The Most Reliable SUVs You Can Buy New in 2023

As far as consumer demand is concerned, sport utility vehicles are up there with pickup trucks in the United States of America. The world's second-largest market for new light-duty vehicles has plenty of SUVs to choose from, but still, which ones are best reliability-wise?

In compiling this ranking, we used publicly available data from sources that include J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, U.S. News, Repair Pal, CoPilot, iSeeCars, and the NHTSA. The federal watchdog is an invaluable source for those who know better because automakers with many recalls tend to have more reliability issues.

Before going any further, it should be noted that said ranking comprises 2023 and 2024 vehicles currently in production or available to purchase directly from dealer lots. Older or future model years don't apply to keep the playing field level. You should also be prepared to read about one too many Toyotas because the Japanese automaker continues to focus on reliability more than the competition does. That being said, let's kick off with Toyota's most popular nameplate in the United States.

1. Toyota RAV4 and Lexus NX

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 81 for the RAV4, 67 for the NX
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $429 for the RAV4, $690 for the NX
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2019 for the RAV4, 2022 for the NX
Number of recalls for the first model year according to the NHTSA: 8 for the RAV4, 4 for the NX

Technically similar to the posher NX, the RAV4 isn't just another compact-sized crossover. It's become an institution in and of itself, and for good reason(s). From its relatively affordable sticker price to the generous list of standard equipment, reliability, availability of spare parts and maintenance items, and resale values, the RAV4 is one of – if not the best – pick in the segment.

All sources available hail the RAV4 as one of the most reliable compact utility vehicles out there, and the NX is also held in high regards. It doesn't matter which engine and trim level you fancy because all of them promise top-notch reliability (as per available data).

Both the RAV4 and NX come in combustion-only flavors, as hybrids, and with plug-in hybrid muscle. At press time, the 2023 model year Toyota RAV4 and 2024 model year Lexus NX are available to configure from $28,275 and $40,305 (sans the destination charge fee).

2. Honda CR-V and Acura RDX

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 82 for the CR-V, 81 for the RDX
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $407 for the CR-V, $497 for the RDX
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: not enough data available for the current-gen CR-V, 2019 for the RDX
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 1 for the CR-V, 3 for the RDX

Japan's largest and best-known automaker delivered 366,741 examples of the RAV4 in 2022 stateside, which puts the compact 'Yota in fourth place, right behind the Ram P/U line of pickup trucks, Chevrolet Silverado, and the Ford F-Series. Lower down the spectrum, there's the 'Rado's twin from GMC and – of course – the CR-V.

Similar to Toyota, the second-largest automaker hailing from Japan made a name for itself by designing affordable yet quality-oriented automobiles during a time when most automakers were struggling with both. A byproduct of Honda's obsession with quality is reliability, which – despite having gone down a bit in the past decade or so – still is close to best in the industry.

Similar in footprint to the Acura RDX, yet different in plenty of respects, the CR-V isn't available as a plug-in hybrid. The standard 1.5-liter turbo is joined by a hybrid option that allows for both series and parallel operation. If you drive it like the EPA expects you to drive, expect the CR-V Hybrid to return 40 miles per gallon (5.9 liters per 100 kilometers) on the EPA's combined test cycle.

3. Mazda CX-5

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 82
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $447
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2018 for the current generation, 2016 for the first generation
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 1

Technically speaking, the CX-5 is one of the oldest utilities to have made our list of most reliable SUVs. The 2017 refresh may have been advertised as being a serious overhaul of the first, yet it still features much the same platform and oily bits as the first generation.

Is that a bad thing? Not really. The CX-5 rides softer and is less communicative steering-wise than older models, yet still is one of the better-handling crossovers in the segment. Its old bones aren't a problem either because an old platform, old transmission, and old engines mean that most design and reliability issues affecting pre-2023 models have been sorted out by Mazda's engineers.

As of July 2023, prospective customers are presented with standard all-wheel drive, a 2.5L naturally-aspirated I4, and a six-speed automatic. Higher up the lineup, the CX-5 can be had with a 2.5L turbo I4.

