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The Most Reliable Used SUVs

These 23 SUVs are as dependable as they get

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The most reliable used SUVs include vehicles such as the Subaru Crosstrek, Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota 4Runner, plus several others we'll highlight in this story. To help in the quest for that ideal used SUV, the Edmunds team of experts has compiled a list of the most reliable used SUVs based on the latest version of the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. The study is structured upon issues experienced by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles, or SUVs from the 2023 model year.

This data covers predicted reliability, because the way an owner cares for a vehicle can heavily impact its reliability down the road — that's an intangible factor that can't be accounted for. To see real-world examples and pricing, we've linked each of the used SUV listings to examples currently on sale around the country. And to get a more in-depth look at a vehicle's pros and cons, there is also a link to the vehicle's original Edmunds review when it was new. This helps present an even more balanced take on any given SUV rather than relying solely upon its reliability rating. 

The most reliable subcompact SUVs

2023 Subaru Crosstrek 

2021 Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is a solid choice for a subcompact SUV. Its high ground clearance is great if you plan on light off-roading, and its standard all-wheel-drive system is nice to have for inclement weather. If you don't need those features, you'll still enjoy the little Subaru's spacious seating and comfortable ride. Another plus is the package of advanced driver aids that's standard on all models. The Crosstrek's base engine, unfortunately, is underpowered, so we recommend the more powerful option that's found in the Sport and Limited trim levels. This generation of Crosstrek was produced for the 2018-2023 model years. 

Edmunds Rating: 7.9 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Subaru Crosstrek review

2023 Mini Countryman

2021 Mini Countryman

The Mini Countryman is not only fun to drive, but it's also a very reliable small and sporty SUV. We've routinely praised the Countryman's sharp handling and punchy acceleration. For those looking for an SUV with the heart of a sports car, this could be a perfect balance. There are a couple of caveats to consider. To start, the engine range requires a diet of premium fuel. And in comparison to some more practical — if less entertaining — rivals, the cargo hold is on the small side.

Edmunds Rating: 7.8 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Mini Countryman review

2023 Buick Encore GX

2021 Buick Encore GX profile

The Encore GX is a hidden gem that far too many SUV shoppers overlooked when it was new. It's agile around town and, true to Buick tradition, it has a comfortable ride, an upscale interior, and a generous number of safety and tech features, including a user-friendly infotainment system. It also provides ample passenger and cargo space for its size. One downside was that it was pricey when new; but used models make it a much more affordable buy. Keep in mind that engine and road noise can get elevated at highway speeds.

Edmunds Rating: 7.9 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Buick Encore GX review

2023 Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue SEL

The Hyundai Venue is more than a cute face among subcompact SUVs. Both new and used models are highly affordable, plus its fuel-sipping four-cylinder is easy on a gas budget. Thanks to its small size, the Venue is easy to maneuver and squeeze into tight curbside parking spots. While the interior doesn't have a cutting-edge design or layout, everything is logically placed and all controls are within easy reach. One thing missing from the Venue's résumé is all-wheel drive. This is strictly a front-wheel-drive SUV. 

Edmunds Rating: 7.4 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Hyundai Venue review

The most reliable compact SUVs

2023 Chevrolet Equinox

2023 Chevrolet Equinox

The compact SUV segment is hugely competitive and includes popular models like the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4. Yet according to J.D. Power's data, it's the Chevrolet Equinox that stands out in terms of reliability. During testing, Edmunds found the Equinox to have a smooth ride and precise handling. The interior is something of a mixed bag, however. The infotainment system is excellent, response times are quick, and the menus are simple to navigate while driving. Yet some cabin trim pieces lack the finish and refinement found in rival SUVs.

Edmunds Rating: Not rated

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Read our 2023 Chevrolet Equinox review

2023 Buick Envision

2021 Buick Envision

The Buick brand has a strong presence among J.D. Power's most reliable used SUVs. The Envision makes a solid case for itself not only for its dependability but also for its overall comfort and impressive roster of premium features. This generation of Envision arrived for the 2021 model year, and standard fare included wireless smartphone connectivity, multiple USB ports and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. During testing, Edmunds found the Envision to be a good, if not a standout, performer in the compact SUV segment. Its value and long lineup of standard features should not be overlooked.

Edmunds Rating: 7.4 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Buick Envision review

2023 Subaru Forester

2023 Subaru Forester

The Forester has a loyal fan base thanks to its rugged image, high ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive. While it won't challenge something like a Jeep Wrangler for go-anywhere capability, this is a compact SUV that won't wilt when encountering unpaved surfaces. Its all-terrain talents are part of its charm. Additional highlights include good outward visibility, adult-friendly headroom and legroom in either row, and a spacious cargo area. One thing we would like more of is horsepower. The four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission provide leisurely acceleration.

