Jun 4, 2026

6 SUVs That Deliver Less Value for the Price

Written by J. Arky
|
Edited by Cory Dudak
Discover a young woman sitting behind the wheel of a car makes a sad or depressed face while staring ahead

There are lots of options for SUVs if you are looking for a car that can carry the whole family, go on rugged terrain and can pack all the hauling power you need for an adventure in the great outdoors. However, when looking at budget and value, not all SUVs are created equal, with many of them certainly not priced the same for what purchasing drivers end up getting.



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We reached out to several automotive experts to get their takes on what SUVs aren't worth the cost.

  • MSRP: $65,995

"You should expect a luxurious ride at that price point, but the Wagoneer is a Jeep," said Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.

"It drives like a Jeep, and its fuel efficiency is sorely lacking," she said. "If your budget allows for that kind of spending, opt for a true luxury SUV."

  • MSRP: $66,000

"The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a luxurious and well-equipped SUV, but its price tag may be difficult to justify when compared to other large SUVs that offer similar features and performance at a lower cost," Benson said.

"While stylish and well-equipped, the GLE-Class can be pricey, especially when considering optional features," Miller said. "Some owners report issues with its infotainment system and electronic components."

  • MSRP: $69,750

Miller said, "The BMW X5 offers a premium driving experience, but can be costly to maintain and some find its handling to be less engaging than competitors in its price range."

"The BMW X5 is a popular luxury SUV, but its high price tag and relatively small cargo space may not make it the best value for many buyers," said Amanda Benson, the owner of the Dusty Trail RV. "Despite its premium brand name, the X5's relatively small cargo space may not make it the best value for many buyers."



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  • MSRP: $85,940

"Despite its spacious interior and powerful engine, the QX80's outdated design and subpar fuel efficiency make it less competitive in its price range compared to newer SUVs offering more modern features," Miller said.

  • MSRP: $93,995

"Known for its opulent features and spacious interior, the Escalade's hefty price can be hard to justify when compared to similarly equipped luxury SUVs with better fuel efficiency and reliability," Miller said.

"Escalades are almost a status symbol," Musson added. "Only the rich can afford them new, but just about anyone can afford a used one because they lose value so quickly. Other competitors offer similar features and space without the high sticker price."

  • MSRP: $115,450

Musson said at that price, you should expect superb reliability.

"Unfortunately, that's not what you get," she said. "The Range Rover is prone to many different types of problems from electrical to suspension issues. It also depreciates far more quickly than average."

Price disclaimer: All MSRP numbers were pulled from Kelley Blue Book for 2026 models on June 4, 2026.

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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.



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Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Cory Dudak