36 New Car Models To Avoid In 2025
Not every new car is a winner. Some roll off the assembly line with flashy marketing and big promises, only to leave buyers dealing with recalls, weak performance, or disappointing reliability.
A buddy of mine learned this the hard way when he bought a brand-new model that looked great on paper.
Within months, the infotainment system froze, the transmission started acting up, and he was practically on a first-name basis with the service department.
Sometimes, the smartest move is knowing which cars to steer clear of before they become a headache.
1. 2020 Ford EcoSport
First up, the 2020 Ford EcoSport. This compact SUV might catch your eye with its size, but it seems to have missed the mark on multiple fronts.
Inside, the cabin feels cramped, and the materials used aren’t exactly what you’d call luxurious. The driving dynamics are less than stellar, leaving much to be desired.
If you crave a smooth ride, this might not be your best bet. On top of all that, fuel efficiency isn’t great either, making gas station visits more frequent than you’d like.
2. 2021 Chevrolet Spark
The 2021 Chevrolet Spark is a small car with big disappointments. While it looks cute, the interior screams budget, and not in a good way. Space is limited, making long drives a cramped affair.
Performance is lackluster, turning even short commutes into a chore. Fuel economy could be better, so keep that wallet handy.
If you’re hoping for modern tech and safety features, prepare to be underwhelmed. This car might be affordable, but it comes at the cost of comfort and convenience.
3. 2022 Nissan Kicks
Nissan Kicks from 2022 might sound like a fun ride, but it kicks back in unexpected ways. The small size might appeal to city dwellers, but it’s not as practical as it seems.
Inside, the cabin feels outdated, with tech features that are far from cutting-edge. Performance is mediocre, lacking the zest to make drives enjoyable.
Fuel efficiency is average, nothing to write home about. If you’re looking for excitement, you might want to kick this one off your list.
4. 2023 Jeep Compass
The 2023 Jeep Compass promises adventure but delivers more of a detour. Its rugged look is deceiving, as the off-road capability is not as robust as one would hope.
Inside, the comfort level is questionable, with seating that might make long trips a test of endurance. The infotainment system lacks the user-friendly flair needed for tech-savvy drivers. Fuel efficiency?
Let’s just say it’s not winning any awards. For a brand known for adventure, this Compass might just lead you astray.
5. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
Mirage indeed – the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage might leave you wondering if it’s all a dream, and not the good kind. Its basic design doesn’t help it stand out, and inside, it’s the bare minimum.
Performance lacks the spark needed for a thrilling drive, and handling feels more like a game of chance.
Even fuel efficiency is not as miraculous as you’d hope. For those who desire comfort, style, and a bit of fun, this Mirage might just disappear from your wishlist.
6. 2025 Subaru Impreza
The 2025 Subaru Impreza might seem like a solid choice, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find the cracks. While it’s practical, the design is uninspiring and blends into the background.
Performance is adequate but not exhilarating, and the interior feels utilitarian rather than inviting. The tech features are not as advanced as you might expect from a car of this era.
Fuel economy is passable yet unimpressive. For those seeking excitement and flair, the Impreza may fail to impress.
7. 2020 Hyundai Accent
The 2020 Hyundai Accent is a lesson in simplicity, but not necessarily in a good way. It may get you from point A to point B, but without much fanfare.
The interior is basic, lacking the comfort and style you might desire. Performance is just enough to get by, without any thrills.
Fuel efficiency is average, meaning you’ll still frequent the pump. While it might be budget-friendly, it comes with compromises that could leave you wanting more from your daily commute.
8. 2021 Kia Rio
The 2021 Kia Rio might catch your attention with its price, but it falls short in many areas. The design is nothing to write home about, blending into the sea of similar-looking cars.
Inside, the space is limited, and comfort is not its strong suit. The performance is lackluster, leaving you yearning for a bit more zing.
Fuel efficiency is decent, but not enough to overshadow its shortcomings. If you’re looking for a car with personality, the Rio might not be the right choice.
9. 2022 Fiat 500
The 2022 Fiat 500 might charm you with its Italian flair, but the love affair might be short-lived. The compact size makes parking a breeze, but that’s where the positives end.
