Today, it's quite easy to argue that cars are better than they have ever been. For starters, the models you can choose from now have a greater regard for storage space. It doesn't matter if we're talking about sedans, hatchbacks or SUVs. The seats in the rear usually fold easily, allowing to have a bigger cargo area.
At the same time, today's vehicles are designed to be much safer. Certain advanced safety features have already become standard. We're talking about the likes of rear blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and many others. At the same time, there are also available features that connect to further assistance immediately.
Meanwhile, today's cars are not only arguably safer, but they are also more comfortable. That's because it now comes with features such as heated steering wheel, heated front seats, dual zone climate system and a more expansive leg room in the rear.
All these amazing things should mean that today's cars are essentially better than their previous counterparts, right? Well, not exactly. Despite the advancements in safety and other features in recent years, some cars remain a miss instead of a hit. Instead of exceeding expectations, some cars have become a giant source of frustration and disappointment. Even worse, they are expected to crumble in just five years.
Have a look at our list to see what we mean. At the same time, we listed five cars today that are worth spending your money on:
21 Will Crumble: 2019 Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR is the carmaker's attempt to gain a stronger foothold in the ever-growing compact SUV market. Sadly, this one is more of a miss. In fact, according to a report from Car Buzz, sales of this model have fallen short of the 5,000 per month expectation.
There is a belief that the C-HR is struggling in the market because it wasn't originally designed to be a Toyota. In fact, it was intended to become a Scion model, but that plan was eventually scrapped. The 2019 C-HR has already been the subject of two recalls. One involves issues with the power train.
20 Will Crumble: 2019 Kia Cadenza
For the record, the 2019 Kia Cadenza is a decent sedan. After all, you can crank out as much as 290 horsepower from its 3.3-liter V6 engine. However, not everything about this car is incredible, especially not the ride. As Consumer Reports has noted, it is “not particularly plush.” And if you want leather seats and a softer surface, you have to be willing to spend a bit more and get the higher trim versions. Those are worth more than $40,000.
Moreover, reviews of the car also point out the car's poor handling. Aside from this, another common complaint is that it has quite a disappointing fuel mileage.
19 Will Crumble: 2019 Nissan Titan XD
Among the pickup trucks available today, the 2019 Nissan Titan XD is ranked terribly. In fact, several have given this truck some lackluster reviews despite its XD or “extra duty” designation. Even worse, Consumer Reports has even referred to this truck as the “worst overall” car among 2019 models.
According to reviews, there have been noted disappointments regarding the truck’s diesel powertrain and unimpressive towing capacity. At the same time, the 2019 Titan XD seems to have less safety technology compared to other similar trucks. Even worse, its fuel economy is anything but impressive. For all these reasons and more, we feel that you are better off investing in another truck.
18 Will Crumble: 2019 Honda Clarity
The 2019 Honda Clarity is a car that comes in three variants - a plug-in hybrid, all-electric and fuel cell.
And while this sounds good, it must be noted that the 2018 Clarity was issued a recall in December 2018 due to a major issue that had also been a problem in the past. According to the NHTSA, "The previous software remedy may have been incomplete. As a result, the fuel cell control unit (FC-ECU) may misinterpret a small cell voltage drop, causing the vehicle to have a partial or complete loss of power." It is very much possible that this problem still persists in the current model.
17 Will Crumble: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
Typically, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD is known to be a pretty reliable pickup truck. However, according to Consumer Reports, this truck currently has some major "trouble spots." These are the drive system, steering, and the fuel or emissions system. Aside from this, it seems that the comfort onboard this truck is also disappointing.
Meanwhile, one review on Edmunds stated, "Due to excessive driveshaft vibration GM has also LIMITED the max speed to 98mph. My older truck would beat the brand new one - that's sad. I've resorted to driving this POS around like it has a switch instead of a gas pedal. There is no launch, no power, no tire spin."
16 Will Crumble: 2019 Buick Enclave
The 2019 Buick Enclave would have been an ideal SUV for a family or group since it boasts of three rows. At the same time, this car has a responsive 3.6-liter V6 engine and a respectable towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, according to Consumer Reports, this car has some issues when it comes to power equipment and transmission.
