15 Cars To Avoid In 2023 And Why

According to current market trends, manufacturers are still having difficulty keeping up with strong consumer demand because of a confluence of unusual forces and supply chain disruptions, most of them related to the pandemic. Although used car prices recorded the most significant jump, by a remarkable 40.5 percent, new-car prices have also skyrocketed by 12.2 percent over the past year.

With the exorbitant prices already posing a challenge for potential buyers, it only makes sense to steer clear of any mediocre entrants on the market. Automakers have been guilty of offering some truly unreliable vehicles now and then, but they also never fail to disappoint with underwhelming cars that can’t justify their overpriced tags. Let’s look at a few such vehicles, along with compelling reasons to avoid them in 2023.

Updated July 2023: Most buyers believe that buying a brand-new vehicle gets them better performance and plenty of new features. While this might be true for the most part, some cars are best avoided even when they are brand new. Below is an updated list of the 2023 models that you should stay away from.

15 2023 Toyota Mirai

Reasons To Avoid: Too Far Ahead Of Its Time

The 2023 Toyota Mirai looks incredible, offers stellar performance numbers, flaunts a luxurious interior, and impresses with a zero-carbon print. It also features a myriad of standard advanced driver assistance systems, including lane departure warning, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-keeping system that helps guide it back into the lane whenever it begins to drift out of its lane. So, what’s the problem? Well, it’s a classic case of technology that’s way too ahead of its time.

Toyota’s vision for a sustainable hydrogen society yielded impressive hydrogen fuel cell technology, but the U.S. currently has less than a hundred publicly accessible hydrogen refueling stations. And with the most considerable bulk of these stations concentrated around major cities of California, you can only enjoy the Mirai in a restricted area within one state.

Pros

1. One of the most stylish Toyota models
2. Eco-friendly drivetrain
3. Upscale cabin

Cons

1. Limited availability of hydrogen refueling
2. Too expensive for a Toyota sedan

14 2023 Tesla Model Y

Reasons To Avoid: Poor Build Quality, Clumsy Handling

The Tesla Model Y is an SUV version of the Tesla Model 3, and they share fundamental underpinnings, features, and equipment. Owners enjoy the Tesla Model Y since it’s agile, quick, and roomy, but they also face issues relating to body integrity, climate systems, and in-car electronics. Furthermore, the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is unfortunate.

Not long ago, the NHTSA identified some safety concerns with the Tesla Model Y on several occasions, prompting nine recalls involving loose brake caliper bolts, suspension, seat belts, brakes, and so on. The issues, which have lingered for a while now, persist into the new model year, with numerous complaints about the Tesla Model Y involving brakes, steering, electrical systems, and many more. So, it makes sense to consider alternatives such as the Audi Q8 e-tron, Cadillac Lyriq, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, or the Genesis GV60, if you’re looking for something you can rely on not to break down all too often.

Pros

1. Incredibly quick off the line, particularly the Performance model
2. Offers plenty of range
3. Offers Tesla’s advanced technologies

Cons

1. One of the most recalled vehicles
2. Lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
3. Too-digital interior

13 2023 Maserati Ghibli

Reasons To Avoid: Too Expensive, Costly To Maintain

The Maserati nameplate conjures up images of racing thrills and jet-setting celebrities, a stark reminder that not all luxury sedans are equal. Charisma aside, the Maserati Ghibli doesn’t have a desirable package that delivers fully on its promise of sporty elegance.

With a price tag that starts from $86,795 and goes as high as $125,195, the 2023 Maserati Ghibli delivers way below what almost all other mid-size luxury sedans on the market offer. The Maserati Ghibli doesn’t take the cake in anything to justify the price tag, from underwhelming in-car amenities to disappointing cabin space and surprisingly under-powered base trim.

Pros

1. Fashion-forward Italian styling
2. Powerful Ferrari-built engines
3. Evocative exhaust note

Cons

1. Can cost over $100,000 with some options
2. Interior fit and finish don’t match the price
3. Compromised rear-seat space

12 2023 Lexus GX

Reasons To Avoid: Outdated Design With Large Grille, Woeful Gas Mileage

The 2023 Lexus GX stands out among luxury SUVs for its remarkable off-roading capabilities, but you would have to make some compromises to enjoy that. For starters, you would have to make do with a clumsy, old-school design that’s outdated by today’s standards.

The Lexus GX rivals offer more comfort and storage, not forgetting that the SUV’s interior amenities hardly justify the hefty $57,575 price tag. Furthermore, the 2023 Lexus GX is a gas hog, returning an abysmal combined fuel economy of 16 mpg. And, for the price and stature, reviews suggest the engine feels pathetically unresponsive – never mind the fact that the ride is harsh.

