Over the past decade, the SUV market has evolved dramatically, with buyers demanding not only comfort, space, and capability but also long-term dependability. Reliability remains one of the most crucial factors influencing SUV ownership satisfaction, dictating repair costs, resale value, and overall peace of mind. Certain models have proven to be steadfast companions through the years, consistently earning top marks for durability and engineering integrity. Whether it’s tackling urban commutes, long highway trips, or weekend getaways, these SUVs have demonstrated an ability to keep going strong even after hundreds of thousands of kilometers.
Drawing on data from trusted automotive sources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, the following models have emerged as some of the most reliable SUVs of the past decade. From the all-weather prowess of Subaru to Toyota’s bulletproof engineering and Lexus’ luxury longevity, these vehicles exemplify what it means to blend practicality with endurance. Here’s a closer look at the SUVs that stood the test of time and why they continue to inspire confidence today.
2019 BMW X5
82/100
The 2019 BMW X5 represented a significant redesign that pushed the boundaries of luxury, performance, and technology, all while maintaining a commendable reliability score of 82 out of 100. Built on BMW’s new CLAR platform, it offered a stiffer structure and improved build quality, which translated into fewer mechanical and electronic issues over time. The available engines, from the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six to the potent 4.4-liter V8, were refined and resilient, delivering the kind of performance synonymous with BMW while still proving surprisingly reliable when properly maintained.
The 2019 X5’s cabin set a new benchmark for luxury SUVs in its class. Premium materials, precision craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology defined the experience. BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional system and iDrive 7 interface were praised for their reliability and user-friendliness, avoiding the software glitches that often plagued early luxury tech systems. Even years later, the interior continued to feel solid, with minimal rattles or degradation, a testament to BMW’s attention to quality.
While the X5’s advanced systems and air suspension added complexity, BMW’s improved manufacturing standards kept reliability strong relative to its competitors. Owners found it to be both a driver’s SUV and a long-term investment in comfort and performance. The 2019 X5 proved that luxury and reliability could coexist, showing just how far BMW’s engineering had evolved since the early days of the segment.
2017 Lexus RX
83/100
The 2017 Lexus RX continued to cement Lexus’ reputation for building some of the most dependable luxury SUVs on the road. With a reliability rating of 83 out of 100, it offered a smooth, comfortable, and remarkably trouble-free ownership experience. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RX provided a seamless driving experience backed by mechanical longevity. Lexus’ meticulous engineering meant fewer breakdowns and lower repair costs compared to many European rivals in its class.
The RX’s cabin exemplified understated luxury, meticulously assembled, with soft-touch materials and impeccable fit-and-finish. Even after years of use, owners reported minimal interior wear and near-silent operation, a hallmark of Lexus craftsmanship. Its suspension tuning prioritized comfort, while the optional all-wheel-drive system added versatility without sacrificing reliability. Combined with Lexus’ legendary customer service and long-term durability, the RX remains a top choice for buyers seeking worry-free luxury.
Though not the most thrilling SUV to drive, the 2017 RX excelled in the areas that matter most to everyday owners: dependability, comfort, and refinement. It was a vehicle designed to deliver quiet confidence, rather than excitement, a formula that continues to make the RX one of the best-selling luxury SUVs of all time.
2018 BMW X3
85/100
The 2018 BMW X3 marked a major leap forward for the brand’s compact SUV, blending performance, refinement, and reliability in a way few luxury crossovers could. Scoring 85 out of 100 for reliability, this model impressed owners with its sturdy build quality, balanced handling, and well-engineered powertrains. Both the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the xDrive30i and the 3.0-liter inline-six in the M40i proved durable and efficient, benefiting from BMW’s refined TwinPower Turbo technology. Despite the complexity of its drivetrain and electronics, the 2018 X3 demonstrated that German precision could deliver both excitement and long-term dependability.
Inside, the X3 showcased BMW’s mastery of ergonomic luxury, with high-grade materials that resisted wear and an intuitive iDrive infotainment system that remained stable over time. Its attention to detail, from the solid-feeling switchgear to the supple upholstery, contributed to a sense of lasting quality. Regular maintenance kept the X3 running flawlessly, with owners praising its smooth transmission and consistent performance even after years of use.
While older BMWs often had a reputation for costly upkeep, the 2018 X3 broke that stereotype. Its strong reliability score underscored BMW’s shift toward more robust engineering and improved long-term durability. For drivers seeking a luxury SUV that could deliver both spirited driving dynamics and peace of mind, the X3 stood out as one of the best-balanced options in its segment.
2018 Subaru Forester
85/100
The 2018 Subaru Forester built upon its reputation for rugged dependability and all-weather confidence. With its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and practical boxer engine, it offered owners a vehicle that handled daily driving and off-road excursions with equal poise. Owners frequently cited its predictable handling, solid build quality, and minimal maintenance issues, earning it an impressive reliability score of 85 out of 100.
Interior durability also contributed to its high marks. Subaru opted for hard-wearing materials that resisted wear over time, while the cabin layout remained straightforward and functional. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while not the most powerful in the segment, was designed for longevity rather than thrills. Routine maintenance like oil changes and fluid checks was easy and inexpensive, a hallmark of Subaru’s user-friendly engineering.
By 2018, the Forester had matured into one of the most balanced compact SUVs on the market. Its reliability wasn’t merely about fewer repairs; it was about consistent performance year after year, even under demanding conditions. It remains a top pick among used SUV buyers seeking dependable transportation without unnecessary complexity.
2015 Hyundai Tucson
86/100
The 2015 Hyundai Tucson marked a turning point for the brand, showcasing Hyundai’s growing commitment to long-term quality. Earning a reliability score of 86 out of 100, it stood out as one of the most dependable compact crossovers of its time. Hyundai’s focus on improved build quality, better materials, and simplified mechanical design paid off, resulting in a vehicle that aged gracefully and required minimal repairs.
