Have you noticed how some new trucks are causing buyer’s remorse? The automotive market is filled with models that promise performance but deliver disappointment. Many 2024 trucks come with design flaws, reliability issues, and inflated price tags. People waste thousands on vehicles with outdated features or questionable safety records.
Knowing which trucks to avoid can save your wallet and your sanity. Experts like Edmunds, Cars and Kelly Blue Book agree that these models will leave you feeling disappointed.
5. Toyota Tacoma (2023)
An aging platform reveals itself in the 2023 Tacoma‘s dated design choices. This midsizer offers 9.4 inches of clearance standard and 11.6 inches in TRD trims, but suffers from poor articulation when traversing technical terrain. The dent-resistant composite bed resists damage but its shallow depth limits actual cargo capacity. LED lighting costs extra on most trims, leaving budget-conscious buyers with inadequate illumination for night trails. A-pillars create moderate blind spots, though this isn’t unique to the Tacoma. The narrow 70.6-inch width helps on tight trails but can’t compensate for the truck’s aging suspension geometry that struggles with obstacles newer competitors handle easily.
Toyota Tacoma (2023) (Interior)
Step inside to find where Toyota cut corners during this extended product cycle. The 8-inch touchscreen runs sluggish software with documented connectivity issues that frustrate daily use. The driving position forces taller drivers into an awkward, knees-up posture that becomes painful on longer trips. Double Cab models offer a tight 32.6 inches of rear legroom—barely usable for adults. Hard plastics dominate touch points where competitors offer softer materials. While road noise is noticeable at highway speeds, it’s not dramatically worse than class average. Despite these shortcomings, strong resale values suggest these compromises haven’t deterred Toyota loyalists who prioritize long-term reliability over modern amenities.
4. Jeep Gladiator (2024)
Off-road capability comes with on-road compromises in the distinctive Gladiator. Despite 11.1 inches of clearance, the extended 137.3-inch wheelbase creates high-centering issues on obstacles standard Wranglers clear easily. The five-foot bed proves adequate for recreational use but insufficient for serious hauling. The 115-volt power outlet provides convenience for campsite needs but lacks capacity for power-hungry tools. While removable doors and roof enable unique open-air experiences, they inevitably create wind noise and occasional water leaks. Rubicon models include electronic sway bar disconnects that generally function reliably, despite some isolated failure reports. The Gladiator excels in extreme off-road conditions where few other trucks dare venture, but its specialized nature makes it poorly suited as a daily driver. You might also want to read about the most reliable cars that hold value.
Jeep Gladiator (2024) (Interior)
Prioritizing adventure over refinement, the Gladiator‘s cabin makes daily compromises evident. The 12.3-inch touchscreen runs Uconnect 5 with occasional lags when multitasking navigation and media functions. Floor drain plugs enable interior washouts but everything inside gets exposed to weather with the top removed. Rear seats maintain an upright position that proves acceptable for shorter trips but tiring on extended journeys. Wind noise becomes pronounced at highway speeds even with the hardtop installed—an expected tradeoff for off-road capability. Heated seats and steering wheel extend the open-air driving season, though some owners report inconsistent performance over time. For hardcore off-roaders, these compromises are acceptable exchanges for the Gladiator’s unique capabilities.
3. Nissan Frontier (2023)
Nissan Frontier‘s long-awaited redesign brings modern styling while retaining old-school truck character. LED headlights provide average illumination—neither class-leading nor particularly deficient. The Pro-4X offers 9.8 inches of ground clearance, and while the differential sits somewhat exposed, it’s not significantly worse than competitors. Standard spray-in bedliner adds value though it does show wear patterns over time. The Utili-track system needs additional cleats to reach full functionality, requiring dealer add-ons. The 43.3-foot turning radius feels cumbersome in tight spaces, particularly when urban-dwelling competitors offer greater maneuverability. Despite these shortcomings, the Frontier represents a massive improvement over its predecessor, particularly in off-road capability and exterior design.