Inside, it’s cramped, and the design feels more vintage than modern. Performance leaves much to be desired, especially if you crave speed and agility.
Fuel efficiency is okay, but nothing groundbreaking. If you’re hoping for a slice of Italy, this Fiat might leave you dreaming of a better ride.
10. 2023 Toyota C-HR
The 2023 Toyota C-HR might catch your eye with its bold looks, but the excitement ends there. Inside, the design is unconventional, which might not suit everyone’s taste.
Space is limited, especially in the back seats, making it less family-friendly. Performance is underwhelming, lacking the energy needed for spirited drives.
Fuel economy is average, so don’t expect to save much at the pump. While it might stand out visually, the C-HR falls short in delivering an exciting driving experience.
11. 2024 Honda HR-V
Honda’s 2024 HR-V seems like a promising compact SUV, but it leaves a lot to be desired. While its size is convenient for urban environments, the interior feels cramped, and the design lacks innovation.
Performance is nothing to write home about, making drives feel more like a chore than an adventure.
Fuel efficiency is okay, but it won’t win any awards. If you’re hoping for a stylish and spirited companion, the HR-V might not meet your expectations.
12. 2025 Mazda CX-3
Mazda’s 2025 CX-3 might not be the life of the party. The design is conservative, blending into the crowd rather than standing out. Inside, the space is limited, with rear seat passengers likely feeling the pinch.
Performance is adequate but doesn’t inspire excitement or confidence. Fuel efficiency is decent, but in a competitive market, it’s not enough to make it a standout choice.
If you’re seeking a dynamic and stylish ride, the CX-3 might just blend into the background.
13. 2020 Buick Encore
The 2020 Buick Encore aims for luxury but falls short in execution. Its design is plain and uninspiring, and inside, the quality doesn’t reflect the brand’s premium aspirations.
Space is limited, especially in the rear, making it less practical for families. Performance is underwhelming, lacking the power and refinement expected from a luxury crossover.
Fuel efficiency is mediocre, failing to make a strong case for itself. If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, the Encore might leave you wanting more.
14. 2021 Chrysler Voyager
Chrysler’s 2021 Voyager might sound like the perfect family van, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. The design is basic, and inside, it lacks the modern amenities found in its competitors.
Space is ample, but the seats aren’t the most comfortable for long journeys. Performance is just enough to get by, without any real excitement.
Fuel efficiency is average, meaning more trips to the gas station. For a family ride, it might not have the features needed to keep everyone happy.
15. 2022 Dodge Journey
The 2022 Dodge Journey seems more like a trip down memory lane. Its design feels outdated, and inside, it lacks the modern features expected in today’s market.
Space is decent, but the quality leaves much to be desired. Performance is sluggish, making drives feel longer than they are.
Fuel efficiency is not its strong suit, so expect frequent stops at the pump. If you’re seeking a journey filled with excitement and comfort, this Dodge might not be the best route.
16. 2023 Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen’s 2023 Jetta might seem like a reliable choice, but it doesn’t stand out in a crowded market. The design is conventional, lacking the flair needed to turn heads.
Inside, the space is adequate, but the materials feel below expectations for its class. Performance is competent but not exhilarating, leaving you yearning for more.
Fuel efficiency is respectable, yet not groundbreaking. For those seeking a stylish and dynamic ride, the Jetta might fall short of delivering excitement.
17. 2024 Chevrolet Trax
Chevrolet’s 2024 Trax might seem like a practical choice, but it doesn’t excel in any particular area. Its compact size is convenient for city driving, but the design is uninspired.
Inside, space is limited, making it less ideal for families. Performance is adequate, but there’s no excitement to be found.
Fuel efficiency is average, so don’t expect any savings at the pump. If you’re looking for a versatile and engaging ride, the Trax might not be the one to follow.
18. 2025 Nissan Versa
Nissan’s 2025 Versa might appeal with its affordability, but it sacrifices much in the process. The design is basic, blending into the background without leaving an impression.
Inside, the space is tight, and comfort is not its priority. Performance is just enough for daily commutes, missing the thrill that many drivers seek.
