Most Reliable Small Suv

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Consumer Reports (CR) has crunched the data and made predictions about the most reliable and least reliable 2020 SUV models. All of the models evaluated have been around for at least two years, giving them a track record to base off.

The best subcompact SUVs are built on a foundation of practicality and reliability. The rapidly growing selection of subcompact SUVs includes sporty, stylish, and rugged options. Best Subcompact.

The CR predictions are based on a survey of 420,000 vehicle owners within the past three years. The owners evaluated their vehicles on engine performance, safety systems, vehicle infotainment and other aspects of their experience to assess their reliability. CR used the data to calculate car, truck, van, and SUV reliability ratings.

  1. 5-Minute Easy Auto Diagnostic E-Book 5 Reliable SUV Of All Time Last 250000 MilesNumber one.
  2. The 2021 Cadillac XT5 rounds out our list of CR’s most reliable small luxury SUVs. You might favor the XT5 for its classic Cadillac style inside and out. Some of the most exciting news for 2021 is the XT5 now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus more active safety features are standard.

We have broken down their survey findings down among SUV models, and below are the top 6 most reliable and top 6 least reliable SUV models.

Most Reliable 2020 SUVs

  • Lexus GX
  • Hyundai Kona
  • Mazda CX-3
  • Lexus NX
  • Toyota 4-Runner
  • Mazda CX-9

Least Reliable 2020 SUVs

  • Jeep Wrangler
  • Volkswagen Atlas
  • Volkswagen Tiguan
  • Acura MDX
  • Tesla Model X
  • Chevrolet Traverse

In reviewing the lists, price didn’t equate to having the most reliable SUV model. The most reliable SUVs were fairly even disseminated amongst the SUV classes.

Two luxury SUV models made the list, one truck-based SUV made the list, one three-row crossover, and perhaps somewhat surprising, two 2020 subcompact SUVs were on the most reliable list. So more expensive doesn’t mean more reliable.

New SUV Reliability

All of these models have been around for at least a few years, giving them a track record to base off. This is particularly true in the case of the 4-Runner, which first debuted in the U.S in the 1984 model year. Impressively, the 4-Runner is also a top pick for resale value.

While some all-new SUV models may prove to be very reliable over time, the data isn’t yet there to validate their reliability and there can be kinks to work out/glitches to fix with new models. With more proven and tested models, the growing pains should have already been worked out.

While the Tesla’s SUV, the Model X, still has work to do, it’s Model 3 compact car earned a spot on the top ten most reliable 2020 cars list after failing to make the mark the previously.

Most & Least Reliable SUV Brands

2017

In terms of car, truck, and SUV reliability overall among brands, Toyota, with Lexus being ranked first and its namesake ranked third was tops. Mazda, another Japanese automaker, ranked second. In fact, nearly all the SUV models that made the 2020 most reliable SUV list are from Japan. The one exception was the Kona, from South Korean manufacturer Hyundai.

Not all Japanese manufacturers fared as well. Subaru dropped five spots in the CR rankings from last year. This was attributed to two SUV models, the all-new Ascent, and the recently redesigned Forester. Despite the bad news, Subaru still finished as the 7th most reliable automaker out of 30.

German and American Manufacturer SUV Reliability

No American manufacturers had an SUV model with best reliability ratings, while two models, the Jeep Wrangler and Chevrolet Traverse made the least reliable 2020 SUV list. However, on the positive side, the Wranger made the list for best 2019 resale value SUVs and was the Motor Trend 2019 SUV of the Year.

Volkswagen, a German manufacturer, had two models, the Atlas and the Tiguan make the least reliable SUV list.

Have experience with an SUV model on reliability? We want to hear from you. Please share in the comments below.

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These days small SUVs are the cars to be seen in. However, you don't want to be seen stranded by the side of the road in one, so here we reveal the most – and least – reliable models...

Small SUVs are among the most desirable, practical and affordable cars to own. However, all that can change if you end up with one that frequently breaks down and costs you a small fortune in repair bills.

Using feedback from nearly 13,000 car owners, we've rated 175 models from 31 brands, based on the number of faults suffered in the previous 12 months, how long each problem kept the car off the road and the cost of any repairs.

Here, we've used our data to name the most and least dependable small SUVs, aged one to five years old.

The most reliable small SUVs

7. Audi Q2 (2016-present)

Reliability rating 94.6%

Owners told us that 14% of their Q2s had gone wrong, with bodywork and brakes the most commonly cited problem areas, followed by the infotainment system and other non-engine electrical systems.

Although three quarters of cars could still be driven, more than half took over a week to fix. While 83% of work was done under warranty, the remaining 17% of bills all topped £1500.

6. Peugeot 2008 (2013-2019)

Reliability rating 94.7%

A quarter of 2008s suffered a fault, with the car's electrics the main culprit, accounting for 14% of problems. Other areas of concern included the bodywork, exhaust and suspension.

Although all cars could still be driven, 75% spent more than a week in the garage. However, a third of the work was done for free and no bills exceeded £500.

5. Renault Captur (2013-2019)

Reliability rating 95.0%

Only 14% of Capturs had a problem and the biggest areas of complaint were the exhaust and engine electrics. There were also small proportions of issues with the bodywork, engine and non-engine electrics.

Most cars could still be driven, but two thirds took more than a week to put right. The good news for owners is that all work was done for free.

4. Seat Arona (2018-present)

Reliability rating 95.1%

Although 21% of Arona owners reported a fault with their car, the majority (10%) were just minor electrical niggles. There were also some issues with the battery, bodywork, brakes, engine electrics and interior trim.

Four out of five cars remained driveable, but almost half spent more than a week in the garage. On a positive note, all work was done under warranty.

Most Reliable Small Suv 2011

3. Volkswagen T-Roc (2017-present)

Reliability rating 96.0%

Owners told us that 19% of T-Rocs went wrong, with the biggest areas of concern being the engine and non-engine electrics. There were also some issues with engine electrics, brakes and air-con.

However, four out of five cars could still be driven and a third were repaired the same day; 90% of work was done under warranty and no bills exceeded £50.

Most Reliable Small Suv 2014

2. Mada CX-3 (2016-present)

Reliability rating 98.0%

Only 12% of CX-3s had a fault, and electrical gremlins were the only issue, with problems split evenly between non-engine electrics in general and the infotainment system.

All of the affected cars remained driveable, while 75% were put right in a day or less and all work was done for free.

Most Reliable Small Suv To Buy

1. Mini Countryman (2017-present)

Reliability rating 98.3%

The latest Countryman is proving dependable; only 10% of cars went wrong and electrical issues were the only bugbears.

Most Reliable Small Suv 2015

All of the stricken cars could still be driven and two-thirds were put right in less than a week. All work was carried out under warranty.

Owner’s view: “This is my fourth Mini. I have never had any problems with any of them and the dealer support is excellent.”

Next: the least reliable small SUVs >>

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