4. GM's Truck-Based SUVs

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 80 for the Tahoe, 75 for the Suburban
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $744 for the Tahoe, $944 for the Suburban
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2021 for both the Tahoe and Suburban
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 13 for the Tahoe, 10 for the Suburban

The biggest automaker of the Big Three in Detroit rarely gave us high-quality and reliable automobiles. On a micro level, one cannot forget how stout the Buick 3800 V6 engine was in almost every single application.

Fast forward to the present moment, and GM's most reliable vehicles come in the form of body-on-frame leviathans. Based on the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500, the automaker's body-on-frame SUVs fare much better than unibody SUVs in reliability rankings.

The most affordable of the bunch is the Chevrolet Tahoe, which carries a starting price of $56,095 for the rear-wheel-drive LS with the 5.3-liter small block. At the opposite end, the Cadillac Escalade-V is a tremendously expensive leviathan with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that belts out a whopping 682 hp.

5. Mazda CX-9

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 81
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $539
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2016 for the current generation, 2012 for the previous generation
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 0

Oh, another Mazda! As opposed to the CX-5 from earlier, the CX-9 will be discontinued after the 2023 model year to make room for the CX-90. This, in turn, should translate to enticing offers on remaining stock.

As implied by its designation, the CX-9 slots above the CX-5 and CX-30-based CX-50. Think of it as the CX-5's family-oriented sibling, a three-row crossover that features a turbocharged four-cylinder mill as standard.

Not available to configure at the time of reporting, the CX-9 entered the 2023 model year at the end of August 2022 with a starting price of $38,750 (plus $1,275 for the freight fee) for the well-equipped Touring. The fully-loaded Signature trim level used to retail at $48,460.

6. Subaru Crosstrek

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 2024 model not rated yet, 2023 model rated at 81
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $492
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: not enough data available for the current generation, 2018 for the previous generation
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 1

Previously known as the XV in certain parts of the world, including the Land of the Rising Sun, the Crosstrek received an extensive refresh for model year 2024. Based on its predecessor's Subaru Global Platform, the lifted hatchback is one of the most affordable compact crossovers you can buy today.

The Base is $24,995, whereas the Premium, Sport, and Limited start at $26,145, $28,995, and $30,895. All combine a four-cylinder boxer with the Lineartronic CVT, which is one of the better CVTs out there because it uses a chain instead of a more conventional belt.

FB20D and FB25D are the codenames of the flat-four engines in question, which are naturally aspirated rather than turbocharged. More power and torque would've been interesting, but on the other hand, a force-fed engine is more stressed than a free-breathing lump.

7. Toyota Corolla Cross

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 82
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $362
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2022
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 1

In the pantheon of best-selling production automobiles, the Corolla is – by far – the most popular of them all. Corolla number 50,000,000 rolled off the assembly line in 2021, and you might call this number cheating.

It's hard to fathom how many variants and spin-offs bore the Corolla moniker since 1966. One of those spin-offs is the Corolla Cross, which replaces the C-HR subcompact crossover utility vehicle in the US.

Slotted right above the $23,155 Corolla Hatchback, the $23,610 Corolla Cross is available as a hybrid as well. The fuel-sipping powertrain is $27,970. Its highlights include 196 horsepower at full chatter, AWD, and 42 mpg (5.6 liters per 100 kilometers) combined.

8. Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX 460

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 87 for the 4Runner, 86 for the GX 460
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $514 for the 4Runner, $770 for the GX 460
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2015 for the 4Runner and 2010, 2014, 2016 for the GX 460
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 12 for the 4Runner, 5 for the GX 460

The long-running GX has entered a transitional phase. Dealers have a handful of 460s lying around, vehicles that are certain to sell pretty fast because they're mechanically simpler than the new 550 for 2024.

Being a clean-sheet design, the 550 will surely be hindered by mechanical and software issues in the first years of production. The 460 went on sale for the 2010 model year, meaning that 2023 models are as reliable as body-on-frame sport utility vehicles can be. The GX 460 hasn't been recalled since November 2020, when Toyota called back 1.5 million vehicles in the United States market alone over Denso-supplied fuel pumps.

The GX's closest equivalent is the fifth-generation 4Runner, which went on sale in the United States for the 2010 model year. The 4Runner will be redesigned on the TNGA-F platform for model year 2025, and with said redesign, it will also switch to force-fed engines.

