. It’s a vehicle synonymous with road trips, sports gear, and navigating the demands of a busy household. But alas, even this venerable nameplate has succumbed to a particularly egregious engineering misstep.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban, when saddled with that 6.2L V8, has been unequivocally “marred by significant reliability issues,” earning it the unwelcome distinction of “one of the worst full-size trucks of the year.” This isn’t just anecdotal evidence; it’s backed by the same damning GM recall that hit the Escalade and Sierra, targeting “approximately 721,000 full-size trucks and SUVs” for defects in critical engine components. The scope of this problem is staggering, affecting a vast swath of GM’s premium offerings.

The core issue, those “faulty connecting rods and/or crankshaft components,” leads directly to the terrifying prospect of “sudden engine failure without warning.” For a vehicle often tasked with transporting families, this isn’t just a mechanical flaw; it’s a potential safety crisis. Owners have endured engine failures at “relatively low mileage,” experiencing complete engine seizures while driving. Imagine the sheer practicality failing of having your family’s primary mode of transport suddenly become an inert, dangerous metal box on the road.

The Suburban’s long-standing reputation for reliability and robust utility takes a severe hit with these engine problems. The hype surrounding its capability as a family-friendly, full-size SUV is utterly deflated when its very heart is prone to catastrophic failure. It’s a sobering lesson that no amount of brand loyalty or historical pedigree can insulate a vehicle from the cold, hard facts of engineering compromise and the immense practical failings that result. This particular Suburban configuration stands as a monumental example of an overhyped promise falling disastrously short.

Car Model Information: 2020 Chevrolet Suburban LT
Name: Chevrolet Suburban,GMC Yukon XL
Caption: 2015 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LTZ
Manufacturer: General Motors
Aka: Chevrolet Veraneio (Brazil, 1964–1995),GMC Carryall (1960–1972),GMC Suburban (1937–1999),GMC Yukon XL (from 2000),Holden Suburban (Australia/New Zealand, 1998–2001)
Production: 1934–present
Class: Full-size,station wagon
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,rear-wheel drive
Related: ubl
Categories: 1940s cars, 1950s cars, 1960s cars, 1970s cars, 1980s cars
Summary: The Chevrolet Suburban is a series of SUVs built by Chevrolet. The longest-produced automobile nameplate in the world, the Suburban has been made since 1934, and is currently in its twelfth generation (2021–present). Beginning life as one of the first metal-bodied station wagons, the Suburban is the progenitor of the modern full-size sport utility vehicle, combining a wagon-style body with the chassis and powertrain of a pickup truck. Alongside its Advance Design, Task Force, and C/K predecessors, the Chevrolet Silverado currently shares chassis and mechanical commonality with the Suburban and other trucks. Traditionally one of the most profitable vehicles sold by General Motors, the Suburban has been marketed through both Chevrolet and GMC for nearly its entire production. Along sharing the Suburban name with Chevrolet, GMC has used several nameplates for the model line; since 2000, the division has marketed it as the GMC Yukon XL, while since 2003 Cadillac has marketed the Suburban as the Cadillac Escalade ESV. During the 1990s, GM Australia marketed right-hand drive Suburbans under the Holden brand. The Suburban is sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Chile, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Peru, Philippines, and the Middle East (except Israel), while the Yukon XL is sold only in North America (exclusive to the United States, Canada, and Mexico) and the Middle East territories (except Israel). A 2018 iSeeCars.com study identified the Chevrolet Suburban as the car that is driven the most each year. A 2019 iSeeCars.com study named the Chevrolet Suburban the second-ranked longest-lasting vehicle. In December 2019, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce unveiled a Hollywood Walk of Fame star for the Suburban, noting that the Suburban had been in “1,750 films and TV shows since 1952.”

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Brand: Chevrolet Model: Suburban
Price: $24,200 Mileage: 135,405 mi.

As we close the book on this deep dive into the most overhyped trucks and SUVs, a clear picture emerges. The automotive landscape is a dazzling mosaic of innovation and aspiration, but it’s also a battlefield where marketing often wages war against reality. Whether it’s electric marvels promising a new paradigm, iconic off-roaders trading on heritage, or luxury titans grappling with fundamental reliability, the common thread is a chasm between expectation and delivery. For the discerning driver and the demanding job, peeling back the glossy veneer isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Because when the rubber meets the road, or the engine seizes on the highway, what truly matters isn’t the hype, but the integrity of the machine beneath. So, next time you see a vehicle draped in superlative claims, remember this list, and let the engineers and the towing tests—not the ad campaigns—be your guide.