Pros

1. Feature-rich base model
2. Excellent off-road performance for a luxury SUV
3. Finally has a modern infotainment system

Cons

1. Poor fuel economy
2. Cramped third-row seating
3. Mediocre acceleration

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11 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Reasons To Avoid: Grossly Underpowered, Poor Build Quality

The Mitsubishi Mirage might appear as an excellent sedan, considering it offers a good fuel economy of 37 mpg overall and a low sticker price. Nonetheless, the Mirage truly lives up to its name, since that illusion dissipates as soon as you take the tiny car on the road.

The Mirage G4 has a grossly underpowered and noisy three-cylinder engine that struggles to put out 78 hp. It also has awful soundproofing, below-average build quality, an interior full of cheap materials, and a terrible predicted reliability rating to crown it all.

Pros

1. One of the cheapest new cars you can buy
2. Offers great gas mileage
3. Strong warranty

Cons

1. Weak engine
2. Cheap interior furnishings
3. Excessive road noise

10 2023 Subaru Ascent

Reasons To Avoid: Noisy Engine, Cramped Third-Row

The redesigned 2023 Subaru Ascent offers impressive all-around performance, besides slick power delivery, smooth ride, and functional interior that has made it endearing to SUV enthusiasts. The turbocharged four-cylinder is more satisfying and zippier than the numbers on paper suggest, but it’s still a slight disadvantage in a segment dominated by V6s.

Most people consider Subaru a reliable brand, but its largest three-row SUV throws a bit of mud on this reputation. Despite the redesign, this SUV is still plagued with sluggish acceleration, a noisy engine, and a cramped third row.

Pros

1. Offers great fuel efficiency
2. Gutsy turbocharged engine
3. Standard AWD

Cons

1. Small third row
2. Bland styling

Cons

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9 2023 Nissan Sentra

Reasons To Avoid: Underpowered Engine, Poor Driving Dynamics

Understandably, calling the 2023 Nissan Sentra one of the worst cars to buy in 2023 can raise eyebrows. After all, this is a good compact car with much going for it. It’s got a well-made interior, comfortable seats, and a long list of standard driver assistance systems that include forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, driver-attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, and pedestrian detection.

Sadly, its noisy and underpowered engine detracts from what would have otherwise been a fine choice for consumers seeking an affordable car. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain makes a meager 149 horsepower, making this car severely low on power and incapable of delivering any thrills. And while the Sentra could do with a lot more output, the underpowered engine is far from the only drawback here. The compact car also suffers from slow acceleration as well as poor steering and handling dynamics. And while the seats up front are roomy, taller passengers will wish for more headroom in the rear. So, if you’re looking for a vehicle that delivers strong performance and comfort in both rows, you’ll do well to look elsewhere, as the 2023 Nissan Sentra is severely lacking in these aspects.

One car that’s sure to satisfy your needs for power, handling, and interior space is the 2023 Honda Civic. Unlike the Sentra, which has only one engine, the Honda Civic offers up to three powertrain choices. These include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 158 horses, a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that’s good for between 180 and 200 horsepower, as well as a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing a whopping 315 horsepower.

Pros

1. Low base price, options won’t break the bank
2. Myriad standard safety tech

Cons

1. Loud, underpowered engine
2. No hybrid variant
3. Numb steering

8 2023 Chrysler 300

Reasons To Avoid: Outdated Design And Features

Chrysler’s flagship sedan, the 300, is well-liked since it’s as sophisticated, capable, and luxurious as it’s ever been. But that’s also the problem with the large sedan. The basic spec sheet indicates an old-school highway cruiser in most aspects.

The Chrysler 300 flaunts a design that’s seemingly outdated by today’s standards, and the glaring lack of standard tech features does little to help its cause. The handling and performance are not on par with its rivals’ full-size sedans and muscle cars, making the 300 seem a waste of money.

Pros

1. Muscular V8 engine options
2. Spacious interior
3. User-friendly infotainment system

Cons

1. Underwhelming interior appointments
2. AWD not available with a Hemi
3. Difficult to see out of the back

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7 2023 Ford Explorer

Reasons To Avoid: Noisy Engine, Clunky Transmission

The Explorer is a household name, with most drivers enjoying its spacious, quiet cabin and agile handling. However, according to Consumer Reports, the 2023 iteration has several red flags worth noting. The Explorer offers a stiff-edged ride and has shown problems with a clunky transmission, noisy engine, power equipment, interior electronics, and outside paint.

In addition, it has cramped legroom in the third row, and the interior is replete with many hard plastics that make it look cheap in comparison to, say, a Toyota Highlander or Chevrolet Traverse. So, if you prioritize comfort, you will do well to look elsewhere.

