Regresar al GuidesJust because a vehicle is popular on the market does not mean that it is automatically the best car to buy. A certain vehicle may suit your needs most every area, but if it has problems or needs repairs all the time, your ownership experience and wallet are both going to suffer.
Crossovers and SUVs fit that sweet spot that many new car buyers crave, and because of their popularity, there is no shortage of new SUVs from which to choose. Finding the best SUV for your lifestyle and budget while simultaneously trying to sort out which one is the most reliable SUV is a bit harder.
Thankfully, our list of the most reliable SUVs takes a look at the two premier outlets that rank the most reliable vehicles and spells out the current new SUV market for you when it comes to reliability scores.
Top Ten Most Reliable SUVs for 2023:
1. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross
2. 2023 Honda Passport
3. 2023 Lincoln Corsair
4. 2023 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
5. 2023-2024 Lexus GX
6. 2023 Kia EV6
7. 2023 Toyota 4Runner
8. 2023 Subaru Forester
9. 2023 Nissan Murano
10. 2023 Lexus RX/Lexus RX Hybrid
1. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Toyota Corollas Cross has not even been on the market for three years, but it is making its mark as a typical Toyota model that has an already stellar track record for reliability. Consumer Reports gives it a perfect reliability rating, not only for the 2023 model year but also for the 2022 model year. J.D. Power follows that up with a reliability score of 82/100, a score they also consider to be higher than average.
The Corolla Cross falls on the large end of the small SUV spectrum with 26.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, 66.8 cubic feet of space with the second row folded, enough headroom for even taller adults, and a good amount of legroom for all but the tallest of adults. You choose an all-wheel-drive model, but doing so cuts down on the cargo space by a little.
An easy-to-use infotainment system, a high safety score, and a sub-$25,000 starting MSRP overshadow the fact that it is not as zippy or peppy as some competitors. It is, however, perfect for the Toyota faithful looking for a fuel-efficient crossover that does not leave a huge footprint.
Browse 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross listings here.
2. 2023 Honda Passport
The Honda Passport is another relative newcomer to the midsize SUV scene. The model debuted in 2019 after having not been manufactured for about two decades. It is essentially a Honda Pilot without the third row, but it also comes standard with all-wheel-drive. It is meant to compete more directly against the Toyota 4Runner with a more off-road-focused feel than the rest of the Honda crossover lineup.
As an added bonus to its design philosophy, Consumer Reports gives the 2023 Passport a higher-than-average reliability rating while J.D. Power follows that up with an 83/100 of its own. It may not have the reputation for durability and sheer off-roading prowess that the 4Runner does, but it certainly does a good job of holding its own.
It shares its 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 powertrain with the larger Pilot, a sizeable step up from the smaller, more docile Honda CR-V. Despite having three fewer seats than the Pilot, the Passport carries a higher starting price than its larger sibling. It may be worth the extra cash, though, since it has a better overall reliability record.
Browse 2023 Honda Passport listings here.
3. 2023 Lincoln Corsair
The 2023 Lincoln Corsair is one of only two American vehicles in our top ten, and we are thankful that it is here because of its beautiful styling, underdog-like presence, and relatively reasonable starting price. It is not the most luxurious compact luxury SUV, but it is worth a look over most BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi models if reliability is a key factor for your next new SUV.
Consumer Reports gives it a perfect reliability score, not only for the 2023 model year but for the 2022 and 2020 model years as well, just in case you cannot afford a new one. It also earns an 83/100 from J.D. Power. It may be based on the Ford Escape, but a high-end, whisper-quiet interior will quickly remind you that the Corsair is not strictly a ritzier Ford.
The Corsair has plenty of interior space, a comfortable ride, a comprehensive set of standard safety features, a 250-horsepower turbocharged engine under the hood, and a combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG, assuming that you stick with the standard front-wheel drive layout. Going with all-wheel-drive will only drop its combined MPG rating by one.
Browse 2023 Lincoln Corsair listings here.
4. 2023 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is Chevy’s subcompact crossover entry into the world of excellent reliability ratings and only the second American vehicle in our top ten. Not to be confused with the larger Blazer, the TrailBlazer looks and feels every bit of a sporty crossover without the size to match its big personality.
Its spunky 155-horsepower 1.3-liter turbo engine is the one to get if you want a little zest in your driving experience. Otherwise, you get a 137-horsepower 1.2-liter unit. Front or all-wheel-drive is available, but if fuel economy is your top priority, you will have to go with the smaller engine and front-wheel drive combo, good for up to 33 MPG on the highway.
The TrailBlazer earns high-reliability marks from both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. J.D. Power awards the subcompact SUV with an 86/100 while Consumer Reports gives it a higher-than-average reliability rating. If you do need something bigger, the midsize Blazer also earns identical reliability scores from both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.
