The most disappointing cars of 2022
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We could make a list of the “worst cars” of 2022, but honestly, people get really pissed when we do things like that. This usually comes from people who lived in the 1970s and remember when cars routinely wouldn’t start, rusted to dust, or just caught fire. Nothing on the market today is quite “the worst”, and as such one often hears the phrase “there are no bad cars anymore.” To that I say “Hogwash”. It’s like saying, ‘Things are going pretty well in the world right now because we have running water and antibiotics. If you want to talk about ‘bad’, try living in the year 1534!” Libra moves with time and progress. There are cars that serve their purpose better than others, and therefore there are cars that serve their purpose worse than others.
But whatever, we don’t make this list. This list is about ‘disappointing’, which is something like the worst cars we’ve driven, but ultimately it can be about expectations. We expected X and got Y. We thought Z would get another hit, but no, this time they huffed. We were expecting something that costs $150,000 to be great, but it just seemed like a huge waste of money. Basically, there is a lot of room for interpretation.
So here are the cars, SUVs and trucks that disappointed us the most in 2022. And yes, there are plenty of Toyotas. On the other hand, the GR Corolla and Prius surprised everyone in a very good way. – Editor-in-Chief James Riswick
2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski: There are many good reasons to buy a Toyota Tacoma. Excellent projected reliability and resale value, for example, rank first. Another plus: in TRD Pro guise, since my test truck came boxed, it can handle some pretty tough off-road terrain. The big problem is that it’s not fun to drive anywhere else. The powertrain makes as much noise as horsepower, a fact made worse by a transmission that downshifts at the mere hint of a grade, the ride feels both too stiff and wallowing, and the interior was just about acceptable when the Truck that was last redesigned for the 2016 model year is now simply best in class.
Perhaps most irritating, however, is the Tacoma’s ridiculous seating position. The bottom of the front seats are mounted so low to the ground that my legs are spread forward at an awkward angle. Despite this glaring problem, my head is still uncomfortably close to the ceiling. All of this results in an awkward driving position that just can’t be fixed no matter how I adjust the seat or steering wheel. It’s terrible.
It’s worth noting that some of my biggest complaints are specific to the top-of-the-line TRD Pro. On quieter trim levels, the positives of the Tacoma can well outweigh the negatives. And, as I mentioned in the beginning, I wouldn’t blame anyone for buying the Tacoma just for its reputation for reliability and resale value. For me, however, driving the thing is not a pleasant experience.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer: How do you turn a great affordable luxury vehicle – the GLB 250 – into something you don’t want? The EQB is a great formula to follow. With a starting price of around $40,000, the GLB is an excellent value and a nice entry-level option from Mercedes-Benz. In fact, I would say it’s one of my favorite Benz products. Period. Meanwhile, the EQB 350 I rode this year costs just under $60,000, and all you have to show for the extra $20,000 is a lackluster electric drivetrain.
It is by no means the case that the EQB 350 is a bad driving vehicle. The cabin is quiet; There’s a respectable amount of pizzazz out of the box for most people, and it still looks cute. That electric powertrain doesn’t even remotely make you feel like the extra $20,000 over the GLB 250 was worth it. The charging technology is also already outdated compared to other Benz products. I would also like to wring out the supercharged four-cylinder in the GLB. And unfortunately, the EQB doesn’t come with a host of devices that could justify its extra cost. Instead, it’s equipped the same as the $20,000 cheaper GLB 250. If you want basic luxuries like heated seats, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and more, you’ll have to check boxes. Before you know it, the EQB 350 is over $70,000.
Even at the base price, other EVs are shockingly more compelling. A Genesis GV60, a Volvo XC40 Recharge or a Cadillac Lyriq are all obvious alternatives to the EQB. They’re better equipped, similarly priced, a lot more fun to drive, and have remarkably advanced EV charging/battery technology. At $45,000, the EQB would be an acceptable EV. The price of $60,000 (or more with the requisite options) makes it the most disappointing vehicle I’ve driven this year.