Pros

1. Strong engines for quick acceleration
2. Impressive safety features
3. Roomy cargo area

Cons

1. Below-average third-row comfort for adults
2. Cheap-feeling interior materials

6 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Reasons To Avoid: Overpriced, Costly Maintenance,

The GLE offers the ride comfort everyone expects from Mercedes-Benz, holding its own in several ways with its potent engine, quiet interior, supportive seats, and impressive fits and finishes. The GLE has experienced 11 recalls in recent years, with reliability spiraling down because of problems with the engine, body integrity, in-car electronics, and electrical and climate systems.

But that’s not the end. The finicky steering controls, complicated infotainment system, and not-so-seamless shifting have shoppers opting for alternatives like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7.

Pros

1. High price tag
2. Potent engines
3. Luxurious, spacious, and tech-centric interior

Cons

1. Cramped available third-row
2. Fiddly infotainment interface
3. Ride could be smoother

5 2023 Genesis GV60

Reasons To Avoid: Too Expensive Than Similar Cars

The luxury EV segment is growing faster than ever before as buyers seek the smooth powertrains, quietness, and advanced technologies EVs offer. As one of the fastest-growing luxury brands, Genesis wants to dominate the luxury EV segment, which is why it has built the whimsical GV60.

The GV60 uses the same platform as the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 and comes with a 77.4 kWh battery pack providing up to 321 miles range. Buyers can choose between a single-motor or dual-motor setup producing 225 hp and 429 hp respectively. While the GV60 is awesome, there’s one problem – the price. The GV60 costs almost $20,000 more than the Kia EV6 and offers similar performance.

Pros

1. Stylish design
2. Ultra-luxurious cabin
3. Zippy on-road personality

Cons

1. Costs a lot more than similar Hyundai and Kia models
2. Most rivals offer more range

4 2023 Mazda MX-30

Reasons To Avoid: Poor Driving Range

In 2019, Mazda announced that it was developed its first mass-produced EV – the MX-30. The car debuted a year later and was quite popular. Many gearheads loved its design, particularly the RX8-inspired clamshell doors.

The future looked bright for the MX-30, especially considering that it’s one of the most affordable EVs on the market, but there was a problem. Mazda equipped it with a tiny 35 kWh battery pack, giving it a woeful range of just over 100 miles. This has affected sales drastically as range anxiety is one of the main reasons why gearheads steer clear of electric cars. Hopefully, Mazda rights its wrongs and builds a long-range version soon.

Pros

1. Cool-looking exterior design
2. Affordable price
3. Eco-friendly interior materials

Cons

1. Driving range is too low to compete with modern EVs
2. Cramped rear seating area

3 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Reasons To Avoid: Poor Pickup Truck Performance, Can’t Go Off-Road

Pickup trucks are the best-selling vehicles in the US, which is why Hyundai decided to build its first four-door pickup truck for the North American market in 2021. Dubbed the Santa Cruz, this pickup truck uses the same platform as the Tuscon SUV and is one of the few trucks with a unibody platform.

The Santa Cruz has been a huge hit thanks to its stylish design, fantastic driving feel that makes it feel more like a car than a pickup truck, and the fact that it’s one of the cheapest pickup trucks on the market right now. However, the Santa Cruz has received a lot of criticism for its weak powertrains, poor off-road performance, and low towing capacity compared to other trucks.

Pros

1. One of the best-looking pickup trucks
2. Unibody platform gives it great driving dynamics
3. Affordability

Cons

1. Base model only offers 191 hp
2. Can only tow a maximum of 5,000 lbs
3. Poor off-road performance

2 2023 Mini Cooper Electric

Reasons To Avoid: Poor Driving Range

The Mini has been around in some form for many decades. This popular hot hatch seemingly will never die, especially now that there’s an electric version available – the Mini Cooper Electric.

The Mini Cooper Electric retains the familiar styling elements that gearheads love about the regular version but replaces its tiny three-cylinder engine with an electric powertrain. While we love the idea of an electric Mini, it only has a 28.8 kWh battery pack that only offers 110 miles on a full charge.

Pros

1. One of the cheapest EVs
2. Go-kart-like handling
3. Retains awesome design

Cons

1. Impractically low driving range
2. Tiny rear seat

1 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

Reasons To Avoid: Poor Reliability

The Atlas is a crossover SUV that’s been part of Volkswagen’s lineup for the last five years, slotting in between the Tiguan and Touareg. The Atlas has been growing in popularity since its debut thanks to its clean design, attractive price, and the fact that it’s a three-row SUV with lots of space for the family.

Sadly, like many modern Volkswagen models, the Atlas suffers from questionable reliability, which is why the 2023 model only had a poor reliability score of 72 on J. D. Power. It’s no surprise that only 39% of 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport buyers said they’d buy the car again according to a Consumer Reports survey.

Pros

1. One of the most affordable three-row SUVs
2. Most spacious Volkswagen model sold in the US
3. Practical towing capacity

Cons

1. Poor reliability
2. Lackluster acceleration
3. Not as fuel-efficient as rivals