BMW X6M
We’ll give it to the BMW X6M, it looks absolutely incredible and has some excellent power underneath its hood. But it sacrifices practicality for style, and isn’t overly comfortable to ride in. Many drivers prefer the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe, which exceeds the X6M without a price hike.
McLaren Elva
The McLaren Elva is a true supercar, so a million-dollar price tag is only to be expected. The problem is that it offers little stability or practicality. Compared to rivals, like the Ferrari Monza SP2, its huge premium is tied to exclusivity, making its usability harder to defend.
Hyundai Nexo
Currently, the stylish Hyundai Nexo retails for almost $60,000, with its futuristic hydrogen-fuel system accounting for a significant portion of the cost. However, its infrastructure is inferior to that of the Toyota Mirai or even the Tesla Model Y, and it’s demanding a higher price for uncertain long-term value.
Audi Q7
With starting prices over $60,000, the Audi Q7 is a beautiful but overpriced SUV, especially when you compare it to close competitors like the Volvo XC90 or BMW X5. It’s hard to justify the price when similar vehicles have stronger resale value and more advanced tech.
Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade costs just shy of $100,000, yet trails the refinement of other giant cars, like the Lincoln Navigator. At this price tier, drivers expect absolute perfection, so the luxury badge alone isn’t enough if the build quality and trim don’t match up.
Toyota Sienna
Though the Sienna starts at a more modest $39,000, it’s still a bit pricey compared to competitors that offer better trims and ride dynamics. The Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica both edge it out slightly in terms of luxury, making their prices more understandable.
Range Rover Sport
Range Rovers are simultaneously hyper-luxurious and riddled with issues, which is why the Sport’s $83,000 base price is so shocking. Similar luxury SUVs, like the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5, have better tech and fewer breakdowns, making it a no-brainer to choose one of them instead.
Lexus GX
The Lexus GX has a base price and a luxury price tag of $65,000 for the premium model, making it a very expensive car. For that money, you’d expect refinement and fuel economy on par with the Acura MDX, but the GX isn’t quite there, despite its off-road capabilities.
Maserati Ghibli
It’s an iconic and exotic model, but is the Maserati Ghibli really worth $80,000? Some may say yes, but others find its quick depreciation off-putting, especially compared to the longevity of the Audi A6 and the BMW 5 Series. It's a case of style over substance.
Lamborghini Urus
It might sound ridiculous to call a prestigious Lamborghini “overpriced”, but any car that exceeds $245,000 shouldn’t have cheap-feeling parts or an uncomfortable ride quality. It costs significantly more than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, but it doesn’t offer superior engineering or performance.
Ford Maverick
It’s cheaper than many other cars, but the Ford Maverick’s $23,000 base price seems like a lot, especially considering its myriad of issues! From engine fire risks to airbag issues to trailer malfunctions, it’s one big hazard, with much safer rivals, like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, to choose instead.
Kia Carnival
Styled like an SUV and sized like a minivan, the Kia Carnival has a definite target market, but that market is dominated by cars like the Honda Odyssey, which often costs less, even in its most premium trim. The Carnival seems overpriced and less impressive by comparison.
BMW I8
Of course, any car this futuristic and innovative commands a high price, but a $150,000 price tag seems like a lot if a hypermodern car can’t rival the performance of older competitors, like the Porsche 911. Its appeal is mainly aesthetic, making the i8 more of a pricey statement.
Toyota Corolla Cross
While competitively priced initially, higher trims push the Toyota Corolla Cross closer to premium SUV prices. But models like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V comfortably occupy that level, with more impressive performances and refined interiors, so the Corolla Cross doesn’t quite meet the standard.
Jaguar XJ
It’s a prestigious model, so the Jaguar XJ fetches a handsome price even in second-hand forms. However, its closest rivals, the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, beat it in tech, build quality, and reliability. For such a high price, these discrepancies are harder to ignore.
Cadillac CT5-V
Costing roughly $50,000 and rising from there, the Cadillac CT5-V is a pricey purchase. But it’s actually quite overpriced compared to competitors like the Audi S4, which is built with more refined materials and has stronger brand appeal. The CT5-V’s premium seems unnecessary by comparison.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA’s coupe shape and premium badge boost its price up to almost $45,000, but it’s not quite at the level of its closest competitors. Namely, the Acura Integra and Audi A3, which both exceed it in refinement, proving that you can have both style and substance.