2022 Volkswagen GTI
Associate Editor Byron Hurd: I love driving the new GTI. The six-speed manual is excellent and the DSG is a wonderful replacement for those who can’t/don’t want to make three-pedal fun cars. It drives beautifully and handles sharply and makes all the right sounds. In addition, the hatch makes it extremely practical for everyday use. And if that were the end of the story, this entry would be in a whole different list. But it’s not, thanks to the new Golf’s drastically priced-down interior, with many functions now controlled by a half-baked infotainment system that can take an excruciatingly long time to boot up. This wasn’t the worst car I’ve driven in 2022, but it was certainly the breath of the highest expectations.
2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone
Editor-in-Chief James Riswick: We’ve waited almost 15 years for a new Sequoia… maybe we should have waited a little longer. Rarely have I spent time with a new vehicle and thought, “This just isn’t competitive.” Faced with the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Wagoneer, it’s very hard to see how the Sequoia has an advantage, not to mention that he is not the last. Even its fuel economy, thanks to a standard hybrid powertrain, was woefully disappointing – I barely cracked 16mpg, compared to an EPA estimate of 22mpg combined. The biggest blow to the Sequoia is the move from independent rear suspension to a solid rear axle — the polar opposite of what GM has done with its latest generation of full-size SUVs to offer superior ride, handling, and interior design. In particular, a sufficiently low rear floor to allow for a folding third-row seat with ample legroom. You can read more about the gimmicks in the third row and cargo bypass here. However, that solid rear axle also leads to something that has also plagued the last generation of GM full-size SUVs: constant wobble and vibration when equipped with huge wheels. The Sequoia Capstone I tested had 22-inch dubs, which combined with the wagon carriage suspension and body-on-frame construction made even the seemingly smoothest of roads look like they were made out of gravel. Vibrations are constant and bumps are annoying. Despite the hefty price tag of $80,000, there was absolutely nothing luxurious about it. “Shocking” gets thrown around a lot, but it really applies here. The Sequoia Capstone was shockingly disappointing.
2023 Jeep Wagoneer L
Managing Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder: After spending some time with the Grand Cherokee L, I was looking forward to Jeep’s next foray into three-row territory. The Wagoneer name rings nostalgic for me too – my family had one when I was little. I was also quite excited about the straight-six engine that was introduced alongside and exclusively for the 2023 Wagoneer L. But when the Wagoneer finally pulled into my driveway, we got off on the wrong foot. The interior was beautiful and spacious, but once I drove away there were a few things that really took the shine off this thing. For one, it was quite creaky and rattling. The engine also made a really weird noise just above idle speed. When I gave it just a little throttle, there was an odd, uncomfortable howl I’d never heard before. Definitely not an exciting turbo wish. Finally, it doesn’t look as good in person as it appears in photos, especially from the back. I showed it to my sister, who recently bought a Cherokee L, and she also agreed that she wouldn’t be missing anything other than the extra space, which would really make a difference. Maybe the Wagoneer S (or whatever it’s called at the end) can win me over.
2023 Toyota Crown
News Editor Joel Stocksdale: I still don’t understand this car. I’ve driven it pretty thoroughly, I’ve spoken to the man in charge of it. I just do not understand. It’s big and crossover-esque, but it doesn’t really have any extra ground clearance. It’s effectively the flagship for Toyota cars, but it has a less impressive interior than the Avalon it replaces. It’s also a lot more expensive. The top-of-the-line trim, with its fancy hybrid system, is pretty good to drive, but if you’re after things fun, you’ll have more fun options (albeit less efficient) from other automakers. The base powertrain is particularly efficient, but it’s also available in things with a Lexus badge, which simply has more hallmarks than Crown in the US. In fact, this high-performance powertrain is also available in a Lexus, and it’s a Lexus crossover, which is more practical and popular. I just don’t know who this car is for and even for that person I’m not sure if it’s the best option. I hope the promised plug-in hybrid makes a little more sense, emphasis on “little”.
