As with any vehicle, reliability is a key concern when buying an SUV. An unreliable SUV can lead to various problems such as poor fuel economy, electrical failures, frequent breakdowns, and expensive repairs. For this reason, we've compiled a comprehensive list of the most reliable SUVs ever made to help you find a dependable SUV.

UPDATE: 2023/12/06 11:48 EST BY MONDAY GOMA

How we got our model selections: HotCars analyzed SUVs with the highest quality and reliability scores we could find on J.D. Power. The oldest models with published quality and reliability scores were as old as the 2006 year. We also considered a wide range of SUV types, including small premium, midsize premium, small SUV, compact SUV, compact premium, midsize, midsize premium, and large SUV models.

The SUVs included in this list have been arranged in order from lowest to highest J.D. Power quality and reliability scores. The information provided here has been obtained from credible sources, including J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, NHTSA, ensuring its accuracy and reliability. Additional information related to annual maintenance costs (sourced from RepairPal), estimated maintenance in the first 10 years (CarEdge), and number of recalls (NHTSA) is displayed for each model (when available).

26 2011 GMC Yukon: 86/100

The GMC Yukon receives a lot of praise for offering space for up to nine passengers, generous legroom, and a large cargo area with many practical details. It also has powerful engines and can tow up to 8,400 pounds. But what's even more impressive is that it's also really reliable. According to J.D. Power, the 2011 GMC Yukon scored 86 out of 100 for reliability, meaning you're looking at one of the most dependable SUVs that is not likely to experience frequent breakdowns.

The Yukon also comes with numerous cool features as standard, like power front bucket seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a leather-covered steering wheel, a nine-speaker Bose sound system, and similar.

2011 Yukon Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $747 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,300 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 6 (NHTSA)

25 2016 BMW X3: 86/100

The X3 is arguably the most reliable BMW you can buy, and the 2016 model has continued fueling that reputation, as underscored by its 86/100 J.D. Power reliability score.

Potential owners will also be happy to know that this luxury compact SUV has excellent safety ratings. The NHTSA gave it a top score of 5 out of 5 for its overall rating. It also earned a perfect five-star rating for side crashes and frontal crashes, and it had four stars for rollover safety.

2016 X3 Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,034 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $17711 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 4 (NHTSA)

24 2011 Acura RDX: 86/100

With a great J.D. Power reliability score of 86 out of 100, the 2011 Acura RDX is another reliable SUV that's worth considering if you're in the market for a dependable vehicle.

The RDX also comes well-equipped, with everything from power front seats to heated front seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a sunroof, a seven-speaker sound system, heated outside mirrors, automatic xenon headlamps, and privacy glass.

2011 RDX Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $473 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,610 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 2 (NHTSA)

23 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: 86/100

If you're excited about the upcoming 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe but can't afford a new car, you'll be happy to know that you can still find a dependable option on the used car market. The 2019 Santa Fe is known for being trustworthy, with a high reliability score of 86 as rated by JD Power, which is great news, especially since the Santa Fe is also known for being relatively affordable to maintain.

In addition to its impressive reliability rating, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe provides a range of options to cater to different preferences. Buyers can select from two- and three-row Santa Fe models, as well as choose from seven different trim levels.

2019 Santa Fe Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $515 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,056 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 2 (NHTSA)

22 2011 Toyota 4Runner: 86/100

The Toyota 4Runner has a hard-earned reputation for being a reliable midsize SUV, and the 2011 model exemplifies that commendable trait, scoring 86 out of 100 for reliability from J.D. Power. The 4Runner's reliability goes hand in hand with its ruggedness, making it an ideal choice for off-road adventures.

Hence, enthusiasts all around the world are captivated by the 4Runner's ability to handle challenging terrains and rough conditions while still maintaining its dependable performance. So, if you're on the hunt for a trustworthy and capable vehicle that can conquer off-road trails with ease, you won't go wrong with the 2011 Toyota 4Runner.

2011 4Runner Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $502 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,825 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 7 (NHTSA)

21 2018 Kia Sorento: 86/100

The 2018 Kia Sorento is an impressive midsize SUV with lots of space in the first- and second-row seats (in models with a third-row; two-row Sorentos are spacious in both rows), a classy, durable cabin, and reasonably powerful engines with up to 290 hp.

