Buying a used SUV is often a solid financial choice. By letting the brunt of depreciation go to the previous owner, used SUV buyers can usually save some serious dough at the dealership and still end up with a quality model at a much more affordable price. However, reliability becomes an even more critical factor when shopping for a used SUV. After all, you may save money on initial costs when opting for an older model, but if it is constantly in need of repairs, the value prospect of buying used dwindles significantly.
This list was created using data gathered from J.D. Power's annual dependability survey. Average used prices for each model were garnered from Kelley Blue Book with maintenance cost averages gathered from CarEdge.
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A prime way to get an idea of a used SUV's reliability is to take into consideration the real-world experiences of that model’s buyers — the methodology used in J.D. Power’s annual dependability awards. These awards use feedback from owners of SUV models that are at least three years old to determine the number of problems these owners faced and what types of issues.
These survey results are tabulated to determine the most reliable compact, midsize, and full-size SUVs on the market. The following models on this list are some of the most reliable SUVs you can buy today for around $20,000 or under, that shouldn’t lead to significant costs in repairs.
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10 2019 Buick Encore
Average Price: $14,428
The 2019 Buick Encore took the top spot overall in the J.D. Power’s 2022 dependability awards for all compact SUVs, meaning owners of the model encountered the fewest reliability issues among all models in the flooded class. The Encore beat out models that are typically viewed as ultra-reliable, like those from Toyota and Honda, in the survey.
- Avg. 10-Year Maintenance Costs (CarEdge): $8,264
- Recalls: 2
- Avg.Model Price (KBB): $14,428
The 2019 Encore straddles the line between a mainstream subcompact SUV and a luxury model, and with its original MSRP topping out at about $32,000, there are plenty of models available on the used market today for under $20,000. The Encore isn’t the prettiest model in its class, and its 138-153 horsepower 1.4-liter four-cylinders aren’t exactly sprightly, but its still a solid choice for those seeking a reliable small SUV that prioritizes comfort.
9 2017 Chevrolet Equinox
Average Price: $13,561
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is the top-rated 2017-model year non-luxury compact SUV for reliability according to J.D. Power. The model was given a reliability rating of 89 out of 100 possible points, beating out the Toyota RAV4, often considered one of the most dependable small SUVs on the market, to claim the top spot.
- Avg. 10-Year Maintenance Costs (CarEdge): $8,616
- Recalls: 0
- Avg.Model Price (KBB): $13,561
The 2017 Equinox is powered by a 182-horsepower four-cylinder, though a 301-horsepower V-6 is also available, and it’s the most power you can get from a 2017 compact, non-luxury SUV. The Equinox is a bit larger than the typical compact SUV, making it a smart choice for those who value pragmaticism.
8 2019 Kia Sportage
Average Price: $18,665
The 2019 Kia Sportage is one of the top choices for reliable small SUVs, according to J.D. Power’s survey results. The 2019 Sportage had the same overall ranking as the previously listed 2019 Buick Encore, but according to CarEdge, the Kia costs less to maintain over its first 10 years on the road.
- Avg. 10-Year Maintenance Costs (CarEdge): $7,873
- Recalls: 2
- Avg.Model Price (KBB): $18,665
The 2019 Sportage features a well-appointed cabin with a quality feel that puts it ahead of most entrants in its segment, and its available turbocharged engine makes it one of the peppiest models in the small SUV class. The Sportage does suffer from lackluster fuel economy at a max of 25 combined mpg, but it shouldn’t cost buyers too much in repairs.
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7 2019 Buick Envision
Average Price: $20,711
Another Buick makes our list, and this time it’s the Envision, which topped J.D. Power’s 2022 dependability survey for the compact SUV class. The Envision received a score of 88 for quality and reliability, and it also topped the charts for overall scores when including its driving dynamics and resale value.
- Avg. 10-Year Maintenance Costs (CarEdge): $8,521
- Recalls: 0
- Avg.Model Price (KBB): $20,711
The Envision delivers a spacious cabin, plenty of tech and connectivity, and comfortable driving dynamics, and there’s an available 252-horsepower turbo four-cylinder for added verve. Upper models also feature amenities like an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, head-up display, more upmarket cabin materials, and a longer suite of active safety features.
6 2016 BMW X3
Average Price: $16,430
Despite their upscale amenities, build quality and overall dynamics, luxury SUVs aren’t synonymous with dependability. However, there are still some options for those who want a more upmarket SUV experience without sacrificing too much in reliability, and the 2019 X3 is a solid example. It captured the top spot for midsize luxury SUVs in J.D. Power’s 2019 dependability survey.
