SUVs comprise some of the most competitive segments in the entire automotive industry, and manufacturers have to tick plenty of boxes in order to stand a chance among rivals. One of the most important boxes is definitely reliability and durability because it doesn’t matter how well an SUV performs if it can’t do so in the long run.
Updated August 2023: Owning an SUV is pointless if it can't give you reliable service for many years. We've updated this article with more reliable SUV options to consider.
So, with new SUVs hitting the market at an increasing rate, it’s worth looking back at some special models that have already proven to be reliability gods for one reason or another. According to an iSeeCars study conducted in 2021, an average of only 1.2% of cars sold in the used market have over 200,000 miles clocked on the odometer.
We’ve compiled a list of reliable cars that put that number to shame, and if given good care, they can stack up miles without showing any signs of slowing down. Here are 13 of the most reliable SUVs you can buy.
We used owners' experience through J.D. Power's consumer rating, along with data from CarEdge, RepairPal, iSeeCars, and NHTSA.
13 2017 Toyota 4Runner
Reliability Score: 87/100
The 4Runner is renowned for its rugged design, off-road prowess, and unbeatable reliability. Launched in 1983, the legendary SUV model has been available in the U.S. ever since, and it remains one of the longest-lasting SUVs around. Overtime, the 4Runner has evolved from a classic to a modern SUV.
2017 4Runner Reliability
The 2017 model features a highly dependable 4.0-liter V6 with an output of 270 hp. With a JD Power reliability rating of 87/100, the Toyota 4Runner can achieve between 200,000 and 300,000 miles with no major repairs, and out of all units sold in 2021, just under 5% had already clocked over 200,000 miles according to iSeeCars.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $514 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,825 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 5
- Worst 4Runner Years To Buy Used: 2003 - 2005 Toyota 4Runner (gasket failure, rust issues)
12 2016 Ford Expedition
Reliability Score: 79/100
Succeeding the Ford Bronco, the Expedition is a full-size SUV that has been in production since 1997. Basically America’s 4Runner, the Ford Expedition is one of the most durable full-sized SUVs you can buy used, especially late third-gen models.
2016 Expedition Reliability
About 4.5% of Expeditions resold in 2021 came with more than 200,000 miles on the odometer, and it also shouldn’t come as a surprise that the 2016 Ford Expedition has a J.D. Power reliability rating of 79/100, when you remember it’s based on the best-selling Ford F-150. The model features a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with an output of 365 hp.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $618 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,443 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
- Worst 4Runner Years To Buy Used: 2006 Ford Expedition (engine shutdown on the open road, ignition coil failures)
11 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe
Reliability Score: 80/100
Versatile, practical, and highly capable, the Tahoe is an ideal American SUV. A full-size SUV from Chevrolet, the Tahoe is also relatively affordable, and it has constantly featured as one of the best-selling full size SUVs in the U.S. That said, there are several things you need to know before buying a used Chevrolet Tahoe, including the highly dependable 2017 model.
2017 Tahoe Reliability
With an 80-point reliability rating and considered one of the best SUVs for the 2017 model year, the full-sized Chevy Tahoe SUV isn’t just great to drive, it’s also pretty much indestructible. 4.5% of resold Tahoes had already set more than 200,000 miles in 2021, easily earning it a spot on this list.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $607 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,302 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 3
- Worst Tahoe Years To Buy Used: 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe (16 recalls, the highest for the model)
10 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Reliability Score: 80/100
Toyota made safety, reliability, and fuel efficiency the core ingredients of the Highlander Hybrid. Built as a family SUV, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid was the first ever seven-seat hybrid vehicle, and it features the brand's Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system among others.
2019 Highlander Hybrid Reliability
Now, this is an SUV that likes to be driven nonstop, and as the only hybrid on this list, it’s also one of the most fuel efficient. Generally, the 2019 Highlander got an 80/100 reliability score on J.D. Power, and besides that, the Hybrid trim adds great efficiency, delivering up to 30 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. More importantly, an iSeeCars’ study found that 3.9% of all resold Toyota Highlander Hybrids had more than 200,000 miles clocked on the odometer.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $198 (KBB)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,963 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Tahoe Years To Buy Used: 2008 Highlander Hybrid (melting window switches, seat heater catching fire, accelerator malfunctioning)
9 2011 GMC Yukon
Reliability Score: 86/100
A badge engineered counterpart of the equally amazing Chevrolet Tahoe, the GMC Yukon is also a full-size SUV, and it has been in production since 1991. Available in multiple trim levels, the Yukon is comfortable on road and has specialized trims for off-road adventures.
2011 Yukon Reliability
Boasting standard V8 and an enormous stature, the 2011 GMC Yukon delivers durability just as much as it does luxury. Because of its hefty amount of tech and interior amenities, it might deliver slight cabin issues throughout ownership, but its powertrain and drivetrain are good for the long run, with 5.2% of resold units making it past 200,000 miles. Also, owners scored the 2011 Yukon 86/100 for reliability on the J.D. Power.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $679 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,300 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 6
- Worst Yukon Year To Buy Used: 2015 GMC Yukon (taillight malfunction, A/C malfunctioning)
8 2018 Lexus GX
Reliability Score: 91/100
As the Toyota 4Runner’s luxurious brother, it makes sense that the Lexus GX also ranks as a durable driving partner. With a loaded cabin and decent capabilities both on the road and off, the Lexus GX is a perfect used SUV to consider for the long run.
