- From affordable, compact crossovers with impressive capabilities to luxury options with considerable comfort and performance, there are many reliable options to choose from in the SUV world.
- If you’re looking for off-road reliability, options from Jeep and Subaru provide impressive options for the would-be adventurer.
- Buyers looking for affordability and reliability will find SUVs from Hyundai, Kia, Honda, and Subaru especially attractive.
- For those seeking maximum performance in a reliable SUV, options from Chevrolet, Jeep, Porsche, and Lincoln round out this list.
SUVs offer a desirable blend of comfort, versatility and practicality. Answering consumer demand, automakers have increasingly replaced sedan lineups with SUVs, from crossovers to full-size and off-road models. To top that off, there’s a range of hybrid and all-electric options available across many of these models. With so many options to choose from, narrowing them down to all but the most reliable is challenging.
To help make your choice easier, here’s a list of 12 of the most reliable SUVs on the market for 2023. From hybrid and electric to oversized luxury, this list features a reliable SUV to meet every need.
Toyota Highlander
With a starting price of $36,420, the Toyota Highlander is an exceedingly reliable midsize SUV with an affordable price tag. It provides a comfortable cabin experience with three-row seating and legroom for the whole family. The SUV also features plenty of safety features, including traffic sign recognition, cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection, among others.
In regards to power, the Highlander’s V6 engine won’t disappoint. And for those that drive in rain, snow, and ice, the available all-wheel drive makes it a capable SUV in any kind of weather and terrain. The Highlander also has a hybrid-only Bronze Edition, which, in addition to improved fuel economy, features unique bronze accents.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
When it comes to the combination of reliability, power and efficiency, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is hard to beat. And with a starting price of only $30,725 for the all-new Hybrid SE, Toyota’s compact crossover is a veritable steal for 2023.
Pairing smooth power with great mileage on a plug-in hybrid is challenging, but the RAV4 delivers. Four doors and two-row seating mean this SUV comes with great cabin space in a sleek, versatile body. The interior is also well-designed, with easy-to-use controls and an available touchscreen infotainment center in upgraded trim levels.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s newest compact crossover has brought the automaker’s iconic muscle car to the SUV world. The Mustang Mach-E, starting at $46,895, delivers reliability, versatility, and efficiency in a high-performance package. Coming with a full array of technology features and an impressive build quality, this all-electric crossover is perfect for those seeking a reliable SUV alternative to other electric vehicles. While the default rear-wheel drive will please enthusiasts, the SUV’s available all-wheel drive means it’s fully capable in inclement weather.
While the electric crossover version of Ford’s muscle car has only been around since 2019, the company is already pushing the limits. The vehicle’s battery range recently increased from 304 to 312 miles, with more increases expected through future software updates.
Chevrolet Suburban
The timeless Suburban is the standard for spacious and capable SUVs. With a starting price of $56,900, the Suburban features some of the top features you’ll find in an SUV of this size, including a range of safety and towing assistance features.
With relentless power, an incredibly roomy cabin with three full rows of seats, and considerable towing capacity, the Suburban is perfect for big families with big hobbies. And as the longest-running SUV model on the market, its reliability is second to none.
Subaru Crosstrek
With standard all-wheel drive and impressive safety ratings, Subaru’s SUV offerings are often shoo-ins for any reliability list. The company’s compact Crosstrek, starting at $23,645, is no exception. For those seeking great fuel economy, excellent safety ratings, and surprising comfort in an affordable package, the Crosstrek won’t disappoint.
And for those with adventure in mind, this SUV has legitimate off-road capabilities out of the box. The 2023 model of the Crosstrek doesn’t have major feature changes. While this doesn’t take away from the quality and reliability of this sporty crossover, people looking for the latest and greatest Crosstrek may want to see what Subaru has in store for next year’s redesign.
Subaru Outback
Following the same themes of safety, capability, and affordability, the Subaru Outback, coming in at $28,395, is the Crosstrek’s larger cousin. With all the latest technological gadgets tucked into a spacious, high-quality cabin, the Outback is a highly capable SUV with all the modern comforts.
As an off-road family wagon, the 2023 Subaru Outback features more than enough power and ground clearance to easily take you and your family to the cottage or through the wilderness. The biggest change as of last year is the creation of the Wilderness Addition, which adds higher ground clearance, front skid plates, and an attractive yet rugged aesthetic that sets it apart from other trim levels.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage, starting at $26,290, is a fantastic budget-friendly option for those seeking a fully equipped compact SUV that won’t break the bank. With a predicted reliability rating of 88 out of 100 from J.D.Power and a 5-star safety rating, the 2023 Kia Sportage packs advanced safety features and tremendous reliability into an incredibly capable crossover.
With the new model year’s turbocharger options, it doesn’t slouch in terms of power either. For those seeking all of the above and a little extra style, the Nightfall Edition features a panoramic sunroof, blacked-out roof rails, and black satin window surrounds.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V, coming in at $31,610, demonstrates that a midsize classification doesn’t mean middle-of-the-road space. With roomy storage and passenger space in a high-quality cabin, Honda’s SUV provides quality and comfort in an affordable package. The SUV’s standard turbocharged engine is adequately powerful while providing great fuel economy.
For those with fuel economy in mind, the new Honda CR-V even comes in a hybrid flavor. The higher-level Touring trim features standard all-wheel drive, while the drivetrain remains an upgrade option for other trims. Other changes include sleeker lines, heated steering wheels, and larger wheels.
Hyundai Santa Fe
In recent years, Hyundai has garnered attention with its impressive foray into the SUV market. With a starting price of $28,200, the Sante Fe is the company’s best in terms of reliability. This family-sized vehicle features a combination of quality and affordability. The Sante Fe comes standard with front-wheel drive but offers an all-wheel option for those seeking more capability.
Last year, a plug-in hybrid model was added to the lineup, perfect for eco-conscious buyers. With above-average ratings across the board, from space and comfort to performance and fuel economy, the Sante Fe is an exceptional SUV.
Jeep Wrangler
It’s difficult to find a list of outstanding SUVs that doesn’t include a Jeep. When it comes to reliability, the iconic off-road automaker is no slouch. The Jeep Wrangler is the gold standard for adventurers unconcerned with traditional roads. It starts at $31,195.
In terms of power and capability, the Wrangler’s 2023 options range from impressive to unbelievable, with a wide array of off-road configurations to choose from. And while these midsize SUVs are designed for reliability off the beaten path, their technology and comfort features are no less impressive over the road.
Lincoln Navigator
For those seeking maximum cabin space and comfort, Lincoln’s Navigator has both. This massive SUV, starting at $79,725, is in a class of its own when it comes to lavish luxury. The Navigator’s three-row seating is surrounded by a 20-speaker audio system.
The Navigator recently got a long list of interior and exterior updates, such as an improved infotainment system and animated LED tail lights that respond to your approaching or walking away from the vehicle. With a hands-free highway driving setup and 30-way adjustable front seats, the captain of the cruise can always be comfortable.
Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne continues to set the standard for luxury SUV sportscars. With a starting price of $72,200, it delivers everything you’d expect in a vehicle with a Porsche badge. That includes an incredible driving experience and next-gen technology. And, of course, a very healthy price tag that accelerates considerably when you start adding features.
The current incarnation of the Cayenne features a newer infotainment system that now offers Android Auto in addition to Apple CarPlay. Standard across trim levels, the new system also features over-the-air software updates, snappier navigation, and improved voice controls.