The demand for SUVs in America has received extensive discussion and analysis. More recently, Volkswagen surveyed 1,000 owners of sport utility vehicles in the United States and found that a mind-blowing 87 percent of the respondents planned to keep their SUVs for the rest of their lives, citing comfort and safety as the two main factors in their SUV purchases.
Furthermore, 94 percent of respondents said they feel “more confident on the road overall when driving an SUV.” Meanwhile, stats and data show that SUV sales in the U.S. continue to surge despite economic uncertainty and the risk of stagflation. In 2021, truck and SUV 2021 sales surged to 11,654,294 units – up 5.3 percent from 2020. Conversely, passenger car sales reached only 3,424,888 units, down 2.6 percent from 2020.
Updated July 2023: The demand for SUVs is not showing signs of slowing down in any way, with more and more automakers resorting to turning their already existing sedans and hatchbacks into lifted versions to cash in on the trend. With that, we've updated this list to be a bit more informative regarding the reliability and maintenance costs.
Given the incredible popularity of the SUV segment, buyers want to purchase the car that best meets their requirements. Understandably, most consumers research vehicles before the purchase because they want to make informed, smart decisions. So, for all those who base their purchase decision on low maintenance costs, these are the 10 best SUV options for you based on Kelley Blue Book’s research.
12 2022 Hyundai Venue
Reliability Score: 4/5
Generally speaking, SUVs are expensive to maintain. “While SUVs do offer a few advantages over cars, including increased protection, higher driving position, and greater towing capacity, they tend to be more costly to maintain than cars and also carry a larger footprint,” says Atlantic Tire & Service.
Reliability
Although the service and maintenance of sport utility vehicles don’t come cheap, the 2022 Hyundai Venue is a great deal because it has low maintenance costs. According to KBB, this SUV gets a score of 4.8 out of 5.0 for value and 4.6 out of 5.0 for reliability. Moreover, KBB points out that the 5-year cost to own a 2022 Hyundai Venue is $30,555, which is $6,982 less than the segment average. Meanwhile, CarEdge establishes that maintenance will cost just $399 per year, or $1,999 in 5 years of ownership.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $399
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $1,999
- Recalls: 1
Pros:
- Frugal engine
- Small dimensions make for easier driving in cramped cities
Cons:
- Engine can be noisy with the CVT
- Storage and cargo space cramped due to small size
11 2022 Subaru Forester
Reliability Score: 5/5
According to KBB, the 2022 Subaru Forester has a 5-year cost to own of $39,473, which is $1,957 lower than the segment average. The SUV also gets a 4.6 out of 5.0 score for value and a 4.5 out of 5.0 score for reliability from KBB.
Reliability
Meanwhile, Edmunds establishes that the 5-year ownership cost for a 2022 Subaru Forester is $41,203, with repairs costing $813 and maintenance reaching $5,253 for the entire period.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $417
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $2,084
- Recalls: 0
Pros:
- Great visibility
- Good performance on and off-road
Cons:
- The engine may be a bit thirsty
10 2022 Subaru Outback
Reliability Score: 5/5
KBB also shows that the 2022 Subaru Outback is a great deal, having low maintenance costs. This two-row midsize SUV comes with a 5-year ownership cost of $43,973, which compared to the segment average is -$6,730. The Outback also seems like a solid choice thanks to its high reliability score, which is 4.4 out of 5.0.
Reliability
RepairPal establishes that the average annual maintenance cost for a Subaru is $428, whereas Edmunds’ estimates show that the 5-year ownership cost for this SUV reaches $42,825. According to Edmunds, repairs for 5 years will come up to a total of $813, and maintenance will cost an additional $2,137.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $428
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $2,137
- Recalls: 2
Pros:
- Excellent cargo space due to wagon-like rear
- Exceptional performance for what it is
Cons:
- Other wagons in its class may feel more premium
9 2022 Subaru Ascent
Reliability Score: 5/5
This family-friendly SUV has a 5-year ownership cost of $48,383, which is $4,121 below the segment average, according to KBB. The 2022 Subaru Ascent gets a rating of 4.2 out of 5.0 for value and 4.3 out of 5.0 for reliability from KBB.
Reliability
Furthermore, Edmunds forecast that the true cost to own the 2022 Subaru Ascent for 5 years is $53,940, with repairs costing $937 and maintenance adding another $5,592 to the bill. Regular maintenance will come in at around $440 per year, or just under $2,200 over five years.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $440
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $2,198
- Recalls: 1
Pros:
- Good quality interior
- Subaru reliability
Cons:
- Other SUVs in its class and price range are better value
- Has less cargo space than most competitors
8 2022 Nissan Armada
Reliability Score: 4/5
The 2022 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV with a 5-year ownership cost of $69,416. This might seem a lot, but considering the size of the vehicle, it is a deal. In fact, according to KBB, the 2022 Nissan Armada will cost $6,822 less than the segment average.
Reliability
Also, Edmunds projects that the 2022 Nissan Armada will cost $445 for upkeep yearly, which is fairly reasonable given the size of the vehicle. This equates to just over $2,200 over five years. Fuel costs, on the other hand, will be significantly more.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $445
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $2,221
- Recalls: 1
Pros:
- Huge storage space
- Good road presence
Cons:
- V8 is quite thirsty
- Vehicle may be a bit underpowered compared to competitors
7 2022 Ford Bronco
Reliability Score: 4/5
Needless to say, off-road vehicles come with huge repair and maintenance costs because drivers love to test them on rough terrains. But in a segment notorious for high ownership costs, the 2022 Ford Bronco stands out.
