Top 10 SUVs That Failed
SUVs and crossovers are all the craze right now, and pretty much every model that’s launched, whether it costs $20,000 or $100,000, will sell well. However, some SUVs didn’t get the chance to shine, are here are ten such vehicles that only lasted one generation before their automaker pulled the plug on them.
10- Dodge Nitro
The Nitro was marketed as a sporty alternative to the second-generation Jeep Liberty, with which it shared its architecture. While it did look mean, its fuel-swilling powertrains and tight cockpit didn’t chime well with the buying public. It was sold from 2007 through 2012.
9- Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Is it a SUV? Or a crossover? A minivan, perhaps? Even Mercedes-Benz didn’t know, but called it an “family tourer” or something catchy like that. It didn’t catch on at all. However, there was an AMG version with a rip-snorting V8 engine, of which very few were built, which might be worth something. It was sold in North America from 2006 to 2014.
8- Subaru Tribeca
The Japanese brand points out that the new 2019 Subaru Ascent isn’t the successor of the Tribeca, which was actually named the B9 Tribeca when it launched back in 2005. It wasn’t a bad vehicle, but its interior was cramped and its styling, including the Q-Bert face on the first few years of its production, preventing it from being a popular vehicle. It was discontinued in 2014.
7- Hyundai Veracruz
This midsize, six- or seven-passenger SUV seemed to be right size and was marketed at the right time, from 2007 to 2012, but never really lit up on the sales charts. Ironically, it was replaced by the Santa Fe XL, another midsize, six- or seven-passenger SUV, which is selling much better than the Veracruz did. Go figure.
6- Jeep Commander
The full-size, seven-passenger Commander seemed like a good idea at the time, and looked the part with rugged Jeep styling. However, its inefficient powertrains, shoddy build quality and small cockpit prevented it from being a contender. It was sold from 2005 to 2010.
5- Pontiac Aztek
More of a crossover than an SUV, the Aztek made its mark by being considered as one of the ugliest vehicles ever put to market. Obviously, consumers weren’t too attracted to it, although those who did purchase one were reportedly extremely satisfied. It was sold from model years 2001 to 2005.
4- Lincoln Aviator
When the Navigator hit the market, it quickly gained a strong following and proved to be a profitable model for the Lincoln brand. Launching a smaller, more affordable SUV with styling very similar to the Navigator’s seemed like a no-brainer, but the Aviator gathered dust in showrooms. It was sold from 2003 to 2005.
3- Chrysler Pacifica
The Pacifica was one of the first crossover vehicles on the market, which combined the versatility of an SUV with the driving dynamics of a car. What looked like a promising, avant-garde vehicle was launched in only one, loaded version that consumers viewed as too expensive. Base trims were added in subsequent model years, but the Pacifica ultimately failed to catch on. It was produced from model years 2004 through 2008.
2- Acura ZDX
As the German manufacturers seemed to have found a niche market by introducing SUVs with coupe-like profiles, Acura attempted to produce its own such vehicle. The ZDX’s oddball styling, cramped cockpit and generally low versatility prevented it from striking a chord with upscale utility vehicle buyers. It was sold from 2010 to 2013.
1- Kia Borrego
Bad timing. As Kia was developing the full-size, body-on-frame Borrego, the economic situation in North America was degrading rapidly, and consumers were—temporarily—downgrading to smaller vehicles. When the Borrego hit the market, nobody bought it, and they’re rare in Canada. It was only available from 2009 to 2011.