Skip models with low Consumer Reports test scores or reliability ratings and choose these alternatives
Large SUVs that can carry the family, tow a trailer, and fit a month’s worth of groceries can easily be found at most car dealerships. But it’s not so simple to find one that’s reliable, comfortable, and safe. Even though it may seem like everyone is driving the same SUV, popularity doesn’t equal a smart choice. We offer alternatives to the vehicles you may be seeing all around town.
Popular vehicles tend to fall into three camps: models from brands people trust, models from brands that have a broad dealer network, and mediocre models that have been priced to move or are pushed in droves through rebates, low-interest financing, and attractive leases.
The challenge is to separate the winners from the cars to avoid. All of the large SUVs we highlight below sell so well that there’s a variety of models on dealer lots to choose from, some with tempting discounts. We focus on a popular model that should be skipped and present two alternatives.MORE ON SUVSMost and Least Satisfying Car BrandsCars With the Best and Worst Results in Consumer Reports’ Road TestsPopular Midsized SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead10 Most Satisfying Cars, According to Consumer Reports
- A better choice: Another vehicle that sells well but has a higher Overall Score.
- An “under the radar” alternative: A better-scoring model that doesn’t sell as well, in case you don’t want to follow the crowd.
The better choices and under-the-radar alternatives are models recommended by Consumer Reports, meaning they scored well in our road tests, have good reliability, have key advanced safety equipment, and performed well in crash tests.