Edmunds Rating: 7.9 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Subaru Forester review

The most reliable midsize SUVs

2023 Nissan Murano

Nissan Murano Platinum

The Nissan Murano is the most reliable midsize SUV for 2023, according to the J.D. Power study. But its below-average Edmunds Rating is due primarily to its age. In 2023, this generation of Murano was in its ninth year of production, which is a long time. Other midsizers, such as the Honda Passport, have newer tech features and more cargo space. But the Murano provides what many SUV shoppers like, including ample power, a comfortable cabin, and an infotainment system that's easy to use. It's also pretty stylish and has incredibly comfortable front seats. 

Edmunds Rating: 7.1 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Nissan Murano review

2023 Chevrolet Blazer

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2023 Chevy Blazer

Although boxy off-road SUVs are making a strong comeback, sleek street-cruising SUVs like the sporty Blazer are popular options. Chevy's midsize utility vehicle backs its racy design with agile handling and a robust optional V6 engine that delivers strong acceleration. We also like its comfortable ride and straightforward infotainment system. Alas, that sporty design comes at the cost of compromised rear seat headroom and a smaller cargo area than most midsize SUVs offer. 

Edmunds Rating: 7.3 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Chevrolet Blazer review

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited

The five-seat 2023 Santa Fe was in its final model year before a significant redesign in 2024 brought along three rows of seating and a polarizing rectangular-shaped exterior. When it was new, Edmunds found this less edgy Santa Fe to be a smooth operator with a price that undercut many direct competitors. Excellent fuel economy and a classy interior design made a good thing that much better. Granted, the soft suspension limits the Santa Fe's driving dynamics, but features like an optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine make sure this midsize SUV doesn't have trouble getting up to speed. 

Edmunds Rating: 7.7 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe review

The most reliable three-row midsize SUVs

2023 Buick Enclave

2022 Buick Enclave

Major plus points of the Enclave include its massive cabin and smooth ride. If you're looking for a large, comfortable and reliable three-row midsize SUV, put the Enclave on your shopping list. A refresh for the 2022 model year brought along a sleeker exterior and additional standard driver aids, including blind-spot monitoring and lane keeping assistance. Serving as the brand's largest and most expensive SUV, the Enclave comes with a robust and refined 310-horsepower V6 engine. The previous-generation Enclave was launched in 2018, and the latest generation was introduced for the 2025 model year.  

Edmunds Rating: 7.8 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Buick Enclave review

2023 Toyota 4Runner

2023 Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV that has a legion of fans who love its tough-as-nails reputation and off-road capability. To be fair, the 2023 model might be a little too rough around the edges for some SUV shoppers. The ride is on the firmer side, and handling isn't as sharp as what some rivals offer. And while the V6 engine has plenty of power, it comes with a pretty hefty appetite for fuel. Yet this body-on-frame SUV provides lots of towing capability, tons of versatility, and a well-earned reputation for strong resale value.  

Edmunds Rating: 7.6 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Toyota 4Runner review

2023 Chevrolet Traverse

2022 Chevy Traverse

The Traverse is a smart pick if you want the maximum amount of passenger space and cargo volume in a midsize SUV. There's no doubt about it, this is one very roomy SUV. It also boasts a user-friendly infotainment system that comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Acceleration is also not a problem due to the 310-horsepower V6 engine that provides strong and linear power. What holds the Traverse back is a preponderance of cheap-looking cabin trim that detracts from the interior ambiance.   

Edmunds Rating: Not rated

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Read our 2023 Chevrolet Traverse review

The most reliable large SUV

2023 Chevrolet Tahoe

2022 Chevrolet Tahoe

For the third year in a row, the Chevy Tahoe is the only large non-luxury SUV to make it into the J.D. Power reliability study. Its sheer size, thirst for fuel and somewhat down-market interior may not be to everyone's taste, but there's no denying the Tahoe's versatility. The Tahoe can seat up to nine passengers and carry tons of cargo, and it provides enough towing capacity for most SUV owners. And unlike most of its rivals, the Chevrolet Tahoe offers a fuel-efficient diesel engine. The first model year of this fifth-generation Tahoe was 2021. The 2023 Tahoe marked the first year that GM's Super Cruise highway driving assist system was optional. 

Edmunds Rating: 7.4 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe review

The most reliable compact luxury SUVs

2023 BMW X4

2022 BMW X4

If cargo space and rear seat headroom aren't a priority and you want a sporty SUV, then the X4 with its coupe-like styling might be a perfect fit. The X4 is built on the X3's solid foundation, but it adds a sport-tuned suspension and front sport seats for an even more engaging driving experience. Those who value performance will want to opt for the more powerful M40i model. Despite having less second-row headroom and cargo space than the more practical X3, the X4 commands a premium price.  

Edmunds Rating: 7.5 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 BMW X4 review

2023 Cadillac XT4

2022 Cadilac XT4

The XT4 first rolled into Cadillac showrooms starting with the 2019 model year. The 2023 version added a few more standard driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the XT4 scores top marks when it comes to reliability, there are some less appealing factors to consider. During testing, we found ride quality to be uneven over rough surfaces. Too much road and engine noise also seeped into the cabin at highway speeds. On a positive note, the interior is very roomy, and the infotainment has sharp graphics and reacts quickly to inputs.   