- Avg. 10-Year Maintenance Costs (CarEdge): $17,711
- Recalls: 4
- Avg.Model Price (KBB): $16,430
The 2016 X3 is a standout among its class for its blend of comfort and performance, it features a high-class cabin with generous passenger and cargo space, and of course, it comes with the prestige of the BMW badge. It should be noted, while the 2016 X3 scored high for its class, buyers should still expect to pay a lot more in maintenance costs and repairs if something goes wrong versus a non-luxury model. But those going the luxury route can get a reasonably priced used model for not-too-much money, and the X3 is far less likely to go wrong than its counterparts.
5 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Average Price: $18,598
The midsize SUV segment remains red hot among buyers, and those seeking a used model Swith a focus on reliability should consider the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The 2019 Santa Fe was ranked as among the most reliable midsize SUVs of its model year, and it’s a solid all-around choice in just about all other categories.
- Avg. 10-Year Maintenance Costs (CarEdge): $8,056
- Recalls: 1
- Avg.Model Price (KBB): $18,598
The 2019 Santa Fe debuted a new look for the midsize SUV, and it comes full of standard features, a nicely appointed cabin, and solid pragmaticism. The 2019 Santa Fe comes standard with front-wheel drive, but AWD models are available. There’s also a choice of either a 185-horsepower, naturally aspirated four-cylinder, or a peppier 235-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four.
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4 2018 Toyota Highlander
Average Price: $27,065
Toyota’s reputation for reliability isn’t unwarranted, and one such example is the 2018 Highlander. The midsize, three-row SUV tied the Kia Sorento for best overall dependability according to J.D. Power’s 2021 survey results, and it beat out all other entries for its overall rating and resale value. As such, it’s pricier than most models on this list, but it’s also one of the least expensive for maintenance costs.
- Avg. 10-Year Maintenance Costs (CarEdge): $5,771
- Recalls: 5
- Avg.Model Price (KBB): $27,065
The 2018 Highlander provides a spacious cabin with an intuitive layout, there are plenty of standard features, and it's among the most fuel-efficient entries in its class for the model year. The 2018 Highlander is available with two V-6 engines or a hybrid powertrain. It isn’t the sportiest midsize, but those who value comfort will likely be satisfied with its road manners.
3 2016 Ford Expedition
Average Price: $15,250
Full-sized SUVs typically don’t score nearly as high for reliability as their compact or midsize counterparts — maybe hauling more kids leads to more issues — but one of the most affordable and reliable options according to J.D. Power is the 2016 Expedition. The Expedition was ranked highest for the 2019 dependability survey in reliability and for its overall score, which includes its driving dynamics and resale value.
- Avg. 10-Year Maintenance Costs (CarEdge): $9,443
- Recalls: 2
- Avg.Model Price (KBB): $15,250
The 2016 Expedition is a throwback to the SUVs of yesteryear, not just in its age, but also for its ability to tow, its prowess off the beaten bath, its body-on-frame construction, and as such, its truck-like ride quality. There’s ample space for passengers and cargo, a respectable list of features, and an available twin-turbo V-6 under the hood that can tow up to 9,200 pounds. The Blue Oval may not be synonymous with reliability, but for a large SUV that can be had for under $20,000 with strong reliability against its rivals, the Expedition should certainly be considered.
2 2018 Toyota RAV4
Average Price: $21,361
The Toyota RAV4 has been among the best-selling cars in the U.S. year after year, and to boot, it delivers on Toyota’s reputation for dependability. The 2018 RAV4 was the second-highest rated model for overall reliability among compact SUVs for its model year, and it’s a solid all-around choice in other regards.
- Avg. 10-Year Maintenance Costs (CarEdge): $5,531
- Recalls: 2
- Avg.Model Price (KBB): $21,361
The 2018 RAV4 is available in several trims, including the more lifestyle-oriented Adventure and a hybrid model, but what remains across the lineup is a focus on overall competency. The RAV4 delivers good practicality, a smartly presented interior, a long list of standard features, and a comfortable demeanor.
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1 2017 Toyota 4Runner
Average Price: $30,979
The Toyota 4Runner has an old-school charm that sets it apart from just about every other midsize SUV on the market. And the 2017 model also stands out as the most dependable midsize SUV for its model year. The 2017 4Runner topped the charts for dependability among J.D. Power’s survey, and it had the highest overall rating and resale value.
- Avg. 10-Year Maintenance Costs (CarEdge): $5,825
- Recalls: 5
- Avg.Model Price (KBB): $30,979
The 2017 4Runner still commands a pretty penny with the average used 2017 model still commanding about $30,000, but buyers who are willing to dish out more get their return in generally far lower maintenance and repair costs. To boot, the 4Runner delivers a spacious cabin with an available third row, and it provides the kind of off-road prowess that its competitors can’t match.
