SUVs have gained immense popularity due to their spacious interiors, high driving position, and versatile capabilities. While they generally come at a premium compared to sedans, buying a used SUV can be a cost-effective way to enjoy these benefits.
However, reliability should be a top priority when purchasing a pre-owned SUV to avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Various automotive experts and consumer reports assess vehicle reliability, providing ratings that help buyers make informed decisions.
In this guide, we explore some of the most reliable used SUVs, based on expert evaluations and consumer feedback, to help you make an informed decision.
1. 2017 Toyota 4Runner: Off-Road Excellence
With a reliability score of 88/100, the 2017 Toyota 4Runner is an excellent choice for adventure seekers. It boasts impressive off-road capabilities and a rugged design. However, its on-road comfort is somewhat compromised due to its stiff ride, and it lacks advanced safety features.
Buyers considering a certified pre-owned (CPO) 4Runner benefit from Toyota’s one-year/12,000-mile limited warranty and an extended powertrain warranty covering seven years or 100,000 miles.
2. 2018 Kia Sorento: Spacious and Comfortable
Also scoring 88/100, the 2018 Kia Sorento is a top-rated midsize SUV with a refined interior and smooth ride. While its third-row seating is somewhat cramped and cargo space is less than some competitors, it offers a well-rounded package.
Safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert add to its appeal, making it a solid family vehicle.
3. 2019 Hyundai Kona: Urban-Friendly Performance
The 2019 Hyundai Kona is a standout in the subcompact SUV category with its dynamic handling and high safety ratings. It earned an 88/100 reliability score and won the 2019 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money award.
Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and driver-attention monitoring. Hyundai backs the Kona with an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, adding further value.
4. 2022 Buick Encore: Premium Comfort in a Compact Package
The 2022 Buick Encore scores 88/100 for reliability. Despite its modest engine power, it provides a gentle ride and upscale interior. Cargo space is reasonable at 18.8 cubic feet, expanding to 48.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded.
Standard tech features include a 7-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, and smartphone integration. The Encore comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
5. 2022 Lincoln Nautilus: Luxury and Practicality Combined
Luxury SUV shoppers will appreciate the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, which also earned an 88/100 reliability score. While it lacks engaging handling, it compensates with a refined ride, spacious cabin, and solid powertrain choices.
Standard amenities include dual-zone climate control, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, and blind-spot monitoring. Lincoln’s warranty includes four years/50,000 miles of limited coverage and six years/70,000 miles of powertrain protection.
6. 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: Feature-Rich and Affordable
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is among the best choices for a budget-friendly midsize SUV. It scored 89/100 for reliability and offers two-row and three-row versions.
Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Hyundai’s impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty ensures peace of mind for used buyers.
7. 2020 Kia Soul: Compact Yet Spacious
The 2020 Kia Soul stands out with its boxy design that maximizes interior space. It has a reliability score of 89/100 and features a spacious cabin with 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 62.1 cubic feet with folded seats.
Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration. Kia provides a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
8. 2021 BMW X4: Sporty and Luxurious
The 2021 BMW X4 is a luxury compact SUV that delivers sporty handling and a well-appointed cabin. With a reliability score of 89/100, it features a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, and tri-zone climate control.
While cargo space is limited compared to rivals, its dynamic driving experience makes up for it. BMW’s four-year/50,000-mile warranty covers both limited and powertrain components.
Also Read: 10 Best Hybrid Sports Cars for Speed and Efficiency
9. 2019 Hyundai Tucson: Well-Rounded Compact SUV
Scoring 90/100, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson provides a comfortable ride, intuitive technology, and safety features such as lane-keep assist and forward collision warning. Although its fuel efficiency and cargo space are average, Hyundai’s long warranty coverage makes it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
10. 2020 BMW X6: Power Meets Elegance
The 2020 BMW X6 combines powerful performance with a high-end cabin. It received a reliability score of 90/100 and includes features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, heated seats, and a panoramic moonroof.
Although cargo space is somewhat limited, it offers a thrilling driving experience. BMW’s CPO program extends warranty coverage by one additional year with unlimited mileage.
11. 2022 Buick Encore GX: Small but Mighty
The Buick Encore GX, introduced in 2020, scores 90/100 and provides a smooth ride with ample passenger and cargo space. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, and comprehensive driver assistance features.
Buick offers a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, with CPO models getting an extra one-year/12,000-mile limited coverage.
12. 2022 Chevrolet Equinox: Practical and Comfortable
With a reliability score of 90/100, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV with a roomy interior and a smooth ride. It features a turbocharged engine that excels in city driving but struggles at higher speeds.
Standard tech includes wireless smartphone integration and satellite radio. Chevrolet provides a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
13. 2022 Nissan Murano: V6 Power and Elegance
The 2022 Nissan Murano, scoring 90/100, offers a robust V6 engine and an upscale interior. It comes with essential safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and pedestrian detection.
While handling is uninspiring, its comfort-focused ride makes it a great family SUV. Nissan’s CPO program extends the warranty to seven years/100,000 miles.
14. 2019 Kia Sportage: A Compact SUV That Excels
The 2019 Kia Sportage, with a reliability score of 91/100, features a well-built cabin and spacious seating. Standard amenities include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and keyless entry. Kia backs the Sportage with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
15. 2020 Nissan Armada: Full-Size Luxury
The 2020 Nissan Armada received a 91/100 reliability score and stands out with its powerful V8 engine and high-end cabin. Seating up to eight people, it comes with features like heated seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a Bose audio system. Nissan extends its warranty to seven years/100,000 miles under the CPO program.
Buying a used SUV can be a great way to save money while still enjoying reliability and features. The models listed above have strong reliability ratings and offer a range of options, from compact urban crossovers to full-size luxury SUVs.
By considering your needs and checking warranty coverage, you can find a used SUV that balances cost, comfort, and dependability.
Also Read: 10 Cars With the Best Power-to-Weight Ratios in Their Class for Extreme Performance