32 New Cars With Stunning Looks But Doubtful Value
Car shopping can feel like dating – sometimes the prettiest options come with the most baggage.
I recently found myself drooling over sleek designs at a local dealership until the salesperson mentioned the prices.
Turns out, not all that glitters in the automotive world is worth your hard-earned cash. Let’s take a cruise through 20 head-turning vehicles that might leave your wallet with regrets.
1. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Behind that gorgeous Italian facade lurks a temperamental personality that might have you on first-name basis with your mechanic.
The Giulia’s seductive curves and spirited handling make hearts race, but its questionable reliability scores tell another story.
Owners frequently report electrical gremlins and mysterious service lights that appear more regularly than pizza delivery.
While the 280-horsepower turbocharged engine delivers thrilling performance, hefty depreciation means your investment vanishes faster than gelato in August.
2. Maserati Ghibli
Growling like a caged beast when you hit the gas, the Maserati Ghibli promises exotic Italian performance.
Reality check: underneath that seductive bodywork hide numerous Chrysler parts that don’t justify the luxury price tag.
The interior features some puzzling plastic bits that would make even economy car owners raise an eyebrow.
Rapid depreciation turns this $80,000+ purchase into a $40,000 car within three years. The intoxicating exhaust note might be the only thing you don’t regret about this relationship.
3. Jaguar XF
Fancy accents and wood trim abound in the sophisticated Jaguar XF, a car that makes you feel like royalty—until the repair bills arrive.
The sleek silhouette turns heads at every stoplight, but the electrical system seems designed by mischievous British imps.
Touchscreen freezes and mysterious warning lights become your unwanted companions. The supercharged V6 delivers thrilling acceleration when it’s working properly.
Unfortunately, the XF’s value drops faster than London rain, making it a questionable long-term investment despite its undeniable charm.
4. Infiniti Q60
Curves in all the right places make the Infiniti Q60 a genuine traffic-stopper. Sadly, this beauty-contest winner falls short where it counts—the driving experience.
The steer-by-wire system feels as connected to the road as a video game controller. Dated infotainment uses dual screens that seem more confusing than clever.
While the twin-turbo V6 packs a punch, the transmission’s indecisive nature dampens the fun.
Premium fuel requirements and mediocre resale values further dim this pretty coupe’s appeal despite its undeniable runway-model looks.
5. Genesis G70
Ambitious upstart Genesis crafted the G70 to battle German luxury sedans, and visually, it’s a knockout. The athletic stance and tasteful details suggest a price tag thousands higher than reality.
Look deeper and the limitations appear: cramped rear seats make adult passengers question your friendship. The base 2.0-liter engine feels underwhelming compared to rivals.
Genesis’ dealer network remains sparse, making service a potential hassle. Resale value remains a question mark for this brand-building effort, making leasing smarter than buying despite the initial value proposition.
6. Cadillac CT5-V
Powerful and aggressive, the CT5-V roars with American pride through its 360-horsepower twin-turbo V6.
The angular styling turns heads, though not always for the right reasons—those rear quarter windows look like awkward afterthoughts.
Inside, Cadillac’s improved but still confounding CUE infotainment system fights for attention with oddly placed controls. Material quality falls short of German competitors despite similar pricing.
The performance impresses until you hit corners, where the handling reveals its compromises. Steep depreciation makes this a questionable purchase despite the impressive straight-line thrills.
7. Acura TLX Type S
Acura’s design team deserves standing ovations for the TLX Type S—its low, wide stance and sharp creases scream performance.
Pop the hood to find a 355-horsepower turbo V6 that sounds promising on paper. Floor the accelerator and disappointment sets in.
Despite the power, the 4,200-pound curb weight makes this beauty move like it’s dragging anchor chains. The complex infotainment touchpad controls require more concentration than texting while juggling.
Fuel economy numbers will have you wincing at the pump, especially considering the underwhelming real-world performance for the $55,000+ price tag.
8. Volkswagen Arteon
Resembling a concept car that somehow escaped the auto show, the Arteon’s fastback profile makes ordinary sedans look downright boring.
The practical hatchback design cleverly hides beneath those sleek lines, offering surprising cargo space. VW’s turbocharged four-cylinder provides adequate but not inspiring motivation.
The biggest problem? Catastrophic depreciation that makes leasing the only sensible option.
First owners take a financial beating while second owners score amazing deals. The Arteon’s beauty can’t overcome the value equation despite its practical nature and premium feel.
