The Fisker Ocean, a new electric crossover SUV, presents a mix of appealing design and innovative features but ultimately falls short due to numerous software issues, design quirks, and usability problems, making it the worst car reviewed despite its potential.
In the world of automotive reviews, some experiences stand out as particularly memorable, and not always for the right reasons. Today, I’m diving into my experience with the Fisker Ocean, a new electric crossover SUV that has left me with mixed feelings. While it boasts some attractive features and a promising design, it ultimately falls short in execution, leading me to label it as the worst car I’ve ever tested.
The Fisker Ocean is a midsize electric crossover SUV that aims to compete with popular models like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Priced around $70,000 to $75,000 for the launch edition, it presents itself as a stylish and innovative option in the electric vehicle market. However, my experience with the car revealed numerous red flags that became apparent only after living with it for a few days.
Upon first glance, the Fisker Ocean is a handsome vehicle. It features a unique satin blue-green paint that changes hue depending on the angle, a sleek front design with a light bar, and a spacious interior. The car is equipped with a dual motor setup and claims a range of 360 miles, although my real-world experience suggests a more realistic figure of around 320 miles.
The exterior of the Fisker Ocean is visually appealing, with a well-proportioned shape and stylish details:
Inside, the Fisker Ocean offers a comfortable driving experience with a spacious back seat that rivals competitors in the EV market. The materials used are decent, though not exceptional for a vehicle in this price range. The layout includes a large touchscreen display and physical buttons for HVAC controls, which is a welcome feature.
Despite its attractive design and comfortable interior, the Fisker Ocean is plagued by numerous quirks and usability issues that detract from the overall experience:
The most significant issue with the Fisker Ocean is its incomplete software. Throughout my time with the vehicle, I encountered frequent error messages related to various systems, including steering, braking, and driver assistance features. The 360-degree camera system often failed to activate, making it unreliable when reversing.
Several design choices raised eyebrows:
While the driving dynamics of the Fisker Ocean are generally acceptable, the experience is marred by the lack of smoothness in throttle response across different drive modes. The car also lacks a hill hold feature, which is surprising for an electric vehicle.
Fisker has announced a significant software update (version 2.0) that aims to address many of the issues encountered:
While these updates are promising, it remains to be seen how effectively they will resolve the existing problems.
The Fisker Ocean has the potential to be a strong contender in the electric vehicle market, with its attractive design and innovative features. However, the numerous software glitches, design quirks, and usability issues make it difficult to recommend. As a reviewer, I find myself rooting for Fisker to succeed, as competition in the EV space is crucial for innovation and improvement. For now, though, my experience with the Fisker Ocean has been less than stellar, leading me to conclude that it is, unfortunately, the worst car I’ve ever tested.
