The year brought a wave of new models that promised much and delivered little in crucial areas. Many factors shaped disappointment, from reliability concerns to performance gaps. In this review, the focus stays on three vehicles that failed to enter the mainstream spotlight and struggled to meet the hype, both in North America and abroad.
First up are the electric crossovers from Toyota and Subaru, the bZ4X and Solterra. Despite strong brand recognition and the lure of zero-emission driving, demand lagged behind expectations. Production profitability came under scrutiny as inventories grew and consumer interest waned. The core issues were not merely about features but the practical realities of electric driving in real-world use.
Toyota bZ4X
The problems that emerged hit hard from an electric perspective. Early messaging claimed batteries would charge quickly, but cold weather revealed slower charging behavior that dismayed buyers. In June, a recall surfaced due to a potential wheel detachment. Addressing this fault proved challenging, and the manufacturer faced the tough choice of recalling the cars or navigating compensation through other means. The impact extended beyond safety concerns to trust and resale value, with many owners watching for a clear path to stable, long-term ownership.
Subaru Solterra
A second major issue involved range anxiety and real-world efficiency. The expected battery range proved optimistic for many owners, with European testing showing that real-world figures pointed to roughly half the claimed range. The slow march toward a durable fix pushed Toyota to explore buyback options for some customers, signaling a deeper conversation about the economics of early EV adoption. When the 220 km figure appeared in independent testing rather than the touted 442 km, it underscored the risk of optimistic range estimates in new technology products.
In second place on the disappointment list is the Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup. This vehicle offered the drive feel of a crossover and the versatility for outdoor gear transport, aiming to carve a niche without direct competitors. Promises of strong sales weighed against reality, and the model faced stiff competition from a growing lineup of capable trucks and crossovers in the market. What began as a promising launch gradually gave way to a quieter, less dramatic marketplace presence.
The arrival of the Ford Maverick intensified the competitive landscape. With a reputation for efficiency and a lower price point, the Maverick drew buyers away from the Santa Cruz toward a more economical option from Ford. As demand shifted, Santa Cruz’s momentum waned, and the model settled into a more modest sales trajectory. Parallel imports continued in some regions, allowing curious buyers to access a car that otherwise faced a softer mainstream reception. In certain markets, enthusiasts even noted street prices around substantial figures, reflecting the gap between hype and practical value.
Volkswagen ID Buzz
Turning to the electric van segment, the ID Buzz drew attention for long-trip capability that many urban buyers did not require. In Europe, price points started around 64,581 euros, while the stated 204 horsepower and a claimed 400 km of range highlighted a specific use case: urban courier services and family trips with careful planning. The vehicle’s strength lies in its utility for city work rather than as a primary long-distance carrier, and the pricing and range messaging reflected that narrowed focus.
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Readers are invited to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix vote to spotlight the year’s standout car novelties. Participation is framed as a way to weigh factors like value, practicality, and driving experience across a diverse set of new models. As a token of appreciation, three gift items will be raffled among respondents who complete the questionnaire. The promotion runs through February 28 of the year following the poll, inviting a broad audience to share opinions and drive conversation about automotive performance and innovation.
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The review process is thorough and reflective, aiming to capture the nuances of consumer experience and automotive engineering. All assessments are shared with the community to foster informed discussions about what the year brought to the market, what achieved its promises, and what lessons might guide future product development. The evaluation is presented with a balance of practicality and curiosity, consistent with the broader interest in how new vehicles perform when faced with real-world conditions.