Its available 2.0- and 2.4-liter engines, paired with a six-speed automatic, were proven and easy to maintain. The Tucson also benefited from Hyundai’s comprehensive warranty coverage, which reflected the manufacturer’s confidence in its reliability. Many owners reported that even after years of use, the Tucson’s powertrain remained smooth and free of major issues, a testament to Hyundai’s robust engineering.
Inside, the Tucson offered a comfortable and straightforward cabin, with durable upholstery and an intuitive layout. Its reputation as a dependable daily driver was solidified by low ownership costs and above-average dependability ratings. Today, the 2015 Tucson stands as proof that Hyundai’s evolution into a reliability leader wasn’t accidental; it was the result of deliberate refinement and attention to detail.
2017 Buick Encore
87/100
The 2017 Buick Encore represented a pleasant surprise in the small SUV market, combining luxury-like comfort with strong reliability credentials. Scoring an impressive 87 out of 100 for reliability, it demonstrated that General Motors could build a small crossover capable of withstanding years of use without major issues. Buick’s focus on quality materials, quiet cabins, and robust mechanicals paid off handsomely.
Under the hood, the Encore’s 1.4-liter turbocharged engine proved efficient and dependable, particularly when properly maintained. The six-speed automatic transmission, shared across several GM models, showed remarkable longevity. Owners appreciated its composed ride, compact footprint, and upscale interior that aged far better than rivals in the same price bracket.
Perhaps the Encore’s greatest strength was its consistency. Unlike many compact SUVs that sacrificed reliability for style or performance, the Encore struck a perfect middle ground. Its dependability, combined with excellent comfort and build quality, helped elevate Buick’s image from a brand for retirees to a genuine contender in the premium compact SUV space.
2018 Kia Sportage
87/100
The 2018 Kia Sportage showcased how far the brand had come in delivering long-lasting, high-quality vehicles. Sharing a platform with the Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage also earned a stellar reliability score of 87 out of 100, bolstered by a robust drivetrain and an impressive record for minimal mechanical issues. Kia’s steady refinement of its engines and transmissions resulted in one of the most dependable compact SUVs of its era.
The Sportage’s 2.4-liter naturally aspirated and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines were both praised for their balance of efficiency and durability. Combined with a well-tuned suspension and available all-wheel drive, the 2018 model offered both reliability and driving confidence. Interior materials were durable and resistant to premature wear, while electronics and infotainment systems held up well over the years.
Beyond its numbers, the Sportage stood out because it defied old stereotypes about Korean vehicles. It proved that dependability could coexist with design flair and modern technology. For many buyers, it represented not just a reliable choice but also an affordable entry into a more refined and enjoyable ownership experience.
2010 Toyota RAV4
88/100
The 2010 Toyota RAV4 is often remembered as one of the most reliable compact SUVs ever produced. With a reliability score of 88 out of 100, it epitomized Toyota’s reputation for engineering simplicity and bulletproof durability. Whether equipped with the base four-cylinder or the potent V6 option, the RAV4 delivered consistent performance over hundreds of thousands of kilometers with minimal mechanical failure.
Owners lauded its mechanical resilience. The engines ran smoothly even after years of use, and the transmission rarely suffered major issues. Its suspension and drivetrain components were built to withstand abuse, from rough roads to family road trips. The optional all-wheel-drive system added traction without compromising long-term reliability.
The 2010 RAV4 also offered practicality that never aged. Its spacious interior, user-friendly design, and proven mechanicals made it one of the most dependable family SUVs of its time. Even today, a well-maintained 2010 RAV4 continues to deliver rock-solid performance, cementing its place as one of Toyota’s most trusted nameplates.
2017 Toyota 4Runner
88/100
Few SUVs embody toughness and reliability like the Toyota 4Runner. The 2017 model, with a reliability score of 88 out of 100, carried forward a legacy of durability that made it a favorite among adventurers and families alike. Built on a rugged body-on-frame platform, it was designed to outlast typical crossovers by a wide margin, and real-world ownership has proven that reputation accurate.
Its 4.0-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission may seem dated, but their simplicity was key to the 4Runner’s dependability. Owners consistently report few, if any, major repairs even after years of off-road use. The 4Runner’s mechanical toughness is complemented by its ability to handle rough terrain, making it as reliable in the wilderness as it is on the highway.
Inside, Toyota focused on function over flash; durable materials, intuitive controls, and easy maintenance defined the cabin. This approach made the 2017 4Runner one of the most dependable midsize SUVs of its generation, offering owners confidence that it could handle just about anything thrown its way.
2012 Lexus GX
89/100
The 2012 Lexus GX earned one of the highest reliability scores in the SUV segment at 89 out of 100, and it’s easy to see why. Underneath its luxury veneer, it shares much of its DNA with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, renowned for its near-indestructible mechanicals. This combination of Toyota’s engineering and Lexus’ craftsmanship made the GX one of the most reliable luxury SUVs of the decade. Its 4.6-liter V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission were built for longevity, delivering smooth, consistent power year after year. The GX also benefitted from Toyota’s proven four-wheel-drive system, making it equally at home in city traffic or challenging off-road terrain. Owners routinely praise its reliability, noting minimal repair needs and exceptional build quality.
Beyond mechanical excellence, the GX’s interior materials and fit-and-finish have stood the test of time. Even after more than a decade, many examples remain quiet, comfortable, and free of the typical wear found in other luxury SUVs. The 2012 GX remains a standout example of how true reliability and refinement can coexist, and it continues to command strong resale values as proof.