Full-size SUVs promise space, power, and comfort, but some of the biggest rigs on sale in 2025 are also saddled with poor reliability scores, frustrating ownership experiences, and a history of recalls. As I look across the latest data and expert testing, a clear pattern emerges: a handful of large SUVs consistently show up at the bottom of reliability rankings and in “do not buy” lists. If you’re shopping this year, knowing which models to avoid can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and a lot of time stuck at the dealer instead of on the road.
In this guide, I focus on full-size and near-full-size SUVs that combine low predicted reliability with concerning real-world feedback, and I explain why they raise red flags for 2025 buyers. I’m not just repeating scorecards; I’m connecting the dots between reliability ratings, owner complaints, and recall histories so you can decide whether the extra size is really worth the long-term risk.
How I’m Defining “Full-Size SUVs to Avoid” in 2025
When I talk about full-size SUVs to avoid, I’m looking at three overlapping issues: consistently low predicted reliability, patterns of expensive or frequent repairs, and a track record of recalls or serious defects that affect daily use. In practice, that means focusing on models that show up near the bottom of reliability rankings and “avoid” lists, even if they’re marketed as family-friendly or adventure-ready. I’m also including some large three-row crossovers and plug-in hybrids that, while not body-on-frame trucks, compete directly with traditional full-size SUVs on price, size, and mission.
To build this list, I started with vehicles that appear among the least reliable SUVs you can buy new and cross-checked them against models singled out as SUVs to avoid in 2025. I then narrowed the field to those that either offer three rows, tow like a truck, or are priced squarely in full-size territory, and I paid special attention to models that repeatedly earn the lowest predicted reliability scores from Consu-based testing and owner surveys. If a vehicle shows up in multiple independent rankings for the wrong reasons, it’s a strong candidate for this “do not buy” list.
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee 4xe: Big SUV, Bigger Reliability Questions
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been pitched as a do-it-all family SUV, but for 2025 it’s also one of the most prominent examples of a large utility vehicle with serious reliability concerns. In its plug-in hybrid form, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is singled out as a worst offender, earning a 1 out of 5 for predicted reliability from Consu-based testing, which is about as low as it gets for a new SUV. That kind of score suggests not just the occasional glitch but a pattern of issues that could affect everything from the powertrain to the complex electronics that manage its hybrid system.
Those poor scores aren’t happening in a vacuum. The Grand Cherokee and its electrified sibling are highlighted among the SUVs to avoid buying in 2025, and the plug-in 4xe variant is specifically called out in lists of the least reliable new SUVs. When a mainstream family SUV lands at the bottom of reliability rankings and simultaneously appears on “avoid” lists, it’s a strong signal that shoppers who need a dependable long-haul vehicle should think twice before signing a long-term loan on one.
Why the Grand Cherokee’s Reliability Ratings Matter for Full-Size Shoppers
For buyers who need a full-size or near-full-size SUV, the Grand Cherokee’s reliability problems matter because this model often serves as a stepping stone into larger, more expensive trucks from the same brand. If the midsize-to-large Grand Cherokee and its 4xe variant are already struggling with a 1 out of 5 predicted reliability score, it raises fair questions about how well similar platforms and technologies will hold up when scaled up into heavier, more complex full-size SUVs. In other words, if the “family-sized” Jeep is a headache, you may not want to gamble on its bigger cousins for towing, road trips, or daily commuting.
Independent testing that labels the Grand Cherokee as the least reliable midsize SUV in 2025 underscores how serious these concerns are. When a vehicle that’s marketed as a premium, do-everything SUV ends up at the bottom of reliability charts, it’s not just a minor blemish; it’s a warning sign that the underlying engineering and quality control may not be up to the demands of long-term ownership. For shoppers who need a big SUV to haul kids, gear, and trailers for a decade or more, that’s a risk I would avoid.
Ford Explorer: A Near-Full-Size SUV With Mixed Reliability Signals
While the Ford Explorer is technically a midsize crossover, its three-row layout, generous cargo space, and pricing put it squarely in the conversation for buyers who might otherwise shop full-size SUVs. The problem is that the Explorer has developed a reputation for uneven reliability, with some model years plagued by drivetrain and electronic issues that can be expensive to fix once the warranty expires. That’s especially concerning for families who expect their SUV to handle long road trips and heavy use without frequent visits to the service bay.
Earlier this year, the Explorer was flagged among the 7 SUVs to avoid buying in 2025, with the analysis noting that, although it claims the cost for repairs and maintenance are average and severity and frequency of repairs are manageable, the overall ownership experience still raises enough red flags to keep it off a smart shopper’s shortlist. When a three-row SUV that competes directly with full-size models on space and price shows up in that kind of company, I treat it as a cautionary tale rather than a safe bet.
Luxury Full-Size SUVs: Power and Prestige, But Reliability Trade-Offs
At the top end of the market, some luxury full-size SUVs deliver staggering performance and opulent cabins, yet they also appear in rankings of the least reliable new SUVs. One example is a handcrafted mild-hybrid 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that develops an astounding 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, a powertrain that turns a large SUV into a high-speed grand tourer. Those numbers are impressive on paper, but they also hint at the complexity under the hood—complexity that can translate into more things to go wrong as the miles add up.
That same high-output SUV is grouped among the least reliable new SUVs, which should give pause to anyone assuming that a six-figure price tag automatically buys bulletproof dependability. When a vehicle combines a handcrafted engine, mild-hybrid hardware, and a heavy full-size body, the potential repair costs can be eye-watering once the warranty runs out. If you’re drawn to these SUVs for their power and prestige, it’s worth weighing whether you’re also prepared for the long-term maintenance and reliability trade-offs that come with them.
How Recalls and Complex Tech Undermine Full-Size SUV Dependability
Beyond raw reliability scores, full-size SUVs are increasingly vulnerable to problems tied to complex technology—especially plug-in hybrid systems, advanced driver-assistance features, and sprawling infotainment suites. The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a good example of how layering electrification onto an already complicated SUV can create new failure points, from battery management to software glitches that affect drivability. When a model like this lands at the bottom of predicted reliability rankings, it suggests that the tech stack may not yet be mature enough for buyers who prioritize long-term durability over cutting-edge features.
Recalls often follow the same pattern, targeting software updates, electronic control modules, and safety systems that don’t behave as intended in real-world use. While any single recall might be a minor inconvenience, a series of them can erode confidence in a full-size SUV’s dependability, especially when they involve core systems like the powertrain or braking. When I see a vehicle appear both in lists of the least reliable new SUVs and in discussions of recurring software or hybrid-system issues, it reinforces the idea that buyers should be cautious about betting on first- or second-generation tech in a vehicle they expect to keep for a decade.
How to Shop Smarter if You Still Want a Big SUV
If you still need the space and capability of a full-size SUV, the key is to separate marketing hype from long-term reality. I recommend starting with reliability rankings and owner surveys, paying particular attention to models that earn 4 or 5 out of 5 for predicted reliability rather than those stuck at 1 or 2. From there, look at recall histories and technical service bulletins to see whether a vehicle’s issues are one-off glitches or part of a broader pattern. A big SUV that quietly avoids the “least reliable” lists is usually a safer bet than a flashy newcomer that’s already drawing scrutiny.
It’s also worth considering whether a slightly smaller, more proven three-row crossover might meet your needs better than a full-size truck-based SUV with a troubled record. Models like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee show how vehicles that look great on paper can still end up on lists of SUVs to avoid when reliability and ownership costs are factored in. By prioritizing proven reliability over sheer size or horsepower, you stand a much better chance of ending up with a big SUV that feels like a long-term partner instead of an expensive mistake.
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