The Sorento isn't only a great SUV, but it has also been rated highly for reliability by J.D. Power, earning a score of 86 out of 100. The midsize SUV is also considered very safe, with a 5-star rating for overall safety from NHTSA. It got 5 stars for frontal crash and side crash, and four out of five stars in the rollover test.

2018 Sorento Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $402 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,953 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 3 (NHTSA)

20 2018 Kia Sportage: 87/100

Similar to its sibling above, the 2018 Kia Sportage is designed to provide good protection for occupants. The NHTSA awarded it a top rating of five out of five stars overall, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in both the frontal crash and rollover tests.

Along with the excellent safety rating, the 2018 Kia Sportage also boasts a great J.D. Power reliability score of 87 out of 100, making it one of the most reliable SUVs out there.

2018 Sportage Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $357 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,873 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 3 (NHTSA)

19 2018 Porsche Macan: 87/100

While a used 2018 Porsche Macan might be more expensive than some other SUVs on this list, you can trust that you're getting a dependable SUV for the price, as underscored by its 87/100 J.D. Power reliability score. The Macan isn’t only a reliable model, but it also gives you the option to choose from powerful turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engines.

The 252-hp turbo-four engine is standard on the entry-level Macan. However, the rest of the lineup features a V6 engine. The Macan S has a V6 engine capable of delivering 340 horsepower, while the GTS model provides an even higher output of 360 horsepower. For those who desire outstanding performance, the Macan Turbo delivers an impressive 400 horsepower from the same V6 engine.

2018 Macan Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,265 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $20,137 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 6 (NHTSA)

18 2006 Honda Element: 87/100

While the Honda Element's styling may not appeal to everyone, the compact SUV has rightfully earned its spot on our list of the most reliable SUVs ever, thanks to an impressive reliability score of 87 from J.D. Power.

In addition to having excellent reliability, the 2006 Honda Element also offers a generously sized cabin and cargo capacity, with up to 75 cubic feet of cargo room.

2006 Element Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $491 (RepairPal)
• Recalls: 8 (NHTSA)

17 2014 Toyota Venza: 87/100

It's not surprising that Toyotas are commonly found on lists of reliable cars, and the 2014 Toyota Venza is no exception. It is considered one of the most reliable Toyota SUVs available. In fact, the 2014 Venza is known for being among the Toyota vehicles capable of running for 400,000 miles or even more without major issues if looked after.

The 2014 Venza is also well-equipped, offering everything from a power driver seat to dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, keyless entry, a windshield wiper de-icer, privacy glass, etc. Those wanting even more luxurious should consider the XLE trim, which bundles niceties such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, keyless ignition, and similar.

2014 Venza Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $489 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,652 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 1 (NHTSA)

16 2013 Porsche Cayenne: 87/100

One of the most reliable Porsches to buy used, the 2013 Porsche Cayenne receives a lot of praise for its well-built interior and wide range of powerful engines. It comes standard with various convenient features, such as leather upholstery, power front seats, memory settings for the driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, LED running lights, front and rear foglamps, heated mirrors, and many other niceties designed to make life easy. So it's good to know it's also one of the most reliable SUVs ever made.

2013 Cayenne Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,260 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $20,552 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 3 (NHTSA

15 2018 Cadillac XT5: 87/100

The 2018 Cadillac XT5 may not offer as many engine choices as the Porsche Cayenne mentioned above, but it has its own strengths. These include a spacious and luxurious interior, a wide array of optional safety features, a range of standard features, and low maintenance costs.

In addition, the 2018 Cadillac XT5 has proven to be highly reliable, with a great reliability score of 87/100 according to J.D. Power.

2018 Cadillac XT5 Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $305 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,329 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 0

14 2007 Infiniti FX35: 88/100

Considering it is one of the oldest SUVs on this list, the 2007 Infiniti FX35 can be mistakenly perceived as outdated. In reality, it is quite the opposite. The luxury midsize SUV continues to present a refined and elegant exterior, along with lavish interior features that should make road travel a more pleasurable experience.

Standard features include leather upholstery, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power telescoping steering wheel, and many other features that combine to provide an upscale atmosphere.

