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Oct 21, 2026

Think Twice About These 6 SUVs With Sky-High Ownership Costs

Written by Heather Altamirano
|
Edited by Brendan McGinley
Think Twice About These 6 SUVs With Sky-High Ownership Costs

Americans love SUVs, making them the most popular vehicle on the road. And it's costing us thousands.

According to YouGov, 41% of drivers own an SUV, but buying the wrong one can turn into a financial disaster. The price tag is just the beginning. Insurance, maintenance, fuel and repairs can add thousands of dollars over time.

Learn More: Leasing vs. Buying a Used SUV: Which Option Saves More Money Over 5 Years?

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While there are affordable SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Kia Sorento and more, others can rack up serious ownership costs. From luxury models with costly repairs to larger vehicles that require more fuel and maintenance, the wrong SUV can put a serious dent in your budget.

Here are six SUVs to think twice about before buying, due to their high ownership costs, with starting prices from Kelley Blue Book (KBB), and maintenance costs from Edmunds.

1. 2026 Land Rover Range Rover

The Land Rover Range Rover isn’t just a stylish car — it’s a high-end symbol that commands attention. But the ownership costs for five years are staggering, according to Edmunds data.

  • Insurance: $7,653

  • Maintenance: $8,700

  • Repairs: $4,163

  • Fuel: $17,702

  • Total cost: $153,668

2. 2026 BMW X7 xDrive40i

The 2026 BMW X7 xDrive40i is a sleek, smooth ride with three rows and the latest tech that will impress any driver. However, the five-year cost to own will put a major dent in your wallet, per Edmunds:

  • Insurance: $6,698

  • Maintenance: $9,677

  • Repairs: $2,507

  • Fuel: $16,165

  • Total cost: $124,097

3. 2026 Volvo XC60

  • Starting Price: $51,095

The Volvo XC60 is elegant, offers great safety features and has a cool, modern vibe. It has a lower starting price than many luxury SUVs, but ownership costs can still add up. Here is the five-year ownership cost, per Edmunds:

  • Insurance: $4,794

  • Maintenance: $4,734

  • Repairs: $1,691

  • Fuel: $14,306

  • Total cost: $76,620

4. 2026 Cadillac Escalade

  • Starting Price: $91,100

The Cadillac Escalade is a breathtaking SUV that has all the bells and whistles you’d want. While it’s a showstopper, you will pay for expensive insurance, high fuel costs, premium tires, and pricey repairs. The five-year ownership costs aren’t cheap, per Edmunds.

  • Insurance: $6,649

  • Maintenance: $5,323

  • Repairs: $1,729

  • Fuel: $23,256

  • Total cost: $128,057

5. 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

  • Starting Price: $63,995

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the ideal combination of rugged and luxurious. The SUV can tow up to 10,000 pounds, has a roomy interior with three rows and up-to-date tech features. It has a more affordable price point than other SUVs, but the cost to own over five years is high, per CarEdge’s data.

  • Insurance: $14,215

  • Maintenance/Repairs: $4,052

  • Fuel: $13,590

  • Total cost: $95,852

6. 2026 Porsche Cayenne

  • Starting Price: $86,200

The 2026 Porsche Cayenne offers a unique aspect that other SUVs don’t — a sports car driving feel with practicality and a prestigious brand name. It’s flashy and will turn heads, but it also delivers everyday usability, comfort and versatility. Based on Edmunds data, here’s how much a five-year ownership will cost.

  • Insurance: $5,465

  • Maintenance: $8,252

  • Repairs: $3,116

  • Fuel: $19,562

  • Total cost: $$122,595

Owning an SUV doesn’t have to break the bank, but looking beyond the sticker price is key when shopping around. A vehicle that seems like a great deal up-front can become a financial burden when maintenance, repairs, insurance, and depreciation start adding up.

Editor’s note: Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact year, make or model of the vehicle(s) listed in this article.

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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Heather Altamirano
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Heather Altamirano is a versatile and seasoned writer who joined GOBankingRates in 2024, bringing with her two decades of journalism experience. Throughout her career, she has focused on helping consumers navigate key financial topics, including retirement planning, budgeting, saving and debt management, aiming to empower individuals to achieve financial independence. Heather's work has been featured in prominent outlets, including NASDAQ and Yahoo Finance, and she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Southern California (USC).
Brendan McGinley
Edited by
Brendan McGinley
Brendan McGinley is a New York-based editor and writer.