Most Reliable Used SUVs for 2025
These are the most reliable used SUVs by price and budget based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability and dependability.
Buying a used SUV allows you to save money compared to a new model while still enjoying the benefits of expanded passenger and cargo space, increased towing capacity, and the potential for an off-road adventure. But your up-front savings could quickly evaporate if you buy an unreliable SUV that burdens you with excessive repair and maintenance costs.
To help buyers identify the best used SUVs for reliability, iSeeCars has ranked SUVs by their reliability ratings across several price categories below. Once you’re determined your budget you can use these lists to see which models have the highest reliability ratings, along with ratings for safety and resale value. These lists also show fuel economy (mpg) ratings and cargo volume.
If you’re getting close to a purchase you’ll want to consider more than an SUV’s reliability, cargo space, or gas mileage. Everything from horsepower to safety features to which standard features are included on each trim level will determine an SUV’s performance and functionality. Models listed in the lower price categories will be subcompact or small SUVs like the Chevy Trax, Mazda CX-3, or Nissan Rogue Sport. These SUVs utilize small three- or four-cylinder engines offering surprising power, given their size, but they have low tow ratings and limited passenger space.
The compact SUV segment is a step up in size, and offers a compelling combination of performance, fuel efficiency, interior space, and advanced features. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are two of the most popular models in this category, with the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester also quite popular (and abundant) on the used crossover market. As with the subcompact category, most of these models come with small turbo engines, automatic transmissions, standard front-wheel drive, and optional all-wheel drive (AWD).
Moving from the compact to midsize SUV category means larger V6 engines, available third-row seating, and aggressive off-road capability in models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner. Buyers looking to remain primarily on pavement might consider the Hyundai Santa Fe or Toyota Highlander, two models with a well-established history and solid reliability ratings.
The most expensive used SUVs will be either luxury or full-size models. You can expect the luxury models to feature upgraded infotainment systems, multi-zone climate controls, massaging front seats, and the latest connectivity features. If adding this much technology makes you nervous when buying a used SUV, ask your local dealership about a CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) model. Luxury automakers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus offer these programs, which provide new-car like warranty coverage to used vehicles.
The largest, full-size SUVs all include three rows of seating with maximum space for front- and rear-seat passengers. Most feature large V6 engines, but some offer V8 powertrains to maximize towing capacity. Many of the best-known full-size models come from American brands, such as the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition. Buyers seeking the largest SUVs with the highest reliability ratings should consider the three-row Buick Enclave or Toyota Sequoia, as both offer excellent reliability scores.
You can browse all of these SUV categories below to see which models meet your needs while offering the best reliability ratings.
How We Rank These Cars
The iSeeCars reliability ratings indicate how dependable and long-lasting each vehicle is within its vehicle segment.
Each vehicle is rated on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest reliability rating. Vehicles within a given category are sorted to show the most reliable ones first. If two cars have the same ratings, then we break the tie by seeing which vehicle has the higher overall iSeeCars Score. Along with the Reliability ratings, we show comprehensive iSeeCars ratings for each model, because we believe multiple factors should be taken into account when buyers are seeking the best overall vehicle. Two of these factors are safety and resale value, both of which are included in our ratings system.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of these three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
