The 10 Most Reliable SUVs You Can Buy In 2026
Anyone can build an SUV that feels impressive on a test drive. Building one that still feels dependable after 200,000 miles is a much harder challenge. That’s why the most reliable SUVs earn their reputation over years of trouble-free ownership, not flashy features or marketing claims. Whether you’re buying new and planning to keep it for a decade or simply want the best chance of avoiding expensive repairs, these are the 10 SUVs that have proven they’re built to go the distance.
This ranking methodology we used combines data from the latest J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (35 percent), iSeeCars’ long-term vehicle longevity research (35 percent), each SUV’s recall and investigation history from the NHTSA (20 percent), and powertrain maturity (10 percent). Rather than relying on a single survey, the rankings favor SUVs that consistently perform well across multiple independent sources.
10
Buick Encore GX
Combined Ranking Score: 82/100
Buick is currently ranked the highest in the mass market segment in J.D. Power’s VDS, and the Encore GX has shown strong early ownership satisfaction results, but it doesn’t have the long-term mileage history of some models or brands, such as Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Subaru. The Encore GX has a newer, less proven powertrain, with very few examples having reached more than 200,000 miles. The Buick Encore GX could move up the charts in future model years, but it’s still early for the subcompact SUV.
Favorite Features
The active noise cancellation coming from Buick’s QuietTuning makes the Encore GX feel like a luxury SUV without the price. It also comes with standard wireless connectivity, giving you an easy connection without wires getting in the way. The top two trims can be had with a hands-free tailgate, and AWD is optional across the range. For those living in colder climates, heated seats and a heated steering wheel can make the Avenir trim more comfortable, and it also has the Technology Package, which includes adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera system.
9
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Combined Ranking Score: 87/100
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is powered by Toyota’s proven hybrid system and has become one of the top models in the Toyota family, but it, like the Encore GX, is still fairly new, which means it hasn’t proven itself over time yet. Without an accumulated volume of 200,000-plus-mile vehicles to prove longevity, the Corolla Cross Hybrid only makes it to the ninth spot on the list.
Favorite Features
Every version of this little SUV comes standard with AWD, which becomes extremely useful in rough weather. Despite its AWD setup, the Toyota Corolla Cross is an efficient SUV with more power than its gas-only counterpart. Wireless connectivity is standard across the range, and the Toyota Safety System 3.0 is one of the most comprehensive safety packages available. For 2026, the infotainment and gauge screens feature improved graphics for clearer readouts.
8
Subaru Crosstrek
Combined Ranking Score: 88/100
The Subaru Crosstrek might be a surprising entry, but it shouldn’t be. Subaru has been climbing the reliability ladder for years, but the Crosstrek has the same issues as the previous two models; not enough high-mileage examples to achieve a better ranking. Still, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek could be a fantastic compact SUV for just about every driver.
Favorite Features
Almost every Subaru model starts with a favorite feature: standard Symmetrical AWD, one of the most sophisticated systems on the market. The Crosstrek also features 8.7 inches of ground clearance for decent off-road capability, wireless connectivity, wireless charging on higher trims, a larger touchscreen on higher trims, the EyeSight driver-assistance package, and responsive LED headlights that turn with the wheels.
7
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Combined Ranking Score: 88/100
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid has one of the most researched and tested hybrid powertrains on the market, is one of the top-ranked vehicles in its class, and has the family-sized comfort and roominess desired. Like several other models, it has not been on the market long enough to be proven as a reliable SUV. That should change in the next few years, with the Grand Highlander ranking at or near the top of most lists.
Favorite Features
There are two efficient hybrid powertrains offered for the Toyota Grand Highlander, giving you excellent power in the Hybrid Max model or impressive efficiency in the standard hybrid version. If you need seating for eight and impressive cargo space, the Grand Highlander has what you’re after. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard, as is a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that supports wireless connectivity. You’ll find seven USB-C ports throughout the cabin, ensuring your whole family can charge their devices on the road.
6
Subaru Forester
Combined Ranking Score: 90/100
The naturally aspirated Boxer engine has been around for a long time, powering the Subaru Forester wherever you need to go. This compact SUV has a long-standing reputation for dependable ownership, which earns it a mid-range spot on this list of the most reliable SUVs for 2026. The Forester has become one of the most popular Subaru SUVs, fitting in right between the Crosstrek and Outback models.
