3 of the Most Controversial SUVs: What Makes Them So Divisive?
While some SUVs are obvious wins for automakers, others are shrouded in controversy. Reliability issues can make SUVs controversial. The practicality and cost of ownership of an SUV can have the same effect. Some models are notably divisive. Here are three of the most controversial SUVs on the market today.
The Chevy Bolt EUV is on Death Row
Chevy’s affordable electric SUV is getting a visit from the Grim Reaper sometime before the year is up. Some drivers don’t think the Bolt EUV deserves to be on the chopping block. Others say goodbye and good riddance.
General Motors is no stranger to controversy in the electric vehicle space. The American automaker is determined to lead in the production and sales of EVs in the future, but it hasn’t quite found its footing. The Chevrolet Bolt EV is one of its most successful electric vehicle nameplates. It is also getting the axe.
So, why is Chevy scrapping the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV, and why are some consumers upset about it? The Chevy Bolt EUV and EV were part of one of the largest EV recalls in history after Bolt EV models began experiencing battery fire issues. As a result, neither nameplate has recovered from the reputation-crushing mass recall.
Contrary to its radioactive reputation, the subcompact electric SUV is actually a great deal on paper. It starts at $27,800, making it the most affordable model in its segment. Additionally, Bolt EUV models get 247 miles of estimated driving range, which is great for the SUV’s price. Chevy’s Bolt EUV is one of the most controversial SUVs because it’s a great deal plagued by past reliability issues.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legend that had to die
Toyota’s Land Cruiser nameplate is easily one of the most notable SUVs that the brand has ever produced. Further, longevity and off-roading capability have made it a topic of conversation in the automotive world for decades. Land Cruisers outlast practically any other rival, and they can tackle most off-roading obstacles.
After the consumer demand for full-size SUVs like the Land Cruiser dipped, Toyota axed it. The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was the last iteration of the popular full-size SUV in America. However, the Japanese automaker is reinventing the once-popular offering and producing a midsize SUV model under the same name, likely to resemble the Lexus GX.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most controversial SUVs because it is one of the best SUVs the brand has ever produced. Unfortunately, it didn’t sell well enough to survive.
Toyota’s 4Runner midsize SUV is outdated
Toyota has been slowly updating its lineup. The Tundra was among the first huge redesigns for the brand. Next, the Sequoia and Prius received redesigns. While it’s great that the Japanese automaker is refreshing its portfolio, the 4Runner remains harshly juxtaposed to its more modern siblings.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is one of the most controversial SUVs because it has a substantial following but desperately needs modernization. Toyota’s midsize SUV gets just 16 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. Fortunately, 4Runner models make up for poor fuel economy with off-roading capability and reliability, often remaining on the road for hundreds of thousands of extra miles.
Toyota 4Runners are great midsize SUVs; they’re just too thirsty for many consumers. Like the other controversial SUVs on this list, the 4Runner has many haters and fans.