Most Reliable SUVs

Toyota has a reputation as a carmaker you can count on, and the Rav4 is one of the most reliable SUVs out there. It’s a midsize crossover SUV with a distinctive appearance and, if you opt for the petrol hybrid version, very impressive fuel economy too. All models have plenty of boot space and are very capable when it comes to towing. As standard, you’ll get some nice touches like LED headlights as well as safety features including cruise control, steering assistance and braking warnings for pedestrians and cyclists. With the right tyres fitted, the Rav4 does off-road and has great ground clearance, so you can rely on it to take you anywhere. Considering Toyota’s excellent build quality, the Rav4 won’t let you down.

Body cladding and other classic SUV design cues give the Subaru Outback a rugged look. It’s got the practical things down too, sporting an impressively large boot with a low lip that makes loading easy. The newer models in particular have very secure handling and great grip that makes them more than capable of crossing muddy or rocky terrain. Earning a spot on this list, both petrol and diesel Outbacks have a solid reputation as reliable cars that’ll get you anywhere – and get you home again. The gadgets vary with production year and trim, but on later models you can expect a reversing camera and heated leather seats that ensure the cars ruggedness is just on the outside.

This family SUV offers all the understated, high-quality design you’d expect from Volvo. Petrol versions of the XC40 are especially reliable, but the diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric models have excellent reputations too. Mjolnir-shaped headlights give it those distinctive Volvo looks, and the premium interior is another distinguishing element; passengers get loads of headroom and legroom, as well as handy extras like a pop-out bin and laptop-sized storage pockets. Most models are respectably brisk when you’re heading off from the traffic lights or overtaking on the motorway. The hybrid versions do lag a little but still have plenty of go, as well as very impressive fuel economy. Whichever version takes your fancy, you’ll get a dependable, tough and well-built car for years to come with the XC40.

Bold styling with a blend of curves and sharp creases is sure to attract attention to your Lexus NX. This petrol-powered premium SUV is also available as a plug-in hybrid for those that value efficiency, though its electric-only distance is quite short compared to others in this class. Your choice of transmission is a little more limited, with only automatics available, but all versions of the NX have fantastic reliability ratings. Inside, you’ll find a spacious cabin that feels every bit as classy as you’d hope, and Lexus have been generous with the standard features provided: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, a reversing camera, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and a full set of LED lights. For luxury that’s built to last, the NX is an excellent choice.

Peugeot SUVs such as the 3008 have achieved great reliability scores since first hitting the market a few years ago. The 3008 is prone to a few minor electrical faults, so it’s always worth doing a test drive to double-check, but as long as it’s been serviced regularly this smooth-driving SUV is a solid option. The interior is stylish and feels upmarket, while the boot boasts 520 litres of space – plenty big enough to be a practical family car. For town driving, the smallest petrol engine is best, but opting for a mid-size diesel will give you the best combined efficiency if you regularly take longer trips.

Just like the rest of the Skoda line-up, the Kodiaq is a great-value buy that offers impressive practicality and reliability. It seats five normally with a simply cavernous boot, or you can flip up the flat-fold third row of seats and transport up to seven with room left over for a couple of small suitcases. Both the six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic versions of the Kodiaq feel surprisingly agile on the road given its large size. The big boxy design has another benefit though: the Kodiaq’s easier to see out of than many SUVs, helping you avoid any bodywork scrapes.

Sharp, focused looks lend the Mercedes GLA an impressive, classy air. Inside it’s equally high-spec to the eye, though the ride comfort is a little bit lacking compared to the German brand’s usual high standards. There’s plenty of high-end goodness accompanying the GLA however, and with nine trim levels to choose from including sporty AMG options, there are a few different gadget options. In general, you can expect satellite navigation, touchscreen infotainment and parking sensors on most, with extras like a panoramic sunroof being a little less common. As a premium-branded SUV, the GLA also comes with a premium reliability rating – and premium pricing.

Great for longer trips, the Kia Sportage offers a smooth driving experience and a comfy ride for passengers. Predictable steering and good road grip make cornering easy, and it’s available as an automatic or a manual with all-wheel-drive This midsize SUV seats five in its smart interior, though taller adults may find the backseat a little tight on headroom. For all iterations of the Sportage the reliability ratings are excellent, and most new models come with a seven-year warranty for extra peace of mind. If you’re buying used, it’s always worth chatting to the seller to see if this can be transferred to you.

Sitting at the bigger end of small SUVs, the T-Roc comes with the great build quality and reliability you’d expect from VW. Both petrol and diesel versions feel pleasingly punchy but are equally capable of smooth, relaxed driving. If you’re after something a bit sportier, check out the T-Roc R. There’s plenty of room inside for passengers and their luggage, the boot opening is square and easy to access, and the movable floor makes arranging big items a doddle. One downside is that it does feel a little cheap inside when you compare it to similarly priced SUVs. That said, the beautifully simple dashboard layout makes it easy to adjust the air conditioning or switch on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

The SEAT Arona is one of the most reliable SUVs on the market and, as a result, holds its value well. This compact family SUV offers composed, responsive driving, and the refined petrol and diesel engines manage great fuel economy too. It’s got sharp looks that give a sporty and dynamic appearance, accented by roof rails and a metallic paint job. Although a little plain compared to the exterior styling, the Arona’s interior is smart and well made – passengers will enjoy the air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity, while standard cruise control across all models makes life easier for the driver on long trips.

When it comes to second-hand SUVs, there are plenty of options that you can rely on. From high-end premium models to practical family vehicles, there are reliable SUVs out there for every driver. For more information about the cars in this article and other vehicles, why not check out a detailed review or browse our range of used models today.