These SUVs are feature-rich and ready for adventure.
An SUV is a great choice when you want a vehicle that has the flexibility to carry people or cargo and is easy to reconfigure at a moment's notice. Since SUVs need to handle everything from the kids, to the commute, to a night out with friends, they include plenty of features to keep everyone happy. Many boast the latest tech features and roomy cabins that can seat at least five passengers. So which is the SUV you want to park in your driveway?
Check out our list of the 15 most reliable SUVs, based on RepairPal reliability ratings. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2010–2019 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.1
To determine these rankings, each year RepairPal examines repair tickets from over 2,000 auto repair shops in the U.S. Each vehicle’s dependability is rated by averaging data from millions of actual auto shop invoices. While repair cost plays a part in the rating, having a higher average cost does not necessarily mean a vehicle is less reliable. For example, parts and labor for a luxury vehicle may be more expensive, but if the severity of the repair and number of trips to the shop are minimal, that can positively impact a car’s reliability rating. This list shows a snapshot of RepairPal’s highest rated SUVs, while many other SUVs are also highly rated as reliable.
Take a look to see which used SUV may be right for you, and if your favorites made the list
Buick Encore
Those who want a more upscale experience from their SUV will find it in the 2017–2019 Buick Encore. In addition to a comfortable interior, it offers great cargo flexibility with up to 18.8 cu-ft of cargo room behind the rear seats and 48.4 cu-ft with the rear seats folded. There's also a fold-flat front passenger seat so you can haul items up to eight feet long. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Buick Encore include:
- Eight-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Available Wi-Fi hotspot2
- Fold-flat front passenger seat
- Rear-vision camera
The Encore is offered in a choice of two 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engines (2017–2019), both paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine has 138 hp and the more powerful engine has 153 hp.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers a choice of front-wheel- or all-wheel-drive across the lineup for model years 2017–2019, from the base model to the top trim. It also has great cargo capacity with up to 21.7 cu-ft behind the rear seats and 49.5 cu-ft behind the front seats. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport include:
- Automatic climate control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Cruise control
- Heated side mirrors
A range of up to five trims for the 2017–2019 Outlander includes the GT for those who want a sportier look to their practical SUV. There's a choice of either a 148-hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine or a 168-hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine. A CVT is standard across most of the lineup, but if you like driving a manual transmission, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has you covered. There's an available five-speed manual on the base trim only.
Lexus RX450h
The Lexus RX450h offers the efficiency of a hybrid with the comfort of a luxury vehicle. It includes standard AWD and gets EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31 mpg combined.3 Standard features on the 2017–2019 Lexus RX450h include:>
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- LED daytime running lights
- Foldable heated outside mirrors
A range of three available trims for 2017–2019 models includes the performance-focused F Sport and three-row 450HL for those who want more room for people and cargo. Power for the lineup comes from a 3.5L V6 engine with hybrid-electric motors for 308 combined system horsepower.
Kia Sportage
The spunky Kia Sportage was completely redesigned for the 2017 model year. This marks the fourth generation of this compact SUV, and it's available with a choice of FWD or AWD on every trim. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Kia Sportage include:
- LED daytime running lights
- Dual-level cargo floor
- Five-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Remote keyless entry
Available in a range of three trims, the LX and EX feature a 2.4L four-cylinder engine with 181 hp paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The SX Turbo sits at the top of the lineup with the same transmission paired to a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 240 hp for a more spirited driving experience.
The 2017–2019 Hyundai Tucson offers lots of choices with a range of up to seven trims to make it easier to find just the right version of the Tucson to fit your needs. There's also the option of either FWD or AWD on every trim, further enhancing its versatility. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Hyundai Tucson include:
- Heated power side mirrors
- Automatic headlights
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Rear spoiler
The 2017 and 2018 Tucson offer either a 2.0L four-cylinder with 164 hp or a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder with 195 hp. That changes for 2019 with a redesign that includes the choice of a 161-hp 2.0L four-cylinder or a more powerful version of that engine with 181 hp.
Available for model year 2014 and 2015, the Nissan Rogue Select is a more simplified version of the Nissan Rogue. Offered in a single trim, there's a choice of either FWD or AWD with seating for five passengers. Standard features on the 2014–2015 Rogue Select include:
- Rear spoiler
- 60/40 split rear bench seat
- Power windows and door locks
- Remote keyless entry
Power comes from a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 170 hp. The Nissan Rogue Select has plenty of room for cargo with 28.9 cu-ft behind the rear seats and 57.9 cu-ft behind the front seats as well as the ability to tow an estimated 1,000 pounds when properly equipped.4
Built for the more rugged set, the 2017–2019 Jeep Renegade offers the ability to leave the pavement and take you on an off-road adventure. It's offered with a choice of 2WD or 4WD except for the Trailhawk® trim. This trim is targeted to off-roaders, so it's 4WD-only and gets extra goodies including skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, and more drive modes for managing rough terrain. Standard features on the 2017 to 2019 Jeep Renegade include:
- 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat
- Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
- Halogen headlamps
- Fold-forward front passenger seat
The four-trim 2017–2019 Renegade lineup includes the base Sport, midrange Latitude, more luxurious Limited, and the off-road-focused Trailhawk. While the 2017 and 2018 Renegade offer the option of a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic, the 2019 model year says goodbye to the manual transmission and is automatic only.
