10 Luxury SUVs That Are Too Expensive To Maintain

You’ve probably heard or read this by now: 2022 was an exceptional year for luxury car sales. Recession boosts luxury sales because wealthy individuals are “looking for investments in which they can park their money during the recession,” says HotCars contributor Adina Achim.

Car brands like Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce beat estimates in 2022. For instance, Lambo sold globally 9,233 vehicles, up 10 percent from 2021, and Rolls-Royce sold 6,021 cars in 2022 up from 5,586 in 2021. Meanwhile, Porsche sold 309,884 vehicles globally in 2022. To be fair, these are hardly the only luxury car brands that had a stellar year despite stagflation. And although buyers believe that purchasing a luxury car is a safe investment during recession months, this is not always the case.

Some luxury cars can turn in a short period of time in money pits due to high maintenance and repair costs. The Maserati Ghibli, for example, is famous for its poor build quality and endless issues, and consumers know by now that they should steer clear of this elegant car. But it’s not just luxury sport sedans that can rack up thousands of dollars in maintenance and repair costs, but also luxury sport utility vehicles. So, if one of the following 10 luxury SUVs is on your wish list, better to stay away from it because this vehicle will be too expensive to maintain. The prices are based on CarEdge estimations for maintenance and repairs during the first decade of service.

Related: 15 Luxury SUVs You Should Never Buy Used

10 Porsche Cayenne – $20,552

According to CarEdge’s estimations, the Porsche Cayenne will leave quite a hole in your pocket after 10 years of service. This luxury SUV will cost you about $20,552 in maintenance and repairs. Furthermore, there is a 60.89 percent chance this vehicle will need a big repair during the first 10 years. Compared to other vehicles in the segment, this is 21.33 percent worse.

9 Porsche Macan – $20,137

The Porsche Macan is another German vehicle that requires expensive repairs and owners should expect to spend about $20,137 for its maintenance and repairs during the first decade in service. Additionally, even for this Porsche model, CarEdge estimates that there is a 60.89 percent chance of a major repair during the first 10 years. Considering that the most common engine problems encountered by Macan owners include thermostat housing leaks, PDK transmission problems, and water pump failure, it is understandable that repairs don’t come cheap.

8 BMW X7 – $18,550

This luxurious sport utility vehicle has a premium cabin, gorgeous exterior, and incredible infotainment, but also a high upfront cost. Unsurprisingly, the repair and maintenance costs won’t come cheap either. CarEdge forecasts that owners will have to spend about $18,550 for maintenance and repairs during the SUV’s first decade of service. Moreover, there is a pretty big chance that this luxury BMW will require a major repair in the first 10 years of service. There’s a 54.61 percent chance that this will happen. Compared to similar vehicles in the segment, the BMW X7 performs 15.05 percent worse than its rivals.

7 Land Rover Range Rover – $18,228

BBC rightfully pointed out that Queen Elizabeth II loved Land Rovers. Motoring journalist Quentin Willson even told BBC that the Queen and Prince Philip’s long-lasting association with Land Rover vehicles was “part of the Royal Family’s DNA.” But it’s not just the British royals who love these vehicles but also celebrities, aristocrats, and jet-setters. Daniel Craig, Reese Witherspoon, Kim Kardashian, and Kendall Jenner are some of the celebrities who are fans of this SUV. But, if you consider joining the Range Rover owners club, you should consider the costs first. CarEdge estimates that owners would have to pay about $18,228 for maintenance and repairs during the vehicle’s first 10 years of service. Moreover, there is a 49.63 percent chance this SUV will need a major repair during that time.

6 Jaguar F-Pace – $16,103

The 2023 Jaguar F-Pace can speed up from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.9 seconds and reach the top speed of 135 miles per hour, while the top trim, the Jaguar F-PACE SVR accelerates from standstill to 60 miles per hour in a staggering 3.8 seconds and reaches the top speed of 178 miles per hour. But performance isn’t the only aspect that is remarkable about this vehicle.

The Jaguar F-Pace is also elegant thanks to the minimalist aesthetic, but also quite expensive to maintain in top shape. CarEdge’s estimations show that it costs about $16,103 to maintain and repair this vehicle during its first 10 years of service. Additionally, there is a48.24 percent chance that this luxury SUV will require major repairs during the first decade.

Related: 10 Best Luxury SUVs For Performance And Comfort

5 Mercedes-Benz GLS – $15,726

The Mercedes-Benz GLS has a refined, commanding, and elegant look. The entire design of this opulent SUV screams high-end, so don’t be shocked if the ownership cost is also quite exorbitant. CarEdge estimates owners would need to set aside about $15,726 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. Additionally, there is a 42.69 percent chance this SUV will require a major repair during the first decade.

4 Cadillac Escalade – $12,933

The indisputable king of American roads, the Cadillac Escalade, is truly an impressive SUV. But this incredible luxury full-size SUV doesn’t come cheap and the ownership cost is pretty high. Luxury has its price, so gear heads should expect to pay about $12,933 for maintenance and repairs during its first decade of service. Moreover, there is a 36.55 percent chance that this imposing SUV will require a big repair during this period.

3 Audi Q8 – $12,551

Another German automaker on the list that joins the ranks of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz is Audi. Fans of the Audi Q8 will probably imagine that maintaining this mid-size luxury SUV in perfect condition will be a pricey endeavor. CarEdge estimates owners will spend about $12,551 for maintenance and repairs during the first decade. Important to note that there is also a 36.25 percent chance this SUV will require a major repair during this period.

2 Volvo XC90 – $12,359

The Volvo XC90 gets high marks for its safety features, built quality, and spacious, comfortable interior. But it also loses points for its high repair and maintenance costs. CarEdge estimates owners will have to spend roughly $12,359 for maintenance and repairs during the first decade of service. Meanwhile, there is a 36.25 percent chance that this luxury SUV will need a major repair during that period.

1 Cadillac XT4 – $12,018

On the plus side, the Cadillac XT4 is a compact luxury SUV that impresses with its more recent styling changes and comfortable interior. On the negative side, this SUV is simply too expensive to maintain in top condition. CarEdge estimates that owners will have to spend roughly $12,018 for maintenance and repairs during the XT4’s first decade of service. Moreover, there is a 36.55 percent chance that this vehicle will need a big repair during that period.

Sources: CarEdge, Jaguar Pasadena, BBC, Broadfields Garage, Porsche, Lamborghini, Automotive News Europe, and Porsche Mania