When it comes to SUVs, there’s a simple mantra: Reliability is a necessity. Whether you’re hauling groceries, your family, or a week’s worth of camping gear, your SUV should be ready to answer the call without complaint. Here are 24 SUVs that are the gold reliability standard — vehicles so loyal they deserve a spot in your will.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is the Indiana Jones of SUVs — rugged, adventurous, and indestructible. This off-road legend has earned its reputation as the vehicle of choice in the world’s harshest terrains. Whether it’s surviving Saharan sandstorms or Antarctic chills, the Land Cruiser laughs in the face of adversity. Plus, with regular maintenance, it’s not unheard of for these beasts to cross 300,000 miles with ease.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is known for its stellar fuel economy, low maintenance costs, and engine that just won’t quit. It has been a family favorite for decades. It’s perfect for suburban adventurers and has a resale value that might make you question whether you even need to sell it.
Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner is the Land Cruiser’s adventurous sibling. Known for its body-on-frame construction, this SUV is tailor-made for off-roading. Yet, despite its ruggedness, it’s equally at home picking up kids from soccer practice. Owners often joke that a 4Runner could probably survive the apocalypse — a comforting thought if your daily commute feels like one.
Lexus GX
Take everything you love about the Toyota Land Cruiser, add a touch of luxury, and you have the Lexus GX. Inside, the GX offers a plush cabin with high-quality materials, three rows of seating, and advanced tech like Lexus’ Safety System+, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. And, while its fuel efficiency (16 MPG city/19 highway) is modest, its legendary durability and resale value make it a long-term investment
Subaru Outback
Though technically a wagon pretending to be an SUV, the Subaru Outback is so efficient it has earned its place here. Its engine options include the fuel-efficient 2.5L four-cylinder or the turbocharged 2.4L, which balances power and economy and achieves up to 33 mpg on highways. The spacious interior offers up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down, making it ideal for road trips. Advanced safety features, like Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, provide added peace of mind.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is the Toyota of Toyotas: reliable, practical, and built for the long haul. First introduced in 2000, it was one of the first car-based crossovers, blending an SUV’s benefits with a sedan’s handling. The Highlander is powered by efficient engines, including a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 3.5L V6, offering up to 265 horsepower. Also Known for its durability, many Highlanders surpass 200,000 miles with routine maintenance.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot might not turn heads, but that’s because it’s too busy turning odometers. Known for its spacious interior and reliable V6 engine, the Pilot is a favorite among families who want a hassle-free ride. The Pilot also offers all-wheel drive options, making it a capable performer in diverse weather conditions. Its excellent resale value and low cost of ownership have cemented its place as a top choice for families seeking a dependable, long-lasting SUV.
Jeep Wrangler
While most SUVs shy away from mud and rocks, the Jeep Wrangler lives for it. Introduced in 1986, the Wrangler boasts a body-on-frame design, solid axles, and robust 4×4 systems, making it a top choice for adventure enthusiasts. It offers several trims, including the Rubicon for extreme off-roading, modern features like removable doors, and a fold-down windshield.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is proof that reliability doesn’t have to be boring. Owners praise the CX-5 for its refined handling, which rivals more expensive luxury SUVs. It features a sleek exterior inspired by Mazda’s “Kodo” design philosophy and a premium interior with high-quality materials, even in base trims. In J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, Mazda ranks among the top brands, bolstering the CX-5’s reputation for long-term durability.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a relative newcomer, but it’s already proving one of the most dependable SUVs on the market. Powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic transmission, it delivers smooth performance for city driving and highway cruising. It also boasts high safety scores, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+. Combining luxury, practicality, and dependability, the Telluride has become a favorite for families and adventurers.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is the Swiss Army knife of SUVs. Known for its spacious interior and advanced safety features, it includes Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which features adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. The RAV4’s practicality, with 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space (69.8 with seats down), makes it a favorite among families and commuters alike.
