RepairPal scores each SUV against others in its class, and the middle of the pack is where many popular models end up. Some of those rankings come with higher yearly repair costs than the class average, while others land surprisingly close to it. Here are nine SUVs that sit in the bottom half of their groups.
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1. Volkswagen Tiguan: Last in Its Class
RepairPal ranks the Volkswagen Tiguan 26th out of 26 for compact SUVs, with a $730 average annual repair cost against a $521 class average, per its Tiguan reliability page. The site also puts severe-repair probability at 12% and counts 0.9 unscheduled repairs a year against 0.3 for the class.
The Tiguan’s overall rating is still 3.0 out of 5.0, so the picture is one of frequent shop visits rather than catastrophe. Buyers can weigh that visit frequency against the price and ask for a pre-purchase inspection.
2. Jeep Wrangler: Costly Trail Rating
RepairPal ranks the Jeep Wrangler 25th out of 26 for compact SUVs, with a $694 average annual repair cost against a $521 class average, according to its Wrangler reliability page. A 16% chance that a repair is severe compares with 11% for the class.
The Wrangler’s 3.5 rating sits in the middle of the scale, so the issue is cost and severity rather than outright failure. Owners can budget for above-average upkeep, and used buyers should look closely at the service history. Keeping receipts for past work also helps at resale time.
3. GMC Acadia: Higher Odds of a Big Repair
On its Acadia reliability page, RepairPal ranks the GMC Acadia 23rd out of 26 for midsize SUVs, with a $734 average annual repair cost against a $573 class average. Its 19% chance of a severe repair compares with 13% for the class.
That severe-repair figure is the highest in this gallery, which makes the Acadia a candidate for a thorough inspection before purchase. A third-party warranty or a savings cushion may suit owners who plan to keep one for years. Following the maintenance schedule is the most dependable way to hold costs down.
4. GMC Terrain: Close to Class Average
RepairPal ranks the GMC Terrain 22nd out of 26 for compact SUVs, with a $558 average annual repair cost against a $521 class average, based on its Terrain reliability page. The gap in dollars is small, but the severe-repair probability is 17% versus 11% for the class.
Annual cost alone can understate how a model behaves, since the Terrain’s rating of 3.5 comes with a higher chance that any given repair is a major one. Checking recall status by VIN at NHTSA is a sensible first step on a used example.
5. Chevrolet Tahoe: Big Truck-Based Upkeep
RepairPal ranks the Chevrolet Tahoe 21st out of 26 for midsize SUVs, with a $744 average annual repair cost against a $573 class average, per its Tahoe reliability page. Severe repairs have a 16% probability, against 13% for the class.
A Tahoe owner should expect repair spending above what a typical midsize SUV demands. Asking for maintenance records, and for proof of any major past repairs, helps a buyer judge whether a particular vehicle has been looked after. Following the maintenance schedule is the most dependable way to hold costs down.
6. Nissan Murano: Cheaper Than Its Class
RepairPal ranks the Nissan Murano 20th out of 26 for compact SUVs, yet its $507 average annual repair cost is below the $521 class average, according to the Murano reliability page. Severe-repair probability is 14%, and the model averages 0.5 unscheduled repairs a year against 0.3 for the class.
The Murano shows that a low-ish bill and a weak ranking can coexist when shop visits are frequent. Buyers who value predictability may want a vehicle with fewer unscheduled trips, so a test drive and inspection are worthwhile.
7. Ford Explorer: Midsize and Pricey
RepairPal ranks the Ford Explorer 19th out of 26 for midsize SUVs, with a $732 average annual repair cost against a $573 class average, as listed on its Explorer reliability page. The probability that a repair is severe is 14%, just above the 13% class figure.
The Explorer’s 3.5 rating is respectable, but the annual cost gap is wide. Owners can keep it in check by following the maintenance schedule closely, and used shoppers should compare several examples before settling on one. Keeping every receipt makes later negotiation easier.
8. Ford Escape: A Good Score, Still Costly
RepairPal ranks the Ford Escape 16th out of 26 for compact SUVs, with a $600 average annual repair cost against a $521 class average, per its Escape reliability page. The Escape earns a 4.0 rating, the best score in this gallery, yet its cost remains above average.
The 11% severe-repair probability matches the class figure, so the extra expense comes from the overall bill rather than from major failures. Shoppers can treat the Escape as a middle-of-the-road choice and still verify its history. Comparing quotes from independent shops is another easy way to manage costs.
9. Jeep Grand Cherokee: Just Past the Halfway Mark
RepairPal ranks the Jeep Grand Cherokee 15th out of 26 for midsize SUVs, with a $666 average annual repair cost against a $573 class average, based on its Grand Cherokee reliability page. Severe-repair probability is 13%, matching the class figure.
As the highest-ranked model here, the Grand Cherokee shows how small the gap can be between the middle of the field and the bottom half. Buyers should still ask for service records and confirm that no open recalls remain. Following the maintenance schedule is the most dependable way to hold costs down.
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