Nissan Frontier (2023) (Interior)
Modernization brings mixed results inside the newly redesigned Frontier. The 9-inch touchscreen occasionally exhibits lag when processing inputs, though it’s vastly improved from the previous generation. Physical controls feel adequate if not premium, with reasonably consistent operation. Zero Gravity seats receive generally positive reviews from most owners, though some find the lumbar support inadequate for longer drives. Rear passengers make do with 33.2-inch legroom—workable for short trips but cramped for taller adults. The potent 310-horsepower V6 delivers strong acceleration that compensates for merely average fuel economy. Road noise remains more prominent than in some competitors, reflecting the truck’s utilitarian focus rather than premium aspirations. Overall, the Frontier’s cabin represents a significant upgrade that most buyers find acceptable given its price point.
2. Ford Ranger (2024)
Ford’s comprehensive redesign brings both improvements and compromises to the midsize segment. The 2.3-inch wider track enhances stability but can make negotiating narrow trails more challenging than with the previous generation. C-shaped LED lighting provides excellent illumination with minimal reports of problematic reflections. The bed includes practical features though some users report occasional issues with tie-downs in dusty conditions. The Ranger maintains competitive ground clearance in off-road trims, contrary to claims about inadequate clearance. Matrix LED headlights require expensive packages but function well when equipped. While aluminum suspension components raise potential repair costs, they deliver handling benefits that most owners appreciate during daily driving. The redesign successfully addresses most complaints about the previous generation while maintaining its core capability.
Ford Ranger (2024) (Interior)
Significant interior upgrades define the new Ranger, though with some operational quirks. The 12-inch touchscreen requires learning multiple menu paths for certain functions that deserve dedicated controls. The digital gauge cluster occasionally needs adjustments but generally maintains settings reliably. SuperCrew models offer 36.7-inch rear legroom—average for the class but sufficient for typical use. Improved sound insulation creates a noticeably quieter cabin than the previous generation. Driver assistance features work consistently for most owners, with false alarms occurring occasionally rather than frequently. While the price increase positions the Ranger closer to entry-level full-size trucks, its superior ride quality and technology justify the premium for buyers prioritizing daily comfort over maximum capability. The interior’s substantial upgrades make it competitive with segment leaders.
1. Hyundai Santa Cruz (2024)
The Santa Cruz creates a new vehicle category with inevitable compromises but clear target audience benefits. Its distinctive styling prioritizes design presence over traditional truck functionality. The unibody construction delivers car-like handling with 8.6 inches of ground clearance—surprising capability for light off-road use with minimal chassis flex when loaded properly. The compact 48.4-inch bed limits utility but includes clever storage solutions perfect for weekend adventure gear if not construction materials. The waterproof underfloor storage occasionally collects moisture but includes drainage in production models. The nimble 118.3-inch wheelbase creates exceptional maneuverability in urban environments—precisely where traditional trucks struggle most. The Santa Cruz excels as a lifestyle vehicle for city dwellers needing occasional utility without the penalties of a traditional truck.
Hyundai Santa Cruz (2024) (Interior)
Crossover comfort defines the Santa Cruz’s remarkably car-like cabin. The 10.25-inch touchscreen occasionally suffers from glare but offers responsive controls and clear graphics. Wireless smartphone connectivity works reliably for most owners despite occasional reconnection needs. Storage solutions throughout the cabin feel well-constructed if not indestructible. Materials quality exceeds traditional truck standards, though high-touch areas show wear somewhat earlier than ideal. Highway Driving Assist functions predictably for most drivers, providing genuine fatigue reduction on longer trips. With 36.5 inches of rear legroom, average adults fit comfortably, though headroom can feel tight for taller passengers due to the sloping roofline. The Santa Cruz delivers on its promise as an urban-friendly alternative for buyers who need occasional utility without traditional truck compromises.