Browse 2023 Chevrolet TrailBlazer listings here.
5. 2023-2024 Lexus GX
A perennial overachiever when it comes to reliability scores, the Lexus GX is one of the few luxury SUVs to make our list. Even though it is a Lexus, it is built to tackle rougher terrain than just about any other vehicle on this list. Its body-on-frame architecture and old-school 4.6-liter V8 engine help contribute to its longevity, dependability, and durability, but they also help the GX fall short in other areas that luxury SUV buyers crave.
Fuel economy is dismal compared to top competitors today: 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. Its six-speed automatic transmission is refined but also lags well behind the most technologically advanced models in the class. Fortunately, it is a three-row SUV that can seat up to seven passengers, and its build quality is stellar, even if it lacks the sheer luxury that top German competitors possess.
Regardless of what you might think, Consumer Reports has given the Lexus GX a perfect reliability score since 2020. They have even gone ahead a predicted that the new 2024 model will also rank as high as possible on the reliability charts, despite not yet testing one. J.D. Power agrees, giving the 2023 model year GX an 86/100 rating.
Browse 2023-2024 Lexus GX listings here.
6. 2023 Kia EV6
The 2023 Kia EV6 is both the first and last electric vehicle on our list. That bodes well for the future, but it also potentially shows that electric vehicles still have a long way to go to prove how reliable they can be. The EV6 looks to showcase that reliability, value, performance, and style can fit into one neat package for buyers to enjoy.
It earns the highest possible reliability scores from Consumer Reports for both the 2022 and 2023 model years. J.D. Power shows a slightly lower average reliability score of 77/100, but that is still toward the higher end of the average than it is the lower end.
Even though its MSRP is a little higher than other non-luxury electric SUVs, buyers still benefit from anywhere between 225 and 576 horsepower, up to 310 miles of range, comfortable seating for up to five passengers, and of course, Kia’s excellent 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. Oh yeah, the EV6 is also an NHTSA Top Safety Pick+ award recipient for 2023 as well as having earned top marks from the IIHS.
Browse 2023 Kia EV6 listings here.
7. 2023 Toyota 4Runner
No reliability list would be complete without mention of the Toyota 4Runner. It is cut from the same cloth as the Lexus GX, but surprisingly to some, it earns four-out-of-five stars from Consumer Reports rather than a perfect score. J.D. Power’s reliability score more than makes up for its imperfect Consumer Reports rating by giving it an 87/100.
Being considered by many to be the poster child for durability, the 4Runner is a traditional body-on-frame SUV, similar to how most pickup trucks are manufactured. If you combine that with its ancient 270-horsepower V6 engine, its five-speed automatic transmission, its lack of overall refinement, its lack of cutting-edge technology, and its uncivilized road manners, you get what appears to be a terrible midsize SUV.
It is those things that make it great and give it such a cult following, though. It stands out from the crowd of midsize crossover SUVs that are far less capable than it. You can even get one with off-road accessories and trim levels straight from the factory. Throw in vast amounts of cargo space and one of the best resale values on the market, and it might be hard to truly fault the 4Runner for being less refined than most.
Browse 2023 Toyota 4Runner listings here.
8. 2023 Subaru Forester
Though not as quite capable off-road as the 4Runner, the Subaru Forester is probably one of the most capable crossovers in the compact SUV segment, and its famous Symmetrical AWD system is the best in the business. The Japanese automaker may be renowned for its rally racing heritage, but the Forester brings a bit of that heritage closer to the streets of suburbia in a family-friendly package for us to enjoy.
The Forester is built mainly for comfort and practicality. It has 28.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats, and its upright stance provides enough headroom, even for taller passengers. The interior itself is more utilitarian than plush, and therefore, lacks the refinement of some of its top competitors, but that is what makes it capable of being used rather than babied.
Consumer Reports gives it a higher-than-average reliability rating, while J.D. Power gives it an excellent reliability score of 84/100. Its no-frills 182-horsepower four-cylinder boxer engine and CVT work to provide up to 33 MPG on the highway in its most efficient layout to compliment its high-reliability marks.
Browse 2023 Subaru Forester listings here.
9. 2023 Nissan Murano
The 2023 Nissan Murano is a newcomer to our list with a higher-than-average reliability score from Consumer Reports and a ridiculously high rating of 90/100 from J.D. Power. It sits close to the top of the reliability pyramid among other midsize crossovers, despite not having a third row of seats.
Each Murano model is powered by a 260-horsepower V6 engine that provides plenty of pep when you need it. Surprisingly, both the front and all-wheel-drive layouts provide the same fuel economy numbers: 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Despite its excellent powertrain, the Murano’s handling cannot match its sporty exterior design or its powerplant.
