Automakers rolled out many new models in 2025, with promises about performance, tech, comfort, or fuel economy. Some of those cars failed to meet expectations once reviews came in or early owners got hold of them. Below are twelve cars that critics and buyers feel underwhelmed, along with what went wrong.
VinFast VF 8
VinFast’s VF 8 was supposed to be a strong contender in the electric SUV field, but early reviews slammed it for inconsistent performance from one car to another. Critics also cited sloppy build quality, weak steering feel, and suspension that didn’t absorb bumps well. At its price point, where rivals offer smoother rides and tighter interiors, the VF 8 feels like a product still in development rather than a polished EV ready for mass buying.
Subaru Forester Hybrid
The new hybrid Forester kept its rugged styling and all-wheel drive, but many longtime Subaru fans feel the hybrid system is so mild that it’s barely noticeable. Fuel economy gains are minimal and the electric assist kicks in only for very light loads or slow speeds. The result is a vehicle that carries the weight and complexity of hybrid tech without delivering the major savings or performance many buyers expected.
Renault Clio (New Redesign)
The 2025 redesign of the Renault Clio generated disappointment because it strayed from what people loved about previous Clios. The new look feels derivative, mixing design cues from other brands. Though it adds hybrid and LPG options, critics argue it lacks character and emotional appeal. Design changes, materials, and interior touches have been described as generic, and in markets where Clio has a strong identity, many buyers feel it gave up too much of what made it special.
Infiniti QX50 and QX55
These two Infiniti crossovers were well-liked until buyers realized the performance and refinement didn’t match the price. The QX50 has been critiqued for having a coarse engine that doesn’t live up to its luxury expectations, and reviewers say the QX55 looks good but underwhelms in driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. With both being discontinued by end of 2025 in many markets, they feel like models that overpromised and underdelivered.
Jeep Wrangler (2025 Model)
One of Jeep’s iconic models, the 2025 Wrangler disappointed some buyers because of its increased price and complexity without matching improvements in ride refinement. The addition of many tech features meant extra weight and more points of failure. Also, some owners find the fuel efficiency still lagging behind competitors, and certain driver-assist systems lack polish, making them feel tacked on rather than fully integrated.
Volkswagen Jetta
The 2025 Jetta was criticized for offering less than expected in terms of cabin quality and tech for its price. Rivals are raising interiors, infotainment quality, and safety features, while the Jetta’s updates were seen by some reviewers as minor. For a sedan in its class, expectations are being set higher, and Jetta felt like it was falling behind rather than pushing forward.
Nissan Frontier
The latest Frontier update promised stronger engines or better tech, but in many markets it felt like more of the same. Buyers expected power and modern features, but many found the cabin materials cheap, shadowed by older competitors with sharper tech suites. Off-road variants still satisfy diehards, but for everyday use the Frontier is no longer the standout it once was.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Grand Cherokee L had been expected to raise the bar for luxury big SUVs. But critics note that even though it offers size, its ride comfort trails rivals, fuel efficiency is modest, and the infotainment and driver-assist tech have glitches. For a vehicle costing luxury-SUV money, expectations are very high, and the Grand Cherokee L seems to come up short in delivering a fully premium package.
Rivian R1T
Although Rivian has earned praise for its electric truck, the 2025 R1T version disappointed some buyers over real-world range and charging infrastructure. Some drivers report that the proclaimed range under ideal conditions falls significantly under normal use. In addition, build quality issues and delayed service or parts in certain regions have frustrated early adopters expecting more reliability.
Fisker Ocean
The Fisker Ocean was marketed as a luxury electric SUV with plenty of features. Early reviews however complain about software bugs, overly sensitive braking, connectivity issues, and the feeling that many features are half baked. Some buyers expected a refinement to match the price tag, but instead find irritating bugs and glitches that degrade the ownership experience.
Toyota (some of its new EV / Hybrid models)
While Toyota has been cautious and generally reliable, some of its recent 2025 hybrid or EV entries have drawn criticism for not delivering much improvement over outgoing models. Buyers expecting dramatic leaps in battery performance or electric range have been disappointed. Mild hybrids that add complexity without noticeable gains in efficiency or smoothness have also frustrated long-time Toyota loyalists.
Over-hyped Performance Variants
Several brands released “sport-ed” variants in 2025 that ended up being over-hyped. Promises of sharp handling, improved power, or dramatic styling updates were not always matched by reality. In many cases the performance gains are minor, the ride harsher, and the price much higher, but the badge doesn’t justify the cost. Buyers who demo these models sometimes find them less rewarding than they expected, especially against performance models from just a few years earlier.
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