Reliability
According to KBB, this off-road SUV has a 5-year ownership cost of $47,961, which is $3,059 less than the segment average. Elsewhere, CarEdge forecasts that the maintenance will cost $502, while the repairs may add another $4,056 to the bill over five years.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $502
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $2,510
- Recalls: 9
Pros:
- Looks awesome
- Has excellent off-roading capabilities
Cons:
- Is a bit compromised on the road due to off-road-orientated set-up
- Tire noise intrudes the cabin
6 2022 Lexus UX
Reliability Score: 5/5
Let’s face it, luxury vehicles are really expensive to maintain. The ownership cost goes even higher for luxury SUVs, but the 2022 Lexus UX is a great option in this class. According to KBB’s estimates, the 5-year ownership cost for this luxury SUV is $46,424, which is $3,224 less than the segment average.
Reliability
CarEdge establishes that Lexus vehicles average around $7,786 for maintenance and repair costs throughout their first decade of operation. “This beats the industry average for luxury brands by $4,258,” says CarEdge.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $551
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $2,755
- Recalls: 0
Pros:
- All the looks of a Lexus, all the fuel economy of a Prius
Cons:
- Infotainment is a bit outdated
- Tight cargo space due to the inclusion of battery pack
5 2022 Lexus NX
Reliability Score: 5/5
The 2022 Lexus NX is another luxury SUV that comes off as a great deal thanks to its low repair and maintenance costs. According to KBB, the 2022 Lexus NX has a 5-year ownership cost of $51,227, which is $6,219 less than the segment average.
Reliability
According to RepairPal, owners pay on average $392 for repairs and maintenance for a Lexus NX over five years, which is lower than the industry average. This helps bring down the price of purchase over the same period of time.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $392
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $1,962
- Recalls: 2
Pros:
- Excellent mid-range hybrid SUV
- The top Hybrid model makes more power than necessary
Cons:
- Expensive to purchase
4 2022 Lexus RX
Reliability Score: 4/5
KBB also highlights the 2022 Lexus RX, which has a 5-years ownership cost of $62,099. This is $12,156 less than the segment average. KBB also points out that this luxury SUV has a “superb build quality” and “rock-solid resale value.”
Reliability
Furthermore, Edmunds establishes that the 2022 Lexus RX 450h will come with a bill of $443 for repairs and $2,211 for maintenance throughout five years of ownership. The RX is also an excellent family car with a bit of fashion sense, spicing up the local car parks.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $443
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $2,211
- Recalls: 0
Pros:
- BMW X3-sized Lexus is much nicer inside
- Infotainment includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Cons:
- New RX just released
- Hybrid RX450h is quite expensive
3 2022 Acura MDX
Reliability Score: 4/5
The Acura MDX is the slightly fancier version of the Honda Pilot SUV, featuring a nicer body, ramped-up interior styling, and many optional extras as standard. Powering the MDX is either a 3.5-liter V6 – or a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Type-S model. While it is still miles off something like the BMW X3 M40i, the MDX is quite a looker compared to most rivals.
Reliability
Compared to the segment average, the 2022 Acura MDX is $7,193 more affordable, according to KBB's research. And as per Edmunds’ calculations, the 2022 Acura MDX will come with a $1,006 cost for repairs and $4,449 for maintenance throughout five years of ownership.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $532
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $2,661
- Recalls: 0
Pros:
- Great styling compared to Honda sibling
- Sportier to drive
- Has more luxurious features than Honda it's based on
Cons:
- Costs more than the Honda
- Performance could be better compared to rivals
2 2023 Mazda CX-5
Reliability Score: 4/5
The Mazda CX-5 is a fantastic crossover/SUV which is one of the Japanese manufacturer's most popular models thanks to its safety and build quality. The CX-5 also gets some great engines, ranging from a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter inline-4 to a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 250 hp. For the 2018 model year, Mazda added cylinder deactivation for even better fuel economy.
Reliability
The Mazda CX-5 has some of the lowest annual maintenance costs for its segment, coming in at only $253 per year. Granted, the depreciation on the CX-5 is a bit steep, but thanks to the excellent build quality, the car remains popular even on the used market. The cost of service and maintenance across five years adds up to just under $2,000.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $253
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $1,948
- Recalls: 1
Pros:
- Styling remains consistent
- Great build quality
- A good amount of gadgets to play with
Cons:
- Higher trims get a bit expensive
- Performance is lower than competitors
1 2022 Honda CR-V
Reliability Score: 4/5
The CR-V is the most popular Honda model in many markets as it blends Japanese quality with reliability. The previous generation CR-V had some issues with its all-wheel-drive system, but Honda figured it out eventually. The CR-V gets the same engines as the previous-gen Accord - bar the 2.0-liter turbo from the Civic Type R - meaning a 1.5-liter turbo with 190 hp and a 2.0-liter hybrid with 201 hp.
Reliability
The CR-V is pretty well engineered and so the annual maintenance costs are under $300. This equates to a five-year service costs of just $1,925. This does not include the approximate $5,500 in fuel costs as the CR-V is not the most efficient crossover SUV on the market.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $254
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $1,925
- Recalls: 1
Pros:
- Brilliant build quality
- Well-engineered
- Will last a long time if properly maintained
Cons:
- Looks less cool than the new generation
- Underpowered compared to rivals