9. Kia Stinger
Long, low, and aggressively styled, the Kia Stinger looks ready to challenge BMW on a racetrack. The optional twin-turbo V6 delivers impressive straight-line speed that backs up those visual promises.
Unfortunately, the Stinger suffers from brand perception issues. Paying $50,000+ for a Kia, regardless of performance, remains a tough sell in status-conscious neighborhoods.
The interior, while well-equipped, contains too many parts shared with cheaper Kia models.
Resale values reflect this identity crisis, punishing first owners who paid full price for this genuinely capable but badge-challenged sports sedan.
10. Toyota Crown
Replacing the Avalon with something truly weird, Toyota’s Crown defies categorization with its lifted-sedan-meets-crossover stance.
The two-tone paint option makes an already strange design even more polarizing. The hybrid powertrains deliver excellent efficiency but uninspiring performance despite respectable numbers on paper.
Interior space disappoints considering the exterior dimensions, with rear headroom compromised by that sloping roofline.
Pricing pushes deep into Lexus territory without the luxury badge, making this quirky creation a tough sell despite Toyota’s legendary reliability.
11. Lexus RC
Sharp creases and that massive spindle grille make the Lexus RC impossible to ignore. The coupe’s proportions hit all the right notes—until you slip behind the wheel and discover the dated interior.
The infotainment system’s touchpad controller seems designed to test your patience at highway speeds.
Base models with the four-cylinder engine deliver more noise than acceleration despite the sporty appearance.
Cramped rear seats make this a 2+2 in name only. Newer competitors offer more technology and performance at similar prices, making this aging beauty harder to justify.
12. Nissan Z
Channeling 240Z vibes with its retro-modern design, the new Nissan Z turns heads with its perfectly proportioned sports car silhouette.
The twin-turbo V6 delivers serious straight-line thrills with 400 horsepower on tap. Scratch beneath the surface to find the previous generation’s platform with some fresh makeup.
The interior mixes modern digital displays with switchgear recognizable from Nissans a decade older.
Road and wind noise levels exceed what’s expected at this price point. While visually stunning, the Z feels more like a heavy refresh than the ground-up redesign its styling suggests.
13. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Wearing the prestigious roundel but missing the traditional BMW DNA, the 2 Series Gran Coupe awkwardly stretches a front-wheel-drive platform into “four-door coupe” territory.
The overstyled exterior tries too hard with its creases and character lines. Driving enthusiasts will notice the fundamental difference immediately—this doesn’t handle like traditional BMWs.
The cramped rear seats and limited trunk opening restrict practicality despite the four doors. Interior materials in base models feel disappointingly downmarket.
14. Mercedes-Benz CLA
Swoopy styling gives the CLA genuine presence that captures the essence of larger Mercedes coupes.
The three-pointed star on the grille opens doors to the exclusive Mercedes-Benz ownership club at a relatively accessible price point. That accessibility comes with asterisks.
The sloping roofline creates rear headroom suitable only for children or very short adults. Base models feel decidedly un-Mercedes with hard plastics and limited features.
The harsh ride quality on rough roads betrays the budget-conscious engineering beneath the glamorous sheet metal.
15. Polestar 2
Minimalist Swedish design makes the all-electric Polestar 2 stand out in parking lots without shouting for attention.
The Google-powered infotainment system brings refreshing simplicity to a segment often plagued by complexity.
Beneath the cool exterior lurk some practical concerns. Range anxiety becomes real with figures that fall short of Tesla alternatives.
The firm suspension prioritizes handling over comfort on America’s crumbling infrastructure. Parts and service can be challenging with limited dealer networks.
The environmental credentials come with a steep price premium over similar-sized conventional vehicles.
16. Audi Q8
Massive and imposing, the Audi Q8 sacrifices the Q7’s third-row seating at the altar of style with its aggressively sloped roofline.
The result turns heads but reduces cargo capacity significantly compared to its more practical sibling.
Fuel economy numbers might make you wince, with city driving dipping into the teens despite mild hybrid assistance.
The base turbocharged V6 feels merely adequate when moving this stylish behemoth. Technology dazzles but requires a steep learning curve that might frustrate less tech-savvy drivers.
17. Land Rover Discovery Sport
Handsome proportions and that prestigious Land Rover badge make the Discovery Sport an attractive proposition for suburban adventures.
The flexible interior with optional third-row seating adds practical appeal to the upscale image.
Reliability ratings consistently place Land Rover near the bottom of the industry, turning ownership into a potential adventure of the wrong kind.
