Most Reliable SUVs [Winners in Each Segment]

Most Reliable Overall SUVs

SUVs have become the family vehicles of the modern era. In addition, they serve as commuter vehicles, and many owners use them in their business.

Regardless of which of these categories one is using an SUV for, reliability is always a priority.

After much research, we found that not one brand or manufacturer dominates with regard to SUV reliability. Rather, in our various size breakdowns, we have a total of six brands making SUVs which we consider to be excellent.

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

Read about how we rank our vehicles >>

Most Reliable SUVs Comparison

ModelSegmentConsumer Reports Score
(Higher Is Better)
J.D. Power VDS Score
(Lower Is Better)
Lexus UX
Subcompact
5
81
Lexus NX
Compact
4.5
81
Kia Telluride
Midsize
5
97
Buick Encore
Subcompact
5
100
Lexus GX
Midsize
4.3
81
Buick Envision
Compact
4.3
100
Lexus LX
Full-Size
4
81
Toyota Sequoia
Full-Size
4
98

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

Lexus UX Most Reliable SUVsNo 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 a perfect five from Consumer Reports and 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.

2. Buick Encore

Buick Encore Most Reliable SUVsThe Buick Encore has a perfect five score from Consumer Reports, 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.

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

Lexus NX Most Reliable SUVsLexus 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 Consumer Reports score.

The NX is available in sporty trims with a turbocharged engine, a fuel-sipping hybrid, and for 2022 will also come with a plug-in option.

2. Buick Envision

Buick Envision Most Reliable SUVsThe Buick Envision does everything well. It has earned a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS, reviewers love the vehicle, and has earned very high reliability scores since its introduction.

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

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

Kia Telluride Most Reliable SUVsAlthough 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.

2. Lexus GX

Lexus GX Most Reliable SUVsThe 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.

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

Lexus LX Most Reliable SUVsThe 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 Consumer Reports 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.

2. Toyota Sequoia

Toyota Sequoia Most Reliable SUVsThe 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 Consumer Reports and J.D. Power & Associates.

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 Consumer Reports Scores, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most reliable SUV brand?

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.

What size SUVs are the most reliable?

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

Which are more reliable, crossovers or SUVs?

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.

What is the most reliable subcompact SUV?

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.

What is the most reliable compact SUV?

The Lexus NX is the most reliable compact SUV. It is available with a turbocharged engine, a hybrid engine, and for 2022, a plug-in hybrid engine option.

What is the most reliable midsize SUV?

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.

What is the most reliable full-size SUV?

The LX matched the best in our group for Consumer Reports 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.