Here Are The Most Reliable SUVs Of The Last Decade

SUVs are the premier option for families because they provide the best utility, ferrying people and cargo. They are also easy to reconfigure, as the rear seats can be set down to increase the available cargo space at a moment’s notice.

Previously, SUVs only provided the spartan amenities of space and off-roading ability. Now, they come available with plush material, infotainment, and even fuel economy. However, their true value lies in the ability to pass the test of time, while being able to be called upon to do all manner of jobs without costing a fortune maintenance-wise.

UPDATE: 2023/12/15 18:09 EST BY Michael De Kock

How we got our model selections: HotCars analyzed the most reliable SUVs on the used market. We sourced data from J.D. Power looking at its Quality & Reliability scores. Additional information such as the average yearly maintennce costs (from RepairPal) and total number of recalls (NHTSA) are included. The following models were sorted from least to most reliable according to their J.D. Power scores.

16 2016 Ford Expedition: 79/100

Also making our list of American SUVs that’ll last you a lifetime, the Expedition has a bit of history behind it; it’s the first full-size SUV with a four-door body sold by Ford. Also, it’s a remarkable vehicle, being the successor to the iconic Bronco when it was released in 1997. Ever since then, the Expedition has maintained quite a loyal following, even to this day.

Pricing

The 2016 Ford Expedition starts at around $13,000 for a high-mileage model with well over 100,000 miles, to around $27,000 for a low-mileage model with some optional extras. Overall, it is not a bad choice for a large family SUV.

Reliability

This loyalty from the brand’s enthusiasts isn’t a blind one. As seen with 2015, 2016, and 2017 models which are incredibly reliable and are some of the least recalled Expedition models, according to the NHTSA. It has an estimated annual maintenance cost of about $861.

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 79/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $861
• Recalls: 2

15 2018 GMC Yukon: 79/100

The full-size truck-based GMC Yukon has been a top-rated SUV in the market. The large cabin size, engine, and utility make it a practical option for large families as well. It has developed quite well over the years, earning high reliability ratings, and that’s the reason that recent models gain the acknowledgment of being dependable.

Pricing

The GMC Yukon is basically a smaller and cheaper version of the Cadillac Escalade, but without the high price. The 2018 Yukon starts from around $26,000, rising to well over $50,000 for a low-mileage and high-spec’d model with premium packages.

Reliability

The Yukon may have a lower score than the other vehicles on this list, but it is still an excellent SUV option for used SUV buyers.

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 80/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $747
• Recalls: 3

14 2015 Mazda CX-5: 80/100

Mazda is categorized as a niche manufacturer, but it has a reputation for producing excellent models, and the CX-5 is one of them. As one of Mazda’s few attempts at the crossover segment, the SUV has had significant success. After all, the CX-5 brought more luxury to compact crossovers, injecting lots of premium features to the segment.

Pricing

Despite the 2015 Mazda CX-5’s great reliability, the model starts from just $5,000, according to Edmunds. This rises to a substantially more $22,000 for a low-mileage model with great optional extras and in nice color.

Reliability

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 80/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $447
• Recalls: 1

13 2015 Toyota Highlander: 80/100

The Highlander is a midsize crossover SUV that yet again illustrates Toyota’s will to go in-depth on its models. The SUV offers all the essentials to consumers, including interior space, technology, and efficiency, making the Highlander arguably the better choice when compared to models like the RAV4.

When it comes to reliability, the less one has to spend on spare parts and repairs, the better. For more information, here’s everything would-be owners should know before buying a used Toyota Highlander.

Pricing

The 2015 Highlander might be getting older now, but it is still a brilliant family hauler. Prices for the 2015 Highlander start at just under $10,000, rising to over $40,000 depending on the condition.

Reliability

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 80/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $489
• Recalls: 1

12 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe: 80/100

The Tahoe is one of the most popular SUV models in the Americas over the last 30 years. In fact, it has been the chosen model for law enforcement and government agencies due to its ability to be stable during high-speed chases. It even made our list of cheapest Chevy SUVs to maintain and repair with an estimated $1,292 Annually, according to CarEdge.

Pricing

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a favorite of law-enforcement and wealthy people alike, but the prices are for middle-class customers. The 2017 Tahoe starts from just over $21,000 and ends at just under $50,000 for the top-trim luxury model.

Reliability

The Tahoe is also one of the more reliable SUVs in the market. The Tahoe scores highly on J.D. Power’s reliability ratings for large SUVs.

