Not long ago, the luxury SUV battleground was in the full-size segment, but now it has shifted massively to the mid-size models. People want an attractive ride that drives like a car and has sports performance, but can also seat the whole family while bringing home some bulky items from a big box store. The mid-size luxury class is one of the most crowded in the industry, with dozens of entries from virtually every automaker, but just like everything else in life, some are better than others.
The best of anything can be subjective, but the automotive press and the various vehicle ranking outfits have expressed a fairly clear list of which 2024 mid-size luxury SUVs are the most stylish, best built, and pleasurable to drive. Luxury means classy or upscale, but is also code for “expensive” so when it comes to maintaining and repairing a top-tier vehicle, the mechanic’s estimate can be quite a shock. Here’s a look at the after-sale costs of the top mid-size luxury SUVs, ranked by overall reliability.
Every Luxury Car Brand Ranked By Reliability
With the luxury segment being more competitive than ever, here’s how the key players rank against each other regarding reliability.
In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information for vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Please note that we have ranked the following models based on most reliable to least reliable.
1 2024 Lexus GX
Reliability Score: 89/100
Introduced for the 2003 model year, the Lexus GX mid-size SUV is one of the oldest in the segment, but still one of the best. Selling just 2,190 in that first year, the GX has become a dominant force in the U.S., consistently moving 30,000+ annually. 2024 marks the beginning of the third generation, in which the SUV got a bit longer and a lot more radical looking. The standard 349-horsepower twin-turbo 3.4-liter engine gives the GX more power than it’s ever had and there is a dedicated off-road trim, so the ’24 model is as versatile as it is luxurious.
Reliability
J.D. Power ranks vehicles for, among other things, reliability based on hundreds of thousands of owner reviews and the 2024 Lexus scored 89 out of 100 points. That’s the ranking site’s highest honor and qualifies as “great.” The ten-year maintenance cost of $7,652 is below the $8,062 average for mid-size luxury SUVs, and 19.09 percent less likely to need a major repair in that time than the rest of the segment.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $770 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,652 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Lexus GX Year To Buy Used: 2015
2 2024 Lincoln Nautilus
Reliability Score: 87/100
The Lincoln Nautilus mid-size crossover SUV started its life as the MKX in 2007 but was renamed as part of the mid-cycle update in 2019. It is a much nicer version of the Ford Edge and the only American-made vehicle on this list. The 2024 Nautilus has plenty of performance engines available but where the model excels is in pure luxury, with an upscale cabin and quite a comfortable ride. It also comes standard with a 48-inch touchscreen Infotainment, which is decidedly awesome.
Reliability
With 87 out of 100 points, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus also earned a great rating from J.D. Power, which is quite an accomplishment for the Blue Oval brand. Ford makes seven different SUVs, none of which come close to this rating. The Ford Edge, which is the same basic vehicle as the Nautilus, only ranked as “average” in reliability, so apparently dependability is a luxury feature.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $811 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $11,326 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Lincoln Nautilus Year To Buy Used: 2019
3 2024 BMW X5
Reliability Score: 82/100
BMW launched the X5 for the 1999 model year as one of the first SUVs to utilize the crossover style as well as to be equipped with all-wheel drive. The fifth-gen X5 came out in 2019 and added the unique four-wheel steering system to the already-advanced vehicle. The 2024 X5 is one of the few vehicles, crossover SUV or otherwise, that still has an available V-8 engine. On top of the refined luxurious build, the BMW is a 532-horsepower twin-turbo drag SUV.
Reliability
The 2024 BMW X5 rates great in reliability but, according to CarEdge, has a 54.61 percent chance of needing a major repair in the first ten years. Also, on a premium luxury brand like BMW, those repairs can be quite costly. The most common problems with the X5 involve leaks in the engine and the cooling system, which range from cheap to expensive to fix.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,166 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $18,389 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 4 – 3 airbag issues and 1 emergency brake malfunction
- Worst BMW X5 Year To Buy Used: 2013
Every BMW SUV Model Ranked By Reliability
Discover which BMW SUV reigns supreme in reliability. Uncover insights, ratings, and rankings to guide your next luxury SUV purchase.