Favorite Features
In addition to the most popular Subaru feature, the standard Symmetrical AWD system, the 2026 Subaru Forester also has heated and ventilated seats on the top Touring trim, an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system, Driver-Focus Distraction Mitigation, an 800-pound-capacity rooftop system for the Wilderness trim, and Emergency Stop Assist, which will slow the vehicle and turn on the hazards should the driver stop responding to the electronic warning system.
5
Honda CR-V Hybrid
Combined Ranking Score: 92/100
Honda might not have the well-publicized hybrid reputation of Toyota, but its two-motor hybrid system has earned a strong reputation for reliability, making the CR-V Hybrid a high-scoring SUV. The CR-V consistently appears in long-term ownership recommendations and has become one of the most trustworthy SUVs on the market today.
Favorite Features
Every CR-V Hybrid comes with standard wireless connectivity and charging, which makes a huge difference in your experience. Not all SUVs with wireless connectivity offer charging. The 2026 CR-V Hybrid also comes with a self-locking/unlocking function based on the direction the key fob is oriented relative to the vehicle. AWD is available on some trims, and the new 10.2-inch digital instrument display is a tech upgrade many buyers will appreciate.
4
Toyota 4Runner
Combined Ranking Score: 95/100
The Toyota 4Runner has been around for a long time, with many models surpassing 250,000 miles, making it one of the top choices for longevity. Of course, this comes with a caveat, since the modern 4Runner has new and unproven powertrains. Many reviewers seem confident that the 2026 4Runner will continue to be a strong performer thanks to its rugged off-road build and Toyota’s proven engineering.
Favorite Features
When searching for an SUV with proven off-road qualities that can also be good on the road, the Toyota 4Runner leads the way. Toyota brought back an old-school feature with a power rear window to give owners cargo versatility, which can make a huge difference, especially when hauling longer objects. Some trims offer a third-row seat, which increases passenger capacity, and multiple off-road trims make it easy to find a 4Runner that matches your adventurous spirit.
3
Lexus NX Hybrid
Combined Ranking Score: 95/100
The Lexus NX Hybrid is the first of two very similar Lexus SUVs. Most of the differences come in equipment and size for the NX and RX models. The NX is newer than the RX, which results in a slightly lower overall score, but its proven and impressive hybrid powertrains make it a safe bet for anyone searching for a reliable compact luxury SUV.
Favorite Features
This small Lexus SUV has an intuitive infotainment system that includes a natural-voice digital assistant. A 9.8-inch screen is standard, but a 14-inch screen is available for drivers who want a larger display. The front seats are heated in every 2026 NX Hybrid, and AWD is standard on most models. There’s available features, like an Advance Park feature that makes it much easier to fit into parallel or tight spaces, and a 17-speaker, 1,800-watt audio system turns the NX into a virtual nightclub for your listening pleasure. Finally, the digital rearview mirror makes it easy to see everything behind the SUV, even when the rear cargo area is loaded up to the roof.
2
Lexus RX Hybrid
Combined Ranking Score: 97/100
Lexus routinely leads luxury brands in the J.D. Power VDS, and the RX is a major contributor to that. The Lexus RX is among the most documented high-mileage luxury SUVs on the market and has an excellent reliability history. The RX Hybrid uses a proven Toyota hybrid system with decades of refinement, making it one of the most trusted on the market.
Favorite Features
Wireless connectivity and charging are part of the standard package in the 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid, making it easy to stay connected and charged. The RX also has Traffic Jam Assist, an extensive color palette, an available 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system, a digital phone-as-a-key feature, and automated parallel parking using 12 sensors and four cameras to park the RX without driver intervention.
1
Toyota RAV4
Combined Ranking Score: 97/100
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has a hybrid-only lineup and is consistently among Toyota’s strongest performers. The RAV4 is one of the most popular and trusted SUVs in its class and continually ranks at or near the top of various reviewers’ lists, including being the top-ranked compact SUV from iSeeCars. The RAV4 has a relatively clean recall history with no widespread engine or hybrid failures. The fifth-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive system is shared with millions of Toyota hybrids worldwide.
Favorite Features
The RAV4 has the latest Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 system, which includes Proactive Driving Assist, a feature that predicts situations and assists as needed. Every RAV4 has wireless connectivity, and this SUV is now offered in three designs called Core, Rugged, and Sport. This popular Toyota SUV also has a Standard Drive Recorder, which captures 20-second clips of events, providing driving recordings as requested or required.
Sources: J.D. Power, iSeeCars, NHTSA, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds
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