The 10 Most Underrated Family SUVs For Long-Term Ownership
When choosing a family SUV, long-term reliability and low running costs often outweigh flashy tech or high horsepower. Buyers who plan to keep their vehicles past the warranty period value dependability, comfortable interiors, strong resale, and practical features far more than the latest gadgets. While bestsellers like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V take the spotlight, several lesser-known SUVs quietly deliver outstanding reliability and comfort. With proven engineering and lasting value, these underrated models offer families a long-term ownership experience that rivals the segment leaders.
2025 Volvo XC90
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 68/100
The 2025 Volvo XC90 starts at $58,695. It may not win everyone’s hearts for reliability, but it wins in comfort. Volvo’s flagship SUV combines elegant Scandinavian design, advanced safety technology, and a premium cabin that has aged remarkably well. While German rivals often steal the spotlight, the XC90 continues to appeal to families seeking understated luxury, comfort, and dependability.
The XC90 is available with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine producing 247 horsepower, or as a T8 plug-in hybrid, which delivers a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Inside, the XC90 seats up to seven passengers and offers 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. RepairPal estimates average annual repair costs at around $769, which is higher than mainstream rivals, but the XC90 rewards owners with exceptional safety, premium comfort, and strong long-term appeal.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 71/100
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas has matured into one of the most well-rounded three-row family SUVs on the market. Starting at $38,200, it offers generous passenger space, a refined cabin, and improved quality compared with earlier models hampered by reliability concerns. Volkswagen has addressed many of those shortcomings in recent years, making the latest Atlas a far more convincing option for families planning to keep their SUV for the long haul.
The Atlas is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available 4Motion all-wheel drive. Its spacious interior comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers, while folding the rear seats opens up a generous 96.6 cubic feet of cargo space. RepairPal estimates average annual repair costs at around $676, which is slightly above average for the segment, but the Atlas’ improved reliability, practicality, and refinement make it a much stronger long-term ownership proposition than its predecessors.
2025 Buick Enclave
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 72/100
The 2025 Buick Enclave proves you don’t need a luxury badge to enjoy a premium family SUV. Starting at $45,100, the redesigned three-row SUV offers a quieter cabin, more upscale materials, and more generous passenger space than many rivals that cost considerably more. It may not receive the same attention as European alternatives, but it delivers the comfort, refinement, and practicality that make long-term ownership especially rewarding.
Power comes from a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. With seating for up to seven passengers and up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, the Enclave is well suited to growing families and long road trips alike. RepairPal doesn’t yet provide reliability or annual repair cost data for the redesigned 2025 Enclave. Still, Buick has generally earned solid dependability ratings in recent years, helping make the Enclave an appealing long-term family SUV.
2025 Acura MDX
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 77/100
The 2025 Acura MDX delivers the refinement and technology buyers expect from a luxury SUV without the eye-watering ownership costs of many European rivals. Starting at $51,200, Acura’s flagship SUV combines premium comfort, a spacious three-row interior, and Honda-backed reliability, making it one of the smartest luxury SUVs to own over the long term.
Power comes from a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The Acura MDX offers seating for up to seven passengers and up to 95 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. RepairPal estimates average annual repair costs at around $571, helping the MDX remain one of the more affordable luxury SUVs to maintain while retaining its reputation for reliability and strong resale value.
2023 Mazda CX-9
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 78/100
If you’re searching for a dependable three-row family SUV on the used market, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a standout that’s too often overlooked. Discontinued in favor of the larger CX-90, the CX-9 still offers premium materials, engaging driving dynamics, and a reputation for reliability. According to Kelley Blue Book, well-kept 2023 examples typically retail for around $30,000 to $36,000, making it a compelling alternative to a new three-row SUV.
Every 2023 model comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Inside, it offers seating for seven, up to 71.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and a cabin that feels more premium than its price suggests. RepairPal estimates average annual repair costs at around $539, reinforcing why the CX-9 remains one of the smartest long-term used family SUVs.
2025 Subaru Outback
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 81/100
The 2025 Subaru Outback continues to blur the line between wagon and SUV, delivering the practicality, comfort, and capability families demand. Starting at $29,995, it remains one of the best-value family vehicles on the market. While its wagon-like styling often leads to it being overlooked, the Outback has built a loyal following thanks to its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, excellent resale value, and reputation for dependability.
Every Outback comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and a choice of two boxer engines: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, or a turbocharged 2.4-liter delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet. Cargo space is equally impressive, offering up to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. RepairPal estimates average annual repair costs at around $607, making the Outback one of the more affordable family SUVs to own and maintain over the long term.
2025 Lexus RX 350
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 82/100
The 2025 Lexus RX 350 has long been a benchmark for luxury SUV ownership, combining premium comfort with the kind of dependability few rivals can match. Starting at $50,475, it offers a refined ride, a beautifully crafted interior, and the peace of mind that comes with Lexus’ reputation for long-term reliability. While German rivals often boast more performance, the RX 350 continues to attract buyers who value trouble-free ownership above all else. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive.
The RX 350 offers up to 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it practical enough for everyday family duties. RepairPal estimates average annual repair costs at around $550, while iSeeCars ranks the RX among the vehicles most likely to exceed 250,000 miles, cementing its reputation as one of the best long-term luxury family SUVs you can buy.
2025 Honda Passport
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 82/100
The 2025 Honda Passport doesn’t always receive the same recognition as the CR-V or Pilot, but it’s one of the most dependable midsize SUVs you can buy. Starting at $42,400, it offers rugged capability, a spacious cabin, and Honda’s proven reputation for building vehicles that stand the test of time. For families who don’t need a third row, the Passport strikes an excellent balance between everyday comfort and weekend adventure.
Every Honda Passport is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system. It also boasts up to 83.8 cubic feet of cargo space and a 5,000-pound towing capacity, making it as practical as it is capable. RepairPal estimates average annual repair costs at around $371, making the Passport one of the least expensive midsize SUVs to maintain over the long term.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 84/100
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has become a benchmark family SUV thanks to its impressive fuel economy, spacious interior, and Toyota’s reputation for building vehicles that last. Starting at $46,020, it offers seating for up to eight passengers, excellent resale value, and lower running costs than many similarly sized three-row SUVs, making it an easy choice for families planning to keep their vehicle for years.
Power comes from Toyota’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, producing a combined 243 horsepower and paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). Available with all-wheel drive, the Highlander Hybrid returns up to 36 mpg combined while offering up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. RepairPal estimates average annual repair costs at around $489, and iSeeCars ranks the Highlander among the SUVs most likely to exceed 250,000 miles, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most dependable long-term family SUVs on the market.
2023 Lexus GX 460
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 89/100
The 2023 Lexus GX 460 may have been one of the oldest SUVs on sale before it was replaced, but that never stopped it from being one of the most dependable. When new, it started at $58,875, and today it remains a sought-after used buy thanks to its proven reliability, exceptional build quality, and strong resale value. Built on the same rugged platform as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the GX 460 has earned a reputation for lasting hundreds of thousands of miles with routine maintenance.
Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. It offers seating for up to seven passengers and 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. RepairPal estimates average annual repair costs at around $770, but its outstanding durability helps offset those higher ownership costs. According to iSeeCars, the Lexus GX 460 is among the SUVs most likely to exceed 250,000 miles, making it one of the best long-term family SUVs on the used market.
Sources: iSeeCars, RepairPal, Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power
Related posts
Latest Post
No Comments