2018 GX Reliability
The 2018 Lexus GX is powered by a bulletproof 4.6-liter V8 with an output of 300 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque. It has a JD Power reliability rating of 91/100, comfortably trumping most models on this list. However, if you prefer new vehicles, we also have reasons why the 2024 Lexus GX is worth the wait.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $770 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,652 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
- Worst Yukon Year To Buy Used: 2014-2015 Lexus GX (wow-pressure fuel pump faults, electrical gremlins)
7 2019 Kia Sportage
Reliability Score: 88/100
Positioned between Seltos and Sorento in Kia's current lineup, the Sportage is the brand's best-selling model, and it has been produced through five generations.
2019 Sportage Reliability
As a newer model, it’s hard to gauge just how many miles the average 2019 Kia Sportage can clock up without failure, but it definitely looks promising and owners have huge trust for the model. Fours years after the production of the 2019 model, it has a reliability rating of 88/100 on J.D. Power, providing immense value considering the 2019 Sportage’s relatively low used price compared to other models on this list.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $462 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,873 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
- Worst Sportage Year To Buy Used: 2012 Kia Sportage (engine suddenly stops working on the road, excessive noise)
6 2018 Chevrolet Suburban
Reliability Score: 81/100
Surely the longest produced model on this list, the Suburban has been in production since 1935, and it is currently in its twelfth production generation, making "Suburban" the longest-used automotive nameplate in the world. While Suburban isn't without some glaring problems, the model has however held it own as one of the longest-lasting models around.
2018 Suburban Reliability
Despite being five years old, the 2018 Chevy Suburban features a 5.3-liter V8 engine as standard and a 6.2-liter rowdy V8 on higher trims in what makes for a seemingly everlasting drivetrain. iSeeCars found that 6.6% of resold Suburbans had already surpassed 200,000 miles – that’s over 5 times more than an average car. The 2018 model has a reliability score of 81/100 on J.D. Power.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $690 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,306 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 3
- Worst Sportage Year To Buy Used: 2001 Chevrolet Suburban (transmission and fuel pump problems)
5 2020 Toyota Sequoia
Reliability Score: 84/100
Despite recently being completely updated for the 2023 model year in what makes for a promising new model, the second-generation Toyota Sequoia, being the preceding generation, has some truly reliable used SUV models – especially models built between 2015 and 2020. If you found the mileage statistics of the other cars on this list surprising, prepare to be utterly blown away. Of all used Sequoias sold in 2021, a whopping 14.2% of them had more than 200,000 miles already clocked.
2020 Sequoia Reliability
Notably, the 2020 Sequoia came fitted with in indestructible 5.7-liter V8 that churns out a potent 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. On the J.D. Power, the 2020 Sequoia has a reliability score of 84/100.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $642 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,202 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
- Worst Sportage Year To Buy Used: 2001- 2004 Toyota Sequoia (engine, transmission, brake, and electrical problems)
4 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser
Reliability Score: 83/100
Topping off the list among the most reliable SUVs we found is, you guessed it, another Toyota. This time, it's the esteemed Land Cruiser. With the 2021 model being one of the most reliable of the model’s entire run, which no longer continues in America, iSeeCars found a clear winner in the Land Cruiser. 18.2% of all resold units had more than 200,000 miles on them, making it by far the average most-driven car you’ll see on the road.
2021 Land Cruiser Reliability
Furthermore, the 2021 model got a reliability score of 83/100 on J.D. Power, thanks to its dependable powertrain that features a 5.7-liter V8 mated to an 8-speed automatic for an output of 381 horsepower.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $843 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,782 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Land Cruiser Year To Buy Used: 2001 Land Cruiser (powertrain, brakes)
3 2021 Jeep Wrangler
Reliability Score: 83/100
The Wrangler needs no introduction, as it has almost single-handedly kept Jeep relevant since its debut in the '80s. The Wrangler has a huge cult following worldwide thanks to its iconic design which has received minimal alterations over the years, practicality, affordability, and its reputation for being one of the best off-road SUVs in the world.
2021 Wrangler Reliability
The Wrangler has had its fair share of reliability problems over the years, but Jeep seems to have fixed most of them in the current generation. For example, the 2021 Wrangler had a J.D. Power reliability score of 83, making it one of the most reliable Jeeps.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $694 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,397 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1
- Worst Jeep Wrangler Year To Buy Used: 2012 Jeep Wrangler (Electrical Problems, Engine problems)
2 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Reliability Score: 86/100
The new Hyundai Santa Fe has been making the headlines since its unveiling a few weeks ago. The new Santa Fe is wildly different from the old models in terms of styling and size, and many gearheads can't wait to get their hands on it when it hits dealership floors in 2024. However, before the new Santa Fe arrives, some older models are worth looking into, especially if you are after reliability.
2019 Santa Fe Reliability
The Santa Fe is not only one of the most affordable SUVs to buy, but it's also a breeze to maintain. The 2019 Santa Fe costs just $515 in annual repair and maintenance costs according to RepairPal, which is lower than the average for mid-size SUVs.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $515 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,056 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
- Worst Hyundai Santa Fe Year To Buy Used: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (Engine problems, interior accessories problems, steering problems)
1 2018 BMW X5
Reliability Score: 84/100
The X5 is undoubtedly one of the most important cars in BMW's history. The X5 was BMW's first-ever SUV, and it was such a hit that the marque now has almost 10 SUV models in its lineup. The X5 offers a fantastic blend of looks, luxury, and performance, which is why many adore it.
2018 X5 Reliability
Luxury SUVs have a reputation for being unreliable, especially when they are BMWs. Not all of them, though. The 2019 X5 had a J.D. Power reliability score of 84, making it one of the most reliable luxury vehicles.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,166 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $18,389 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 4
- Worst BMW X5 Year To Buy Used: 2009 BMW X5 (Engine problems, lights problems)