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is the big, reliable workhorse you call when the job’s too harsh for smaller SUVs. It accommodates up to eight passengers with ample cargo space, enhanced by folding rear seats. Its advanced safety features include Ford’s Co-Pilot360 system, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. And, despite its size, the Expedition is surprisingly agile, with rear- or four-wheel drive options for varied terrains.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban is the king of SUVs in terms of size and reliability. Over the years, the Suburban has undergone numerous design updates while retaining its signature boxy shape, wide stance, and commanding road presence. Its front features a bold grille with large headlights, while the rear often incorporates wide tailgate designs and prominent rear window treatments.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe combines dependability with affordability, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune on a reliable SUV. Its front is defined by a bold, wide grille with sharp, angular LED headlights, giving it a strong road presence. The sculpted body lines and a sloping roofline contribute to its dynamic, athletic stance, while the rear features LED taillights and dual exhausts, emphasizing its sporty nature. The latest generation also includes design upgrades like a more prominent grille and refined finishes, reinforcing Hyundai’s commitment to quality and style.
Nissan Xterra
Though discontinued, the Nissan Xterra remains a cult favorite among off-road enthusiasts. It sported washable cargo floors and hidden compartments because mud happens. The first-gen Xterra looked like a boxy backpack with a built-in roof rack that shouted, “Load me up!” Production ended in 2015 due to changing markets and stricter fuel economy standards—basically, it couldn’t keep up with the yoga-pants-wearing crossovers.
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is like a Honda Pilot that graduated from finishing school. Launched in 2001, it’s now in its fourth generation (introduced in 2022) and flaunts a sporty design. With a standard 290-horsepower V6 or the 355-horsepower turbo V6 in the Type S, the MDX knows how to have fun while hauling seven passengers. All in all, from families to weekend warriors, the MDX caters to everyone.
GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is the Suburban’s equally reliable cousin. Under the hood, you can choose between a muscular 6.2L V8 with 420 hp or a diesel engine for those efficiency-minded road warriors. Whether cruising in style with 22-inch wheels or tackling trails with the AT4 trim’s skid plates and 32-degree approach angle, the Yukon stays versatile. But don’t expect stellar fuel economy.
Volvo XC90
Volvo’s reputation for safety extends to reliability, especially in the XC90. Its clean, minimalist design combines a bold grille and sleek lines, giving it a classy yet not pretentious vibe. Inside, it’s Scandinavian heaven with plush materials, a vertical touchscreen that feels like an oversized iPad, and seats so comfy that you’ll forget you’re driving and not lounging in a Nordic spa. Critics praise its safety tech, like lane-keeping aids and auto-braking.
Land Rover Defender (New Models)
The old Defenders were quirky but needed to be more credible. It’s as if Bear Grylls met James Bond: washable rubber floors for mud-slinging adventures and tech-loaded dashboards with Pivi Pro infotainment. Defenders now come with air suspension, turning bumpy mountain trails into slightly bumpy rides. And the configurability? You can turn it into a posh city SUV or an overlanding monster with 37 accessory packs. But make no mistake: underneath the sleek design, it’s still ready to conquer the Sahara and your Instagram feed.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander doesn’t get the love it deserves. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is the eco-warrior sibling, boasting up to 38 miles of electric-only range and a combined range of 420 miles. It also flaunts Super All-Wheel Control (fancy AWD), ensuring you look confident on snowy roads or gravel driveways. Safety? It’s packed with systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping. It’s practical, reliable, and undeniably versatile.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Tahoe is another heavy-duty SUV built for families and adventure seekers alike. First hitting the road in 1995, it’s the cooler sibling of the Suburban, offering full-size SUV vibes without feeling like you’re driving a city bus. The 2024 Tahoe boasts three engine options: a burly 5.3L V8, a growlier 6.2L V8, and an eco-conscious 3.0L Duramax diesel. With up to 420 horsepower, it can tow up to 8,400 pounds. It’s hefty, versatile, and built to take on adventures in style.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a cousin to the Kia Telluride, sharing the same platform and many features. The cabin has three rows of seating, so there’s room for the whole family and then some. The interior boasts high-quality materials, a prominent touchscreen, and even an available 12-inch digital cluster to make you feel like a tech wizard. It’s perfect for road trips, grocery runs, or showing up in style.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has been a staple in the SUV world for decades. With multiple generations, the Explorer now offers turbocharged engines, hybrid options, and a plush interior so cozy you might start a nap in the parking lot. It can haul up to seven passengers, making it perfect for large families or those with a lot of stuff.
Suzuki Jimny
The Suzuki Jimny might be small, but its reliability is mighty. With a boxy exterior and a suspension that laughs in the face of rocks, the Jimny is practically a mountain goat on wheels. And it doesn’t just look cute; it’s all about getting dirty! Whether it’s city streets or muddy trails, the Jimny’s ready to roll.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
