The cars in this list cannot compete in 2021 because what they offer in terms of performance, handling or luxury simply cannot justify their prices.
However, it is important to state that none of these cars are per se terrible choices. Simply, there are far better options for the same price or even cheaper in their segments.
From hybrid to battery-electric to luxury sedans and even sport SUVs, these are the cars that buyers should definitely avoid as there are smarter options to spend their money on.
The market in the new year might prove to be quite tough for some of these models.
10 Citroen C4 Hatch Puretech
The gas-powered version of the C4 is one of those vehicles that simply is not worth your money. The starting price of this car hovers around $33-35,000 and simply what it offers does not justify the price. The C4 although a nice-looking car does not offer a great driving experience as the steering is light and indirect.
The engine is asthmatic and it is not as responsive as you would expect for the price you are paying. There are definitely better options on the market for cheaper such as the Skoda Octavia and the Honda Civic. Both options are considerably cheaper and more fun to drive.
9 Honda Jazz
This Honda has been for a while one of the most popular cars in the 'cheaper' hybrid category. The car is indeed quite cheap as it has a starting price of $15,990. However, there are a few issues with the current version.
Sure, the car is efficient and its fuel economy is outstanding but the car overall is very bland and the driving experience is quite dull. On the market, there are currently better options such as the Toyota Yaris and the Fiat 500 which are both cheaper and more exciting to drive.
8 Ssangyong Musso
The new generation of the Musso has seen incredible steps forward from the previous versions. However, at over $30,000 there are currently other options on the market in the pickup segment that simply offer more at the same price.
The Ssangyong has improved in so many areas. However, the driving experience is far from smooth as the car feels unsettled and the situation gets worse when the truck is loaded as in the back there are excessive movements that make the car feel unstable. For about the same price, there is the Toyota Hilux which is far superior in the handling aspects and also off-road capabilities.
7 Jeep Renegade
Perhaps, we should start off by saying that this is not a bad car at all but in the same segment at $21-23,000, there are far better options. In order to get better off-road capabilities and better interiors, the price of the Renegade skyrockets.
In fact, the base version is not a great SUV and the interiors simply lack quality. Also, another aspect to consider is the fact the car is not fuel-efficient at all, which will make it even harder to maintain. The Ford Kuga at a similar price to the base model of the Renegade can offer you better performance, fuel efficiency, and off-road capabilities.
6 Lexus LS 500
Lexus is known to make luxury vehicles that usually trump the competition. However, is the LS really worth your money? We do not think so. The car costs around $100,000 but its hybrid powertrain is not as responsive as it should be for the hefty sum that you are paying. Also for the same price, there are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series which both offer better performance than the LS 500.
From the flagship vehicle, it is expected that everything should be near to perfection. However, the LS does not ride nearly as smoothly as it should. Also, if you are looking for the ultimate luxury vehicle, that would be the S-Class, not the LS.
5 Honda E
The Honda E is a stunning-looking car and one of the coolest electric vehicles on the market. However, the car is very pricey at $30,000 while offering a sub-average range of 131 miles and only a top speed of 90 mph. Honda seems to have concentrated more on the technology inside of the car than the range performance of the EV.
If you are looking for an electric car in the same compact segment, the logical choice would be the Renault Zoe, even though it might not be as pretty, it offers double the range and higher top-speed. There is also the Peugeot 208-e which is cheaper but still offers a range of around 200 miles.
4 Mercedes GLB
This is another car on this list that overall is not bad. However, there are cheaper options that can offer the same or even better performance. The base model has a starting price of around $40,000 dollars but it is powered by a tiny 1.3-liter turbo that produces 161 horsepower.
No one is saying it is not an efficient engine, however, the BMW X1 has a starting price of around $35,000 with a 2.0-liter that produces 220 horsepower. Overall, the car does offer great comfort but the same level is matched by the BMW. So, why spend more for less?
3 Audi A6
The A6 has been for a while the queen of the higher-end sedans thanks its unmatchable power and great comfort. However, at $54,000, there are other options on the market that make more sense. The A6, although being a respectable choice lacks dynamism and excitement in the driving experience that previous generations offered.
Right now, the best choice in this particular segment of the market would be the Jaguar XF. The British car costs almost $10,000 less and the new generation has superb handling and it is incredibly quick. The XF is massively cheaper and a very exciting ride. The A6 simply cannot compete.
2 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43
For over $60,000 you would expect a top-notch car. Usually, AMG has given its customers some amazing rides. However, the V6 of the SLC 43 could be stronger as it feels that the car does not express its entire potential. Also due to the fact that the Mercedes is heavier than it should be, the overall performance of the car is below expectations.
The AMG SLC 43 simply cannot compete with the new Porsche Boxster 718. The new generation of the 718 is also around $60K, however, the driving experience and the engine are massively better. The Boxster is incredibly quick and agile and offers a sublime driving experience.
1 BMW X6M
If you have the means and you are looking for an incredibly fast SUV on the market, there are better options than the X6M. The new version for the X6M is what would you expect if you put a big engine in a huge and heavy car such as this one. The steering is not bad for a car of this size but certainly not outstanding.
The ride is overly firm and the driver has to combat the roughness of the driving experience every day. For the same price, which is around $110,000, there is a much better car which is the Audi RS Q8. This car in fact shares the usual comfort and style of a typical Audi combined with the same engine used by the Lamborghini Urus, a 4.0-liter V8 that produces almost 600 horsepower and reaches a top speed of 189 mph. The X6M is simply not a wise choice.