The Least Reliable Midsize SUVs You Can Buy In 2026
The mid-size SUV segment remains one of the most competitive in the automotive market. These vehicles offer a great combination of space, practicality and tech that makes them ideal for everything from school trips to weekends away in the mountains. Many are the one car solution for busy families who can't afford to be without their vehicles due to poor reliability.
That's why even the best mid-size SUVs need to major on durability if they are to succeed long term. We have covered tons of the most reliable vehicles around but knowing which ones to avoid is just as valuable, and here we have found the five worst performing vehicles in this class. While our bottom five are from a range of different manufacturers, in many cases the main cause of their unreliability comes down to overly complex electrical and powertrain systems. Keeping things simple and avoiding the newest models until they have proven themselves is generally a good strategy, and so is knowing which current vehicles are underperforming in the reliability stakes.
To get the most accurate results we used the predicted reliability data from Consumer Reports (CR). Known for its rigorous testing and independence, CR is a trusted source because it does not accept advertising from automakers and purchases every vehicle it tests. Crucially, these scores are based on actual owner feedback from hundreds of thousands of subscribers, reflecting real-world performance rather than showroom promises. All vehicle specs and data were from the relevant manufacturer. Here are the five mid-size SUVs currently on sale that have struggled most with reliability, arranged in descending order.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
- CR Predicted Reliability Score: 43/100
- Model Years: 2020–Present
- Base MSRP:$38,300
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is stylish, well-equipped and has plenty of interior space. Unfortunately, it has faced criticism for a lack of powertrain refinement, allied with poor fuel economy. A switch from a V6 to a turbocharged four-cylinder midway through production has not really helped things, but while these are issues most people can live with, the Atlas Corss Sport's reliability record is where the real problems lie.
Owner feedback provided to Consumer Reports shows that these vehicles have been plagued by issues with the in-car electronics and climate systems, and some have experienced infotainment screen freezes and errors with the Digital Cockpit, which is both frustrating and dangerous.
Nissan Murano
- CR Predicted Reliability Score: 41/100
- Model Years: 2025–Present
- Base MSRP:$41,670
Having undergone a complete redesign in 2025, a dip in reliability is not unusual, but the Nissan Murano's score is still rather low. The new Murano's turbocharged engine delivers stronger acceleration than the outgoing V6, but it is too early to tell whether it will be as durable in the long term. The new 9-speed transmission is a big step up from the disliked and problematic CVT of the old model, but it's not all good news.
Rearview camera issues and brake caliper failure have already resulted in two recalls, and there have been some problems with laggy electronic controls which should hopefully be resolved in the latest models.
Mazda CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid
- CR Predicted Reliability Score: 32/100
- Model Years: 2025–Present
- Base MSRP:$44,450
As a newish entry into the market, the Mazda CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is suffering from some early production jitters, but being based on the underperforming CX-90 certainly doesn't help. It is essentially the same three-row SUV without the third row of seats. This is great for cargo space if you need it, and it has the usual high-quality Mazda interior, but it has suffered from several reliability issues like software bugs with the hybrid powertrain, malfunctions that put the vehicle into limp mode and a transmission that is too jerky and rough at city speeds.
That last point is more a driver satisfaction issue than a reliability one, but it shows that the software and electronics systems simply haven't been fine-tuned and optimized sufficiently.
Mazda CX-70
- CR Predicted Reliability Score: 32/100
- Model Years: 2025–Present
- Base MSRP:$42,750
The gas-powered CX-70 is once again practically a carbon copy of the gas-powered CX-90, just without that third row of seats. It does without the PHEV technology, but unfortunately this makes it no more reliable.
It has been criticized for sporadic electronic glitches ranging from phantom headlight warnings to not loading personal profiles, and the cabin can develop irritating rattles, not something you'd expect in a new vehicle. While the transmission has not been particularly unreliable, it has been reported to have sluggish and unrefined changes at low speeds.
Ignoring the potential reliability issues, the overall package is still very desirable, and the interior is truly upscale compared to most rivals. Let's hope that Mazda can sort out these issues sooner than later.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
- CR Predicted Reliability Score: 29/100
- Model Years: 2022–Present
- Base MSRP:$38,920
Just like its predecessor, the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee has very appealing styling and a luxurious and comfortable interior. It has a smooth powertrain and a roomy cabin, but despite having been on sale since 2022, it had the lowest score for predicted reliability of all the mid-sized SUVs tested by CR.
Owners complained about a range of issues from stalling to sensor malfunctions and electrical problems affecting the radio, power windows and much more. Higher spec models with additional kit and complex drive systems such as the one used in the Plug-in Hybrid 4xe have also had drivetrain issues. While most owners praised the overall refinement of their vehicles, the frustrations experienced with these issues and extended time required at dealerships to resolve them has severely dampened their enjoyment.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM.