Most Reliable Compact SUVs [Top Ranked Models]
Compact SUVs the size of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have become a mainstay of the American automotive landscape. These types of vehicles make great family cars, are outstanding in challenging weather, do pretty well off-road in some cases, and make great commuter and multi-purpose vehicles.
One thing every owner places highly on their list of priorities is reliability. It plays a big role in determining our list of the best SUVs.
Here is our ranking of the most reliable compact SUVs from top to bottom. First, we will overview the top five models, tell you which scores lowest, and let the data chart do the talking for the also-rans.
Check out our overall picks for the most reliable SUVs here >>
- Most Reliable Subcompact SUVs
- Most Reliable Compact SUVs
- Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
- Most Reliable Full-Size SUVs
Who Provided the Data for This List?
Find the Best Car Price relies on three primary sources of reliability data to choose the most reliable vehicles.
First, we look to RepairPal ratings. RepairPal is a long-trusted resource that lists how frequent and severe trips to the mechanic are for thousands of cars, and gives each vehicle a rating out of 5.
Next, we look to the J.D. Power & Associates brand rankings in its Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). This study uses owner-reported data to score how well three-year-old vehicles are holding up.
Last, we look to CarComplaints to ensure no widespread reports of big problems with a given model.
Most Reliable Compact SUV Comparison
| Model | RepairPal Score | J.D. Power VDS Score |
|---|---|---|
| Lexus NX | ||
| Buick Envision | ||
| Mazda CX-5 | ||
| Kia Sportage | ||
| Porsche Macan | ||
| Honda CR-V | ||
| Subaru Forester | ||
| Hyundai Tucson | ||
| Toyota RAV4 | ||
| Acura RDX | ||
| Chevrolet Equinox | ||
| Volvo XC40 | ||
| Nissan Rogue | ||
| VW Tiguan | ||
| Ford Escape | ||
| Jeep Cherokee | ||
| Tesla Model Y (Worst Overall) |
1. Lexus NX
The Lexus brand is respected among consumers and testers as one of the most reliable brands in history.
Lexus remains number one in the J.D. Power 2025 VDS study rankings, with Porsche closely following. The 2025 Lexus NX has a rating of 85 out of 100 on J.D. Power.
It also boasts an impressive 4/5 reliability rating on RepairPal, ranking 2nd out of 14 for luxury compact SUVs.
Updates for 2025
The Lexus NX receives new color options, including Copper Crest for the exterior and Macadamia for the interior. Additional updates include the standardization of features like Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, Auto Rain-Sensing Wipers, and a Power Back Door across all models.
Current Lexus NX Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Lexus | NX 300 | ||||
| 2023 | Lexus | NX 350 | ||||
| 2024 | Lexus | NX 350 | ||||
| 2025 | Lexus | NX 350 | 3.79% | $519/month for 36 months, $3,999 due at signing | 6/2/25 | |
| 2025 | Lexus | NX 350h | $579/month for 39 months, $3,999 due at signing | 6/2/25 | ||
| 2024 | Lexus | NX 450h+ | ||||
| 2025 | Lexus | NX 450h+ | $569/month for 36 months, $4,999 due at signing | 6/2/25 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month’s Lexus deals here.
2. Mazda CX-5
We could have ranked the Mazda CX-5 equal to the Lexus NX on this list.
The CX-5 has a 4.5/5 rating on RepairPal, ranking 1st out of 26 on RepairPal’s list of midsize SUVs.
It also has a rating of 82 out of 100 from J.D. Power.
The CX-5 almost never misses one of the “Best of” lists. Watch for the Mazda CX-5 to score highly on our upcoming ranking of the best-used SUVs.
Updates for 2025
The CX-5 adds the Carbon Turbo trim with Zircon Sand paint and black trim pieces, including wheels and mirror caps. This trim level features the 256-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine along with all-wheel drive.
Current Mazda CX-5 Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Mazda | CX-5 | ||||
| 2025 | Mazda | CX-5 | 2.90% | $299/month for 36 months, $2,999 due at signing | 6/2/25 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month’s Mazda deals here.
3. Buick Envision
The Envision is the only model on this list made in China. Buick, GM’s import brand, scores highly in reliability rankings. According to RepairPal, Buick has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking 13th out of 32 car brands.
Specific RepairPal scores for the Envision are currently unavailable due to insufficient data.
When the Envision debuted in 2016, it earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus rating. This recognition helped dispel doubts about the quality and safety of Chinese-made vehicles.
Updates for 2025
The 2025 Envision continues with the design enhancements introduced in 2024, including slim LED lighting elements, a revised grille, and Buick’s new tri-shield logo on the hood. Inside, the Envision features a 30-inch ultrawide display that combines the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system.
Current Buick Envision Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Buick | Envision | $1,000 | 0.90% | 6/2/25 | |
| 2025 | Buick | Envision | $1,000 | 0.90% | $339/month for 24 months, $3,839 due at signing | 6/2/25 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month’s Buick deals here.
4. Kia Sportage
The brand has one of the highest J.D. Power VDS scores, and its Sportage earns a respectable 4.0/5, ranking 6th out of 26 on RepairPal’s list of compact SUVs.
The Sportage is a hidden gem in this segment. If you like the unusual styling, check out the Sportage when you shop for your next vehicle.
Updates for 2025
After a major revision in 2023 and minor updates in 2024, the Kia Sportage enters the 2025 model year with few changes.
Current Kia Sportage Deals & Incentives
You may qualify for deals and incentives, check out this month’s Kia deals here.
5. Porsche Macan
Here’s an interesting fact; The Porsche Macan outsells all of Porsche’s car models combined in America.
Of course, Porsche cars are rarer than hens’ teeth. Despite testing exotic vehicles like Alfa Romeos, McLarens, and Maseratis, this writer isn’t sure he’s ever seen a Macan in person.
If you like exclusivity and reliability in equal measures, the Macan is for you.
Update for 2025
Porsche is introducing the all-electric Macan in 2025, marking a significant shift in its lineup.
Worst Compact SUV for Reliability – Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y launched in 2020 and earned the lowest possible score on the Consumer Reports rankings. Tesla’s brand ranking is not just last on the J.D. Power VDS, it’s so far from the mainstream in its problems per 100 vehicles they had to leave it off the main chart.
Tesla vehicles have double the problems that top-ranked brands on the VDS do. And keep in mind, it’s Tesla owners reporting these problems.
Consumer Reports has gone out of its way to warn consumers about the Model Y’s reliability record.
Biggest Compact SUV Reliability Surprises
Having let the data guide us on this ranking, it was a surprise to us that Toyota’s RAV4 and Honda’s CR-V do not earn spots in the top five most reliable compact SUVs.
Toyota’s Consumer Reports score is not high enough, despite a very high brand rating by J.D. Power. Honda was moved low on the list because its J.D. Power score is not even average.
What Is the Most Reliable SUV Brand?
The brand that we typed most frequently in our comprehensive look at the most reliable SUVs was Toyota/Lexus. The brands share many components when they build the various models they offer, but more importantly, they share a culture of quality, durability, and reliability. If you visit a Lexus or Toyota dealer searching for a new SUV rest assured that there isn’t a bad one in the bunch.
What Is the Most Reliable Compact SUV?
The compact SUV segment is packed with reliable choices. However, it is the Lexus NX that stands above the others. The 2024 model year NX is at the end of its generation, which always means the bugs have been worked out. Heading into 2025 the new NX will primarily use proven powertrains from other Toyota/Lexus family vehicles.