Toyota RAV4
Completely redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Toyota RAV4 offers a choice of FWD or AWD and a wide range of standard and available driver-assistance features. Available upgrade packages (on 2017–2019 models) include navigation, a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, and 11 speakers. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Toyota RAV4 include:
- Acoustic noise-reducing front windshield
- Power side mirrors
- Entune™ audio
- Remote keyless entry
A range of up to five trims is offered depending on the model year, with the more rugged Adventure trim introduced for the 2018 model year. The RAV4 is powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 176 hp paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. For 2019, there's still a 2.5L four-cylinder, but with a boost to 203 hp.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V received a full redesign for 2017, marking the fifth generation of this popular SUV. The redesign includes a wide range of available driver-assistance features, including forward collision warning and lane-departure warning. It also includes the CR-V's first-ever available turbocharged engine. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Honda CR-V include:
- Power side mirrors
- Automatic climate control
- Cruise control
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats
The four-trim lineup starts with the EX for 2017–2019, which is powered by a 2.4L four-cylinder engine with 184 hp. The EX, EX-L, and Touring trims all get the new 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder with 190 hp. No matter which engine you choose for model years 2017–2019, it comes paired to a CVT.
Acura RDX
Acura's RDX is an upscale SUV with seating for five passengers and a choice of FWD or AWD on every trim. It was fully redesigned for the 2019 model year with new trim levels, a new powertrain, and a host of new features. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Acura RDX include:
- Cruise control
- Heated side mirrors
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
The trim lineup for the RDX is broken up into packages, which include an AcuraWatch™ driver assistance package, a technology package, and for 2019, the addition of the A-Spec performance package. The 2017 and 2018 Acura RDX feature a 3.5L V6 engine with 279 hp paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2019 model year marks the debut of a 272-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda CX-5
A sleek and upscale SUV with room for five passengers, the Mazda CX-5 is in the top third of our list. It was completely redesigned for 2017 with a restyled look and new features. There's front-wheel or all-wheel drive available across the three-trim lineup. It also includes a comfortable interior with available heated front and rear seats, leather trims, and dual-zone air conditioning. Standard features on the 2017 to 2019 Mazda CX-5 include:
- LED headlights and daytime running lights
- Power side mirrors
- Push-button start
- Cruise control
For 2017 and 2018, the Mazda CX-5 has a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The lineup changes for 2019 with the addition of the Grand Touring Reserve with a 227-hp 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder. The 2019 model year also marks the addition of the Signature trim at the top of the range with the same turbocharged engine.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul has unique styling for an SUV with a distinctly squared-off rear. Its remarkable look not only helps it stand out, it also makes it a cargo champ with a wide rear opening that easily handles large, bulky items. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Kia Soul include:
- Tilt- and telescopic-steering column
- Six-speaker audio system
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- Rear air conditioning vents
The 2017–2019 three-trim lineup for the Soul includes Base, Plus, and Exclaim trims. Power comes from either a 1.6L four-cylinder or 2.0L four-cylinder paired to a six-speed automatic transmission or a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder that gets a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. There's also the option for a six-speed manual transmission on the base trim only.
The 2017–2019 Subaru Crosstrek is a more rugged crossover choice and includes standard all-wheel drive along with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for managing off-road terrain. The standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats give you more cargo versatility, and a 6.2-inch touchscreen makes it easy for you to use all of the features. A redesign for the 2018 model year includes new features and updated styling. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Subaru Crosstrek include:
- Cruise control
- Hill-hold assist
- Power side mirrors
- Roof rails
The 2017–2019 Crosstrek lineup includes 2.0i, 2.0 Premium, and 2.0 Limited trims with an extra 2.0 Premium Limited trim for the 2017 model year only. The redesign for 2018 includes a revised version of the existing 2.0L Subaru Boxer® engine with 152 hp. It's paired to either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT depending on the trim selected.
Mazda CX-3
Coming in at number two on the list, the 2017–2019 Mazda CX-3 is a compact SUV offering an attractive and well-appointed interior with the versatility to carry 44.5 cu-ft of cargo with the front seats folded. Its smaller size makes it a great match for you if you live in the city and need to regularly manage crowded side streets and narrow parking spaces. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Mazda CX-3 include:
- Daytime running lights
- Cruise control
- Remote rear-hatch release
- Seven-inch infotainment touchscreen
The three-trim range for the 2017–2019 CX-3 includes Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims. Under the hood of the 2017–2019 CX-3 is a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 146 hp (and an extra two horsepower for 2019). Either way, it's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. There's also a choice of FWD or AWD across the lineup.
Honda HR-V
At the top of RepairPal’s reliability rating list, the Honda HR-V is a compact SUV with seating for five passengers. On 2017–2019 models, there's up to 24.3 cu-ft for cargo behind the rear seats or 58.8 cu-ft with the rear seats folded; its smaller size still allows for carrying plenty of everyday gear for a family or for a weekend getaway. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Honda HR-V include:
- Rearview camera with guidelines
- Illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio controls
- Adjustable front seat belt anchors
- Five-inch infotainment display screen
The 2017–2019 HR-V gets its power from a 141-hp 1.8L four-cylinder engine paired to either a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission. The three trim lineup includes the LX and EX, which offer the manual, and the EX-L with navigation which is automatic only. The 2019 model year expands the trim range to include Sport and Touring trims and refreshes exterior styling.
When you choose an SUV, you want to know that it meets your seating, cargo, and technology needs. With all of the options available, this list will help you find the right one for you.
1RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 09/03/2020. Learn more www.carmax.com/repairpal-reliability.
2Wi-Fi hotspots require a data plan to activate and may also require a compatible device. See the owner's manual or manufacturer website for more information.
3Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
4Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.