While the SUV segment promises the perfect blend of utility, comfort, and capability, many fall embarrassingly short of these lofty claims. These automotive behemoths often deliver an experience that’s about as refined as a tractor, combining the grace of a wounded elephant with the efficiency of a steam locomotive.

Sure, they tout their versatility and family-friendly credentials, but the reality can be far less impressive. Many SUVs lumber through city streets like overgrown station wagons, guzzling fuel while providing all the driving pleasure of a moving van. Though marketing materials showcase their supposed superiority, the actual ownership experience can leave drivers longing for the simplicity and sensibility of traditional cars.

As we dive into this list of the 10 most disappointing SUVs, prepare yourself for a collection of vehicles that prove bigger isn’t always better – and sometimes it’s just plain worse.

1. Chevrolet Traverse (2018-Present)

The Chevrolet Traverse attempts to fill the role of family hauler, but ends up delivering an experience that’s about as engaging as watching grass grow. Behind the wheel, you’ll find yourself wrestling with steering that’s more suggestion than precision – imagine trying to guide a cruise ship through a harbor with a pool noodle.

Sure, it boasts enough interior volume to rival a small warehouse, but that’s where the positives end. The suspension seems determined to transmit every road imperfection directly to your spine, while its mammoth proportions make parking lot maneuvers feel like a game of Tetris gone wrong. When it comes to fuel consumption, the Traverse displays an almost impressive appetite for gasoline, drinking fuel like a college freshman at their first party.

While it might serve adequately for cross-country family adventures, the Traverse proves that sometimes bigger isn’t better – it’s just more cumbersome.

2. Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass stands as living proof that not everything wearing the legendary Jeep badge deserves to carry it. Despite sharing a nameplate with off-road royalty, this pretender to the throne packs all the punch of a tired hamster, with an engine that seems allergic to acceleration and suspension tuning that would make a covered wagon seem sophisticated.

While true Jeeps conquer trails with confidence, the Compass appears more suited to conquering mall parking lots – and even that proves challenging given its visibility issues that rival wearing a blindfold. Inside, passengers find themselves playing an involuntary game of sardines in a cabin that feels more confining than cozy. The end result? A vehicle that manages to disappoint both on and off the road, proving that sometimes a compass can lead you in entirely the wrong direction.

3. Ford Edge (2015-Present)

The Ford Edge presents itself as a stylish crossover contender, but beneath that attractive sheet metal lurks a disappointment on wheels. While Ford’s designers clearly brought their A-game to the exterior, the engineering team apparently took an extended coffee break. The suspension seems calibrated by someone who believes comfort is overrated, delivering a ride that transforms even smooth highways into washboard roads.

When it comes to handling, the Edge displays all the precision of a shopping cart with a wobbly wheel. Though it wears the face of a modern SUV, stepping inside reveals an experience that feels more dated than last year’s smartphone. The cabin serves as an echo chamber for road noise, while the fuel consumption suggests it runs on liquid gold rather than regular gasoline. For buyers seeking a refined driving experience, the Edge proves that looks can indeed be deceiving.

4. Honda Pilot (2009-2015)

The Honda Pilot has long been a favorite among families, but the older models (especially from 2009-2015) leave much to be desired when it comes to driving. While the interior is spacious and practical, the driving experience is far from engaging.

The steering feels heavy and unresponsive, while the suspension doesn’t provide the comfort you’d expect from a family SUV. Despite its size, the Pilot struggles to provide smooth handling and often feels clunky, especially when making sharp turns or navigating tight spaces.

5. Toyota Highlander (2014-2019)

While the Toyota Highlander is reliable and practical, it’s not exactly a thrill to drive. The handling is lackluster, and the ride can feel bouncy, especially on uneven surfaces. The engine, while capable, doesn’t have the power that some drivers might expect from a midsize SUV.

The cabin can feel cramped for a vehicle of its size, and the overall driving experience lacks the excitement that you’d hope for in an SUV. For those looking for something with a bit more zip, the Highlander often feels underwhelming.

6. Nissan Pathfinder (2013-2020)

The Nissan Pathfinder used to be known for its rugged off-road capability, but recent generations have become more focused on family comfort and less on driving excitement. The Pathfinder is now large and cumbersome, with a sluggish engine and steering that lacks precision.

The ride is stiff and uncomfortable, and despite its large size, the interior feels cramped and lacks the premium feel that many other midsize SUVs offer. While it’s good for hauling kids and cargo, it’s not the type of vehicle you’d want to take on winding roads or long trips.

7. Mazda CX-9 (2016-Present)

While the Mazda CX-9 is often praised for its sleek looks, it’s not always the most enjoyable SUV to drive. The handling, while better than some of its competitors, still leaves a lot to be desired for a vehicle that’s marketed as a sporty SUV.

The ride is bumpy, and the cabin feels stiff and cramped for its size. Though the engine is powerful, the CX-9 struggles with fuel efficiency, which can be a turn-off for those looking for a more practical ride. It’s a car that looks great in pictures but often underperforms when it comes to actual driving.

8. Land Rover Discovery Sport

Land Rover’s Discovery Sport might look like a capable off-roader, but it doesn’t exactly shine on the road. The handling is sloppy, and the steering feels loose, making it difficult to maintain control.

The suspension is too stiff for comfort, and the ride feels bouncy even on smooth roads. The engine isn’t as powerful as you’d expect for a vehicle of this size, and the fuel economy is dreadful. While it may be great for showing off in a luxurious showroom, the Discovery Sport is a tough sell for anyone who actually wants to drive it.

9. Buick Enclave (2008-Present)

The Buick Enclave might be a solid family vehicle, but when it comes to driving dynamics, it leaves much to be desired. The steering feels sluggish, and the handling is sloppy, especially when you try to take corners. The ride can be overly stiff, and despite the promise of a smooth and comfortable experience, it often feels more like driving a boat than a modern SUV.

The interior, while spacious, lacks the refinement you’d expect for a vehicle in this price range. While the Enclave is a decent choice for long drives, it’s not exactly the most enjoyable vehicle to navigate through city traffic or winding roads.

10. Chevrolet Suburban (2007-2014)

The Chevrolet Suburban is a massive SUV that’s great for families, but it’s not the easiest vehicle to drive. The ride is stiff and feels more like driving a truck than an SUV, and its massive size can make maneuvering through tight spaces or city streets a real headache.

The steering feels slow and unresponsive, and the engine, while powerful, consumes fuel at an alarming rate. While the Suburban offers plenty of space and towing power, its size and poor handling make it a tough vehicle for anyone who values driving comfort and efficiency.