Competition in the SUV space is fierce. Buyers today have a range of SUV choices offering performance, comfort, and more. Since SUV makers tend to target families, reliability is among their top priorities, as it can hugely affect how the model performs in the market. Automakers update their SUV platforms and develop new ones with the goal of making reliable cars.
We collected data from sources such as Consumer Reports, RepairPal, CarEdge, and J.D. Power to determine the most reliable SUVs for long-term ownership on the market today.
8 2023 Toyota 4Runner
Predicted Reliability Score: 4/5
The 4Runner is Toyota's versatile mid-size SUV offering truck-like towing capacity and 4WD for off-roading. After reaching an impressive milestone, Toyota is offering a 40th Anniversary Special Edition for the 4Runner's 2023 model year.
Reliability
The SUV comes with a reliable 4.0-liter V6 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. For over 10 years the drivetrain system has remained mostly the same except for refinements, which supports why Toyota has become one of today's most reliable car brands. It received a predicted reliability score of 4 out of 5 from Consumer Reports, which suggests it will be more reliable than the average new car.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $514 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,825 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst 4Runner Years To Buy Used: 2020 Toyota 4Runner (for poor fuel economy, lower reliability scores related to the brakes, and issues with the paint and trim)
7 2023 Nissan Murano
Predicted Reliability Score: 4/5
Although suffering from a lesser design in the early 2000s, the Murano today is among the best-looking SUVs on the market. The Murano trades the popular boxy shape most SUVs typically have for a curvaceous shape that looks fantastic.
Reliability
The Murano comes with a 3.5-liter V6 dishing out 260 hp, giving it decent performance. Despite using the much-feared CVT transmission, the 2023 Murano recieved a 4 out of 5 predicted reliability from Consmer Reports.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $507 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,577 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Murano Years To Buy Used: 2009 and 2010 Nissan Murano (for scoring 1/5 and 2/5 in Consumer Reports' reliability scores respectively)
6 2023 Lexus GX
Predicted Reliability Score: 5/5
Luxury cars typically have the worst reliability ratings. However, being a Toyota sub-brand, Lexus knows that it has to maintain Toyota's reputation of reliability. This is why the GX is one of the most reliable luxury SUVs for 2023.
Reliability
The GX is so reliable thanks to its body-on-frame platform shared with the 4Runner, which means it's one of the few luxury SUVs that can actually go off-road with no worries. If you can get past that giant front grille, the GX is a great option for long-term ownership. Plus, Consumer Reports awarded it a perfect 5 out of 5 in predicted reliability.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $770 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,652 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst GX Years To Buy Used: 2019 Lexus GX (3/5 reliability score by Consumer Reports)
5 2023 Buick Encore GX
Predicted Reliability Score: 3/5
Buick has been going through a transition period over the last decade or so, as it ditched all sedan models to only remain with SUVs. One of the best SUVs in Buick's lineup is the Encore GX subcompact SUV.
Reliability
The Encore GX is perfect for anyone looking for a small, stylish, and super-reliable SUV, and since prices start at just $26,000, it's one of the most affordable SUVs you can buy for 2023. Consumer Reports awarded it a 3 out of 5 in predicted reliability.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $608 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,264 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Encore GX Years To Buy Used: 2020 Buick Encore GX (2/5 Consumer Reports owner satisfaction score)
4 2023 Chevrolet Equinox
Predicted Reliability Score: 3/5
The SUV market offers several segments to meet different needs. One of those is the compact crossover segment, and the Chevy Equinox is one of the top dogs in the segment, with the 2023 model being a great choice before the 2024 Equinox arrives.
Reliability
The Equinox has been around since the mid-2000s and is still going strong today. Now in its third generation, the Equinox recently received a refresh that gave it an updated and sleek design featuring a new front grille, new headlights, and new taillights. The 2023 Equinox comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and even though it only produces a weak 175 hp, it makes up for it with a 3 out of 5 predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $537 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,616 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2 (Air bags and seats)
- Worst Equinox Years To Buy Used: 2022 Chevrolet Equinox (1/5 reliability score by Consumer Reports)
3 2023 Kia Sportage
Predicted Reliability Score: 3/5
Kia has achieved great success in the U.S. market over the last two decades. The Korean marque started by selling badge-engineered models, but it now has many popular models across different segments. One of the most popular Kia models today is the Sportage.
Reliability
The Sportage debuted in 1993 as a badge-engineered Mazda Bongo, but is now a ground-up model using Kia’s N3 platform. The modern Sportage looks cool and has multiple powertrain options, but what impresses the most about it is reliability. The 2023 Kia Sportage costs just $462 in annual maintenance costs, according to RepairPal, which is lower than the $521 average for compact SUVs. Consumer Reports gave the 2023 Sportage a 3 out of 5 predicted reliability rating.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $462 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,873 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 3 (air bags and two electrical system recalls)
- Worst Sportage Years To Buy Used: 2017 Kia Sportage (1/5 reliability score by Consumer Reports)
2 2023 Lincoln Nautilus
Predicted Reliability Score: 4/5
Lincoln had a mid-cycle update in 2018 that aimed to phase out its use of 'MK' model names. This led to the death of the MKX, and from its ashes rose the Nautilus. The Nautilus shares its platform with the Ford Edge, but has a better-looking design and more luxurious cabin.
Reliability
The Nautilus comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making 250 hp in standard versions and 310 hp in hybrids. Both options offer great reliability, with the 2023 Nautilus scoring 88 out of 100 in J.D. Power reliability ratings. Consumer Reports gave the 2023 Nautilus a 4 out of 5 predicted reliability rating.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $879 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $11,326 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (child seat)
- Worst Nautilus Years To Buy Used: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus (1/5 reliability score by Consumer Reports)
1 2023 Honda Passport
Predicted Reliability Score: 4/5
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Honda has used the 'Passport' name on several SUVs in the past. The first time was when Honda sold a badge-engineered version of the Isuzu Rodeo as the Passport from 1993 to 2002. The Passport nameplate went on a long hiatus until Honda decided to bring it back for a third generation in 2019.
Reliability
The third-generation Passport has been in production since and is slowly becoming one of the most popular Japanese SUVs thanks to its style, spacious cabin, and reliable 3.6-liter J35Y6 V6 engine. The new Passport received a 4 out of 5 in predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $371 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,283 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst X Years To Buy Used: 2019 and 2021 Honda Passport (2/5 customer satisfaction scores by Consumer Reports)