Moreover, according to the NHTSA, there have already been complaints regarding the car’s engine and service brakes. One read, “While accelerating and turning left from a stop (stop light with the city), the engine suddenly lost power then jerked into a lower gear, but somehow got stuck in 3rd gear restricting the max speed of about 25-30 mph running at 5000 rpms.”
15 Will Crumble: 2019 Jeep Wrangler
Without a doubt, the 2019 Jeep Wrangler is one of the most disappointing cars to come out this year. In fact, according to the NHTSA, this particular model has already received as many as 28 complaints so far. Moreover, it has also become the subject of two recalls.
Of the complaints, 24 were made regarding the SUV’s faulty steering. One account read, “Steering is very loose and requires constant correction. I bought this on 4/24/2019 brand new. It is extremely dangerous because it steers left or right on its own without driver input. This needs to be fixed before someone dies.”
14 Will Crumble: 2019 Land Rover Discovery
The 2019 Land Rover Discovery is not performing in the market as well as other Land Rover models. In fact, Consumer Reports has already named this car the “worst luxury SUV.”
To make the situation worse, this SUV has also become the subject of one recall already. According to the Aftersales Bulletin, “A batch of bolts has been manufactured away from specification and therefore has the potential to develop cracks on the surface of the bolt, leading to hydrogen embrittlement. These cracks cause the bolt to fracture over time, leading to a loss of retention of the crankshaft pulley. Where bolt fracture occurs, the pulley will oscillate for a period, but ultimately the crankshaft nose will break, leading to engine failure.”
13 Will Crumble: 2019 Dodge Journey
Typically, a mid-sized SUV such as the Dodge Journey is seen as a useful car. This is especially true for families with several children. However, in the case of the 2019 model, it seems that people are better off looking at other similar models.
If you must know, Consumer Reports has referred to this car as the “worst mid-sized SUV” for the year. It explained, “The Journey is a dated and mediocre performer. It rides decently and is fairly quiet, but that's about all. It suffers from a lack of agility, lousy fuel economy from the optional 3.6-liter V6, a reluctant transmission, and a tiny third-row seat.”
12 Will Crumble: 2019 Volkswagen Atlas
Unfortunately, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is one SUV that seems problematic. According to the NHTSA, it has already had three recalls so far.
One of the recalls concerns the 2019 Atlas’ suspension. According to the Volkswagen dealer communication, “The rear axle coil springs in affected vehicles may not have met factory specifications due to a defect in materials or because of problems in the spring production process. These issues can impact the long-term durability of the rear axle coil springs. Affected coil springs can break. A broken coil spring can damage a rear tire, become a hazard on the roadway and lead to a loss of vehicle control without warning, putting people at risk and possibly causing damage to other vehicles on the road.”
11 Will Crumble: 2019 Tesla Model X
Perhaps, it no longer surprises you that 2019 Tesla Model X would be on this list.
Throughout the Model X’s time in the market, one of the most prominent complaints about the car has been its falcon wing doors. According to Tesla, this type of door “enhances accessibility to back rows and opens in the tightest parking spaces.”
However, many have noted that such doors are often hard to control. At the same time, they also tend to cause some trouble. One complaint on the 2019 Model X to NHTSA remarked, “Went to a showroom to check the Teslas, the model x gull wing doors hit me on the head as they were closing - should have a sensor to prevent that.”
10 Will Crumble: 2019 Fiat 500L
The 2019 Fiat 500L is a sporty small car that is supposed to be perfect for anyone looking for something practical for daily use. However, it doesn’t seem to be appealing to many customers at the moment. In fact, Consumer Reports has even referred to the car as the “worst compact car” for 2019, calling it a “huge disappointment.”
Other reviews echo a similar sentiment. Some of the issues specified include poor handling, terrible acceleration, disappointing fuel economy and underwhelming cabin materials and seat cushions. To make things worse, the 2019 Fiat 500L also has relatively fewer advanced safety features compared to similar vehicles.
9 Will Crumble: 2019 Cadillac CT6
The 2019 Cadillac CT6 is a large sedan that comes with options for a V6 or V8 engine. On the outside, it looks tough and elegant. However, as Consumer Reports has noted, this car has some significant issues involving the car’s transmission, in-car electronics, and climate system.
