Say it isn’t so! These SUVs stand out, but in a bad way. Some of the least satisfying SUVs for 2023 come from brands you trust, like Nissan, Volkswagen, and Kia. What exactly makes these sport utility vehicles so disappointing? Problems in the first few months of ownership can have a negative impact on the overall ownership experience.

The Nissan Kicks made the list of least satisfying SUVs for 2023

When Edmunds looked at some vehicles that didn’t live up to expectations, the 2023 Nissan Kicks made the list. One of the main benefits of buying the 2023 Nissan Kicks is the low price. For under $25,000, you get a brand-new SUV with modern technology and safety features. However, it fell short in some areas like interior quality and comfort.

When it came down to it, there are better small SUVs on the market than the Kicks. It offers decent room in the cargo area and cabin, while things like all-wheel drive are available. Owners didn’t report being satisfied with the Kicks in the first few months of ownership.

If you are looking for a better option in the same price range, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq is a good buy. Hyundai equipped the Ioniq with more standard features than most SUVs in the segment.

Price Range: $20,290 – $22,850

The Volkswagen Taos is one of the least satisfying SUVs for 2023

There are many reasons to like the 2023 Volkswagen Taos, like its large cargo area and decent fuel economy. However, owners reported the Taos was still one of the least satisfying SUVs for 2023. Some drivers report that the Taos has been unreliable in the first few months of ownership. Reports of poor construction and issues with undiagnosed check engine lights are common.

Even though it hasn’t been on the market for long, various scores and responses from shoppers have indicated the Volkswagen Taos is not a reliable or satisfying option. It does get decent fuel economy, and for the cost, it fits into many budgets.

For a similar-priced vehicle in the same segment, the 2023 Honda HR-V is a good pick. Honda’s HR-V has a history of reliability and a reasonable price.

Price Range: $24,155 – $34,535

What didn’t owners like about the Kia Seltos?

While the 2023 Kia Seltos is still a good SUV, some drivers report issues in the first few months. There are many reports of the dashboard going blank, which is a big problem. While Kia attempted to fix the issue in some cars, the replacement parts have been slow to arrive. Edmunds says it is a versatile small SUV with good fuel economy. Priced under $30,000 for the top-of-the-line version, the Seltos is reasonably priced too.

Unfortunately, it made the list of least satisfying SUVs for 2023. While it hasn’t been on the market for long, owners report various issues. Kia’s SUV just didn’t live up to expectations, and the Seltos landed at the back of its class. It isn’t the most comfortable, making it hard to drive for long periods.

For a similar price, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross might be worth a look. It doesn’t get much more reliable than a Toyota SUV.

Price Range: $23,140 – $28,640

The vehicles that made this list of least satisfying SUVs for 2023 aren’t bad options; there just might be a better-equipped vehicle out there. Reliability and longevity are on the minds of most buyers these days, and some SUVs deliver on those promises more than others.