Most Reliable SUVs [Winners in Each Segment]

Most Reliable Overall SUVs

After much research, our expert editors have found that one brand or manufacturer doesn’t dominate in the SUV reliability arena.

Rather than pigeonholing ourselves to one overall winner, we’ve broken our six picks into size breakdowns to help you find the perfect SUV for your needs.

Check out our full list of the best SUVs here >>

Most Reliable SUVs Comparison Table

Model
Segment
Best For
Lexus UX
Subcompact SUVs
City Driving & Fuel Efficiency
Lexus NX 
Compact SUVs
Luxury Seekers & Safety-Conscious Drivers
Buick Encore
Subcompact SUVs
Urban Commuters and First-Time SUV Buyers
Buick Envision
Compact SUVs
Families and Value Seekers
Kia Telluride
Mid-Size SUVs
Large Families and Long-Distance Travelers
Lexus LX
Full-Size SUVs
Luxury Off-Roading and Towing
Lexus GX
Mid-Size SUVs
Off-Road Enthusiasts and Luxury Adventurers
Toyota Sequoia
Full-Size SUVs
Spacious Family Travel and Towing Capacity

Read about how we rank our vehicles >>

Most Reliable Subcompact SUVs

Whether you are a college student commuting to school, or a parent with kids in daycare, your subcompact SUV needs to be super-reliable. Fortunately, subcompact SUVs are among the most reliable vehicles in the American market. Here are the two we feel are the most reliable in this segment.

1. Lexus UX

Best for City Driving and Fuel Efficiency – 4.0/5 Rating

Lexus UX Most Reliable SUVs

No SUV has a higher reliability score than the Lexus UX. This small crossover is a fuel-sipper, fun to drive, and has its own unique “chill” vibe.

With the highest J.D. Power VDS brand reliability score, it tops our list not just because we organized this list by size but also because it earned the top spot overall.

What’s New for 2025?

The Lexus UX250h now features an available hands-free power liftgate as standard or optional across more trims. Minor updates to the infotainment software and interior trim options have also been introduced for 2025. All other models remain unchanged.

2. Buick Encore

Best for Urban Commuters and First-Time SUV Buyers – 4.0/5 Rating

Buick Encore Most Reliable SUVs

The Buick Encore has an impressive 5 on RepairPal, and the brand has the fifth-best J.D. Power VDS brand reliability ranking. Buick is GM’s import brand, but that doesn’t take anything away from its dependability.

The Buick brand is one of the most global brands on this list, yet one thing is always the same – great reliability.

What’s New for 2025?

For 2025, the Buick Encore carries forward the updates introduced in 2024, including the refreshed branding and styling across the lineup. The Avenir trim remains the top-tier edition, offering premium features.

Additionally, the 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster and the 11.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system continue as standard features on higher trims, ensuring a modern and tech-forward driving experience. No significant changes have been made for 2025.

See all our picks for the most reliable subcompact SUVs here. >>

Most Reliable Compact SUVs

Compact SUVs are now the top-selling vehicles by volume in America. They are used for every conceivable purpose. In our rankings of compact SUVs, four brands and models rise above the pack. Here are our top two.

1. Lexus NX

Best for Luxury Seekers and Safety-Conscious Drivers – 4.5/5 Rating

Lexus NX Most Reliable SUVs

Lexus is the premium brand from Toyota, a brand everyone associates with reliability. Our research shows that the Lexus earns the highest brand reliability score on the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, and has the second-highest RepairPal score.

The NX is available in sporty trims with a turbocharged engine, a fuel-sipping hybrid, and will also come with a plug-in option.

What’s New for 2025?

For 2025, the Lexus NX introduces additional standard safety features, including upgraded driver assistance systems across all trims. The NX450h+ F Sport now includes enhanced interior trim options, and the panoramic sunroof remains available as an option.

Other models in the lineup carry forward the updates introduced in 2024, with no significant changes to the drivetrain options or styling.

2. Buick Envision

Best for Families and Value Seekers – 4.5/5 Rating

Buick Envision Most Reliable SUVs

The Buick Envision does everything well. It has earned a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS, reviewers love the vehicle and it has earned very high-reliability scores since its introduction. It also received a perfect 5/5 reliability rating on RepairPal.

Buick is also a highly-ranked brand for reliability. That and the fact that Envisions built by GM are imported to America are just interesting footnotes.

What’s New for 2025?

For 2025, the Buick Envision builds on its 2024 updates. The Super Cruise hands-free driver-assist system is now available on more trims, expanding accessibility. Additionally, Buick introduces new exterior color options and subtle refinements to the interior materials for an elevated cabin feel. The 8.0-inch gauge cluster and 11.0-inch touchscreen remain standard on higher trims, with no major changes to the overall design or drivetrain.

See all our picks for the most reliable compact SUVs here. >>

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

Midsize SUVs can come in either two or three rows and have the widest variety among all SUV groupings. We researched and ranked no less than 30 individual models in this segment, and they were all pretty close. Here are the top vehicles on our list of most reliable midsize SUVs.

1. Kia Telluride

Best for Large Families and Long-Distance Travelers – 4.5/5 Rating

Kia Telluride Most Reliable SUVs

Although it is a new model, Kia’s Telluride leaped to the head of the midsize segment in many ways. Reliability is just one area in which this three-row SUV excels.

This model injects a fresh new shape with a lower beltline. The Telluride looks smaller than it is, and that’s a plus in this type of vehicle. Kia had nearly perfect scores in both its years, so we placed this vehicle in the number one position on our list.