2007 FX35 Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $617 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $11,830 (brand average, CarEdge)
• Recalls: 4 (NHTSA)

13 2012 GMC Terrain: 88/100

The 2012 GMC Terrain is another one of the many impressive showings on this most reliable SUVs list for American brands. Not only does it boast a J.D. Power reliability score of 88, but it also has many upsides, such as a spacious, quiet and well-made interior laden with plenty of tech and gadgets, including a standard 7-inch touchscreen.

In addition, the 2012 Terrain provides a driver seat with adjustable height, a backseat that can slide and recline, as well as a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

2012 Terrain Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $558 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,706 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 4 (NHTSA)

12 2010 Toyota RAV4: 88/100

The Toyota RAV4 lineup offers a wide range of reliable models, and the 2010 iteration stands out as one of the most reliable options available. The compact SUV scores 88/100 for reliability from J.D. Power, and in addition, offers good fuel economy, a long list of standard amenities, and loads of passenger and cargo space.

You get 40.8 inches of headroom up front, 41.8 inches of front legroom, 57.1 inches of front shoulder room, and 53.8 inches of front hip room. Out back, the 2010 RAV4 provides 39.7 inches of headroom, 38.3 inches of legroom, 55.3 inches of shoulder room, and 52.4 inches of hip room. Cargo room is also impressive, at 73.0 cubic feet max.

2010 RAV4 Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $419 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,531 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 13 (NHTSA)

11 2008 Subaru Forester: 88/100

The 2008 Subaru Forester is widely recognized for its durable construction and robustness, which aligns with the brand's reputation. So, many won't find it surprising that this model is considered one of the most reliable SUVs ever made. Also, with this being a Subaru vehicle, potential owners stand to benefit from standard all-wheel drive.

For those looking for added convenience and improved performance, the Premium trim is worth considering. It includes heated front seats, a power driver seat, a moonroof, heated outside mirrors, and a limited-slip rear differential.

2008 Forester Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $647 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,931 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 1 (NHTSA)

10 2015 Chevrolet Traverse: 88/100

Despite being introduced almost ten years ago, the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse continues to be highly attractive. This is not only due to its excellent reliability rating, but also because of its impressive crash test scores, ample cargo space, and a well-designed cabin that can accommodate up to eight people.

The midsize SUV received top marks for safety from the NHTSA, with an overall 5-star rating. This includes 5 out of 5 stars for frontal and side crash tests, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover tests.

2015 Traverse Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $656 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,790 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 5 (NHTSA)

9 2015 Lincoln MKX: 88/100

Adding to the list of reliable American SUVs on this list is the 2015 Lincoln MKX, with an impressive J.D. Power reliability rating of 88 out of 100. The luxury midsize SUV also strengthens its credentials with a quiet and nicely equipped cabin.

As standard, you get leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, memory settings for the driver's seat, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a 10-speaker audio system.

2015 MKX Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $811 (RepairPal)
• Recalls: 0

8 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK: 89/100

With an impressive reliability score of 89 out of 100 from J.D. Power, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK stands out as both one of the most reliable SUVs ever produced and as one of the most dependable models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup.

In addition to its excellent reliability score, the luxury compact SUV offers several noteworthy advantages. These include strong safety ratings, reasonable ownership costs within the Mercedes-Benz brand, a luxurious and well-constructed cabin, and a host of safety features.

2014 GLK Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $862 (RepairPal)
• Recalls: 6 (NHTSA)

7 2011 Honda CR-V: 90/100

The Honda CR-V has consistently remained a popular choice among SUV shoppers for various reasons. Its appeal stems from its spacious interior, versatile cargo space, and comfortable seating. In addition, the CR-V offers good fuel economy, advanced safety features, user-friendly technology, and affordability. These factors have contributed to the Honda CR-V's enduring appeal among consumers.

The 2011 Honda CR-V adds a high reliability rating to the mix, with an J.D. Power reliability score of 90 out of 100, making it not only one of the most reliable Honda CR-Vs available, but also one of the most reliable SUVs ever made.

2011 CR-V Recalls & Maintenance Costs

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $433 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,155 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 13 (NHTSA)