Choosing a reliable SUV for long term ownership and low costs means looking past flashy features and focusing on models that avoid big repair bills, hold their value, and sip fuel responsibly. Drawing on recent reliability rankings, long term ownership studies, and cost of ownership data, I highlight 10 SUVs that consistently reward patient owners. Each one has evidence behind it, from predicted reliability scores to brand level maintenance data, so budget conscious drivers can prioritize durability instead of gambling on short lived trends.
1. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 repeatedly appears among the most reliable used SUVs, with multiple reliability studies pointing to its ability to avoid major repairs well into high mileage. In a list of dependable used models, Toyota RAV4 is singled out for long term durability that helps owners sidestep surprise shop visits. Separate reporting on reliable SUVs that drivers keep for a decade notes that Toyota, and specifically its RAV4 SUV in America, is popular because so many examples stay on the road for 10 years or more.
That kind of longevity directly supports low ownership costs, since fewer owners are forced into early trade ins or expensive drivetrain work. Additional guidance on what is the most reliable used compact SUV to buy notes that Models like the Honda CR and Toyota RAV4 tend to have lower average maintenance costs over time, especially when paired with Regular oil changes and basic care. For shoppers who want a compact SUV they can buy used in 2025 and still trust in 2035, the RAV4 sets a clear benchmark.
2. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a fixture in long term ownership rankings because it blends reliability with low day to day expenses. Cost of ownership awards for 2023 highlight that the CR-V delivers one of the lowest 5 year ownership costs among SUVs, factoring in fuel, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation, which is why analysts point to its low 5-year cost for budget conscious drivers. Separate coverage of the most loved SUVs for long term ownership notes that The Honda CR and Pilot both land in the top tier thanks to their versatility and dependable track records.
Used car rankings in 2025 again call out the Honda CR as a smart buy, grouping it with the Toyota and Subaru Forester as standouts for reliability in 2025 used SUV shopping. Another guide on what is the most reliable used compact SUV to buy reinforces that Models like the Honda CR and Toyota have lower average maintenance costs when owners stick to Regular service intervals. For families who plan to keep a compact SUV for 8 to 12 years, the CR-V’s combination of modest running costs and strong resale value makes it one of the safest financial bets.
3. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester appeals to buyers who want Toyota level reliability with a different driving character and standard all wheel drive. A 2025 overview of dependable SUVs lists the Forester among the most reliable SUVs to buy in 2025, emphasizing its low fault rates and consistent performance in owner surveys, as seen in a guide to most reliable SUVs to buy in 2025. Another long term ownership feature notes that Subaru’s Forester is a favorite, known for durability that keeps repair costs in check even as mileage climbs.
Used car rankings in 2025 again highlight the Subaru Forester alongside Toyota and Honda CR as a top used SUV choice, which signals that its reliability story holds up across multiple model years. Broader reliability research on Toyota and Lexus, Honda and Subaru finds that these brands dominate lists of the most dependable SUVs and crossovers, reinforcing that Forester owners are buying into a proven reliability culture. For drivers in snowy regions who want a compact SUV they can trust for a decade, the Forester’s mix of all weather traction and low failure rates is especially compelling.
4. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 often surprises shoppers who assume only Toyota dominates reliability charts. A detailed feature on dependable SUVs points out that the most reliable SUVs are not just Toyotas, and specifically notes the CX-5’s strong long term dependability scores among compact crossovers, as highlighted in coverage of most reliable SUVs. That reporting underscores that Mazda’s engineering and quality control have matured to the point where the CX-5 can match or beat some traditional reliability leaders.
For owners, this means a realistic chance of enjoying 8 to 10 years of service with relatively few unscheduled repairs, while also benefiting from the CX-5’s more engaging driving dynamics. Reliability focused guides that Explore the best used SUVs to buy in 2025 often mention Mazda as a brand that delivers strong value in 2025 without the price premiums associated with Toyota. When combined with efficient four cylinder engines and a cabin that still feels upscale after years of use, the CX-5 becomes a smart choice for drivers who want low long term costs without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
5. Lexus NX
The Lexus NX leverages its brand’s reputation for durability and low repair bills, making it a standout for luxury buyers who still care about long term costs. A comprehensive analysis of car brands ranked by maintenance and repair costs over time finds that Toyota and Lexus sit at the top of the reliability spectrum, with Lexus owners typically paying less for unscheduled repairs over the life of the vehicle, as detailed in research on maintenance and repair costs. That brand level strength directly benefits NX owners, who share platforms and components with proven Toyota models.