Sluggish acceleration from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine disappoints given the premium pricing.
Infotainment responses lag just enough to irritate during daily use. Steep depreciation reflects these concerns despite the undeniable curb appeal.
18. Ford Edge ST
Blacked-out trim and aggressive styling cues transform the ordinary Edge into the sportier ST variant that screams “I’m not just a parent!”
The 335-horsepower twin-turbo V6 delivers genuinely impressive straight-line speed for a midsize crossover.
Handling fails to match the engine’s enthusiasm, with physics winning the battle against sporty intentions.
Interior materials and build quality fall short of the near-luxury price point Ford commands for this performance variant.
The dated infotainment system, while functional, lacks the polish of newer competitors. Rapid depreciation makes this a questionable value proposition.
19. Hyundai Sonata N Line
Aggressive styling makes the Sonata N Line look like it’s moving at 100 mph while parked.
The turbocharged engine delivers an impressive 290 horsepower to the front wheels—perhaps too many, as torque steer becomes your constant companion during spirited acceleration.
The interior features sporty touches but contains too many hard plastics for the price point.
Resale values for performance Hyundais haven’t established the track record of better-known sport sedans, making the value equation questionable despite the impressive performance-per-dollar ratio.
20. Chevrolet Blazer RS
Channeling Camaro design cues into crossover form, the Blazer RS stands out with aggressive styling that breaks the cookie-cutter crossover mold.
The blacked-out grille and available red accents certainly make a statement in school pickup lines.
Pricing creeps surprisingly close to luxury territory without the corresponding interior quality or badge prestige. The V6 provides decent but not remarkable performance despite the sporty appearance.
Cargo space falls short of similarly-sized competitors, sacrificed on the altar of that sloping roofline. Style comes at a premium that’s hard to justify on paper.
21. Dodge Hornet GT
Rebadged from the Alfa Romeo Tonale, this spicy little number borrows Italian style but adds American pricing confusion.
The Hornet GT looks ready to sting the competition with its aggressive stance and honeycomb grille.
Underneath that seductive sheet metal lurks a troubling truth: you’re paying premium prices for what’s essentially a dressed-up Jeep Compass platform.
The interior materials feel more rental car than hot hatch hero.
Fuel economy disappoints while reliability questions linger. For the same money, several competitors offer more refined packages with better track records for dependability.
22. Jeep Cherokee
Swooping into showrooms with that classic seven-slot grille and rugged good looks, the Cherokee promises adventure while delivering sticker shock.
Cramped rear seating becomes immediately apparent once you climb inside.
Despite the Cherokee’s outdoor persona, interior plastics feel budget-grade, with a touchscreen system that lags behind competitors.
Gas mileage? Prepare to become best friends with your local station attendant.
While it handles off-road situations admirably, the price premium for that Jeep badge feels increasingly difficult to justify in today’s crowded SUV marketplace.
23. Mazda CX-90
Floating down the highway with its sleek, elongated profile and minimalist Japanese design language, the CX-90 whispers luxury aspirations.
Mazda’s flagship SUV certainly photographs beautifully from every angle, with its Soul Red Crystal paint option practically hypnotizing potential buyers.
Pop the hood and you’ll find an inline-six engine that sounds impressive on paper. Reality hits when you realize you’re paying near-luxury prices for a brand still fighting for premium recognition.
While build quality impresses, the value equation becomes questionable when similarly priced established luxury brands offer stronger resale values and dealer experiences.
24. Buick Envision
Sleek lines and an elegant silhouette mask this crossover’s identity crisis.
Floating between mainstream and luxury segments, the Envision wears its handsome sheet metal like an expensive suit at a casual backyard barbecue—slightly overdressed yet somehow still forgettable.
Quiet cabin comfort welcomes passengers initially. The dashboard layout appears clean and modern until you notice the materials don’t quite match the premium price tag Buick demands.
Imported from China, this middle-management mobile suffers from tweener syndrome—too expensive compared to mainstream alternatives yet lacking the badge prestige of genuine luxury competitors.
25. Honda Passport
Rugged and athletic from every angle, the Passport flexes its muscular fenders like it’s ready for backcountry adventure.
Honda’s designers clearly spent time creating an SUV that photographs perfectly for Instagram wilderness shots.
Scratch beneath that handsome surface and you’ll discover what amounts to a Honda Pilot with the third row lopped off.
The spacious interior feels familiar because, well, it is—you’re essentially paying more for less vehicle.
