Ever had a vehicle that felt outdated? Between infotainment systems, exterior style, and safety features, many elements in some newer vehicles don’t feel new at all. It’s why vehicle makers tend to redesign their vehicles every five to seven years.
Unfortunately, there are vehicles that feel like they’ve gone too long without an overhaul and just miss the mark.
Here are 15 cars that need an update, and soon.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mirage needed an update so severely that Mitsubishi decided to cancel it. Mitsubishi put a relatively small 7” touchscreen in the Mirage, and that was about all the technology buyers received. To be fair, the Mirage was the least expensive new vehicle available. We hope that the Mirage returns to the Mitsubishi lineup with more technology.
Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500X is fun to drive with a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive. Currently, the 500X is not sold in America besides those models remaining on lots, though a refreshed interior may help the vehicle become more competitive. The problem? An outdated 7” touchscreen and a tricky-to-use infotainment system. Unlike other cars in its class, the Fiat 500X has many optional but few built-in standard safety features, like automatic braking.
Toyota 4Runner
Manufacturers don’t change much when a vehicle sells well and buyers like it. However, the 4Runner may be pushing that boundary. First, it has too many buttons and knobs instead of a good, working touchscreen. Finally, modern SUVs, even off-road ones, should have fuel efficiency in mind. The 4Runner still only gets up to 19 MPG on the highway with a 4.0-liter V6. Unfortunately, its competitor, the Honda Pilot, does way better with gas.
Infiniti Q55
The Infiniti Q55 was outdated when it was first launched in 2022. The vehicle was based on a 2019 QX50 SUV. This sports car has the speed to be fun, but it’s also in a competitive category where BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz produce better cars. Customers and reviews also complain that the infotainment system and backup camera are low resolution and clunky.
Acura RDX
The new model features minor updates, but it’s not enough. For 2025, Acura has included a wireless option for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which has been added to much less expensive vehicles. Although the RDX packs a punch with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the 10-speed transmission doesn’t keep up in lower gears.
Nissan Armada
We appreciate the Armada for offering a powerful V8 engine capable of 400 horsepower. The issue is that the vehicle doesn’t drive well and gets poor mileage with up to 19 MPG. While its competitors only get one or two more, those numbers matter to many drivers.
Maserati Ghibli
Maserati may have put a lot of effort into making the Ghibli one of the fastest sedans on the road. However, they neglected its interior, which features an out-of-date infotainment system. With the Ghibli starting at $109,500, the interior should work better.
Chrysler Pacifica
At a time when minivans are making a comeback, the Pacifica has left out of major exterior redesigns. Chrysler relaunched the Pacifica in 2021 but hasn’t done much to upgrade its exterior.
Ford Edge
Ford has canceled the 2025 Edge, though they may remake the SUV into an electric vehicle. Even in a model’s final year or two, providing at least something to keep buyers interested is common, but not Ford. They provided nothing new for the Edge.
BMW M3
Driving enthusiasts who enjoy old BMWs tend to like wide, single-piece horizontal grills. While the BMW M3 is not the only BMW to receive a grille update, it’s one of the most unique. The 2021 BMW M3 received a new kidney grille that split the bars around the logo. It is now taller than it is wide. While some are beginning to like, or at least accept, the new grille, we would still like to see a new refresh here.
Subaru BRZ
The BRZ is Subaru’s sports car that’s fun to drive. Although Subaru redesigned the vehicle in 2022, they took away the aggressive look and overall spirit of the original. The whole vehicle just looks flat and less exciting now. We hope that if Subaru carries on this nameplate, they will offer another design in the near future.
Tesla Model S
The Model S was first sold in 2021. Tesla changed the electric vehicle game with this sedan but needs lots of help. Our issue is not the technology but the exterior, which last received a significant update in 2016. Tesla is working to modernize the Model S, and we look forward to seeing it.
Tesla Model X
We are picking on electric cars here, but they deserve it. Tesla did redesign the Model X SUV in 2021, but their most recent redesign isn’t enough in today’s competitive EV field. Tesla has seemingly ignored the exterior since the original design. They are expected to refresh the vehicle in 2025 or 2026, but there’s little word on what to expect.
Chevrolet Express
Part of the reason why you might recognize a Chevrolet Express van is because its design has remained largely unchanged since 2003—Chevrolet needs to do something to make them look more modern. Ultimately, we don’t expect Chevrolet to offer much, as they plan to replace the Express with a new electric vehicle anyway.
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is an example of a model that waited so long for an update that Chrysler stopped making it. The last time the 300 had a major cosmetic update was in 2011. This is far too long, even with less competition in the full-size sedan segment.
Sometimes, Cars Just Fall Behind with the Times
Car technology changes so rapidly that we’ll see new updated infotainment and safety systems in a few years. For now, big automakers should at least keep vehicles looking fresh on the inside and out to stay competitive. We suggest steering clear of the cars on this list, as you’ll get much better value if they update them soon.
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