9. Subaru Forester

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 84
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $632
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2019 for the current generation, 2015 for the previous generation
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 3

Internally referred to as SK, the fifth-gen Forester premiered in March 2018 for the 2019 model year at the New York International Auto Show. A versatile crossover that features a helluva lot of standard equipment, the Crosstrek's big brother starts at $26k for the Base. Its most exciting specification yet is the off-road-oriented $34,320 Wilderness trim level.

Regardless of which Forester floats your boat, all feature a 2.5-liter boxer of the naturally-aspirated variety. And obviously, the only transmission available is the chain-driven Lineartronic CVT mentioned earlier.

Oil consumption and carbon buildup are known issues of the 2.5-liter boxer, but fret not because both of them are common among engines equipped with direct fuel injection. Even so, the Forester is a fine choice in the hugely competitive compact SUV segment.

10. Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX80

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 74 for the Armada, 81 for the QX80
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $550 for the Armada, $718 for the QX80
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2017 for the Armada, 2019 for the QX80
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 0 for the Armada, 3 for the QX80

The Armada and QX80 get a lot of flak for all the right and wrong reasons. On the one hand, they're antiquated designs from one of the most unreliable automakers in the biz. But then again, the Armada and QX80 are BOF SUVs powered by a free-breathing V8.

Far more reliable than the Pathfinder and QX60, these fullsize behemoths also flaunt better-than-average interior trim. The fit and finish is pretty good for Nissan products as well, and – in stark comparison to Nissan's unibodies – both feature a torque-converter automatic instead of the automaker's dreadful CVT.

The Armada starts at $50,700 in the United States, which makes it more affordable than the Silverado 1500-based Tahoe and F-150-based Expedition. The QX80 is pushing it a bit due to an MSRP of $72,700.

11. Toyota Venza

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 83
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $444
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2021 for the current generation, 2009 for the first generation
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 1

More or less the North American brother of the Japanese market Harrier, the second-gen Venza rolled out for MY21 as a 2.5-liter hybrid. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power both recommend this crossover, which slots between the RAV4 Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid.

33,683 units were delivered in the US during calendar year 2022, a huge drop compared to the 61,988 sold in 2021. This huge drop doesn't have anything to do with consumer demand. The actual reason for it comes in the form of supply chain-related problems, including the chip shortage. The lack of semiconductors will continue hampering the automotive industry into 2024.

As opposed to the Forester's naturally-aspirated boxer, the free-breathing lump in the Venza combines direct fuel injection and port fuel injection. Toyota calls this combination D-4S, and the only Scooby with dual injection available today is the GR86-twinned BRZ.

12. Subaru Outback

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 73
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $607
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2020 for the current generation, 2015 for the previous generation
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 5

The Outback is an "AWD midsize SUV" if you believe Subaru's marketing department. Based on the Legacy sedan, the lifted wagon is surprisingly good off the beaten path if equipped with the right type of tires.

Those who need even more off-road capability are offered the Wilderness trim level, which improves from 8.7 to 9.5 inches of ground clearance. The longer wheelbase of the Outback Wilderness further translates to a slightly better ride than the Forester Wilderness.

Nine trims are listed on Subaru's configurator, with the Wilderness slotting between two XT trim levels. XT is another way of saying turbo'd boxer, a 260-horsepower lump that’s also found in the Wilderness' engine bay. Touring and lesser specs make do with a naturally-aspirated engine that cranks out 182 horsepower.

13. Jeep Wrangler

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 86
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $694
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2018 for the JL, 2014 and 2012 for the JK
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 12

The JL and four-door JLU find themselves between two extremes, those being avoid and go for it. The truth is, Jeep has addressed plenty of this generation's problems. The Ford Bronco, meanwhile, fares much worse.

Given the Bronco's ridiculously bad rollout and the limited number of vehicles produced yearly at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Michigan, the Bronco sells much worse than the Wrangler. The difference, however, may shock you: 58,580 units in the first half of 2023 versus 84,642 units of the JL/JLU Wrangler.

Stellantis, the cross-border merger between FCA and PSA, also improved the Wrangler for 2024. The most significant change is the full-float solid rear axle of the Rubicon, which improves the off-road trim level's towing capacity to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms).

14. BMW X3 and X4

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 85 for the X3, 83 for the X4
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $1,034 for both the X3 and X4
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2020 for the X3, 2019 for the X4
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 9 for the X3, 7 for the X4

BMW utilities produced in the United States, reliable? Are you sure? If not driven and maintained properly, every single new automobile available today will become a *Scotty Kilmer impersonation alert* money pit. How can you make a BMW SUV last longer?

The best answer possible is to keep it simple and sensible. For example, rather than changing the oil every 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) as recommended by the Munich-based automaker, do it at 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) for peace of mind. High-quality oil is utmost important for the X3 and X4, more so if it's the six-cylinder engine of the M40i or the M-specific S58.

The B58 is referred to as the modern-day 2JZ by certain peeps, although they are comparing apples to oranges. What is true about the B58, however, is that it makes more power and torque than BMW says it does. The same applies to the S58 in the full-on Ms, which offers 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet (650 Nm) of twist in the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition.

15. Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 75 for the Expedition, 84 for the Navigator
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $861 for the Expedition, $1,089 for the Navigator
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2018 for both the Expedition and Navigator
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 7 for the Expedition, 5 for the Navigator

If you're in the market for an elephantine utility vehicle, the Expedition is a good bet. Similar to the Navigator, it comes in standard- and long-wheelbase guises. It does cost a pretty penny, though, namely $56,075 for the standard wheelbase or $63,140 for the big one.

Step up to the Navigator, and Ford's Lincoln division charges you a staggering $82,765 or $98,350. What's most uncanny about these gentle giants is that 4WD doesn't come standard. Uncannier still, the Bronco Sport and Nautilus both feature AWD from the outset.

Although based on the F-150, the Expedition and Navigator are equipped with independent rear suspension. The only F-150 with independent rear suspension is – for the time being – the Lightning.

16. Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 77 for the Tucson, 88 for the Sportage
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $426 for the Tucson, $462 for the Sportage
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2022 for the Tucson, not enough data available yet for the current-gen Sportage
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 2 for the Tucson, 5 for the Sportage

Two peas in a pod, the Tucson and Sportage had their share of problems in the past. It's hard to forget the notorious Theta engine recalls, but as you're well aware, Hyundai and Kia both learned from their blunders.

Both crossovers switched to the Smartstream engine family for their current generations, the fourth for the Tucson and fifth for the Sportage. Depending on the market, displacements range from 1.5 to 2.5 liters.

Being direct competitors to the RAV4, the South Korean crossovers are available with two levels of electrification: hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The combustion-only Tucson and Sportage are pretty swell as well, with Hyundai and Kia currently asking $26,900 and $26,290, respectively, for the base 2.5L engine.

17. Honda Pilot and Acura MDX

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 81 for the Pilot, 78 for the MDX
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $542 for the Pilot, $571 for the MDX
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2023 for the Pilot, 2022 for the MDX
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 0 for the Pilot, 0 for the MDX

The Pilot and MDX may be manufactured in different facilities, but they're not exactly different under the skin. The standard engine is a 3.5L sixer, and the only transmission available is a 10-speed automatic designed with fuel economy rather than sportiness in mind.

The MDX Type S, however, is worthy of the sport in sport utility vehicle. Similar to Type R in Honda's vernacular, Type S means performance at Acura. In this case, said performance comes courtesy of a turbocharged V6 with a displacement of 3.0 liters.

Like the Explorer ST, the MDX Type S also flaunts three-row seating. It does cost a lot more than the Explorer ST, though: $67,850 compared to $50,005.

18. Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 79 for the Santa Fe, 83 for the Sorento
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $515 for the Santa Fe, $533 for the Sorento
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2019 for the Santa Fe, 2022 for the Sorento
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 2 for the Santa Fe, 4 for the Sorento

The Santa Fe and Sorento feature the 2.5er of the Tucson and Sportage, yet tuned for slightly more power and torque. Not surprising in the least, the Santa Fe and Sorento also come as hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

2023 is the final year of the fourth-generation Santa Fe. The newcomer will arrive in dealer showrooms for the 2024 model year with Land Rover- and Range Rover-inspired styling cues, both inside and out. As for the Sorento, a mid-cycle refresh will have to suffice.

As of July 2023, the most affordable Santa Fe configurable on Hyundai's website is $28,750. If you prefer the Kia's design, that would be $30,090.

19. Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 81 for the Highlander, 85 for the RX
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $489 for the Highlander, $540 for the RX
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2020 for the Highlander, not enough data available for the current-gen RX
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 3 for the Highlander, 1 for the RX

Care to guess which is the best-selling Lexus in the United States? The answer is RX, a mid-size crossover that's nicer both inside and out than the Highlander. By comparison, the Highlander is the third best-selling 'Yota in the United States, having sold 113,264 units in the first half of 2023 as opposed to 150,742 examples of the Camry and 187,017 examples of the RAV4.

The RX used to be available with three rows of seats, but alas, that variant was discontinued in favor of the 2024 model year TX. The TX is based on the Grand Highlander, which sold 159 units in June 2023.

More than 200 inches long, the Grand Highlander and TX are certain to sell like hotcakes going forward. The TX is believed to start in the mid-$50k range, whereas the Grand Highlander can be yours from $43,070.

20. Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 84 for the Palisade, 85 for the Telluride
RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $573 for both the Palisade and Telluride
Worst year to buy used according to CarComplaints: 2020 for both the Palisade and Telluride
Number of first-year recalls according to the NHTSA: 3 for both the Palisade and Telluride

Made in South Korea, the Palisade is joined at the hip to the US-built Telluride. The exterior and interior designs are all that separate the Palisade from the Telluride.

The front-biased crossovers are very popular in the three-row crossover segment, although the Telluride has the edge over its brother due to better styling. Underneath the sheet metal, you're presented with a direct-injected V6 connected to an eight-speed auto.

Capable of seating up to eight, the Palisade and Telluride are relatively affordable for what they offer. The 2023 model year Hyundai Palisade is $35,900, making it $90 more affordable than Kia's three-row crossover.

If you still have any curiosities related to all things SUVs, please refer to the FAQ section below.

What SUV has the fewest problems? Every utility vehicle imaginable will develop issues, regardless of your immaculate maintenance. But as a rule of thumb, you can't go wrong with a Toyota or a Lexus.

What is the highest-ranked SUV in terms of reliability? The answer depends on the sources used for researching the most reliable SUVs out there, but everyone agrees that Toyota and the Lexus division are in a league of their own in terms of reliability.

What SUVs do mechanics recommend? Based on the aforementioned, you already know by now.

What are the safest SUVs available today? Any sport utility vehicle deemed Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is as safe as it can be for the segment it competes in. 2023 TSP+ winners include the CR-V, Highlander, and Telluride.

What SUVs are likely to last the longest? iSeeCars is the best resource for longest-lasting sport utilities that money can buy. The V8-engined Land Cruiser (discontinued) and V8-engined Sequoia (discontinued), 4Runner, and Honda Pilot are the best-ranked SUVs of the bunch. iSeeCars analyzed over 260 million vehicles sold between 2012 and 2022 to determine which are the most likely to last 250,000 miles (400,000 kilometers). Of the four SUVs mentioned earlier, only the 4Runner hasn't received a ground-up redesign since 2012.

Are hybrid SUVs better than plug-in hybrid SUVs? In many ways, they are. In terms of reliability, hybrids aren't as complex as plug-in hybrids, therefore resulting in fewer potential reliability issues.

What is the difference between SUV and crossover? Crossover is the term used for unibodies (think RAV4, which uses the TNGA-K platform of the Camry), whereas SUV is used for truck-based utilities (think 4Runner, which features a boxed frame derived from the third-gen Tacoma's C-channel frame). However, automakers use said terms interchangeably.

What makes AWD different from 4WD? First and foremost, all-wheel drive means always on. Four-wheel drive comes in part- and full-time flavors. The difference between these systems is a transfer case for part-time 4WD and a center differential for full-time 4WD. As opposed to full-time 4WD, all-wheel drive doesn't offer hi/lo ranges.

What are the fastest SUVs available in 2023? The all-electric Faraday Future FF 91 needs 2.27 seconds from zero to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour), and the V12-powered Ferrari Purosangue is much obliged to hit 193 miles per hour (310 kilometers per hour).

What is the most American-made SUV in 2023? According to the Cars.com American-Made Index, the most American-made SUV is the Tesla Model Y.