The most reliable SUVs and SUVs to buy in 2023
In order to help you find the most reliable SUVs and SUVs for your money, Driver Power’s used car survey collects data from thousands of owners just like you.
Participants provide us with detailed feedback about their SUV, including what problems they’ve had with their vehicle and how often the problems arise. For a car to qualify for the used car section of Driver Power, participants must have owned it for between one and seven years so they have a really good understanding of what it means to own a car.
While factors such as service history, recalls and overall condition can impact the reliability of individual used vehicles, information gathered from the Driver Power Survey helps create a clearer picture of which models prove to be the most reliable nationally over the long term. .
We take owners’ reliability scores for each car and produce an overall driver power rating for reliability. The better the car, the higher the percentage.
What are the most reliable SUVs and SUVs?
These are the most reliable SUVs and SUVs you can buy in the UK according to our latest Driver Power survey data. Read on to find them listed in reverse order…
5. Lexus NX Mk1 – 95.46%
- Years of manufacture: 2014-2021
- Price now from: £16,500
The Lexus NX once again proved itself to be extremely reliable, but it was still a mixed bag of results elsewhere. Interior design, build quality and comfort were other highlights, but high running costs, a noisy CVT transmission and an unfathomable infotainment system held this hybrid SUV back. This resulted in an average finish of 38th in the overall best car to own classification.
4. Skoda Karoq Mk1 – 95.80%
- Years of manufacture: 2017 to present
- Price now from: £11,500
The second best used car to own in 2022 and 2023 is, of course, one of the most reliable. In typical Skoda style, all the basics seem to please Karoq owners, with this mid-sized SUV also being praised for its combination of practicality, comfort, value for money and safety equipment. It seems to be more about function than form, although one of the only notable downsides is the somewhat simplistic exterior design.
3. Lexus RX Mk4 – 96.07%
- Years of manufacture: 2015-2022
- Price now from: £23,800
Lexus is a frequent sight in our Driver Power reliability rankings. Not only was the RX Mk4 rated for its reliability, it was also rated higher than any other SUV for its engine and gearbox – 93.79 per cent. As with the smaller NX, owners were very satisfied with the overall level of quality and comfort, but the infotainment system and running costs were disappointing.
2. Subaru Outback Mk5 – 96.18%
- Years of manufacture: 2014-2020
- Price now from: £9,500
Subaru isn’t a particularly big name in the UK car market, but for the loyal customers who buy it, the Outback has proven to be almost as durable as the brand’s legends. One thing this SUV has ahead of its motorsport counterparts is excellent practicality – it was voted the second most practical car overall. The comfort and driving experience were also praised, but running costs were very concerning.
1. Lexus RX Mk3 – 96.55%
- Years of manufacture: 2008-2015
- Price now from: £11,000
It’s a case of sibling rivalry, with the older Lexus RX Mk3 landing in first place and outpacing its successor. While the Mk4 has a far superior drivetrain and sharper exterior design, it can’t outperform its predecessor in other important areas like comfort, practicality and even on-board technology. However, even as the newer Mk3 models begin to succumb to the effects of time, the Mk4 may eventually begin to creep forward when it comes to reliability.
Top 10 most reliable SUVs and SUVs
- Lexus RX Mk3 – 96.55%
- Subaru Outback Mk5 -96.18%
- Lexus RX Mk4 – 96.07%
- Skoda Karoq Mk1 – 95.80%
- Lexus NXMk1 – 95.46%
- Skoda Yeti Mk1 – 94.57%
- Subaru XV Mk1 – 94.38%
- Honda CR-V Mk4 – 93.79%
- Toyota RAV4 Mk4 – 93.02%
- Toyota C-HR Mk1 – 92.84%
Click below to find out the most reliable cars by segment…
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