While build quality remains typically Honda-solid, the value proposition crumbles when you realize this shortened Pilot commands a premium price.
26. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Sporting a split rear window and sharply creased body lines, this compact crossover certainly catches the eye.
Mitsubishi’s designers created a distinctive silhouette that stands out in parking lots—perhaps the automotive equivalent of wearing a neon outfit to a formal dinner.
The Eclipse name once adorned a sporty coupe but now finds itself attached to a sluggish crossover with a continuously variable transmission that drones like a broken vacuum cleaner.
Inside, hard plastics and dated technology remind you why the price seems suspiciously affordable. Warranty coverage impresses on paper, stretching to 10 years.
You might need every bit of it, considering Mitsubishi’s uncertain future in the North American market and the resulting resale value cliff-dive that awaits owners.
27. Volvo C40 Recharge
Swooping rooflines and Thor’s hammer headlights make the C40 Recharge a Nordic knockout that turns heads faster than an ABBA reunion tour.
Volvo’s designers clearly brought their A-game to this electric crossover coupe.
Unfortunately, your wallet won’t be singing “Thank You for the Music” after dropping $60,000+ on what’s essentially a less practical XC40.
The sloped roof sacrifices rear headroom and cargo space for style points. Range anxiety becomes your constant companion with just 226 miles per charge – significantly less than competitors asking similar prices.
Plus, depreciation hits these fashion-forward EVs particularly hard. Beautiful? Absolutely. Sensible purchase? Not so much.
28. Subaru Solterra
Born from Subaru’s partnership with Toyota, the rugged-looking Solterra promises electrified adventures with its chunky plastic cladding and respectable 8.3 inches of ground clearance.
Weekend warriors will swoon over its outdoorsy aesthetic and standard all-wheel drive. Venture beyond city limits, however, and anxiety creeps in faster than mosquitoes at a campsite.
With just 222 miles of range and painfully slow DC fast charging speeds, your wilderness expedition might involve more charging stations than trails.
Adding insult to injury is the $46,000 starting price—considerably more than Subaru’s gas-powered offerings without delivering the same go-anywhere capability.
29. Toyota bZ4X
Straight out of a sci-fi movie naming convention, the bZ4X sports sharp angles and a sleek profile that would make Blade Runner fans nod in approval.
Toyota’s first dedicated electric vehicle certainly makes a statement in the parking lot.
Beneath that cutting-edge exterior lurks disappointingly outdated technology. Cold weather performance? Forget about it—literally, as range drops dramatically below freezing temperatures.
The bizarre steering yoke option (thankfully not standard) and a dashboard that forces you to peek over the wheel to see instruments leaves you wondering if Toyota’s designers ever actually drove cars before.
30. Nissan Ariya
Jaw-dropping from every angle, the Ariya finally delivers the future Nissan has been promising since those early LEAF days.
With its floating roof, copper accents, and minimalist interior featuring haptic-touch controls that illuminate through the dash, it’s basically a concept car you can actually buy.
Reality crashes the party when you realize Nissan’s ProPILOT driver assistance system lags behind competitors, and the infotainment system freezes more often than Minnesota in January.
Early owners report frustrating software glitches that no amount of over-the-air updates seem to fix.
Starting around $44,000 and climbing past $60,000 for upper trims, the Ariya charges premium prices without delivering premium reliability.
31. Mini Cooper SE
Zipping through city streets in the all-electric Mini Cooper SE feels like piloting a go-kart designed by fashion-forward British hipsters.
Those unmistakable round headlights, contrasting roof, and cheeky Union Jack taillights guarantee you’ll collect compliments faster than parking tickets.
Venture beyond downtown, however, and the Mini’s tiny 32.6 kWh battery becomes your relationship’s third wheel—constantly demanding attention.
With just 114 miles of range (and that’s being optimistic), road trips require more planning than a royal wedding.
32. Fiat 500X
Bellissima! The 500X oozes Mediterranean charm with its gelato-worthy color palette and curvaceous body that looks like it was sketched by an Italian designer between espresso breaks.
Those round headlights and chrome mustache grille give it a perpetually cheerful expression that’s impossible not to smile back at.
Sadly, this relationship turns toxic faster than week-old mozzarella. Consumer Reports consistently ranks Fiat near the bottom for reliability, while repair costs rival those of luxury brands.
The turbocharged engine delivers more drama than power, with hesitation that makes merging onto highways an adventure sport.