4 2024 Genesis GV80
Reliability Score: 81/100
Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis, began producing vehicles in 2021, and the GV80 mid-size crossover SUV is one of the best in the impressive lineup. The unprecedented style and luxury of the vehicle are matched by the innovative use of lightweight aluminum body panels. Where the GV80 excels is in delivering sophistication at an affordable price. These SUVs look like they could be made by Bentley and are loaded with features as well as performance, but start at under $60,000 in 2024.
Reliability
The Genesis GV80 is relatively new and hasn’t yet been rated for annual repair or long-term maintenance costs, but has earned a great reputation for reliability in a short time. With an 81/100 reliability score from J.D. Power, the GV80 has been deemed a well-built vehicle with very few, if any, defects or design flaws, as well as being a trouble-free ride. So far, this is a great SUV with no bad years of note.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 – Loss of drive power due to damaged charging unit
- Worst Genesis GV80 Year To Buy Used: N/A
5 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability Score: 81/100
Outside of hardcore German auto wonks, the Mercedes-Benz model names are confusing, and it doesn’t get any more arcane than with the mid-size SUV GLE. Originally designated as an M-Class vehicle, the M3 division objected, so it was changed to ML, but there is no actual ML-Class, and then an E was added to align it with the E-Class vehicles. What is not confusing is the 2024 GLE’s performance with engine options that range from a 255-horsepower turbo four-cylinder to a 504-horsepower turbo hybrid V-8. With adjustable air suspension, it is also a legitimate off-roader.
Reliability
While earning a great 81/100 rating from J.D. Power, CarEdge lists an astronomical $14,738 10-year maintenance cost for the Mercedes-Benz GLE, as well as a 42.69% chance it will require a major repair within that time. Because those costs are extremely high, RepairPal actually gives the SUV a one out of five stars reliability rating, noting that the frequency and severity of repairs are much higher than other similar vehicles.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,308 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $14,738 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 5 – Loose ground connection, accelerator pedal, fuel pump, oil leak, breaks
- Worst Mercedes-Benz GLE Year To Buy Used: 2020
6 2024 Porsche Cayenne
Reliability Score: 81/100
Porsche kind of shocked the world when the German automaker, known for making sports cars, unleashed the Cayenne off-road crossover SUV in 2003. Back in the 1950s, Porsche actually produced farm tractors, but this was the first time they built a passenger vehicle that wasn’t a dedicated roadster. For 2024, the Cayenne is the premier performance crossover with an available hybrid engine that cranks out 512 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. There is also an optional off-road package, and it can tow 7,700 pounds, so it’s as sporty as it is utile.
Reliability
The 2024 Porsche Cayenne is still in the great category rating for reliability, but also has the highest 10-year maintenance costs out of any vehicle on this list. RepairPal rates it not only as poor, but the bottom of all the luxury mid-size SUVs it has ranked. The most common reported problem is fuel pump failure, but also the Cayenne apparently goes through tires frequently, which can perhaps be chalked up to its insane horsepower.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,231 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $20,552 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 – Hazzard warning lights failure
- Worst Porsche Cayenne Year To Buy Used: 2011
3:45
20 Most Reliable SUVs According To Consumer Reports
Be it a new or used car, reliability is an important metric to consider, and here’s how some of these latest SUVs fare for predicted reliability.
7 2024 Acura MDX
Reliability Score: 79/100
Honda launched its luxury division, Acura, in the mid-1980s, but to modern eyes, those early vehicles look like anything but upscale. The same is true of the MDX mid-size SUV, which debuted in 2001 as a rather plain, unassuming ride. It has since absorbed tons of luxury and style, becoming one of the best in the segment. In addition to being arguably the sharpest-looking mid-size SUV, the 2024 MDX is indisputably the best driver in its class, handling like a vehicle half its size. With an available 355-horsepower engine option, it’ll smoke just about anything on the road.