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 80/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $744
• Recalls: 3

11 2021 Toyota Sequoia: 81/100

The Toyota Sequoia is a behemoth of a vehicle. Based on the Tundra pickup truck, the Sequoia has the same body-on-frame design as the pickup, as well as the 5.7-liter Toyota V8. The second-generation Sequoia was launched in 2007 and the model lasted until 2022 – without losing any popularity.

Toyota updated the Sequoia twice over the years, adding more modern features in an effort to compete with the rest of the segment. The later years saw major changes as the TRD package was added, which gave the Sequoia a more rugged look. For more information, check out our review of the large off-road 2021 Sequoia for an in-depth overview.

Pricing

With the Sequoia being a behemoth of reliability and off-roading capability, the prices – even for older models – start at a premium. The 2013 Sequoia comes in at just under $24,000, rising to around $30,000 for a high-specced one with lower mileage.

Reliability

The Toyota Sequoia is a monster in the reliability department. It has had only just three recalls and cost just a little over $700 on average to maintain every year. On J.D. Power, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia has a reliability score of 81 out of 100.

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 81/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $703
• Recalls: 3

10 2020 BMW X5: 82/100

The BMW X5 is the original luxury SUV that kicked off the trend. The X5 debuted in 1999 and has since been the standard for upper-class families. The fourth-generation X5 debuted in 2019 and is a gorgeous hunk of German metal.

The X5 features mostly 6- and 8-cylinder engines, bar the base xDrive30i and xDrive25d only available in certain markets. The latest facelift – or Life Cycle Impulse in BMW talk – added new higher-end Laser Lights, an updated front end and a newer infotainment system.

Pricing

With the 2020 BMW X5 still being a relatively new model, the prices reflect this fact as the cheapest 2020 model starts at nearly $28,000, with the most expensive listing for as much as $67,000.

Reliability

The 2020 X5’s reliability is well above average for German vehicles of its type. On J.D. Power, the model earned a reliability score of 82 and a relatively low yearly maintenance cost of $1,166, according to RepairPal.

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 82/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,166
• Recalls: 11

9 2017 Lexus RX: 83/100

Lexus is Toyota’s luxury division and is another brand that delivers cars with excellent reliability scores. These models include – but are not limited to – the UX, CT, RC, GS, and LX.

One of the more popular models is the mid-size RX, which falls in line beneath the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado-sized QX and above the all-new, all-electric RZ – based on the Toyota bZ4X.

Pricing

The Lexus RX is a pretty good vehicle with excellent reliability. The used 2017 prices start from just over $18,000, rising to an eye-watering $35,000+ on Edmunds.

Reliability

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 83/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $550
• Recalls: 1

8 2020 Honda CR-V: 84/100

The CR-V’s reliability stems from its brand reputation, which is high when it comes to SUVs. The current generation will likely offer a good level of ownership satisfaction because of the increase in quality felt during the year.

Pricing

The Honda CR-V is a hugely popular family SUV with excellent reliability, according to J.D. Power. Unsurprisingly, the older models are still being sold for a good price on the used market, with the 2020 model starting at just under $20,000 on Edmunds. For a more powerful engine, the Touring model raises the price to over $32,000.

Reliability

The 2020 Honda CR-V scores as much as 84 on the J.D. Power. Besides that, it features a well-equipped cabin fitted with a high quality grade of materials with good build quality. It also comes with a standard warranty that would cover it for 90,000 miles or three years, another attribute that makes the CR-V one of the best SUVs in America.

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $407
• Recalls: 4

7 2022 BMW X3: 85/100

The BMW X3 is the smallest of the proper “SAVs” in the Munich-based automakers’ lineup. It debuted in 2003 and was nearly an instant hit. The X3 is now in its third generation, with the fourth generation arriving in 2024.

The G01 generation features different engines and drivetrain configurations, the more common one in the U.S. being the xDrive30i with 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. For those who want a bit more oomph, the M40i has a twin-turbo straight-6 with 355 hp or 382 hp, depending on the model year.

Pricing

The BMW X3 is quite a popular SUV and the 2022 model is still quite fresh, so the pricing is very much on par with brand-new models. The base X3 starts from $29,000 on Edmunds, rising to $55,000 for the 6-cylinder model.

Reliability

The 2022 BMW X3 is pretty reliable in the grand scheme of things, scoring a high 85/100 on J.D. Power. It’s had up to 9 recalls and costs about $968 on average to maintain it every year.

