Kekyalyaynen · Shutterstock.comCrossovers are everywhere these days. They've become the default pick for people craving SUV space without the gas-guzzler guilt. But here's the thing: not all crossovers are created equal. Some are overpriced money pits masquerading as practical family vehicles.MoneyLion identified three crossovers worth skipping in 2026. Using safety ratings from IIHS, recall data from NHTSA and expert analysis, we've pinpointed the models that tend to deliver the most buyer regret — whether through mechanical headaches, depreciation disasters or genuine safety concerns.Jeep CompassThe Compass might be priced invitingly, but that's where the value proposition ends. Edmunds ranks it dead last (#17) among x-small SUVs and cites uncomfortable seats and an unresponsive touchscreen.More troubling: according to an auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, Melanie Musson, "because of the low fuel efficiency and tendency toward mechanical problems, it's not as good a value as more reliable crossovers."IIHS safety ratings are mostly middling — acceptable, marginal or poor — with only the small overlap front scoring Good. Kelley Blue Book gives it 5 stars from consumers but just 3.9 from experts, who note it's an aging vehicle heading toward discontinuation in most markets. Even the decent 27 mpg fuel economy can't salvage the overall package.Volkswagen TaosThe Taos looks good on paper. Edmunds rates it 7.5/10 and ranks it their #3 subcompact SUV. Look closer, though, and the cracks appear.On the IIHS vehicle ratings for the Taos, only a few of the features fell into the Good category, including LATCH ease of use — great if you have children — and headlights. Most categories were rated as acceptable, marginal or poor. Two standouts rated poorly were the front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle) and seat belt reminders.Musson said plainly, "there are much safer vehicles in this category that are worth considering."The 2022 model year is particularly problematic with 305 complaints and 6 recalls according to NHTSA, though newer models show improvement.Subaru Solterra (EV)Electric vehicles depreciate faster than gas-powered cars because of battery degradation. The Solterra looks capable on paper — roomy cabin, 300-mile range — but Edmunds gives it a 6.8/10, complaining the driving experience is otherwise unremarkable and charging speeds are "just OK."The real killer? Musson warned that the battery's limited lifespan means "unless you're prepared to lose up to $30,000 of value before your 60-month loan is paid off, you should avoid it." That's potentially 40% of the vehicle's initial value vanishing in five years. IIHS ratings are mostly solid, but that won't offset the financial bleeding.How To Choose a Reliable CrossoverBefore you buy any crossover, do this groundwork:Check Safety Ratings Thoroughly"Safety features should be a primary factor when choosing a vehicle," says Musson. She recommended looking up crash ratings with NHTSA and IIHS as well as focusing on preventative features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and back up cameras that can help you avoid a crash.When you're looking at safety ratings and features, board-certified personal injury attorney and partner at Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, Kevin Henrichson said to pay attention to the types of accidents, especially rollovers."If the same pattern of rollover accidents appears over and over again in the same model," he cautions, "it usually means that there is an issue with the design rather than the driver's mistake."Dig Into Recall HistoryHenrichson said that people often see a star rating as the final word in vehicle safety and reliability, but he encourages people to look a little deeper. He noted, "My buying guides take five stars as an achievement, but a high star rating can mask a problem area."To avoid any surprises, he recommended checking its recall history. You can visit NHTSA for information on the number and type of recalls and complaints for the vehicle that you're considering.Consider DepreciationAccording to Musson, "Vehicles are depreciating assets. That's just how it goes. But if you can minimize depreciation, you can essentially lose less money."Using 50% depreciation after five years as a benchmark, she said, will help you evaluate depreciation. You can use Kelley Blue Book to research depreciation rates and can even find comparisons between the cost to own and depreciation on multiple vehicles side-by-side.The Bottom LineA cheap crossover that nickels and dimes you to death or leaves you stranded with safety issues isn't a bargain — it's a slow-motion financial disaster. Do your homework now, and you'll sleep better knowing your next crossover was worth the money.This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.More From MoneyLion:Looking to Buy Investment Properties? These Loans Offer Fast FundingSave Up to $1,100 on Car Insurance in MinutesForbes' Most Trusted Gold Company of 2026 — See Why Investors Are Taking NoticeCash In Your Unused Gold at Today's Top Prices
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