To wrap up the year, the team at Consumer Reports takes a closer look at the many cars tested at their Auto Test Center. While many are decent, some are truly exceptional, and a handful are just plain frustrating. This past year, a few cars grabbed everyone’s attention, not for the right reasons.
In a recent episode of “Talking Cars,” the CR staff—engineers, managers, and testers—shared their least favorite cars of 2025. It turns out, there wasn’t just one unifying choice; several stood out for different reasons. From the polarizing Tesla Cybertruck to disappointing Volvo EVs and the underwhelming Toyota 4Runner, these vehicles didn’t hold up well under scrutiny.
Tesla Cybertruck
The Cybertruck has made headlines, but it hasn’t impressed testers at CR. John Ibbitson, the auto testing manager, struggled with its steering and parking. He said, “I can’t get used to the steering wheel,” expressing frustration right from the parking lot. Similarly, Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations, found the handling awkward and noted that parking felt challenging. For a vehicle aimed at redefining trucks, the Cybertruck fell short in everyday usability.
Toyota 4Runner
The redesigned Toyota 4Runner generated plenty of buzz leading into 2025. Unfortunately, many saw it as a letdown. Michael Monticello, who oversees road tests, called it his least favorite car of the year. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine was noisy, and its performance was inconsistent. Criticisms included rough shifts and an overall bouncy ride. With the new model barely improving upon its predecessor, the 4Runner left many disappointed.
Volvo EX30
The compact Volvo EX30 sparked unanimous disapproval among testers. Michael Quincy stated that not one member of the team would recommend it. Staffers described it as a “usability nightmare.” The complex cabin controls and a problematic driver monitoring system made simple tasks tedious. Even though the EX30 offered impressive speed, its tech-heavy design overshadowed its performance, marking it as one of the biggest misses of the year.
Expert Insight
When looking at the automotive landscape, it’s clear that usability matters. Simple tasks should be easy and intuitive, but many modern vehicles complicate these experiences. Automotive expert Dr. Amy Schoen, who studies driver interactions, warns that creating an overwhelming tech environment can backfire. Consumers want cars that enhance their lives, not hinder them.
Reports from 2022 indicated that over 30% of drivers found tech in cars confusing. This trend emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with user-friendliness. As automakers push boundaries with new tech, they must also consider the driver experience to avoid driver frustration.
Each of these cars illustrates the challenges automakers face as they navigate shifting consumer expectations and technology integration. As we move further into 2025, it will be intriguing to see how manufacturers respond with their upcoming designs.
