2025 cars to avoid: Consumer Reports and owner reviews
2025 cars that fell short: Consumer Reports and owner feedback
2025 cars to avoid: Consumer Reports and owner reviews
We review Consumer Reports and real-owner feedback to spotlight 2025 cars disappointing buyers, from VW Atlas Cross Sport to Mercedes GLB/GLA and Infiniti QX50.
2025-10-27T16:53:52+03:00
2025-10-27T16:53:52+03:00
2025-10-27T16:53:52+03:00
Not every new model turns into a success story. Reporters at SPEEDME.RU reviewed Consumer Reports’ findings alongside owner feedback, and a handful of 2025 vehicles left buyers regretting their choice. These cars aren’t necessarily flawed on paper, yet they’ve become emblems of unmet expectations.The biggest letdown was the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (Teramont): only 38% of owners said they would buy it again. The rest point to an unreliable transmission, electronic glitches, and creaks in the cabin. When a badge promises premium polish, noises and software hiccups feel especially out of place.Owners say they had counted on German-level quality but ended up dealing with issues instead, a sentiment that reads like a bruise for a brand with such a reputation.Premium models didn’t escape criticism either. The Mercedes-Benz GLB and GLA failed to live up to expectations, with just 39% and 45% of owners, respectively, satisfied with their purchase. The GLB gets called out for a cramped interior and a harsh ride, while the GLA draws complaints for unstable electronics. In a family crossover, firmness that could be spun as “sporty” can simply feel tiring day to day.Some former loyalists admit they would sooner choose a used E-Class than buy a new GLB, a telling comparison for a brand that trades on comfort and cachet.The Infiniti QX50 also lands on the list, with only 40% satisfied. Owners complain about the CVT, the complex VC-Turbo engine, and higher-than-expected fuel consumption. The Jeep Compass doesn’t redeem itself either (46% positive feedback): minor failures and budget-grade trim overshadow the model’s update.Misfires aren’t limited to the premium end. Nissan Kicks and Kia Seltos get labeled as boring and noisy, while the Toyota C-HR (Corolla Hatch) draws criticism for a tight cabin and polarizing design. When marketing sets the bar sky-high, the day-to-day ownership experience has very little room for error.Analysts note that the root of the disappointment is a gap between promise and reality. New cars often tout innovation, yet stumble over early “teething problems.” Before buying a fresh release, it’s worth digging into real-owner reviews—their experience tends to cut through the gloss.The 2025 “anti-ranking” makes one thing clear: a loud name doesn’t guarantee enjoyment behind the wheel, and sometimes a proven “last-year’s” model turns out more dependable than the latest trendsetter.
We review Consumer Reports and real-owner feedback to spotlight 2025 cars disappointing buyers, from VW Atlas Cross Sport to Mercedes GLB/GLA and Infiniti QX50.
Michael Powers, Editor
Not every new model turns into a success story. Reporters at SPEEDME.RU reviewed Consumer Reports’ findings alongside owner feedback, and a handful of 2025 vehicles left buyers regretting their choice. These cars aren’t necessarily flawed on paper, yet they’ve become emblems of unmet expectations.
The biggest letdown was the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (Teramont): only 38% of owners said they would buy it again. The rest point to an unreliable transmission, electronic glitches, and creaks in the cabin. When a badge promises premium polish, noises and software hiccups feel especially out of place.
Owners say they had counted on German-level quality but ended up dealing with issues instead, a sentiment that reads like a bruise for a brand with such a reputation.
Premium models didn’t escape criticism either. The Mercedes-Benz GLB and GLA failed to live up to expectations, with just 39% and 45% of owners, respectively, satisfied with their purchase. The GLB gets called out for a cramped interior and a harsh ride, while the GLA draws complaints for unstable electronics. In a family crossover, firmness that could be spun as “sporty” can simply feel tiring day to day.
Some former loyalists admit they would sooner choose a used E-Class than buy a new GLB, a telling comparison for a brand that trades on comfort and cachet.
The Infiniti QX50 also lands on the list, with only 40% satisfied. Owners complain about the CVT, the complex VC-Turbo engine, and higher-than-expected fuel consumption. The Jeep Compass doesn’t redeem itself either (46% positive feedback): minor failures and budget-grade trim overshadow the model’s update.
Misfires aren’t limited to the premium end. Nissan Kicks and Kia Seltos get labeled as boring and noisy, while the Toyota C-HR (Corolla Hatch) draws criticism for a tight cabin and polarizing design. When marketing sets the bar sky-high, the day-to-day ownership experience has very little room for error.
Analysts note that the root of the disappointment is a gap between promise and reality. New cars often tout innovation, yet stumble over early “teething problems.” Before buying a fresh release, it’s worth digging into real-owner reviews—their experience tends to cut through the gloss.
The 2025 “anti-ranking” makes one thing clear: a loud name doesn’t guarantee enjoyment behind the wheel, and sometimes a proven “last-year’s” model turns out more dependable than the latest trendsetter.
