Most Reliable SUVs: Toyota, BMW Among Top Picks for Dependability.

We test lots of new cars at Ride n Drive every year. In our instrumented testing, we evaluate 0-60-mph times, braking figures, and even real-world range for electric vehicles. One aspect of car ownership that’s impossible to deduce from a new car, or even one that joins our fleet for a year, is long-term reliability.

Fortunately, the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study tracks reliability by reporting the number of problems per 100 vehicles for models after three years of ownership. For 2023, results for 2020 model year vehicles have been published. We’ve also included data from our colleagues at IntelliChoice for insight into the overall value of these vehicles related to five-year ownership costs. Read on to learn more about the most dependable SUVs.

2020 Kia Sportage

The previous-generation Kia Sportage was notable for its handsome exterior design, penned by Peter Schreyer, Motortrends’ 2020 Person of the Year. The compact crossover was loaded with infotainment and active safety technology, even if its cabin didn’t feel all that premium. We noted excellent steering and linear brakes in our testing, but we criticised the Sportage for its floaty suspension and cramped cabin. Additionally, it wasn’t as efficient as its rivals. LX FWD and S FWD trims carry an IntelliChoice value rating of Good over a five-year period, but the rest of the models in the lineup are rated Average, Mediocre, or Poor.

Median Retail Price: $25,288

Safety Rating: 2020 Top Safety Pick (IIHS), five-star overall rating (NHTSA)

Engines: 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder engine, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine

Fuel Economy: 19-23/24-30 mpg city/highway

2020 Toyota C-HR

Although the Toyota C-HR wasn’t quick by any stretch, it offered distinctive style and a good value when it was new. The small SUV came equipped with generous standard infotainment and active safety features. Once its miserably underpowered engine got the car up to speed, the C-HR felt pretty compliant, with good body control and decent grip. Its steering was lifeless, however. The C-HR didn’t try to hide that it merely existed as stylish, affordable transportation. Its cabin was loud and claustrophobic, and cargo capacity was small.

Although it’s one of the most reliable SUVs, its long-term value fails to impress. Its value is rated Poor across every trim level, according to IntelliChoice. Toyota discontinued the C-HR after the 2022 model year to focus on other small SUV offerings.

Median Retail Price: $26,225

Safety Rating: Good scores for all crashworthiness categories (IIHS), five-star overall rating (NHTSA)

Engines: 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder engine

Fuel Economy: 27/31 mpg city/highway

2020 Chevrolet Blazer

When Chevrolet rebooted the Blazer nameplate, we were excited to see the Camaro’s sporty styling applied to a crossover. RS models actually live up to the hype, too, with impressive handling and acceleration. Spacious rear seats lend practicality to the midsize SUV. Still, the naturally aspirated I-4 that was the base engine at the time was a disappointment due to its low output, and interior material quality was a letdown across the entire range. IntelliChoice universally rates the 2020 Blazer as a Poor value, but J.D. Power’s compelling reliability ranking makes the Blazer more appealing as a second-hand purchase.

Median Retail Price: $32,063

Safety Rating: Good scores for all crashworthiness categories (IIHS), five-star overall rating (NHTSA)

Engines: 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder engine, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V-6 engine

Fuel Economy: 18-21/25-28 mpg

2020 BMW X2

The BMW X2 stands out from its rivals with hot hatch styling that’s matched by impressive performance. We enjoy its taut handling and powerful drivetrains. For all of its sportiness, the X2 also returns impressive fuel economy for the luxury subcompact SUV segment. Despite these merits, we’ve criticized the X2 for its harsh ride, abundant road noise, and cramped interior. Still, BMW should be praised for injecting fun into one of the most competitive segments on the market. sDrive28i and xDrive28i models are rated as Mediocre values by IntelliChoice, scoring better than the M35i variant which received a score of Poor.

Median Retail Price: $32,500

Safety Rating: 2019 Top Safety Pick (IIHS)

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine

Fuel Economy: 23-24/30-32 mpg city/highway

2020 Lexus NX

Befitting its badge, the Lexus NX rides like a luxury car. A quiet, comfortable cabin complements its smooth suspension tuning. Good fuel economy is yet another one of this compact SUV’s strong suits, but body control and acceleration leave a lot to be desired. Lexus outfits the NX with a strong suite of active driver assistance technology, but infotainment integration for this previous-generation model is cumbersome due to the laptop-like touchpad controller that was required to navigate the menus on the display. In addition to being one of the most reliable SUVs, the NX is a strong value. IntelliChoice rates the value for every trim as Excellent, other than the 300 F Sport AWD, which earned a Good score.

Median Retail Price: $36,175

Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS), five-star overall rating (NHTSA)

Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder engine with three electric motors

Fuel Economy: 22-33/27-30 mpg city/highway.

2020 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander was new for 2020 and came equipped with several upgrades. Aggressive, attractive styling accompanies a longer and wider body. The interior is handsome and well appointed, too. Toyota outfits the Highlander with a strong active driver assistance suite. Safety scores were similarly impressive out of the gate. Weak points include a too-tight third row and a floaty, bouncy ride. IntelliChoice looks kindly upon the Highlander, granting Excellent five-year cost to own ratings across every trim.

Median Retail Price: $36,563

Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick (IIHS), five-star overall rating (NHTSA)

Engines: 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6, four-cylinder naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder engine with two to three electric motors

Fuel Economy: 20-36/27-35 mpg city/highway

2020 Chevrolet Tahoe

Outfitted with a punchy V-8 engine, the Chevrolet Tahoe is the epitome of the American full-size SUV. This three-row ute provides a spacious interior and comfortable ride. Its body control is especially good when equipped with GM’s Magnetic Ride Control system. Some drivers will be frustrated by its long stopping distances and slow throttle response. According to IntelliChoice, Tahoe’s long-term value is strong. LT models scored Average ratings, but the LS and Premier 2WD variants carry a valuation of Good. The Premier 4WD trim is rated as Excellent.

Median Retail Price: $45,200

Safety Rating: four-star overall rating (NHTSA)

Engines: 5.3-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine, 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine

Fuel Economy: 14-15/21-23 mpg city/highway

2020 Lexus RX

A beautifully crafted and well-appointed interior is at the core of the Lexus RX’s appeal. We think hybrid models offer the best blend of powertrain efficiency and smoothness. The base V-6 is powerful, but the eight-speed transmission with which it’s paired has a tendency to hunt for gears. A long list of standard active driver assistance features further sweetens the deal. Avoid the RX L and its cramped third row. Every single one of the Lexus RX’s trim levels is rated as a Good value by the experts at IntelliChoice, with the 350L AWD model serving as the one exception with a mere Average score.

Median Retail Price: $46,525

Safety Rating: 2020 Top Safety Pick (IIHS), five-star overall rating (NHTSA)

Engines: 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6 engine, 3.5-liter V-6 with an electric motor

Fuel Economy: 18-31/25-28 mpg city/highway

2020 BMW X5

The BMW X5 has been a staple of the automaker’s lineup since it was first introduced in 1999. More recent variants of the X5 have been applauded for responsive, sharp handling. BMW offers the X5 with a variety of drivetrains that range from offering adequate acceleration and good fuel economy to high-output V-8 models that emphasise outright performance. The X5 suffers from played-out design and middling long-term value. IntelliChoice rates the 2020 X5 as Mediocre over a five-year period for all trims aside from the xDrive40i, which returns the range’s best score of Average.

Median Retail Price: $62,000

Safety Rating: 2019 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS), Four-star overall rating (NHTSA)

Engines: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine

Fuel Economy: 13-21/18-26 mpg city/highway