Edmunds Rating: 6.9 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Cadillac XT4 review

2023 Genesis GV70

2022 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport

There is very little not to like about the Genesis GV70. This compact luxury SUV burst onto the scene beginning with the 2022 model year. The 2023 version carried over largely unchanged, and that's a good thing because Genesis nailed it from the outset. Two engines are available, a turbocharged four-cylinder and twin-turbocharged V6. Each delivers brisk acceleration, and all-wheel drive is standard across all trims. The interior is fresh and modern-looking, the dash is attractive, and the seating is very comfortable. Cargo space is also abundant. One of our few (minor) complaints is that a little more interior storage for smaller items wouldn't go amiss.   

Edmunds Rating: 8.3 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Genesis GV70 review

The most reliable midsize luxury SUVs

2023 Cadillac XT5

Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury 4dr SUV Exterior Shown
Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

The Cadillac XT5 continues Cadillac's strong presence in the latest J.D. Power reliability survey. Since it arrived in 2017, the XT5 has never been a class leader in any one area. Many direct rivals provide superior luxury, performance, comfort and tech. But most folks will enjoy the XT5's spacious seating, smooth ride and easy-to-use controls. The optional V6 is another strong point for the XT5, and most shoppers will be attracted to its low used pricing for a midsize luxury SUV. 

Edmunds Rating: 7.4 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Cadillac XT5 review

2023 Lexus RX

2023 Lexus RX 350

Smooth in pretty much everything it does, the Lexus RX is extremely refined and comfortable. Is it the sportiest SUV in its segment? The answer is no, though we think its many pros far outweigh its few cons. To start, the interior is chock full of soft-touch surfaces and high-quality trim. Drivetrain refinement is another major plus point as the RX wafts down the road effortlessly and the cabin is very hushed. Totally redesigned for the 2023 model year, the updated RX came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder and choice of front- or all-wheel drive. One complaint is that the infotainment system remains a little cumbersome to operate.  

Edmunds Rating: 7.8 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Lexus RX review

2023 BMW X6

2020 BMW X6

Based on the same platform as the BMW X5 SUV, the X6 features a tapered roofline to give it a sportier, coupe-like appearance. The trade-off is that cargo room and rear visibility aren't on par with what its less audacious — but more square-shaped and practical — SUV sibling offers. During testing, we praised the X6's power and stability, not to mention its ride comfort and upscale cabin design. The X6 is the type of SUV aimed at car shoppers who prioritize performance over things like cupholder count and trunk volume.  

Edmunds Rating: Not rated

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Read our 2023 BMW X6 review

2023 Porsche Cayenne

2023 Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne was one of the first SUVs to prove that sports-car-like driving dynamics weren't limited to only sports cars. Exceedingly rapid and very agile, the Cayenne has evolved into one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs available. As it turns out, the 2023 model year also deserves credit for its reliability, according to J.D. Power's analysis. This third-generation Cayenne arrived beginning with the 2019 model year. When it was new, we praised its strong lineup of engines, exquisite interior, and high degree of customization. 

Edmunds Rating: 8.1 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Porsche Cayenne review

The most reliable three-row midsize luxury SUVs

2023 Lexus GX

2022 Lexus GX 460. Premium Package Shown.

Tough-guy looks and all-terrain capability couldn't hide the fact that the three-row GX was showing its age by the 2023 model year. That should come as no surprise when you consider this generation was showroom-fresh starting in 2010. Yet it proudly served as the Lexus brand's go-to SUV for shoppers wanting impressive off-road capability in a luxurious and boxy SUV shape. Like most Lexus vehicles, the GX is well built and delivers excellent reliability. But because of its age, it fell behind the competition in many ways. It took Lexus a long time, but a totally redesigned GX arrived for the 2024 model year. 

Edmunds Rating: 6.9 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Lexus GX review

2023 Cadillac XT6 

2021 Cadillac XT6

Once again the Cadillac brand scores a win when it comes to reliability. The three-row XT6 arrived for the 2022 model year as an all-new model positioned above the XT5 and below the full-size Escalade. The XT6 proved firmly middle of the pack in its highly competitive segment. But this spacious Caddy has a quiet interior, a roomy third row that adults can use, and easy-to-master tech features. Still, the XT6 isn't as luxurious, high-tech or comfortable as many competitors. We also took issue with its jumpy throttle and all-wheel-drive system that needs to be engaged with a button. On the plus side, used models are priced low for a luxury three-row. 

Edmunds Rating: 7.3 (out of 10)

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Read our 2023 Cadillac XT6 review

The J.D. Power reliability study focused on SUVs that are about 3 years old, but slightly older or newer models that belong to the same generation will likely be just as reliable. When you find a used SUV that's right for you, it's best to ask the seller or dealership for the vehicle's service records to ensure it's been properly maintained. 

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