Inside, the car boasts comfortable seats. However, there’s limited leg room in the rear seats. Moreover, the in-cabin storage is extremely limited to the point that it is “non-existent.” Perhaps, it is best that GM decided to discontinue this model already. This way, current, and future car buyers can focus on cars that are worth the money.
8 Will Crumble: 2019 Cadillac Escalade
As you may know, the Cadillac Escalade is one of the most known luxury large SUVs in the market today. However, that doesn’t mean that it never misses its mark. Case in point is its 2019 model.
In fact, it reportedly has some issues regarding the transmission, in-car electronics, and climate system. Moreover, Consumer Reports noted, “The Escalade falls down on the fundamentals as a luxury SUV; it rides too stiffly and can’t stop or handle with the grace of its peers. Despite casting a massive shadow, the Cadillac is not even that roomy inside. The second-row seats aren’t very comfortable, and the third row is cramped. For those who want more room, a longer ESV version with increased cargo space is available. “
7 Will Crumble: 2019 Jaguar XE
The 2019 Jaguar XE is a luxury sedan that seems to be fairing worse than some of its obvious competition. To date, it has been named the “worst compact luxury sedan” by Consumer Reports. Some of the complaints regarding this car include its outdated styling and lack of legroom in the rear seats.
If you are the type of car buyer who doesn’t believe in compromise, perhaps you would be better driving away with the 2019 XE’s competition. These include the BMW M3, Audi A4, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Volvo S60. Sadly, a lot of these cars are significantly better that you would just forget the 2019 XE altogether. We have.
6 Will Crumble: 2019 Jaguar F-Pace
The 2019 Jaguar F-Pace is another SUV with the potential to be great. Sadly, however, it’s not. As Consumer Reports has noted, this car has some issues with “in-car electronics, drive system, power equipment, noises, and leaks.”
Moreover, according to the NHTSA, the 2019 F-Pace has already been subject to one recall so far. This involves the same issue that has plagued the 2019 Land Rover Discovery. According to the letter sent to owners, “Fracture of the crankshaft pulley bolt and associated breakage of the crankshaft nose will lead to the vehicle displaying a number of warning lights, quickly followed by loud noises, engine power loss and potential for engine failure.”
5 Stay New: 2019 Subaru Ascent
As you may know, the Subaru Ascent is a newly debuted SUV. In fact, it’s the very first from Subaru to feature three rows. Reviews of the car, so far, are quite impressive. At the same time, this car has also been named the 2019 Top Safety Pick by the non-profit organization Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). According to Subaru, the award was due to the Ascent being equipped with the carmaker’s Steering Responsive Headlights safety feature.
The 2019 Ascent comes with a starting price of $31,995. Under its hood is a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that can deliver as much as 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm.
4 Stay New: 2019 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 pickup truck has always been reliable over the years and its 2019 model proves no different.
For the 2019 F-150, you have the choice among six engines. There’s the 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine that can deliver as much as 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. There is also the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that can produce as much as 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Aside from these, there is the 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine that cranks out 395 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something stronger, you can also choose the high-output 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine that can deliver 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.
3 Stay New: 2019 Audi Q7
When it comes to SUVs today, the Audi Q7 has always been a favorite among car buyers. Furthermore, according to Kelley Blue Book, “The competition is formidable, but the Q7 wins us over with its quality, luxury, style, and utility, all backed by a sublime level of refinement.”
For the 2019 Q7, you have a choice between two engines. First up is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that can deliver 248 horsepower at 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. Meanwhile, there is also the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that cranks out 329 horses at 5,500 to 6,500 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 2,900 to 5,300 rpm.
2 Stay New: 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
If you’re in the market for a luxury sedan, you can’t do any better than the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
With a starting price of $91,250 for the S 450 model, you get a 3,0-liter V6 bi-turbo engine that can deliver as much as 362 horses at 5,500 to 6,000 rpm and 369 pound-feet of torque at 1,800 to 4,500 rpm.
On the other hand, if you feel the need for something a little more exciting, you can also go for the S 560 variant. This one comes with a 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine that can crank out 463 horses at 5,250 to 5,500 rpm and 516 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 to 4,000 rpm.