While SUVs boast numerous advantages, such as improved ground clearance, practicality, space, and even comfort, their higher center of gravity also puts them at a much greater risk of tipping over.
Historically, SUVs were definitely not the safest vehicles on the road, which is why manufacturers today place a special emphasis on making their SUVs safer and more planted than ever. Yet, despite this, recent testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has shown that some of the newer models still pose a rollover hazard on the road.
Today, we're isolating the top five most reliable SUVs that don't suffer from any safety issues and will never let you down. On the other hand, we're also sharing with you the 10 seemingly solid SUV choices you should definitely steer clear of, as they've proven themselves massive rollover hazards in the event of losing control of the vehicle.
15 Reliable: 2019 Lexus GX
While it may lack some of the lavish features and attractive cabin design some of its competitors boast, this 7-seat luxury SUV earns the venerable title of the most reliable SUV in the world according to the 2019 Consumer report rankings where it scored a reliability rating of a whopping 95%.
14 Reliable: 2019 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 has had some issues in the past, but Toyota really made an effort to make the new model their best yet. Featuring a radical redesign, the 2019 model is one of the most beautiful midsize SUVs on the market. Scoring 90% on Consumer Reports' rankings, it will also prevent you from seeing the mechanic often.
13 Reliable: 2019 Porsche Macan
You wouldn't expect anything less from a Porsche, but the Macan is hands-down among the best SUVs one can currently buy. The premium price you pay versus competitors has gone into making the Macan one of the safest, most exciting, and most luxurious SUVs on the road.
However, the highlight of the 2019 model is its stellar reliability rating, which earned it a perfect score of 5 points from J.D. Power.
12 Reliable: 2019 Kia Sorento
The 2019 Sorento is a refreshingly sturdy SUV that won't break the bank. Though, its affordable price tag doesn't compromise on any of the features a well-built SUV should have. This includes a spacious cabin, sufficient power (up to 290 hp), and most importantly, among the highest reliability ratings in the world.
11 Reliable: Mazda CX-5
Mazda is a company that has shown a huge improvement in terms of the sturdiness and reliability of their models. The CX-5 perhaps best demonstrates this, as it features one of the best reliability scores (78%) in its segment, according to Consumer Reports rankings for 2019.
Visually appealing and packed with standard safety equipment - such as emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane assistance - the CX-5 is also among the few crossover SUVs that had no issues reported for the 2019 model year.
10 Rollover Hazard: 2017 Cadillac Escalade
Yes, this staple American luxury SUV may not be worth your money after all... at least if it's safety you're looking for. While this massive SUV has a better chance of keeping you intact in a crash than most smaller cars, it's rollovers that you should be worried about.
NHTSA rates the 2017 Escalade as having a 22.9% chance of tipping over, with older models scoring even worse.
9 Rollover Hazard: 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe
Similarly to the Escalade whose platform it shares, the 2016 Tahoe compares rather well to the competition, featuring some of the most comfortable interiors paired with numerous safety equipment and a powerful engine (355 horsepower V8).
However, this unfortunately also means it shares the same NHTSA rollover probability of 22.9%. Because of this, a viable alternative would be the new Ford Expedition, which both offer similar power and luxury features with far better rollover scores.
8 Rollover Hazard: 2016 GMC Yukon
The upsides of this full-size American SUV are its appealing design, lavish interior, and a muscular 420-horsepower V8. Unfortunately, it's a car that will pose a big risk of tipping over at every turn.
Apart from that, the Yukon's downside is also its overall 3.5/5 J.D. Power reliability rating that puts it behind the competition.
7 Rollover Hazard: 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
The quintessential off-roader may not be as stable as its pedigree would lead you to believe. The car has improved a lot in the last few years, with many issues plaguing the 2016 model, such as bad comfort, handling, questionable safety, and most importantly, an alarming NHTSA rollover probability of 27.6%.
6 Rollover Hazard: 2016 Hummer H2
Some of you may not have expected to find the Hummer on this list, yet here we are. While the H1 is built like an all-out military vehicle, capable of withstanding harsh treatment and hurdling almost any terrain, the H2's larger and clumsier body with a high center of gravity puts it on our list as a potential rollover hazard.
5 Rollover Hazard: 2017 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner may boast the practicality and reliability that make Toyotas some of the most popular SUVs in the world. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite meet the stability of its sibling models, according to NHTSA testing.
In fact, the institution assesses the probability of the 4Runner tipping over at an alarming 24.6%.
4 Rollover Hazard: 2016 Jeep Renegade
Like the Wrangler, the 2016 Jeep Renegade may seem like a solid SUV choice, providing a comfortable and attractive interior and excellent off-road capabilities. Under the surface though, this particular model is plagued by poor fuel economy and some of the worst reliability scores in the industry (J.D. Power rates it at 2/5).
However, it also makes the list as one of the SUVs most likely to tip over, with a probability of 23% being calculated by the NHTSA.
3 Rollover Hazard: 2017 Nissan NV3500
It may not look like it, but Nissan considers the NV3500 an SUV. And as such, the model takes the cake for posing the highest threat of tipping over according to NHTSA, rated at a frightening 30.6%.
240 inches long and 84.9 inches tall, this SUV has a concerningly high center of gravity, making it a bad choice for a novice driver.
2 Rollover Hazard: 2011 Dodge Nitro
The 2011 Dodge Nitro is a notoriously dangerous vehicle when tipped over. According to the NHTSA, the chances of this happening are 21.9%, however, the consequences of that happening can be extremely severe.
The 2011 model has also had numerous complaints associated with it and even has a page dedicated to the dangers of the Nitro tipping over on Automotive Defects. According to the site, rollovers of the Nitro are not uncommon and may result in the roof pillar collapsing, passenger entrapment, and numerous potential injuries.
1 Rollover Hazard: 2010 Mercury Mountaineer
With a decade gone by since the Mountaineer ceased production, the car is hardly missed considering its low fuel economy, barely sufficient safety features, and dated looks (both interior and exterior).
What you may not know, however, is that the Mountaineer was one of the least reliable SUVs on the market, having only scored 2/5 reliability points from J.D. Power. These less-than-stellar characteristics are made worse by the fact that the Mountaineer is among the SUVs with the highest probability of tipping over in case the driver loses control of the vehicle according to NHTSA.
Sources: J.D. Power, NHTSA, Automotive Defects, Consumer Reports