SUVs That Struggle With Corners
Some vehicles lean so dramatically in corners, you'd think they're going to tip through a turn. Engineers may call it comfort tuning, but drivers know when a car feels like it's swaying on stilts. These models became known for that unsettling tilt, and while some became infamous, others developed cult followings. If you've ever gripped the wheel mid-turn with white knuckles, you'll want to see which names made this list.
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1. Jeep Wrangler (JK)
The Wrangler JK's soft coil springs and tall suspension make it lean dramatically during turns. Automotive reviewers often point to its top-heavy build as a key weakness. Disconnecting sway bars for off-roading only increases the roll, yet it remains an off-road favorite.
2. Toyota FJ Cruiser
Cornering never felt natural in the FJ Cruiser. Its narrow stance and high center of gravity made it feel unsettled during road tests. While discontinued partly due to its handling flaws, the retro SUV still earns loyalty for its rugged personality and off-road capability.
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3. Ford Explorer (Early 2000s)
The early 2000s Explorer became notorious after rollover incidents linked to excessive lean. A major Firestone recall amplified the problem, prompting NHTSA investigations. The backlash forced automakers to rethink SUV design, and the Explorer became a reference point for poor suspension tuning choices.
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4. Suzuki Samurai
The Suzuki Samurai had stability issues baked into its short wheelbase and soft suspension. Its "Not Acceptable" rating from Consumer Reports made headlines in 1988. Even with all its flaws, it won over off-road purists who appreciated its lightweight frame and mechanical simplicity.
5. Land Rover Defender 90 (Old Gen)
Lean came naturally to this old-school Defender. Its leaf springs and angular body made even moderate speeds feel unstable. British military tests showed stability concerns on slopes, and civilian drivers compared its body motion to that of a small boat in choppy water.
6. Chevrolet Suburban (Pre-2000s)
Drivers felt every bit of this Suburban's heft when cornering. Its oversized frame and plush suspension delivered pronounced body roll that critics never ignored. Despite the poor handling, families embraced it for its comfort and ability to carry people and gear without effort.
7. Mitsubishi Montero
The Montero's tall frame and overly light steering made it sway more than most rivals. Although not banned, rollover worries hurt U.S. sales. Its unibody didn't fix the problem, and despite poor road manners, it still managed to compete in brutal Dakar Rally stages.
8. Mercedes-Benz G-Class (Pre-2018)
Luxury met lumbering in the pre-2018 G-Class. Built on a ladder frame and never shy about its floaty feel, it handled more like a tank than a premium SUV. Its military roots remained obvious, but its popularity exploded thanks to celebrity drivers and street appeal.
9. Chevrolet Astro Van
The Astro Van's soft suspension and tall stance made turns feel more like tilts. Drivers often described its handling as "school bus-like", especially at highway speeds. Its rear-wheel-drive setup didn't help, but it stuck around as a favorite for tradesmen needing dependable cargo space.
RL GNZLZ from Chile on Wikimedia
10. Dodge Durango (First Generation)
Borrowing its bones from the Dakota truck, the first-gen Durango leaned hard into curves. Its comfort-first suspension lacked composure under stress, and road testers flagged it early. Body rolls during evasive moves were common. Fortunately, today's models steer far better and feel safer.
11. Toyota Land Cruiser (80 Series)
This Land Cruiser made off-road comfort a priority, but its suspension offered little resistance to side sway. Heavy curb weight added to the issue. Known for lasting decades, it excelled on dirt, not asphalt, and still holds strong appeal for overland adventurers worldwide.
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12. Kia Sedona (2000s Models)
The early Kia Sedona prioritized comfort over performance. Families appreciated its smooth, soft ride, but critics often noted its lack of agility, especially in corners. It offered plenty of space, but compared to its rivals, the handling always felt a step behind.
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13. Nissan Xterra (First Generation)
The first-gen Xterra had purpose-built utility, but that didn't include cornering grace. A soft suspension and high roofline made it feel unstable in emergency maneuvers. It offered serious ruggedness and even packed a first-aid kit, but agility clearly wasn't part of the equation.
14. GMC Yukon XL (Early 2000s)
The Yukon XL stretched things too far—literally. Its long body and torsion-bar suspension turned quick turns into slow-motion swings. Reviewers noted how its length hindered responsiveness. That said, it sold well by offering quiet, comfy travel for big families who prioritized room over handling.
15. Isuzu Trooper
The Trooper drew scrutiny after numerous rollover cases in the '90s raised red flags. Reviewers criticized its lackluster suspension setup and sky-high center of gravity. While it quietly exited the U.S. market, budget off-roaders still admire it for rugged reliability and basic trail chops.
16. Ford Aerostar
Built on truck DNA, the Aerostar never handled like a family van should. Its tall profile and soft rear springs led to serious side sway. Safety testers flagged its instability, but van lifers liked the space, and its rare AWD option gave it staying power.
17. Chrysler Pacifica (First Generation)
The first Pacifica aimed for smooth cruising but missed the mark on body control. Its cornering felt vague and the lean was impossible to ignore. Designed during the DaimlerChrysler era, it borrowed some luxury DNA but needed tighter suspension. Thankfully that’s one of the things later models delivered.
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18. Hummer H2
The H2 didn't just roll—it practically lurched through corners. Its immense weight, paired with a soft suspension, made for body movement that testers often called "comical". Despite needing early braking just to stay stable, collectors still chase this bulky symbol of early-2000s automotive excess.
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19. Buick Rendezvous
The Rendezvous promised sporty crossover vibes but delivered the dynamics of a minivan. Its tall build and squishy suspension made handling vague and floaty. Quick turns felt uneasy, and although it shared bones with the Aztek, its style left a stronger impression than its control.
20. Pontiac Aztek
The Aztek earned a reputation for handling that felt clumsy at best. A weak chassis and awkward weight balance produced plenty of body lean in motion. While panned across the board during its launch, it eventually gained pop culture redemption through its role on Breaking Bad.
