9 SUVs So Reliable You’ll Never Regret Buying Them (Consumer Reports 2025)

Summary

This video highlights the top SUVs that offer exceptional reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs. Featuring models like the Subaru Forester, Honda Passport, Lexus RX, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander Hybrid, it reveals the hidden gems in the SUV market that outperform their competitors in both performance and long-term value. From compact models to luxury options, these SUVs offer great fuel economy, durability, and minimal repair bills, ensuring drivers save money while enjoying peace of mind. The video concludes with recommendations for smart, cost-effective SUV choices that offer impressive longevity and value.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nearly 75% of SUV buyers regret their choice within two years due to unexpected repairs, poor gas mileage, or poor ride quality.
• 😀 Only 7 out of over 70 SUVs tested by Consumer Reports scored above 85 on the reliability index, indicating long-term dependability.
• 😀 The Subaru Forester stands out for its reliability, all-wheel drive as standard, excellent fuel economy (26 MPG city, 33 MPG highway), and safety tech.
• 😀 The Honda Passport offers a tough yet smooth ride, great fuel efficiency (25 MPG highway), and minimal maintenance issues even after 200,000 miles.
• 😀 The Lexus RX delivers luxury without the usual maintenance headaches, with impressive reliability, smooth performance, and excellent resale value.
• 😀 The Kia Telluride, priced around $37,000, offers premium features and reliability, challenging even higher-end luxury SUVs and holding its value over time.
• 😀 The Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieves a combined 36 MPG and is known for its long-term reliability, with many owners reporting 250,000+ miles.
• 😀 The Acura RDX blends luxury with Honda's dependable engineering, offering solid fuel efficiency (28 MPG highway) and low maintenance costs.
• 😀 The Mazda CX-5 combines performance and dependability, featuring a turbocharged engine that delivers up to 256 horsepower and up to 31 MPG on the highway.
• 😀 The Toyota RAV4 excels in resale value, with an impressive 61% of its value retained after five years, plus outstanding fuel economy (35 MPG highway).
• 😀 The Honda CR-V is incredibly cheap to maintain, costing an average of just $47 per year, while also offering long-term durability and excellent resale value.

Q & A

What is the main reason why many SUV buyers regret their purchase within two years?

Many SUV buyers regret their purchase due to unexpected repairs, poor fuel economy, and a ride quality that doesn't live up to expectations, leading to buyer's remorse after spending a significant amount of money.

What is the significance of a reliability score above 85 in SUVs?

A reliability score above 85 indicates that the SUV is well-built and capable of lasting beyond 200,000 miles without major issues, making it a reliable long-term investment.

Which SUV is praised for its impressive reliability and low maintenance costs?

The Subaru Forester is highly praised for its reliability, achieving an 86 out of 100 score in reliability tests and costing less than $50 annually for maintenance.

What makes the Subaru Forester stand out among other compact SUVs?

The Subaru Forester stands out due to its standard all-wheel drive, excellent fuel economy (26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway), and built-in safety technology, including the Subaru EyeSight system.

What sets the Honda Passport apart from other SUVs?

The Honda Passport stands out for its powerful 280 horsepower V6 engine, reliable build quality, and high fuel efficiency (25 mpg highway), making it a durable and practical midsize SUV.

What is the advantage of the Lexus RX in the luxury SUV market?

The Lexus RX offers luxury features like a smooth V6 engine or a hybrid option with over 30 mpg, but at a significantly lower cost of maintenance compared to German rivals, making it a smarter choice for long-term ownership.

How does the Kia Telluride compete with luxury SUVs despite its lower price?

The Kia Telluride competes with luxury SUVs by offering premium materials, advanced technology, and a spacious interior at a much lower price (around $37,000), while also boasting excellent reliability and resale value.

What makes the Toyota Highlander Hybrid a top choice for families?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid combines a perfect reliability score with excellent fuel efficiency (36 mpg combined), offering families a spacious three-row SUV that can last over 250,000 miles, making it a smart and cost-effective long-term investment.

Why is the Acura RDX considered an underrated luxury SUV?

The Acura RDX combines premium comfort with Honda's reputation for long-term reliability. It offers solid fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, and a strong resale value, making it a smart luxury SUV choice.

What makes the Mazda CX-5 a standout SUV in terms of performance and reliability?

The Mazda CX-5 offers a powerful 256 horsepower turbocharged engine and impressive reliability, consistently passing 200,000 miles with minimal maintenance costs. It also delivers up to 31 mpg on the highway, blending performance with efficiency.

What is a key factor contributing to the Toyota RAV4's strong resale value?

The Toyota RAV4 retains an impressive 61% of its value after five years, thanks to its reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency (35 mpg on the highway), and low maintenance costs, making it a great long-term investment.

How does the Honda CR-V maintain its reputation as a low-cost, reliable SUV?

The Honda CR-V is known for its extremely low maintenance costs, averaging only $47 per year. Its simple, durable engineering ensures long-term reliability, with many models lasting past 200,000 miles with minimal issues.