Because the NX is built on this foundation, its long term ownership profile often looks more like a mainstream compact SUV than a high end luxury model in terms of repair frequency. Broader reliability guides on Toyota and Lexus, Honda and Subaru confirm that these brands dominate lists of the most reliable SUVs and crossovers, which helps explain why used NX prices remain firm. For buyers willing to pay a bit more upfront to avoid expensive out of warranty repairs, the NX offers a rare combination of comfort, technology, and predictable long term costs.
6. Acura RDX
The Acura RDX brings Honda based engineering into the premium compact SUV space, and that heritage shows up clearly in reliability rankings. In a 2025 overview of dependable used SUVs, the Acura RDX is included among models that help owners avoid costly repairs, reflecting a track record of robust drivetrains and relatively trouble free electronics, as noted in coverage of Top Reliable Long Term Ownership and Low Maintenance Costs Acura RDX. That same reporting frames the RDX as a model that can realistically run for many years with only routine maintenance.
Additional long term ownership guides that Explore the best used SUVs to buy in 2025 often place Acura near the top for buyers who want luxury features without luxury level repair bills. Since the RDX shares many components with Honda sedans and crossovers, parts availability and service expertise are strong, which helps keep labor and parts costs in check. For shoppers who want a refined interior and strong performance but still prioritize low total cost of ownership, the RDX is one of the most rational premium choices.
7. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento has evolved into one of the best value midsize SUVs for buyers who need three rows and plan to keep the vehicle for a long time. Cost of ownership awards for 2023 identify the Sorento as delivering one of the lowest 5 year costs to own among SUVs, factoring in insurance, fuel, and repairs, which underscores its The Kia Sorento value story. A separate discussion asking if Kia Sorento or Hyundai Tucson are good for long term use describes This Kia Sorento as a great value for a luxury third row SUV, reflecting owner sentiment about its comfort and durability.
Budget focused guides on the best SUVs under $25000 in 2025 also call the Sorento one of the best value mid size SUVs you can buy used, thanks to its combination of seating for up to seven passengers and a comfortable interior. That mix of practicality and low projected running costs makes it especially attractive for growing families who want to avoid the expense of a full size SUV. When paired with Kia’s long factory warranty on newer examples, the Sorento becomes a compelling long term ownership play.
8. Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson targets buyers who want a compact SUV with strong reliability and a lower purchase price than many Japanese rivals. A 2025 reliability roundup lists the Tucson among the most reliable SUVs to buy in 2025, highlighting its low fault rates and solid owner satisfaction scores, as seen in reporting on Explore the best used SUVs to buy in 2025. That placement signals that recent Tucson generations have matured into credible long term options rather than short term budget picks.
In community discussions about whether Kia Sorento or Hyundai Tucson are good for long term use, many owners describe the Tucson as just a good reliable SUV that will last another 10+ years when maintained properly. Combined with competitive fuel economy and relatively affordable parts, this reliability profile keeps total ownership costs in check. For commuters who want a straightforward, comfortable compact SUV they can keep well past the final loan payment, the Tucson offers a reassuring balance of price and durability.
9. Mercedes-Benz GLC
The Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out as a luxury SUV that can be surprisingly affordable to own when bought used and chosen carefully. A feature on 10 ridiculously reliable Mercedes SUVs on the used market highlights the GLC as one of the models that defies stereotypes about high German maintenance costs, pointing to examples that deliver many years of service with relatively few major issues, as detailed in coverage of reliable Mercedes SUVs. That reporting suggests that buyers who prioritize the right engines and model years can enjoy premium comfort without constant repair anxiety.
Because the GLC competes in a crowded luxury compact SUV segment, depreciation can be steep in the first few years, which actually benefits used buyers who step in later. When combined with careful pre purchase inspections and attention to service history, the GLC’s underlying reliability can translate into a relatively low cost of ownership compared with other European rivals. For drivers who want a refined cabin and advanced safety tech but still care about long term costs, the GLC is one of the more rational luxury picks.
10. Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox earns its place on this list by pairing mainstream pricing with relatively modest maintenance costs over time. Brand level research on car maintenance finds that some domestic manufacturers, including Chevrolet, deliver competitive long term repair costs in SUV segments, which helps explain why the Equinox often appears in value focused recommendations. In particular, analyses of the most reliable SUVs and crossovers note that while Toyota and Lexus lead, models like the Equinox can still offer efficient repair histories when properly maintained.
Used SUV guides that Find top picks for families and commuters in 2025 frequently mention the Equinox as a sensible choice for buyers who prioritize affordability and straightforward mechanicals. Its widespread availability means parts are easy to source and many independent shops are familiar with common repairs, which helps keep labor costs down. For shoppers who want a practical compact SUV with predictable expenses rather than cutting edge features, the Equinox delivers a balanced long term ownership profile.
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