Reliability
The 2024 Acura MDX is the first car on the list to fall below J.D Power’s great rating, but it’s still a high “good” and there are other metrics that point to this being a reliable vehicle. Both the average yearly maintenance and the 10-year cost are far below many of the luxury SUVs above it. RepairPal gives it an above-average reliability rating and doesn’t report any major mechanical issues with it.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $571 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,820 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Acura MDX Year To Buy Used: 2017
8 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Reliability Score: 79/100
British manufacturer Land Rover is a company that doesn’t like updating the style of vehicles in any kind of radical way. The Range Rover Sport was introduced in 2005 as a mid-size SUV but by 2013 it was a crossover, and yet somehow still looks about the same. Of course, the thing Land Rover is most famous for is making stout off-road vehicles and the 2024 Range Rover Sport is the most capable in its class. It has all the same off-roading power as the big dog Ranger Rover, but in a smaller package.
Reliability
Fair or not, Ranger Rover doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to reliability, but the good rating from J.D. Power says otherwise. The maintenance costs, both annually and over 10 years, are below many of its European competitors. RepairPal gives it two and a half stars out of five for an average reliability rating, but also doesn’t note any major mechanical issues. The most commonly reported problems involve weird clunking sounds from the engine and steering system that don’t necessarily affect the operation of the vehicle.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,179 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $16,989 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 – Improperly bonded body panels
- Worst Land Rover Range Rover Sport Year To Buy Used: 2015
9 2024 Audi Q7
Reliability Score: 78/100
The Audi Q7 debuted in 2006 as a road-going crossover SUV, that fared well off-road despite its lack of a transfer case, earning it the reputation as a top “soft-roader.” Updated for its second generation in 2015, it’s still an upper-level luxury vehicle that does alright in the dirt, but probably doesn’t spend much time there. The 2024 Q7 has two peppy hybrid engine options, including the 355-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 that incorporates a 48-volt system. For such a refined vehicle, it can tow 7,000 pounds, so it’s a workhorse too.
Reliability
The 2024 Audi Q7 is rated “average” by J.D. Power, with 78/100 points. Both its yearly and 10-year maintenance costs are a bit high, though a bit less than its German contemporaries. Two of the top three most commonly reported issues involve software, so presumably, those bugs have been fixed. Besides those, there are a few problems with odd noises, which don’t affect vehicle performance, but certainly shouldn’t occur in a luxury SUV.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,185 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $12,489 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1- Improperly mounted driver’s side airbag
- Worst Audi Q7 Year To Buy Used: 2007
Every Audi SUV Model Ranked By Reliability
Explore Audi’s SUV lineup reliability: From dependable to outstanding, discover rankings for each model’s performance and longevity.
10 2024 Volvo XC90
Reliability Score: 70/100
Volvo is an automaker that has been traditionally known more for its practicality rather than style, and the XC90 mid-size crossover SUV, introduced in 2002, was not the coolest looking of rides. It has since taken on a bolder and classier appearance, as well as adopting some serious performance to become a leader in its class. In fact, the 2024 XC90 is nine years into its current cycle, and it looks as sharp as ever, refusing to show its age. The available 455-horsepower plug-in hybrid engine merges with the optional air-suspension for a thrilling and comfortable ride.
Reliability
The 2024 Volvo XC90 is on the low end of the average reliability ranking by J.D. Power, but that still makes for a reasonably dependable ride. The repair and maintenance costs are better than all the European luxury SUVs on this list and the RepairPal rating is as good or better. The XC90 may have more frequent trips to the repair shop, but those fixes tend to be less severe than most of the competing models.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $851 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $12,359 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 – Faulty second-row seatbelt buckle
- Worst Volvo XC90 Year To Buy Used: 2016
