Compare the most reliable SUVs
High quality reliable SUVs from rated and reviewed dealers
Best reliable SUVs of 2024
SUVs continue to top the sales charts in the UK, outselling many cheaper and hatchbacks on a regular basis. The buying public are clearly sold on the benefits of high-riding vehicles with practical interiors, what they need is to be shown which ones will be the most reliable to own in the years to come.
Nothing takes the shine off a new purchase like a smoky breakdown, so our team has gone through a variety of reliability sources including MoT records, owner feedback, and their own not inconsiderable expertise to pick 15 of the most reliable SUVs available to buy today.
1. Volvo XC40
Volvo XC40 review
Battery range up to 26 miles
Almost everyone who drives or rides in an XC40 comes away impressed, as Volvo's smallest SUV does a lot of things really, really well. It's neatly styled, for one thing, while the ride comfort on offer helps the XC40 stand out in a market where manufacturers often prioritise handling by fitting stiff suspension and large wheels.
Add in a strong reputation for reliability, an excellent five-star rating from the experts at Euro NCAP, and an interior whose ambiance is both sophisticated and subtle, and there really is a lot to like. Choose from petrol, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric power, the latter two being badged 'Recharge'.
2. Lexus NX
Lexus NX Hybrid review
Just like its parent company Toyota, Lexus has developed an enviable reputation for reliability thanks to products like the Lexus NX, a stylish SUV that is packed with tech and is capable of doing up to 313.8mpg thanks to its optional plug-in hybrid engine.
A three-year/60,000-mile warranty comes standard, this increases by 12 months/10,000-miles at each annual service up to a total of 10-years and 100,000-miles. Hybrid components are covered for five-years/60,000-miles, and are known for their dependability.
3. Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5 review
This mid-sized SUV is sporty and fun to drive, it’s packed with tech too, although the boot is a bit tight and top trims can get pricey. Running costs can be kept down thanks to a range of efficient engines, like the 150hp diesel which delivers up to 50mpg.
You’ll also benefit from Mazda’s impressive reliability record and a three-year/60,000-mile warranty just in case something does go amiss.
4. Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage review
The Kia Sportage is a sharply-styled family SUV with all the tech you could need and a well-built cabin. The sporty ride may be a bit firm for some, but it remains an impressive vehicle that should continue the outgoing model’s great reliability record.
Kia’s belief in the reliability of its cars is underlined by its industry leading seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.
5. BMW X1
BMW X1 review
The current-generation BMW X1 has just been replaced by a brand-new model, however it should continue to offer a similarly reliable driving experience just with the latest tech and design features the marque has to offer.
Aside from the impressive new infotainment system and selection of efficient petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines, you also get BMW’s three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty as standard.
6. Lexus RX
Lexus RX review
The Lexus RX is a luxurious SUV with a sharp-looking exterior as well as a posh and spacious cabin. All versions come with a petrol-electric hybrid system of one kind or another, while the top trims are truly decadent.
The RX range starts with the 350h, which is a standard hybrid with 250hp. Next up is the 309hp plug-in hyrbrid 450h+, which can officially cover around 40 miles on a single charge. Then, at the top of the tree is the 371hp 500h, which is also a self-charging (not plug-in) hybrid, and is aimed at driving enthusiasts. It has a conventional automatic gearbox rather than the CVT unit that is a hallmark of Lexus and Toyota hybrids.
You also benefit from Lexus’s impressive warranty which starts off with basic three-year/60,000-mile coverage but extends by 12-months/10,000-miles after each annual service up to 10-years and 100,000-miles. Impressive.
7. MINI Countryman
MINI Countryman (2016-2023) review
Battery range up to 28 miles
The MINI Countryman may be huge compared to the original Mini from the 1960’s, but it’s dimensions mark it out as one of the smaller SUVs on sale. It comes with an enviable reliability record, regularly scoring high marks in customer satisfaction surveys.
A three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty comes standard, as should a genuine sense of driver enjoyment and great personalisation options.
8. Honda HR-V
Honda HR-V Hybrid review
The Honda HR-V is another new model which hasn’t had a chance to prove its long-term reliability yet, but so far it has proven to be a solid product and Honda as a brand always does very well in customer surveys.
The outgoing HR-V was reliable too, and the new one has better tech, great efficiency and comes with a three-year/90,000-mile warranty. Hybrid parts get their own eight-year/100,000-mile cover.
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9. Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid review
The Toyota RAV4 has evolved over the years into a very capable family-friendly SUV with a spacious and practical cabin, and offers a range of self-charging and plug-in hybrid engines that promise low running costs.
The CVT automatic gearbox may not suit everyone, but the warranty definitely will. You get basic three-year/60,000-mile coverage which increases by 12-months and 10,000-miles after each annual service up to a maximum of 10-years and 100,000-miles.
10. Suzuki Vitara
Suzuki Vitara review
Another Japanese SUV with a strong reputation for reliability, the Suzuki Vitara may not have the most exciting cabin in the world, but it's a durable, affordable thing.
The Vitara also comes with a decent amount of standard equipment, with all cars getting adaptive cruise control, plus full smartphone integration. Choose from the full hybrid self-charging version or the mild hybrid system - which is really just a sophisticated stop-start system.
11. Fiat Panda
Fiat Panda review
Okay, so calling the Panda an SUV might be stretching the definition slightly, but go for the Garmin model and you get a rugged-looking small car with more charm than most models on the market.
Buyers after a pre-loved Panda should look into the Cross model, which comes with four-wheel drive. But while the simple Panda should
give trouble-free motoring, a zero-start rating from Euro NCAP is tricky to overlook.
2024
Adventurer's Choice Award
Highly Commended
12. Dacia Sandero Stepway
Dacia Sandero Stepway review
There's less to go wrong with simple cars, and the Dacia Sandero Stepway is about as straightforward as they come. Essentially a raised version of the Sandero hatchback, the Stepway starts from a little over £15,000 (as of May '23), though we'd recommend 'stepping up' to mid-level Expression trim, as this brings full smartphone integration plus reversing sensors.
Unusually, the Sandero Stepway (as well as the standard model) can be had with conventional petrol engines or with a 'bi-fuel' setup that allows it to run petrol or liquified petroleum gas (LPG), which is significantly cheaper than petrol. Only a poor two-star NCAP safety rating spoils the show slightly, though this is partly due to a lack of electronic driver aids, and the Sandero scored reasonably well for the protection it offers child and adult occupants.
13. Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V review
The Honda CR-V is spacious and comfortable to drive. The infotainment system isn’t that great though, and it can get a bit raucous when pushed, but it sits at the top of the class when it comes to its solid reliability. Something that will no doubt appeal to family buyers.
A basic three-year/90,000-mile warranty is offered as standard, with the hybrid components getting an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty as well.
14. Subaru XV
Subaru XV (2018-2023) review
If you’re SUV needs to perform well both on and off road, then the rugged Subaru XV is a great choice. It’s not the quickest or cheapest, but it’s tough as old nails and comes well equipped even in base form.
The standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty is supplemented by an eight-year/100,000-mile cover for the hybrid components.
15. Toyota C-HR
Toyota C-HR (2016-2023) review
The Toyota C-HR's futuristic styling still looks good today, seven years after it launched, and another thing that's ageing well is its reputation for reliability.
Toyota used to offer a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine with a manual gearbox for the C-HR, but uptake was so slow it went hybrid only not long after launch. The Japanese firm's petrol-electric drivetrains are well known for their dependability, and with the C-HR you can choose from two options: a 1.8-litre hybrid with 122hp, or a 2.0-litre version with 184hp that will better suit people who do a lot of motorway driving.
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