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 85/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $968
• Recalls: 9

6 2015 Hyundai Tucson: 86/100

The Tucson has a reputation for being sturdy and easy to maintain. Similarly, Hyundai upped its game into the second and third generations with improvements in build quality and warranty schedules.

Pricing

The 2015 Hyundai Tucson may not be the best-looking of the compact family SUVs, but it has good reliability and comes at a good price on the used market. The Tucson starts at just under $10,000, rising to just over $20,000 for low mileage models.

Reliability

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 86/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $426
• Recalls: 3

5 2017 Buick Encore: 87/100

The Encore is a subcompact crossover based on the GM Gamma II platform. The SUV has certain advantages, like a good suspension, a strong engine, and agreeable steering, so it checks most of the essential boxes. The Encore won the dependability award in 2020, and that should allude to its reliability.

Pricing

The Encore starts at just under $10,000 on Edmunds for a 2017 model, rising to just under $22,000 for a low-mileage example.

Reliability

The annual repair costs are lower than $500, meaning it has one of the best ownership expenses in the market. Major problems are quite uncommon for the SUV. The Buick Encore gets a very respectable 87 out of 100 on J.D. Power.

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 87/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $466
• Recalls: 2

4 2018 Kia Sportage: 87/100

The Sportage is one of the most popular offerings due to its sporty design and affordable pricing, so it is a pleasant surprise that it is quite dependable as well.

Pricing

The 2018 Sportage starts at just under $16,000 on the used market, rising to well over $24,000 on the high end. Going by its reliability score of 87 over 100 on J.D. Power, the 2018 Sportage has excellent reliability – something potential customers would pay a premium for.

Reliability

The repair and maintenance cost of the Sportage is also reported as being an estimated $450.

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 87/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $426
• Recalls: 2

3 2010 Toyota RAV4: 88/100

Toyota has an excellent reputation for producing hardy SUVs that can incessantly brave the elements. One of its flagships, the RAV4, is a compact SUV loaded with technology, safety attributes, and a fuel-efficient engine.

Pricing

The current RAV4 is the most popular SUV on the market. While this wasn’t quite the case for the 2010 RAV4, it is still a great car despite its fuel economy. The 2010 RAV4 starts from the $10,000 mark, rising to just under $16,000 for a specced-out one.

Reliability

Though it’s a more suburban trotter than an off-roader, this crossover can deliver great miles of uninterrupted service. It is quite a worthy investment for young families. With a score of 88/100, the RAV4 gets the second-place spot on J.D. Power’s ratings, just behind Toyota’s own FJ Cruiser for the same model year.

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 88/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $429
• Recalls: 11

2 2017 Toyota 4Runner: 88/100

The Toyota 4Runner is a vehicle that just screams ‘cool’. It is a dependable vehicle with relatively simple engines and systems, resulting in fewer things going wrong. The V6 engine under the hood may not be the most exciting of powerplants, but it continues to function perfectly wherever the vehicle may find itself – whether it be in the middle of a busy city or the great outdoors.

The 4Runner has remained a reliable vehicle since the current model’s introduction in 2009. While fans of the model have groaned about not getting a new generation, Toyota has kept the updates coming to make sure the 4Runner still stays relevant in the modern age. The slightly underpowered engine and fuel economy do cause slight problems, but the 4Runner remains an ever-popular vehicle.

Pricing

The Toyota 4Runner is massively popular, resulting in used prices soaring much higher than they should be. A high-mileage 2017 4Runner costs from just under $20,000, while a nice one with less miles and a good service history can cost up to $42,000.

Reliability

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 88/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $514
• Recalls: 5

1 2012 Lexus GX: 89/100

Achieving the feats that the 2012 GX does when it comes to reliability illustrates Lexus’ attention to detail. The brand believes in competition, and it has effected changes based on client feedback.

Pricing

The Lexus GX is a great car which is known for its excellent reliability. As such, the model is a bit on the more expensive side, starting from around $25,000, rising to just over $30,000.

Reliability

Consumers have issued a significantly high-reliability rating for the Lexus year after year, and it ranks as one of the best for luxury midsize SUVs. The average repair costs for the GX are an estimated $770. It is a bit expensive, but the parts do not break down easily.

• J.D. Power Reliability Score: 89/100
• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $770
• Recalls: 0

Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, NHTSA, Edmunds, CarEdge