Luxury SUVs promise comfort and status, but some quietly punish owners with repair bills that feel more exotic than the badge. Looking at recent reliability surveys and average annual repair costs, a few high-end models stand out for costing far more to fix than most shoppers expect. Here are six SUVs where the numbers behind the shine really matter.
1) Land Rover Range Rover
The Land Rover Range Rover is practically a case study in pricey upkeep. Survey-based data on the 2023 reliability shows frequent trouble spots in electronics and suspension, which lines up with owners’ stories about warning lights and air-suspension glitches. RepairPal pegs average annual repair costs at exactly $1,258, and one analysis of a 2022 Range Rover notes it will cost “$1,258 per year” to maintain, making the Range Rover much more expensive than most large luxury SUVs.
Even when broader scoring looks decent, the bills still bite. One breakdown gives The Land Rover Range Rover an 80 out of 100 for “Quality & Reliability” and a 79 out of 100 overall, while another review lists a predicted reliability score of 79 out of 100 for the Land Rover Range, noting that a Power score of 91 to 100 is considered the top tier. Long term, one estimate puts Land Rover Range Rover maintenance and repairs at $20,136 in the first decade, and a separate look at repair costs says owners should “Prepare for approximately $18,228” in bills, which explains why Buying a Land Rover is flagged as one of the most expensive maintenance decisions.
2) Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne looks like a safe bet on paper, with a 78 out of 100 dependability score in the 2023 J.D. Power study, but its repair costs tell a different story. RepairPal estimates average annual repairs at $1,231, a figure that surprises shoppers who assume Porsche SUV ownership is relatively painless once the warranty ends. A big reason is the complex hardware under the skin, including the dual-clutch PDK transmission that delivers sharp shifts but can be very expensive when something fails.
Those PDK issues are not everyday events, yet when they do happen, the bill can easily run into several thousand dollars, which skews the average cost upward. Add in performance brakes, intricate electronics and tight packaging that makes labor-intensive jobs more expensive, and the Cayenne quickly moves into “budget for it now” territory. For buyers, the lesson is that a solid dependability score does not erase the financial impact of a few very high-cost repairs on a premium performance SUV.
3) BMW X5
The BMW X5 is one of the most popular luxury SUVs on the road, but its repair profile is not as friendly as its image. Consumer-focused testing gives the 2023 BMW X5 a 2 out of 5 reliability score, pointing to recurring engine and electrical problems that can be tricky to chase down. According to RepairPal, the X5 averages $1,166 per year in maintenance and repairs, which is well above what many mainstream SUVs cost to keep running.
Those numbers reflect both the complexity of turbocharged engines and the dense network of control modules that power everything from driver aids to ambient lighting. When something in that chain fails, technicians often spend hours diagnosing, and parts are priced at a premium. For owners, that means even relatively minor issues can turn into four-figure visits, especially once the factory coverage expires, making the X5 a classic example of how luxury engineering can inflate long-term costs.
4) Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class aims to be the comfortable, tech-heavy family hauler, but that tech is exactly where many of its problems show up. J.D. Power’s 2023 data notes that the GLE has more problems per 100 vehicles than average in infotainment and power equipment, categories that include screens, controllers and powered features. RepairPal lists the GLE’s average annual repair cost at $1,077, a figure that often catches owners off guard when the first out-of-warranty glitch appears.
Infotainment failures, balky power tailgates or malfunctioning seat controls rarely strand a driver, yet they are labor-intensive to fix and rely on pricey modules. As those systems age, the odds of something going wrong naturally climb, and each visit chips away at the value proposition of owning a tech-forward luxury SUV. For shoppers, the GLE shows how convenience features can quietly become a long-term line item in the household budget.
5) Jaguar F-Pace
The Jaguar F-Pace brings sharp styling and lively handling, but reliability data paints a much harsher picture. Consumer-focused surveys give the F-Pace a 1 out of 5 reliability score, citing frequent complaints about air suspension components and engine issues. RepairPal backs that up with an average annual repair cost of $1,066, which often exceeds what buyers expect from a compact luxury crossover that competes with more established German rivals.
Air suspension problems are particularly painful, since leaking bags or failing compressors can quickly lead to four-figure repair orders. Engine-related fixes, from oil leaks to more serious internal faults, only add to the risk profile as the miles climb. For owners, that combination means the F-Pace can feel like a gamble once the warranty ends, with stylish looks offset by the possibility of sudden, budget-busting shop visits.
6) Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 targets buyers who want a traditional, body-on-frame luxury SUV, but its dependability record is not as solid as its rugged image suggests. J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study shows the QX80 performing worse than average in problems per 100 vehicles, particularly in areas tied to transmission behavior and brake performance. RepairPal calculates average yearly repairs at $1,180, putting it right in line with some European luxury models despite Infiniti’s reputation for relative value.
Heavy curb weight and towing use can accelerate wear on transmissions and braking systems, and when those components need attention, the parts and labor are anything but cheap. Owners who expect near-truck durability sometimes discover that a full-size luxury SUV still carries premium repair pricing. For families planning to keep a QX80 well past the warranty window, building that $1,180 figure into the long-term budget is a smart, if sobering, move.
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