What’s New for 2025?

For 2025, the Kia Telluride receives upgraded standard safety features, including enhanced lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control across all trims. Additionally, there are new exterior color options and refined wheel designs available for select trims. The amber-colored daytime running lights introduced in 2024 remain standard, and no major changes have been made to the overall design or drivetrain.

2. Lexus GX

Best for Off-Road Enthusiasts and Luxury Adventurers – 4.0/5 Rating

Lexus GX Most Reliable SUVs

The Lexus GX is one of many body-on-frame SUVs from Toyota and Lexus on our list. While the crossover SUVs from Lexus and Toyota earn more sales and also do well in our rankings for reliability, the GX rose to the top in this category on the strength of Lexus’ J.D. Power score.

This gem has been polished over many decades by Lexus. Keeping the formula the same year after year has its benefits.

What’s New for 2025?

For 2025, the Lexus GX receives a redesigned interior with updated infotainment software, including a larger touchscreen display for enhanced usability. Additionally, Lexus introduces a new off-road package that adds upgraded suspension and all-terrain tires for improved performance. While the overall design and drivetrain remain consistent, these updates aim to modernize the GX while maintaining its proven formula.

See all our picks for the most reliable midsize SUVs here. >>

Most Reliable Full-Size SUVs

There are fewer full-size SUV models than midsize or compact. We found the data interesting in this segment because it was relatively limited. We think our readers may be surprised when they see our top picks because they are from two companies not normally associated with full-size SUVs.

1. Lexus LX

Best for Luxury Off-Roading and Towing – 4.5/5 Rating

Lexus LX Most Reliable SUVs

The Lexus LX is a low-volume seller for the brand, but clearly, Lexus pays attention to even its least popular models.

The LX matched the best in our group for RepairPal scores and dominated on the J.D. Power VDS. Those shoppers who already favor Lexus as a brand would be wise to check out its LX if they need a brute-ute.

What’s New for 2025?

For 2025, the Lexus LX introduces enhanced towing capabilities with improved trailering technology and a new tow mode setting. The Ultra Luxury trim now features additional rear-seat comfort upgrades, including ventilated rear seats and an updated rear-seat control panel for climate and media adjustments. The wireless Bluetooth headphones for the rear-seat entertainment system remain standard. No significant changes have been made to the drivetrain or exterior design.

2. Toyota Sequoia

Best for Spacious Family Travel and Towing Capacity – 4.0/5 Rating

Toyota Sequoia Most Reliable SUVs

The Sequoia is what the Toyota brand-loyal shoppers turn to when a 4Runner or Highlander isn’t enough of an SUV for their needs. We found it interesting that Toyota was able to retire its Land Cruiser (a vehicle almost identical to the Lexus LX) and still have another full-size SUV model that could top the rest of the full-size SUV field.

The Sequoia is ranked higher in reliability than the Cadillac Escalade by both RepairPal and J.D. Power & Associates.

What’s New for 2025?

For 2025, the Toyota Sequoia introduces enhanced towing technology, including a new trailer backup assist system and integrated trailer brake control as standard on higher trims. The Limited Nightshade model introduced in 2024 continues, but now includes optional darkened chrome accents for a more premium look. Additionally, all Sequoia trims receive an updated infotainment system with expanded connectivity options. No significant changes have been made to the powertrain or overall design.

See all our picks for the most reliable full-size SUVs here. >>

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 SUV?

There are many SUVs on our list that earn top RepairPal ratings, and in many segments, there are also brands that score very well on the J.D. Power brand ranking for durability. The Lexus UX was the model that had perfect scores across the board.

Maintenance Costs for SUVs

Before you settle on one of these reliable SUVs, you can narrow down your choices by looking at maintenance costs. You always want to make sure that the maintenance is within your budget. Below, we’ve gathered the average yearly maintenance costs for our top reliable SUV picks.

Model
Approx. Yearly Maintenance Cost
Lexus UX
$497 to $572​
Buick Encore
$466
Lexus NX
$430 to $690
Buick Envision
$462
Kia Telluride
$474 to $642
Lexus GX
$849
Lexus LX
$832
Toyota Sequoia
$893

Conclusion

When it comes to finding a dependable and versatile vehicle for your family, commuting, or business needs, our roundup of the most reliable SUVs offers choices for every preference and purpose.

From the urban-friendly Lexus UX to the robust Toyota Sequoia, each SUV brings its unique strengths to the forefront, ensuring reliability isn’t just a feature but a guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Lexus UX, LX, GX, NX, and RX all earn scores that put them at the top of their individual SUV segments for reliability. Lexus is the most reliable SUV brand overall.

Small SUVs have the most perfect scores from RepairPal than any other size segment.

There are very reliable SUVs built on full frames, and also very reliable crossovers built with unibody construction. We could find no correlation between the type of construction and reliability.

We give the award for the most reliable subcompact SUV to the Lexus UX. No other SUV has a higher reliability score than the Lexus UX.

The Lexus NX is the most reliable compact SUV. It is available with a turbocharged engine, a hybrid engine, and a plug-in hybrid engine option.

Although it is a new model, Kia’s Telluride leaped to the head of the midsize segment in many ways. Reliability is just one area in which this three-row SUV excels.

The LX matched the best in our group for RepairPal scores and dominated on the J.D. Power VDS. Those shoppers who already favor Lexus as a brand would be wise to check out its LX if they need a brute-ute.