Leasing an SUV is a practical choice: you get a new vehicle with lower monthly payments and no long-term commitment. But many Canadian drivers have realized too late that not every lease is a good deal. Here are 24 SUVs that turned out to be far less satisfying than expected.
Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee had high expectations, but many lessees have been disappointed by its outdated design and questionable reliability. Its transmission issues and average fuel economy leave a lot to be desired. Several drivers have reported unexpected repair costs, which defeats one of the main perks of leasing a new vehicle. Additionally, the interior finish feels dated compared to similarly priced competitors. The infotainment system also lacks the seamless responsiveness found in newer models. So, for those expecting a rugged yet refined experience, the Cherokee has failed to deliver on both fronts.
Ford EcoSport
Despite its compact footprint and budget-friendly appeal, the Ford EcoSport has underwhelmed many drivers. Its sluggish engine performance makes highway driving feel strained. The rear-swinging cargo door feels impractical in tight parking spaces, especially in urban centres. Interior materials feel cheap, and the cabin insulation is poor, leading to a noisier ride than expected. Further, fuel efficiency doesn’t quite meet the standards for its class. For a vehicle marketed as a city-friendly SUV, the EcoSport often fails to meet the practical expectations of urban drivers.
Chevrolet Trax
On paper, the Chevrolet Trax offers a solid value proposition, but drivers have found that the real-world experience doesn’t match the marketing. The ride is stiff, and the handling is uninspiring. Engine power is modest, which can feel limiting during overtaking or uphill climbs. The cabin, while functional, lacks the upscale touches found in rivals. Also, tech features like the infotainment system feel a step behind, and visibility isn’t the best in its class. And, while it gets the job done for point A to B commutes, the overall experience often leaves lessees feeling underwhelmed.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Initial appeal is strong with the Eclipse Cross thanks to its sharp styling, but the experience starts to fade with regular use. The turbocharged engine can feel unrefined, and acceleration isn’t particularly impressive. Interior space is cramped, especially in the rear seat and cargo area, which limits practicality. Ride quality also suffers from overly firm suspension. There have been complaints about the touchscreen interface being laggy and unintuitive. For a compact SUV, it doesn’t offer the versatility or polish expected. Many lessees cited a mismatch between what was promised and what was delivered.
Nissan Rogue
While the Nissan Rogue continues to be a bestseller, some lessees are left dissatisfied once the initial excitement wears off. Complaints often include a lacklustre driving experience and average build quality. Though the exterior has been refreshed, the interior still leans heavily on hard plastics. Fuel economy is decent but not standout. The CVT (continuously variable transmission) continues to be a sore point, with inconsistent performance and droning noise. Tech features work, but lack the premium feel offered by rivals. It’s not a terrible vehicle, but marketing expectations often don’t match real-world satisfaction.
Hyundai Kona EV
Electric SUVs are gaining popularity, but the Hyundai Kona EV has drawn criticism from lessees expecting more range and refinement. Real-world range often falls short of the advertised figures, especially in cold weather. Charging infrastructure remains a challenge in many parts of the country, making ownership more stressful. Interior space is tight, particularly in the back seat and cargo area. While acceleration is brisk, the ride can feel overly firm. Some lessees also felt that the pricing wasn’t justified given the limited features in lower trims.
Toyota C-HR
Toyota’s reliability usually earns it praise, but the C-HR is an exception in terms of driver satisfaction. It’s coupe-like styling sacrifices rear visibility and cargo space. The engine lacks power, making the driving experience feel sluggish. Ride quality is decent, but not exceptional. Rear-seat passengers often complain about the cramped environment. And while the build quality is good, the interior design feels uninspired. The infotainment system, though functional, isn’t the most intuitive. Some lessees felt misled by the vehicle’s aggressive styling, expecting performance that never materialized.