Fuel efficiency is decent, but not enough to make it a standout feature. If you’re looking for an engaging and stylish ride, the Versa might not be the best choice.
19. 2020 Toyota Yaris
The 2020 Toyota Yaris might seem like a practical choice for city dwellers, but it falls short in several areas. Its small size is convenient for parking, but the interior space is limited, making it uncomfortable for long drives.
Performance is lackluster, and the ride can feel bumpy. Fuel efficiency is decent, but not enough to outweigh its shortcomings.
If you’re hoping for a comfortable and exciting ride, the Yaris might not be the best option.
20. 2021 Hyundai Venue
Hyundai’s 2021 Venue might catch your eye with its compact design, but it doesn’t deliver the full package. Inside, the space is tight, making it less than ideal for families or long trips.
Performance is adequate, but don’t expect any thrills. Fuel efficiency is average, so savings at the pump might not be significant.
For those seeking a versatile and exciting ride, the Venue might not make the shortlist.
21. 2022 Honda Fit
The 2022 Honda Fit might seem like a smart choice for city life, but it lacks in many areas. Its compact size is great for parking, but the interior feels cramped, especially for taller passengers.
Performance is adequate but lacks the excitement many drivers seek. Fuel efficiency is respectable, but in a market full of options, it’s not enough to stand out.
If you’re looking for a spacious and thrilling ride, the Fit might not be the right fit.
22. 2023 Kia Soul
Kia’s 2023 Soul might catch your attention with its quirky design, but it might not satisfy all your needs. The interior space is decent, but the quality feels a bit lacking.
Performance is competent but doesn’t inspire excitement, leaving you wanting more. Fuel efficiency is average, and while it might be fun to look at, the driving experience is less engaging.
For those seeking a dynamic and stylish ride, the Soul might not deliver the excitement you crave.
23. 2024 Ford Fiesta
Ford’s 2024 Fiesta might seem like a fun and affordable choice, but it misses the mark in several areas. Its small size is great for city driving, but the interior feels cramped, and the design is outdated.
Performance is adequate but lacks the thrill many drivers seek. Fuel efficiency is decent, but it’s not enough to make it a standout feature.
If you’re looking for a dynamic and stylish ride, the Fiesta might not be the right party to join.
24. 2025 Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet’s 2025 Malibu might seem like a solid choice for a midsize sedan, but it falls short in several key areas. The design is conventional, lacking the flair needed to stand out in a competitive market.
Inside, the space is adequate, but the materials feel below expectations for its class. Performance is competent but uninspiring, leaving you yearning for more excitement.
Fuel efficiency is respectable, yet not groundbreaking. For those seeking a stylish and dynamic ride, the Malibu might not deliver the thrills you desire.
25. 2020 Nissan Sentra
The 2020 Nissan Sentra might seem like a reliable choice, but it doesn’t stand out in a crowded market. The design is ordinary, lacking the flair needed to turn heads.
Inside, the space is adequate, but the materials feel below expectations for its class. Performance is competent but not exhilarating, leaving you yearning for more.
Fuel efficiency is respectable, yet not groundbreaking. For those seeking a stylish and dynamic ride, the Sentra might fall short of delivering excitement.
26. 2021 Mazda3
Mazda’s 2021 Mazda3 might draw you in with its sleek design, but there are trade-offs to consider. Inside, the space is tight, making it less than ideal for families or long trips.
Performance is competent but doesn’t inspire excitement, leaving you wanting more. Fuel efficiency is average, so savings at the pump might not be significant.
While it looks good on the outside, the driving experience might not match the visual appeal, making it less engaging than expected.
27. 2022 Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai’s 2022 Sonata might seem like a practical choice, but it doesn’t excel in any particular area. Its design is conventional, blending into the crowd rather than standing out.
Inside, the space is adequate, but the materials feel below expectations for its class. Performance is competent but not exhilarating, leaving you yearning for more.
Fuel efficiency is respectable, yet not groundbreaking. For those seeking a stylish and dynamic ride, the Sonata might fall short of delivering excitement.
28. 2023 Toyota Avalon
Toyota’s 2023 Avalon might seem like the perfect choice for those seeking spaciousness, but it comes with compromises. Its large size makes it less maneuverable in tight spaces, and the design feels traditional rather than innovative.
