10 SUVs That Will Drain Your Wallet Dry—Avoid These at All Costs on Everyman Driver

SUVs are supposed to be practical, reliable, and long-lasting investments—but some of them are financial disasters waiting to happen. You might think you’re getting a great vehicle, only to find out a few years later that it’s lost half its value, making it nearly impossible to resell without taking a massive hit. Today, we’re diving into the worst-value SUVs—the ones that depreciate faster than a sinking ship and will leave you questioning why you ever bought them in the first place.

10. Hyundai Kona EV – The EV Nobody Wants

Depreciation after 5 years: $20,451
New price: $38,586
Residual value: $18,135

Electric vehicles are already struggling with resale value, and the Hyundai Kona EV is one of the worst offenders. Why? Massive price cuts on new EVs, slow charging speeds, and outdated battery technology. That means if you buy one today, you’ll be stuck with a vehicle nobody wants in five years—or worse, forced to trade it in for a fraction of what you paid.

9. MINI Countryman – Small Car, Big Financial Mistake

Depreciation after 5 years: $20,470
New price: $39,465
Residual value: $18,995

The MINI Countryman is supposed to be a quirky, fun, and practical small SUV. But here’s the problem—it’s overpriced and loses value faster than most competitors. Repairs aren’t cheap either, and when you decide to sell it, don’t expect much interest. The Countryman might have its fans, but your wallet won’t be one of them.

8. Buick Envision – A Luxury SUV That Nobody Actually Wants

Depreciation after 5 years: $20,899
New price: $40,779
Residual value: $19,880

The Buick Envision has all the makings of a solid luxury SUV—except for the fact that nobody’s buying them used. Buick’s resale values are notoriously terrible, and the Envision is no exception. Sure, it’s a smooth ride, but once you drive it off the lot, you’re watching thousands of dollars evaporate before your eyes.

7. Nissan Pathfinder – The Family SUV That Can’t Hold Value

Depreciation after 5 years: $23,289
New price: $47,210
Residual value: $23,921

The Nissan Pathfinder has a strong reputation as a family-friendly SUV, but resale values tell a different story. With poor reliability ratings and outdated tech compared to newer competitors, the Pathfinder struggles to keep its worth. After five years, you’ll lose nearly half of what you paid, and with Nissan’s lackluster build quality, you might not even want to keep it that long.

6. Mazda CX-9 – Stylish, But a Depreciation Disaster

Depreciation after 5 years: $25,970
New price: $51,416
Residual value: $25,446

Mazda builds beautiful, fun-to-drive SUVs—but that doesn’t mean they hold their value. The CX-9’s resale values are shockingly bad, and while it delivers decent fuel efficiency and a smooth ride, it can’t escape the fate of dropping like a rock in the used car market. If you want a Mazda SUV, you’re better off with a CX-5—at least you won’t be throwing away nearly $26,000 in depreciation.

5. Buick Enclave – Another Buick, Another Resale Catastrophe

Depreciation after 5 years: $27,770
New price: $54,186
Residual value: $26,416

The Buick Enclave suffers the same fate as the Envision—poor resale, high depreciation, and an uninspired driving experience. If you’re in the market for a three-row SUV, why spend over $50K on something that will be worth HALF that in five years? The Enclave might look premium, but the numbers don’t lie—it’s one of the worst investments in the SUV world.

4. Jeep Grand Cherokee – Overpriced and Overhyped

Depreciation after 5 years: $28,727
New price: $54,927
Residual value: $26,200

Yes, Jeep fans, the Grand Cherokee makes this list. It might have legendary off-road capability, but when it comes to resale value? It’s a disaster. The Grand Cherokee is plagued with electrical issues, reliability concerns, and some of the highest repair costs in the segment. If you buy one new, expect to lose nearly $30,000 by the time you’re ready to trade it in.

3. Nissan Armada – The Ultimate Resale Nightmare

Depreciation after 5 years: $35,834
New price: $68,438
Residual value: $32,604

The Nissan Armada is proof that big, expensive SUVs don’t always hold their value. With terrible fuel economy, outdated interior tech, and a reputation for mechanical issues, the Armada is a tough sell on the used market. If you buy one new, just know that you’ll be watching over $35,000 vanish into thin air.

2. Ford Expedition – A $40,000 Loss in Just Five Years

Depreciation after 5 years: $38,629
New price: $78,643
Residual value: $40,014

Full-size SUVs aren’t known for holding their value, but the Ford Expedition is particularly brutal when it comes to depreciation. Despite being a great family hauler, it’s simply too expensive new, and buyers aren’t willing to pay top dollar for a used one. If you think dropping nearly $40,000 in value is bad, just wait until you see #1 on this list.

1. GMC Yukon XL – The Biggest Money Pit of Them All

Depreciation after 5 years: $45,316
New price: $87,399
Residual value: $42,083

The GMC Yukon XL takes the crown as the worst SUV for resale value—losing an insane $45,000 in just five years. That’s more than the total cost of many brand-new SUVs. Yes, it’s big, yes, it’s luxurious, but if you don’t want to throw away a fortune, avoid this SUV at all costs.

Final Thoughts

Depreciation is the hidden cost that car buyers often ignore—until it’s too late. If you’re looking for a smart SUV purchase, avoid these models unless you enjoy setting money on fire.

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