Buick Encore GX
Marketed as a premium subcompact SUV, the Buick Encore GX hasn’t quite lived up to the upscale expectations it sets. Interior materials don’t feel particularly luxurious, and the engine options feel underpowered for the price point. The infotainment interface is serviceable but lacks standout features. Rear-seat space is limited, which hurts practicality for families. Fuel economy is respectable, but not enough to sway opinions. Some lessees expressed frustration with dealership service experiences.
Volkswagen Taos
The Taos entered the market with strong momentum, but feedback from lessees has highlighted several issues. Engine reliability and hesitation at lower speeds have been common concerns. The ride is comfortable, but handling feels disconnected. Interior tech features are functional but not particularly advanced, and the user interface can be clunky. Cabin materials don’t reflect the price point. Rear legroom is generous, but the cargo space is less than expected. Some owners have also pointed out the difficulty in sourcing parts for repairs.
Subaru Ascent
As a three-row SUV, the Subaru Ascent promised to deliver family-friendly utility with all-wheel drive confidence. However, it has been plagued by reliability concerns, particularly around the transmission and electrical systems. Fuel economy is average at best, and the turbocharged engine can feel strained under load. The infotainment system has received mixed reviews for its responsiveness and usability. Interior quality is decent but not class-leading. Some lessees have noted excessive wind and road noise at highway speeds.
Mazda CX-3
Though known for its sporty handling and attractive styling, the Mazda CX-3 has left some lessees feeling let down. Its compact size significantly limits interior and cargo space, making it less practical for daily family use. Rear-seat passengers often feel cramped, and taller drivers may struggle with headroom. While the infotainment system is modern, the lack of standard features in base trims has disappointed some drivers. The engine delivers adequate power, but noise levels can be intrusive. The CX-3 may appeal to solo drivers or couples, but those needing more versatility have often wished they’d chosen a more spacious compact SUV.
GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain has received mixed reviews, especially regarding its underwhelming engine performance and uninspired driving dynamics. Base trims feel stripped down for the price, while upper trims quickly get expensive. The gear selector, using buttons instead of a traditional shifter, feels unintuitive and has frustrated many drivers. The interior space is decent, but the material quality doesn’t justify the MSRP. Some lessees expected a more refined experience from a vehicle marketed under the GMC banner. Fuel efficiency is average, and tech features don’t stand out.
Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV draws attention with its electric range and eco-friendly appeal, but many drivers found the leasing experience underwhelming. Real-world range varies more than expected, especially during cold months. Charging speed isn’t the fastest, and some lessees noted difficulty finding fast-charging stations in rural or suburban areas. Interior design is functional but lacks flair, and cargo space is merely average. Despite good acceleration, the ride lacks the smoothness expected from an EV in this price range. The novelty wears off quickly for those who rely on longer commutes or need more cargo versatility.
Honda HR-V (pre-2023 models)
Older Honda HR-V models before the latest redesign have left lessees unimpressed due to outdated styling and sluggish performance. The engine feels underpowered for highway driving, and the CVT transmission adds to the unenthusiastic experience. Interior quality is solid but not standout, and the infotainment system lacks the speed and usability of newer competitors. Although visibility is good and the magic seat system is clever, it doesn’t fully compensate for the lack of innovation elsewhere. Many drivers felt the HR-V had potential that wasn’t realized in its earlier iterations.
Lexus UX 200
The Lexus badge suggests a luxury experience, but the UX 200 hasn’t always lived up to that promise for lessees. Its small engine struggles to provide quick acceleration, and the infotainment system relies on a frustrating touchpad interface. Rear-seat space is limited, and cargo capacity is below average even for the subcompact segment. While materials are high quality and ride comfort is smooth, the overall package lacks excitement and utility. Some drivers were disappointed by the limited luxury they received for their monthly payments.
Chevrolet Blazer
With bold styling and aggressive marketing, the Chevrolet Blazer lured in many lessees looking for a sporty midsize SUV. But real-world use has revealed some shortcomings. Thick pillars compromise visibility from the driver’s seat, and rear cargo space is not as generous as rivals. The ride is firm, and the base engine doesn’t deliver much power. Infotainment is adequate, but interior quality varies greatly depending on trim level. Drivers expected more performance and refinement for the price.