Inside, passengers are treated to a comfortable, spacious cabin with high-quality materials. Having not been redesigned since the 2015 model year, the Murano still looks like it belongs with the rest of the midsize crossover crowd, a good thing since it will most likely last longer without needing major repairs than some of its key competitors.
Browse 2023 Nissan Murano listings here.
10. 2023 Lexus RX/2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
If the Lexus GX just does not tickle your fancy, the Lexus RX might. It offers a more car-like driving experience, a more refined design, and much better fuel economy for those who just cannot deal with sub-20 MPG estimates. You can even get the RX Hybrid for even better fuel economy.
Both the regular RX and RX Hybrid models are rated as higher-than-average by Consumer Reports. J.D. Power gives the RX an 85/100, but it does not rate the hybrid model at all. Both models have been fully redesigned for 2023 as Lexus has decided to tone down the sharp edges from the outgoing model to appeal to a broader audience. We think it has worked.
The standard model sports a 275-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is available in either front or all-wheel-drive. The hybrid model comes standard with all-wheel-drive but gets its power from one of two hybrid powertrains.
If you are looking for something smaller than the RX, the 2023 Lexus NX might be a good alternative option. The RX’s smaller sibling earns a perfect Consumer Reports reliability rating for 2023, but J.D. Power does not rank it nearly as high, with only a 67/100 score. That is reason enough for us to play it safe and keep it off this list.
Browse 2023 Lexus RX/2023 Lexus RX Hybrid listings here.
Honorable Mentions
It could be that none of the SUVs or crossovers in our top ten are the best SUVs for you. Here are some great alternatives with similarly high-reliability scores that should not let you down either.
Toyota continues making a great showing just outside of our top ten list with four additional models. The all-new 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, both the Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid models, the Toyota Venza, and both the Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid all earn higher than average reliability scores from both J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.
A few Toyota alternatives from other Japanese automakers include the 2023 Mazda CX-5, the 2023 Honda CR-V and CR-V Hybrid, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander, and both the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and Crosstrek Hybrid. Each of these models offers its own unique twists within their respective segments and can be perfect if you are looking to get away from the ubiquitous Toyota models that are scattered throughout our lists.
Two additional luxury SUV options include the subcompact 2023 Lexus UX and the compact Acura RDX. Similar to the other Lexus models on our list, neither of these options will offer their buyers outright luxury, but both are more than capable of providing just about everything you would need that an entry-level luxury crossover could provide.
More Information About Reliability Ratings:
Consumer Reports is one of the two premier outlets from which consumers get reliability ratings on everything from kitchen appliances to garden furniture to new and used SUVs. J.D. Power offers similar reliability ratings but focused on vehicles rather than a wide variety of goods.
Both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power rely on consumers like you and me to report issues with the vehicles that we drive every day. It is from those reports that both outlets are able to digest and produce the reliability rankings that we are able to access each year. Both produce their findings in slightly different ways, though.
Consumer Reports gets its information from its subscribers that take surveys relating to the vehicles they drive. In order to publish their yearly predicted reliability rankings for new vehicles, CR examines the technology, powertrains, and other various parts of a vehicle and compares it to the outgoing model or models. Combined with feedback from their subscribers, CR is able to predict how reliable or unreliable a model will be.
J.D. Power also gets information from reports gathered from verified vehicle owners. The vehicle owners report problems and issues that they experience within the first 90 days of vehicle ownership, an excellent predictor, J.D. Power says, of the future reliability of the model. It is from these reports that J.D. Power publishes its current quality and reliability scores for each model.
Interesting Notes:
Having gone through our entire list and even throwing in some picks that just missed out on the top ten, there are several interesting observations and trends that we can observe in relation to the newest, most reliable crossovers and SUVs for 2023.
Full-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and even the Toyota Sequoia are missing. There are none that we can put on our list, probably due to the fact that with large SUVs, there is generally more of everything. That usually means that there are more things that can go wrong. Of course, it could also be related to our next observation.
Most American automakers, including Cadillac, Buick, and Jeep, fail to get even one model into our reliability rankings, and most of the full-size SUVs on the current market are American made. Being a domestic automaker does not always translate to poor quality, but Japanese automakers, in particular, are known to have a reputation for high-quality assurance. This list continues to prove that their standards may still be superior to those of domestic automakers.
There is also a lack of luxury SUVs from automakers like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BMW, and Land Rover. Being luxury SUVs, they are usually packed with even more technology than non-luxury SUVs. The newest and most unproven technology is often used by these automakers to provide a premium experience for buyers, but that also unfortunately means that it is also often the first to fail.
Lastly, electric SUVs are conspicuously missing from the list. There are more and more EVs appearing on the scene, and even though their powertrains are touted as simpler and more generally reliable than traditional and hybrid SUVs, other areas of technology are proving to keep their overall reliability lower than that of other well-established types of vehicles.
