7 Cars You Shouldn’t Buy Used in 2026

When purchasing a new car isn’t financially viable, used vehicles are the next best thing. But not all used cars are created equal —  according to U.S. News & World Report, there are certain makes and models you’ll want to avoid if you’re shopping used this year. Here are the seven worst offenders based on their metrics.

7. 2022 Chevrolet Spark

Seven of the 10 vehicles covered in U.S. News & World Report came out in 2022, starting with the 2022 Chevrolet Spark. While the car is compact and maneuverable, it also has pretty average mpg ratings for a car of its size: 29–30 when driving in the city and 37–38 on the highway (though U.S. News & World Report notes that the latter mpg is “nothing to sneeze at”). It also has a cramped interior, doesn’t handle bumpy roads well, and is downright slow due to its weak engine. The Spark wasn’t made again after 2022.

6. 2022 Fiat 500X

The 2022 Fiat 500X subcompact SUV is another vehicle you should avoid, in large part due to the fact that it feels cramped and jostles around every time you hit a bump on the road. It also lacks suitable cargo space and has a wonky transmission, which U.S. News & World Report states is “indecisive and apparently views downshifting as a mortal sin.” The 500x was discontinued in 2023.

5. 2022 Toyota C-HR

While Toyota typically has a reputation for producing reliable vehicles, the company’s 2022 C-HR is an exception. Despite earning a 9.2/10 safety rating from U.S. News & World Report, it received a paltry 4.8 rating for performance and a 5.1 rating for its lackluster interior. This vehicle is also slow, features below-average cargo capacity, and has an engine that emits an unpleasant droning sound.

4. 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia is the second Toyota on the list (there are three total). While U.S. News & World Report praises this SUV for its powerful 381-horsepower V8 engine, it has terrible fuel efficiency — just 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway — so unless you’re looking to blow your paycheck at the pump, it’s best to avoid this model. In addition to poor fuel economy, the 2022 Sequoia has a tiny touch screen, a dated infotainment system, and parts made of low-grade plastic material. The Sequoia was redesigned the following year.

3. 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

According to U.S. News & World Report, Mitsubishi’s 2022 Outlander Sport was made of cheap material and felt underpowered to drive as well as uncomfortable to ride in. The publication gave it just a 3.5/10 for performance, and a slightly better 4.7 for its interior. The fuel economy also isn’t great for a vehicle of its size: It gets just 23–24 mpg in the city and 28–30 mpg on the highway.

2. 2022 Ford EcoSport

Despite being billed as an eco-friendly subcompact SUV, the 2022 Ford EcoSport lacks the good fuel economy that you’d normally associate with that kind of car — it gets only 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The interior is also quite cramped, especially in the rear row of seats. As if that weren’t bad enough,  it has poor acceleration, iffy handling, and an infotainment display that measures a mere 4.2 inches. Your iPhone screen is bigger. The model was discontinued in 2022.

1. 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage

While it’s often an honor to be ranked No. 1, this time, it’s a distinction that Mitsubishi would probably prefer to avoid. The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage is considered by U.S. News & World Report to be the worst used car to buy right now. Its underpowered engine, small trunk, and “lifeless handling” mean that this model simply isn’t worth it. Also, it takes a staggering 13 seconds for the car to go from 0 to 60 mph, which may feel like an eternity as you try to merge onto the highway. U.S. News & World Report notes that the model was discontinued in 2024, cheekily adding, “The real tragedy is that it didn’t happen sooner.”

To see the complete list, head to U.S. News & World Report.

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