Fiat 500X
Despite its quirky European charm, the Fiat 500X has left many lessees with second thoughts. Engine performance is average at best, and handling feels disconnected. The interior, while stylish, lacks durability and practicality. Cargo space is minimal, and rear-seat comfort is below average. The infotainment system, though functional, lacks the polish of competitors. Reliability concerns and a limited dealer network have also added to lessees’ frustrations. For those attracted to its unique design, the overall driving experience often doesn’t justify the lease.
Infiniti QX50
The Infiniti QX50 appears upscale and modern, but its innovative variable-compression engine hasn’t impressed everyone. Some lessees report inconsistent throttle response and higher-than-expected fuel consumption. Interior quality is commendable, yet the infotainment setup, split across two screens, feels dated and clunky. Cargo space is competitive, but rear-seat comfort varies by trim. The driving experience lacks the excitement found in European rivals. Although the brand carries luxury credentials, the QX50 doesn’t quite deliver the premium performance expected in this class.
Dodge Journey (older fleet models)
Even though the Dodge Journey was discontinued in 2020, older fleet versions still linger on lease deals, and drivers are finding out why. The outdated platform shows its age, with a dated interior, sluggish engine, and uninspired ride. Infotainment lacks modern connectivity features, and build quality varies significantly between units. Reliability has also been inconsistent, with many drivers experiencing premature wear-and-tear issues. While the Journey might offer cheap monthly payments, its long list of compromises makes it feel like a relic of a different era.
Lincoln Corsair
Positioned as a compact luxury SUV, the Lincoln Corsair promised comfort and technology but delivered a mixed bag. Acceleration from the base engine feels adequate but uninspiring. The interior is well-appointed, but the infotainment interface doesn’t feel as smooth or intuitive as its competitors. Some lessees have cited quality control issues, including rattles and software glitches. Fuel economy is passable but doesn’t lead the class. Plus, while ride comfort is generally praised, it lacks the sporty edge found in similarly priced European rivals.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
At first glance, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid appears to be a smart lease choice with its three rows and fuel efficiency. But lessees have encountered several frustrations. The third row is tight for adults, and cargo space shrinks significantly when it’s in use. The hybrid system can feel sluggish under full load, especially during highway merging. Infotainment and controls are functional but not particularly user-friendly. While the vehicle remains reliable, some drivers felt the overall driving experience didn’t match the price tag. Not to mention, the fuel savings don’t always justify the compromises in performance and space.
BMW X1
Despite the BMW badge, the X1 hasn’t impressed all its lessees. The base engine delivers decent power, but the ride can feel stiff and lacks the refinement expected from a luxury SUV. The interior design is functional, but falls short of the brand’s premium image. Cargo space is acceptable, but rear-seat comfort isn’t ideal for taller passengers. Some drivers found the drive less engaging than expected from a BMW. For the price, lessees hoped for a better combination of performance, luxury, and practicality.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The Tucson Hybrid has gained attention for its sharp looks and improved technology, but some lessees have expressed regret over the driving experience. The hybrid system can feel jerky, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Visibility from the driver’s seat is not ideal, and the infotainment touch controls can be finicky. The hybrid battery placement also impacts rear cargo space. Fuel economy is decent but hasn’t always met expectations in real-world use. Drivers looking for seamless hybrid performance often felt let down by the tuning and lack of refinement.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA serves as an entry point into the Mercedes-Benz lineup, but lessees expecting a luxury experience have often been disappointed. The base model offers modest power, and ride comfort suffers on rougher roads. The infotainment interface is flashy but not always intuitive. Rear-seat space and cargo capacity are limited, reducing everyday practicality. Interior materials vary by trim and don’t always feel premium. Also, while the badge carries weight, the overall experience hasn’t matched what many consider luxury standards.
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