There are several factors to consider when buying an SUV, including price and features. While reliability used to be a major concern for buyers, top brands have upped their game, and most SUVs today are far more reliable than they were a couple of years ago. Still, established carmakers with experience in making SUVs tend to do better than others.
Luxury car brands like Lexus, and Acura are usually the go-to names for the most reliable cars, but these days, a number of regular carmakers have proved that they can match those brands in making reliable and dependable SUVs. Using reliability statistics from RepairPal, and JD Power as well as insights from Vehicle History, and Consumer Reports, let's look at the 10 most reliable SUVs from regular car brands.
10 Ford Motor Company – Ford Escape
Introduced in 2000, the Ford Escape has garnered a devoted fan base thanks to its versatility and long-lasting nature. The durable frame and transmission make a perfect combination for a reliable SUV. According to Vehicle History, Ford Escape owners claim running for over 200,000 miles is no big deal.
With a quality and reliability score of 81/100 from JD Power while also earning an overall reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal, the Escape is the most reliable Ford SUV today. Yearly maintenance costs are $600 and the severity of major issues is average, meaning major repairs aren’t very common in the Escape.
9 Mitsubishi – Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Contrary to its name, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is far from sporty. And unlike other SUVs on this list, it features poor handling, lackluster performance, and a shaky ride. An aging and sub-par interior further compromises its appeal, but you'll love how reliable the Outlander Sport is.
According to RepairPal, the Outlander Sport has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, placing it 7th out of 26 in the compact SUVs category. At the same time, JD Power gives it 82/100 on quality and reliability. Overall, the Outlander sport is relatively cheap to maintain, with yearly maintenance costs of $498 compared to the industry average of $651.
8 Mazda Motor Corporation – Mazda CX-5
One of the sportiest and most fun-to-drive SUVs, the CX-5 has only been around for over a decade, but its rock-solid reputation in the compact SUV market is next to none. Running costs are also low thanks to the wide range of efficient engines available, including the 147 hp 2.2-liter diesel engine that delivers over 50 mpg.
Thanks to its exceptional build quality, the CX-5's dependability rivals that of the big names at Honda and Toyota. It has a remarkable 4.5/5 reliability rating on RepairPal, placing it first out of 26 in the mid-size SUV class. Annual repair costs are only $447 compared to the $573 industry average for its class. Under proper care and maintenance, the Mazda CX-5 can easily last for over 200,000 miles.
7 Hyundai Motor Company – Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai released the Palisade for the first time in 2020, replacing the Santa Fe XL as the automaker's largest offering. One of the newest cars in the full-size SUV market, the Palisade is already making headlines with its excellent build quality, practicality, luxurious features, and potent engine options.
Although reliability reports for the Palisade are limited due to its recent debut, looking at NHTSA data, it promises to deliver solid longevity. There are no major engine/powertrain-related complaints reported, and the Palisade's biggest issue is the windshield cracking easily, which doesn't compromise its longevity. Looking at the 2020 and 2021 models, the Palisade has just one known NHTSA recall. For reference, the 2020 Ford Explorer has 12 registered recalls. JD Power agrees the Palisade has all the makings to last 200,000 miles or more, giving it a quality and reliability rating of 84/100, placing it first among Hyundai SUVs.
6 Jeep – Jeep Wrangler
If you want an SUV to take you deep into the woods, over some steep hills, or even rock climbing, the Jeep Wrangler is second to none. A tough SUV for off-roading, the Wrangler has also proven to be one of the most dependable American cars. Part of its reliability comes from its simplicity.
The fold-down windshield, removable/retractable roof, and removable doors are incredibly reliable, but the key ingredient behind the Wrangler's durability over the last decade is the bulletproof standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. In addition to its wide collection of accolades over the years and a reliability score of 86/100 on JD Power, the Wrangler is one of the lowest depreciating cars over five years (iSeeCars).
5 Chevrolet – Chevrolet Blazer
Boasting a Camaro-inspired exterior styling, the Chevrolet Blazer's muscle car vibes are head-turners. Although a reliable SUV, the Blazer trails the competition with its firm ride, low-rent interior quality, and limited passenger and cargo space.
With a JD Power reliability score of 86 out of 100, the Chevrolet Blazer is a solid SUV that can last for about 250,000 miles, according to Vehicle History. That's about 50,000 miles less than the rock-solid Toyota RAV4. The Blazer's running costs are also substantially cheaper, with annual maintenance and repair costs of $431.
4 Kia – Kia Sportage
Arriving in North America in 1995 as Kia's first SUV, the Sportage quickly became one of the best-selling models for the Korean brand. A sharply styled family SUV, the Kia Sportage is popular for being affordable and incredibly reliable. Kia's belief in reliability gets backed by an industry-leading 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty.
It has a JD Power reliability score of 88/100 on top of cheap yearly maintenance costs of $462, according to RepairPal. While the Kia might not see it to 300,000 miles, discussions on Kia Forum show Sportage owners reaching between 150,000 and 250,000 miles or more.
3 Subaru Corporation – Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru adverts often depict its cars as rugged and utilitarian outdoor companions. The Subaru Crosstrek combines all these features in a compact SUV package without compromising on reliability. The compelling package includes a spacious interior, impressive driver assist features, a smooth ride, and a standard all-wheel drive.
RepairPal gave the Crosstrek a 4.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it first out of 26 compact SUVs. This is no mean feat when competing with the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. On top of that, the Crosstrek has annual maintenance and repair costs of $492, which is way below the industry average of $521 for compact SUVs and $652 for all vehicles.
2 Honda Motor Company – Honda CR-V
A stalwart in the SUV industry for years, the Honda CR-V has been the best-selling compact SUV for the Japanese automaker for over two decades. Now redesigned for the 2023 model year, the CR-V boasts a spacious and upscaled interior, huge cargo space, an intuitive infotainment system, and other standard features. You'll also love its decent – if not thrilling – driving performance and excellent fuel economy.
Part of the CR-V's incredible reputation comes from its solid reliability. RepairPal ranks the CR-V second out of 26 compact SUVs with an excellent reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0. On average, a Honda CR-V can last well past 200,000 miles, but it will easily reach 300,000 miles and beyond with proper maintenance habits.
1 Toyota Motor Corporation – Toyota 4Runner
Toyota are well known for building reliable vehicles, and the 4Runner is no exception. Designed for off-road superiority, the 4Runner features a robust construction inside out, making it one of the most reliable SUVs today. Few cars on this list have been on the market as long as the fifth-generation 4Runner (2009-present), proving that the 4Runner is all about longevity.
Like many pickup trucks, the 4Runner's sturdy body-on-frame design is incredibly reliable and can outlast average SUVs. It gets an 87/100 quality and reliability score from JD Power, making it the most reliable Toyota SUV on sale. According to the Toyota-4Runner website, the 4Runner SUV can easily reach around 200,000 miles, and 300,000 miles is not an overstretch under proper maintenance.
Sources: RepairPal, JD Power, Vehicle History, Consumer Reports, and Manufacturer Websites