You will want an SUV that keeps your family moving without surprise bills or frequent shop visits. Reliability ratings show which models save you time, money, and stress so you can focus on daily life instead of unexpected repairs.
They make clear differences between solid long-term choices and vehicles that look nice but cost more over time. Expect practical comparisons across popular options like the Toyota Highlander, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Lexus RX, Subaru Outback, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Ford Explorer to help guide a confident choice.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander earns a reputation for dependable family transport, especially in well-reviewed model years. Owners praise its comfortable cabin and strong resale values.
Some model years show recurring issues; shoppers should check reliability guides and owner reports before buying. For a concise breakdown of best and worst years, see this Highlander reliability guide.
Honda CR-V
The CR-V earns a reputation for dependable daily driving and roomy rear seats that families appreciate. Buyers should check specific model years, since reliability and repair costs vary noticeably across generations.
Recent model years improved quality and tech, but some past years show recurring engine or transmission complaints. Shoppers can compare problem trends and best/worst year lists like the one at FixdApp before deciding.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 earns steady marks for reliability, making it a common pick for families who want low fuss and reasonable ownership costs.
Recent model-year ratings and owner feedback highlight strengths in build quality and long-term durability. See detailed reliability and recall info at U.S. News for the 2025 CX-5.
Some model years show more problems than others, so buyers who shop used should check year-by-year reliability guides before deciding.
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX regularly ranks near the top for long-term dependability, making it a common pick for families who want low-maintenance daily driving.
Reviewers and reliability trackers note strong scores for many model years, especially mid-2010s examples, which show fewer reported issues than rivals.
Maintenance costs tend to stay reasonable compared with other luxury SUVs, and parts coverage benefits from Toyota shared components.
Buyers should still check specific years and service history before purchase; a well-documented RX typically delivers decades of trouble-free use.
Subaru Outback
The Outback earns praise for roomy seating and practical cargo space, which families often value. It blends wagon-like comfort with SUV ground clearance.
Reliability has been strong in many model years, and reviewers note consistent performance and safety features. Consumer Reports lists the Outback among recommended Subaru models, reflecting that track record (https://www.subaru.com/vehicle-info/consumer-reports.html).
Maintenance and repair costs vary by year, so buyers are advised to check specific model-year reliability reports before purchasing.
Kia Telluride
The Telluride earns praise for roomy seating and solid build quality, making it a common family pick. Recent model years tightened up software and reliability compared with early releases.
Buyers should favor 2022–2024 examples that addressed early issues and completed recalls. Check maintenance history and open recalls at the dealer before purchase; Consumer and industry reports track these trends and updates (see reliability roundup).
Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade earns praise for roomy seating and a quiet ride that families appreciate. Early 2020–2021 models had more complaints, so buyers often prefer the improved 2022–2023 years for better build quality.
It includes many standard features and safety tech, yet owners should check for recalls and common issues before buying. Consumer feedback and reliability summaries highlight the newer model years as the safer used choices; see a buying guide for detailed year-by-year notes (https://rerev.com/articles/hyundai-palisade-years-to-avoid/).
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 ranks high for reliability and low ownership costs, making it a common pick for families. Owners note strong resale value and few major mechanical issues over time.
Recent generations added hybrid and plug-in hybrid options that improve fuel economy without sacrificing cargo space. For year-by-year reliability details and ratings, see this roundup on Toyota RAV4 best years and costs.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Tahoe remains a popular choice for big families who need space and towing power. It shines in capability but shows wide reliability swings between model years.
Buyers should check specific year records and owner complaints before deciding. Review aggregated reliability guides like the best and worst Chevrolet Tahoe years to spot problem years and common repairs.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer mixes roomy seating and family-friendly features but shows uneven reliability across generations. Some model years earn praise for durability, while others face recurring transmission and electrical complaints that raise ownership costs. Buyers should check year-specific reviews and repair records, and consider trusted reliability summaries like the RepairPal Explorer rating and cost estimates when comparing used examples.