Inside, the space is generous, but the materials don’t reflect a premium feel. Performance is competent but uninspiring, leaving you yearning for more excitement.
Fuel efficiency is average, so don’t expect significant savings at the pump. If you’re looking for a stylish and dynamic ride, the Avalon might not deliver the thrills you desire.
29. 2024 Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai’s 2024 Elantra might seem like a practical choice, but it doesn’t excel in any particular area. Its design is conservative, blending into the crowd rather than standing out.
Inside, the space is adequate, but the materials feel below expectations for its class. Performance is competent but not exhilarating, leaving you yearning for more.
Fuel efficiency is respectable, yet not groundbreaking. For those seeking a stylish and dynamic ride, the Elantra might fall short of delivering excitement.
30. 2025 Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen’s 2025 Passat might seem like a sensible choice, but it doesn’t stand out in a competitive market. The design is ordinary, lacking the flair needed to turn heads.
Inside, the space is adequate, but the materials feel below expectations for its class. Performance is competent but not exhilarating, leaving you yearning for more.
Fuel efficiency is respectable, yet not groundbreaking. For those seeking a stylish and dynamic ride, the Passat might fall short of delivering excitement.
31. 2020 Honda Insight
The 2020 Honda Insight might seem like a practical choice for city dwellers, but it falls short in several areas. Its small size is convenient for parking, but the interior space is limited, making it uncomfortable for long drives.
Performance is lackluster, and the ride can feel bumpy. Fuel efficiency is decent, but not enough to outweigh its shortcomings.
If you’re hoping for a comfortable and exciting ride, the Insight might not be the best option.
32. 2021 Toyota Corolla
The 2021 Toyota Corolla might seem like a reliable choice, but it doesn’t stand out in a crowded market. The design is ordinary, lacking the flair needed to turn heads.
Inside, the space is adequate, but the materials feel below expectations for its class. Performance is competent but not exhilarating, leaving you yearning for more.
Fuel efficiency is respectable, yet not groundbreaking. For those seeking a stylish and dynamic ride, the Corolla might fall short of delivering excitement.
33. 2022 Ford Fusion
Ford’s 2022 Fusion might seem like a practical choice, but it doesn’t excel in any particular area. Its design is conventional, blending into the crowd rather than standing out.
Inside, the space is adequate, but the materials feel below expectations for its class. Performance is competent but not exhilarating, leaving you yearning for more.
Fuel efficiency is respectable, yet not groundbreaking. For those seeking a stylish and dynamic ride, the Fusion might fall short of delivering excitement.
34. 2023 Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet’s 2023 Impala might seem like the perfect choice for those seeking spaciousness, but it comes with compromises.
Its large size makes it less maneuverable in tight spaces, and the design feels traditional rather than innovative.
Inside, the space is generous, but the materials don’t reflect a premium feel. Performance is competent but uninspiring, leaving you yearning for more excitement.
Fuel efficiency is average, so don’t expect significant savings at the pump. If you’re looking for a stylish and dynamic ride, the Impala might not deliver the thrills you desire.
35. 2024 Honda Accord
Honda’s 2024 Accord might seem like a practical choice, but it doesn’t excel in any particular area. Its design is conservative, blending into the crowd rather than standing out.
Inside, the space is adequate, but the materials feel below expectations for its class. Performance is competent but not exhilarating, leaving you yearning for more.
Fuel efficiency is respectable, yet not groundbreaking. For those seeking a stylish and dynamic ride, the Accord might fall short of delivering excitement.
2025 Volvo XC40
Volvo’s 2025 XC40 aims for a balance between style and practicality but falls short in several areas. The interior, though visually appealing, uses materials that don’t quite match the premium price tag.
Rear seat occupants may find legroom to be less accommodating, especially on longer journeys.
This might be a concern for eco-conscious drivers seeking to minimize their carbon footprint. In terms of ride quality, the XC40 can feel a bit stiff over uneven surfaces, detracting from overall comfort.
Prospective buyers might want to compare similar models in Volvo’s lineup for better overall value.