(iSeeCars) – The popularity of modern SUV’s comes from their do-everything capabilities, putting that “U” in Sport Utility Vehicle. Whether hauling the family across the country, venturing off road, or tackling inclement weather, the best SUVs provide confidence, dependability, user-friendly infotainment systems, and even relatively fuel-efficient powertrains (given their size).
Whether shopping for a brand new model or a reliable used SUV, the reliability scores on this page can help you identify which models have the best ranking in each category. The wide price range between diminutive compact SUVs to large luxury SUVs – and everything in between – means you should find a model that suits your budget. You can always save up-front purchase costs by shopping the used car market, though you’ll miss out on the piece of mind that comes with a new car warranty.
Keep in mind that reliability, while critical when buying either a used or new SUV, is only one of many important factors. If you regularly carry a lot of people you’ll likely need a 3-row SUV with sufficient cargo space. And if towing capacity is a concern you’ll want to consider larger models offering higher horsepower and torque specifications from either a turbo V6 or V8 engine. The larger engines and heavier curb weight will be reflected in lower fuel economy ratings, especially on four- or all-wheel-drive models.
You can avoid MPG concerns by going with an electric SUV from automakers like Mercedes-Benz (EQS), Nissan (Ariya) or Tesla (Model X or Model Y), but you’ll have to take range and recharging logistics into account. Electric SUVs often feature larger infotainment screens and the latest safety features. But many SUV EVs have been introduced in recent model years, meaning they have a limited track record as reliable cars. If this worries you, your best car might be from a traditional brand, like Chevy, Ford, or Lexus.
Here are the most reliable SUVs across multiple categories based on the vehicle’s iSeeCars Reliability Score.
Most Reliable Subcompact SUVs
- Chevrolet TrailBlazer – 8.9 / 10
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport – 8.0 / 10
- Jeep Compass – 7.9 / 10
- MINI Countryman – 7.1 / 10
- FIAT 500X – 6.9 / 10
Most Reliable Luxury Subcompact SUVs
- Buick Encore – 7.2 / 10
- BMW X1 – 7.2 / 10
- Land Rover Range Rover Evoque – 7.0 / 10
- Audi Q3 – 6.8 / 10
- Jaguar E-PACE – 6.7 / 10
Most Reliable Small SUVs
- Honda CR-V – 9.0 / 10
- Subaru Outback (SUV) – 8.6 / 10
- Toyota RAV4 – 8.5 / 10
- Subaru Forester – 8.3 / 10
- Mitsubishi Outlander – 8.2 / 10
Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs
- Acura RDX – 8.5 / 10
- BMW X3 – 8.4 / 10
- Volvo XC60 – 8.2 / 10
- Audi Q5 – 8.1 / 10
- BMW X4 – 7.1 / 10
Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
- Toyota 4Runner – 9.4 / 10
- Honda Pilot – 9.2 / 10
- Toyota Highlander – 8.9 / 10
- Dodge Durango – 8.8 / 10
- Chevrolet Blazer – 8.8 / 10
Most Reliable Subcompact SUVs
- Chevrolet TrailBlazer – 8.9 / 10
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport – 8.0 / 10
- Jeep Compass – 7.9 / 10
- MINI Countryman – 7.1 / 10
- FIAT 500X – 6.9 / 10
Most Reliable Luxury Subcompact SUVs
- Buick Encore – 7.2 / 10
- BMW X1 – 7.2 / 10
- Land Rover Range Rover Evoque – 7.0 / 10
- Audi Q3 – 6.8 / 10
- Jaguar E-PACE – 6.7 / 10
Most Reliable Small SUVs
- Honda CR-V – 9.0 / 10
- Subaru Outback (SUV) – 8.6 / 10
- Toyota RAV4 – 8.5 / 10
- Subaru Forester – 8.3 / 10
- Mitsubishi Outlander – 8.2 / 10
Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs
- Acura RDX – 8.5 / 10
- BMW X3 – 8.4 / 10
- Volvo XC60 – 8.2 / 10
- Audi Q5 – 8.1 / 10
- BMW X4 – 7.1 / 10
Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
- Toyota 4Runner – 9.4 / 10
- Honda Pilot – 9.2 / 10
- Toyota Highlander – 8.9 / 10
- Dodge Durango – 8.8 / 10
- Chevrolet Blazer – 8.8 / 10
Most Reliable Luxury Midsize SUVs
- Acura MDX – 9.3 / 10
- Lexus GX 460 – 9.0 / 10
- Lexus RX 350 – 8.9 / 10
- Porsche Cayenne – 8.4 / 10
- BMW X5 – 8.4 / 10
Most Reliable Large SUVs
- Toyota Land Cruiser – 9.9 / 10
- Toyota Sequoia – 9.7 / 10
- Ford Flex – 9.2 / 10
- Chevrolet Suburban – 9.1 / 10
- Chevrolet Tahoe – 9.1 / 10
Most Reliable Luxury Large SUVs
- Lexus LX 600 – 10 / 10
- Lexus LX 570 – 9.4 / 10
- Lincoln Navigator – 9.3 / 10
- Cadillac Escalade ESV – 9.1 / 10
- Cadillac Escalade – 9.1 / 10
Check out our complete list of the most reliable SUVs across all categories.
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About iSeeCars:
iSeeCars.com is a data-driven car search and research company that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, including the iSeeCars VIN Check report and Best Cars Rankings. iSeeCars has saved users over $416 million so far by applying big data analytics powered by over 25 billion (and growing) data points and using proprietary algorithms to objectively analyze, score and rank millions of new cars and used cars.
This article, Most Reliable SUVs, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com.