Genesis GV80
It’s upscale and gorgeous, but the Genesis GV80 costs almost $60,000, without enough brand strength and resale value to back it up. It overlaps the price of other luxury SUVs, like the Lexus RX, but doesn’t have the same premium features or design.
Ford Bronco Raptor
Just looking at the Ford Bronco Raptor has us comparing it to the very similar Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Defender, which rival its performance at lower price points. The Bronco’s multiple markups and iffy fuel economy make it more of a dream than an actually usable off-road vehicle.
Porsche Macan
The Porsche Macan handles great and looks like a powerful beast, but for a base price of around $65,000, people expect more. Its interior is quite tight and uncomfortable, and when there are more spacious options, like the Audi SQ5, available for thousands less, the Macan seems expensive.
Chevrolet Corvette
It’s a widely-loved car, but even an icon like the Chevy Corvette can be overpriced! The newest, most expensive models are impressive and powerful, but their price is hard to justify when similar cars, like the rev-happy Porsche Cayman GTS, cost a lot less.
Polestar 1
In some markets, a Polestar 1 can set you back at least $150,000. But you’d be paying for exclusivity and design over usability, especially when cars like the BMW i4 M50 exist and perform better per dollar than the Polestar. It’s just a bit too limited.
Nissan GT-R Nismo
Speaking of exclusive cars, the Nissan GT-R Nismo costs well over $200,000 in some trims. It used to be a cost-effective supercar, but now it struggles against icons like the Porsche 911 Turbo, both of which deliver more refinement, tech, and prestige for a similar price.
Mitsubishi Mirage
Compared to many other cars, the Mitsubishi Mirage is cheap, with entry prices under $20,000. However, it’s underbuilt, with poor safety scores and a lack of powertrain refinement. When you compare it to similar cars, like the Nissan Versa and Kia Rio, it definitely feels overpriced.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
If you love luxury, you’ll love the six-figure Rolls-Royce Cullinan, which is opulent inside and out. But cars like the Bentley Bentayga are similarly well-built and luxurious, and they don’t cost as much. The Cullinan’s price definitely reflects its status more than any leap in refinement.
Acura NSX
At a price pushing $170,000 when new, the Acura NSX is almost perfect. It has an exotic design and smooth hybrid tech, but falls short when it comes to driver engagement and long-term resale value. Ultimately, it’s overpriced compared to the Audi R8 V10, for example.
Honda Accord
It’s not the most overpriced car on our list, but the Honda Accord is up against cars like the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata, both of which offer similar or superior features and performance. The Accord needs some technological and mechanical developments to dominate that niche.
Porsche 718 Boxster
The Porsche 718 Boxster has some great features, and it’s thrilling to drive, but many people find a $74,000 price tag a little too much. Cars like the BMW Z4 and Jaguar F-Type are highly competitive, offering more power and comfort for less money than the 718 Boxster.
Infiniti QX80
The problem with the Infiniti QX80 is that its dated design and poor fuel economy clash with its luxury price tag. It’s still impressive, but it lacks the new-grade tech of cars like the Lexus LX, which also has a better resale value. The QX80 is overpriced and outclassed.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
We can’t deny that the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is an absolute thrill-ride, and it provides all the style and exclusivity you could want. But is it worth $90,000? Many would say no due to how its close rivals, like the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63, match its performance, but offer superior quality.
Ford Ranger
The pickup market is consistently pumping out great models, so even with its competitive price tag, the Ford Ranger is middling. Its arch-rivals, the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado, are now leading in tech and off-road prowess, making the Ranger look overpriced and behind by comparison.
Tesla Model X
You’ll never find a cheap Tesla, but people generally agree on their price. However, the Model X, which retails for around $80,000, has poor build quality and inconsistent performance, making it a highly unreliable option. EV fans would be better off with the Rivian R1S or BMW iX.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Sleek and sophisticated, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is perfect on paper. But if you’re going to pay a minimum of $50,000, it should be for a car that has premium standard equipment and few maintenance issues. Both the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 are similar, but deliver more value for less money.
Honda Civic
It’s a solid choice, but even the well-priced Honda Civic is a little too expensive for what it offers. The Civic’s rising prices undercut its “value leader” reputation, and rivals, like the Hyundai Elantra, are sneaking into its niche, making the Civic look overpriced and lacking in substance.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevy Camaro is stylish and athletic, but its long-time high performance is now often overshadowed by its overly cramped design and poor visibility. These little things make it seem inferior to rivals like the Mustang and Challenger, which both offer better comfort and resale value for less.
