Canadians love SUVs, but not every crossover turns out to be a wise investment. From skyrocketing repair costs to frustrating performance, these 15 SUVs have earned a spot on the regret list. Despite flashy marketing, bold styling, and high-tech cabins, these models left owners feeling short-changed. Whether it’s poor reliability, disappointing fuel economy, or safety issues, each SUV has a cautionary tale. Here are 15 SUVs Canadians say were their biggest purchase mistake:
2017–2020 Jeep Compass
On paper, the Compass offers rugged looks and the Jeep badge. It’s plagued by poor reliability, sluggish performance, and subpar interior materials. The 2.4L Tigershark engine delivers 180 hp but struggles with acceleration, taking over 9.3 seconds to hit 100 km/h. CVT issues and weak resale value have frustrated Canadian buyers who expected more from the brand. Even with available 4WD, the Compass does not live up to Jeep’s off-road reputation, and owners cite frequent trips to the mechanic and a dated infotainment system.
2013–2016 Ford Escape (1.6L EcoBoost)
This generation of the Escape looked promising, but the 1.6L EcoBoost engine turned out to be a costly nightmare. While its 178 hp output sounds fine, real-world performance is sluggish and hampered by overheating and coolant leaks that led to engine fires and multiple recalls. Acceleration to 100 km/h hovers around 9.0 seconds, but reliability is where this SUV stumbles. Interiors feel cramped compared to rivals, and resale values have plummeted. Many Canadians who opted for the Escape over other alternatives say it was their biggest regret on four wheels.
2020–2023 Chevrolet Blazer
With its sporty Camaro-inspired looks, the reborn Blazer promised a bold new chapter for Chevy SUVs. But under the surface, many Canadian drivers feel it missed the mark. The 2.0L turbo and 3.6L V6 offer decent acceleration of about 7.1 seconds to 100 km/h, but fuel economy is poor, and cabin quality doesn’t match the price tag. Add a stiff ride, awkward rear visibility, and surprisingly tight cargo space, and owners say the Blazer feels more like a fashion statement than a practical purchase.
2014–2018 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue has been a Canadian favorite, but this generation frustrated many owners. The 2.5L engine produced 170 hp and is mated to a sluggish CVT, which means it takes nearly 9.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Reliability issues with the transmission, especially in cold weather, caused major headaches. While it boasts roomy seating and decent tech, the lackluster acceleration, frequent repairs, and underwhelming fuel economy, especially for a compact SUV, soured the experience. Nissan has improved newer models, but the Rogue remains a costly misstep for many who bought during this era.
2019–2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Canadians were intrigued by the return of the “Eclipse” name, but many say they were duped into expecting a performance that never arrived. The Eclipse Cross’s 1.5L turbocharged engine produces 152 hp, and its CVT results in a sluggish 9.3-second 0–100 km/h time. It’s neither sporty nor exceptionally spacious. The rear visibility is hindered by a split rear window design, and the interior tech feels dated for its price point. Owners report frustrating infotainment controls and below-average reliability, and many say it was a mistake not to choose something more proven.
2015–2018 GMC Terrain
Despite its bold, boxy looks, this generation of the GMC Terrain left a lot to be desired. Canadian drivers often regret the underwhelming 2.4L four-cylinder engine, which produced just 182 hp and struggled to reach 100 km/h in under 9.5 seconds. Fuel economy was not great for its size, and interior fit and finish were subpar. Transmission complaints and engine oil consumption issues became major sore points. Although upper trims offered nicer interiors, the mechanical problems and dated infotainment led many to call it their worst vehicle purchase, especially when rivals like the RAV4 and Escape outshined it on every front.
2021–2023 Toyota C-HR
Toyota’s smallest SUV looks edgy and urban, but that’s where the excitement ends. The 2.0L engine pushes a modest 144 hp, taking a sluggish 10.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h. It’s front-wheel drive only, which is rare for the segment in Canada, and that’s a dealbreaker for many winter drivers. The sloped roofline cuts into rear visibility and cargo space, while the rear seats feel cramped. Despite Toyota’s stellar reputation for reliability, Canadians say the C-HR prioritizes style over substance.
2016–2019 Infiniti QX60
The QX60 was pitched as a premium family SUV, but many owners feel it didn’t match the Infiniti badge. Its 3.5L V6 engine puts out 295 hp, but the continuously variable transmission (CVT) robs it of driving enjoyment and durability. A 0–100 km/h time of 7.6 seconds is fine on paper, but the real issue is frequent transmission failures and high maintenance costs. Cabin space and features are generous, but they don’t make up for the anxiety of a looming $5,000 CVT replacement. Canadians expecting a luxury experience often walked away disappointed and out of thousands.
2014–2017 Jeep Cherokee (2.4L Tigershark)
This compact SUV should’ve been a hit, but the 2.4L Tigershark engine that delivered 184 hp was plagued by oil consumption problems and transmission woes, especially with the 9-speed automatic. Many Canadian drivers reported hesitation, rough shifting, and complete gearbox failures. Despite a rugged look and optional 4WD, the Cherokee felt underpowered and unreliable. Interior space and Uconnect tech were decent, but reliability ratings tanked resale value. Acceleration to 100 km/h hovered around 9.8 seconds, which was lethargic for the segment, and many owners said it was their worst Jeep experience to date.
2019–2022 Chevrolet Trax
Compact and affordable, the Trax was supposed to be an entry-level urban SUV. But many Canadians who bought it now regret not spending more for something better. The 1.4L turbocharged engine made just 138 hp, with a sluggish 10.2-second 0–100 km/h time. Interior materials feel dated and plasticky, and the rear seat space is tight. The infotainment system was basic even by 2019 standards, and its handling left much to be desired. Though cheap to buy, many say it felt like it, and now it sits near the bottom of resale value rankings.
2016–2020 Hyundai Tucson (2.0L & 2.4L engines)
Hyundai’s compact SUV saw great sales in Canada, but many owners say they wish they had done more homework. The base 2.0L engine, which delivered 164 hp, and the 2.4L upgrade, which delivered 181 hp, are both underwhelming, with 0–100 km/h times exceeding 9.0 seconds. Even worse, both engines were affected by widespread recalls over potential engine failure due to oil debris or fire risks. Though the Tucson had sleek styling and a well-designed cabin, safety concerns, and reliability issues turned enthusiasm into buyer’s remorse.
2011–2015 Dodge Journey
The Journey was everywhere in Canada for a while. Then, owners realized they’d bought into one of the most outdated, unreliable SUVs on the market. Base models used a sluggish 2.4L engine with poor fuel economy and a near-10-second 0–100 km/h time. Higher trims got a 3.6L V6, but even that couldn’t save it from a clunky transmission, cramped third row, and frustrating interior quality. Add a reputation for poor crash ratings and high repair costs, and it’s no wonder Canadians started jumping ship in droves.
2013–2016 BMW X1 (First Generation, E84)
Luxury badge aside, this early X1 left Canadian owners disappointed. The base 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 made 241 hp, which sounds great until you factor in a harsh ride, minimal cargo space, and an interior that felt more economical than premium. Acceleration was quick, at about 6.5 seconds to 100 km/h, but reliability issues, especially with the timing chain and high repair costs, left owners sour. While BMW loyalists may defend it, many buyers new to the brand felt they overpaid for a cramped, unreliable experience. The second-gen model improved dramatically, but the first-gen left a bad taste.
2018–2020 Ford EcoSport
Ford’s attempt at a micro-SUV didn’t quite resonate in Canada. The EcoSport’s base 1.0L three-cylinder engine made just 123 hp and struggled up hills, while the optional 2.0L four-cylinder delivered 166 hp but didn’t fare much better. Acceleration was sluggish, at around 10.5 seconds to 100 km/h, and the ride quality was bouncy and unrefined. Interior plastics felt cheap, and the rear swing-out tailgate frustrated more than a few city dwellers. Owners expected an urban-friendly SUV but got something noisy, cramped, and thirsty on gas.
2015–2018 Lexus NX 200t
It’s rare to see a Lexus on a regret list, but the first-gen NX 200t has made a surprising number of Canadians second-guess themselves. While the 2.0L turbo engine makes 235 hp and delivers solid 0–100 km/h performance around 7.2 seconds, the stiff suspension and cramped rear seats drew criticism. The aggressive styling wasn’t for everyone, and interior ergonomics, especially the frustrating touchpad controller, turned off tech-savvy drivers. Owners also report noisy cabin acoustics and disappointing fuel economy for a compact luxury SUV. Many say they expected a more refined and roomier driving experience for the price.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
