Anyone who’s watched their car payments outlast the actual car knows the drill. SUVs aren’t just for soccer practice or weekend camping cosplay—they’re the workhorses of modern life, minus the actual horse smell. The models on this list aren’t about getting from point A to point B; they’re about making that journey roughly 300,000 times without breaking down like your New Year’s resolutions. These reliable SUVs deliver bulletproof engines and rock-solid reliability that’ll outlast your mortgage.
7. Toyota 4Runner (Exterior)
Toyota 4Runner owners watch other people trade cars like fast fashion while their ride keeps chugging past 250,000–300,000 miles. That’s basically driving to the moon and back, except your 4Runner won’t need a space suit. The 4.0L V6 engine paired with body-on-frame construction creates something tougher than a two-dollar steak.
Toyota 4Runne (Interior)
Sure, the interior design peaked around the same time as flip phones, but who needs touchscreen bells when the engine runs like clockwork? Solid electronics and that legendary Toyota reliability mean this SUV treats breakdowns like vampires treat garlic. If durability trumps digital dashboards in your book, consider this your automotive soulmate.
6. Honda CR-V (Exterior)
For families needing transportation more reliable than their teenage driver, the CR-V delivers. Available all-wheel drive tackles everything from school pickup lanes to actual adventures, even when Mother Nature throws a tantrum. Honda CR-Vs cruise well past 200,000 miles with the kind of minimal drama usually reserved for Scandinavian crime shows.
Honda CR-V (Interior)
Under the hood sits a fuel-sipping 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder that proves good things come in efficient packages. Advanced infotainment keeps everyone connected without requiring a computer science degree to operate. Anyone shopping for long-term peace of mind and resale value that holds better than vintage collectibles should give the CR-V serious consideration.
5. Mazda CX-5 (Exterior)
Mazda’s reliability reputation stands as solid as that friend who always shows up when they say they will. The CX-5 blends daily-driver practicality with enough driving fun to shame other SUVs in its weight class. Its 2.5L 4-cylinder won’t win drag races, but delivers spirited performance without the attitude.
Mazda CX-5 (Interior)
Premium interior materials and responsive handling set the CX-5 apart from the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V crowd. Fuel efficiency hits 24 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, while lasting well beyond 150,000 miles. RepairPal awards it 4.5 out of 5 stars, making this SUV perfect for drivers who want reliability without sacrificing personality.
4. Toyota RAV4 (Exterior)
Some SUVs hit the road and just keep rolling, like that unstoppable friend who never cancels plans. The Toyota RAV4, especially models packing the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, regularly surpasses 250,000 miles with the kind of ease that makes other vehicles jealous. College students hauling textbooks and weekend camping gear find their perfect match here.
Toyota RAV4 (Interior)
Standard Apple CarPlay means staying connected doesn’t require driving something that belongs in a technology museum. Available all-wheel drive tackles questionable dirt roads to trailheads without breaking a sweat. This thing just works—no drama, no fuss, just pure automotive reliability wrapped in practical packaging.
3. Toyota Sequoia (Exterior)
Toyota Sequoia owners might get more mileage from their ride than their last three relationships combined. The 5.7L V8 engine, sharing DNA with Tundra pickups, approaches automotive immortality with proper maintenance. These powerplants cruise past 300,000–400,000 miles like marathon runners who forgot to stop.
Toyota Sequoia (Interior)
Simplicity becomes the Sequoia’s superpower. While the dashboard won’t win design awards, the 381-horsepower V8 has fewer components ready to betray you. Think reliable hammer rather than fancy gadget—not flashy, but always delivers. Contractors and families prioritizing dependability over trendy features find their perfect match in this workhorse SUV.
2. Ford Escape (Exterior)
Finding an affordable SUV that doesn’t require selling organs sounds impossible, but the Ford Escape breaks that rule. Priced between $13,000 and $20,000, this versatile ride offers surprising value. It’s like discovering decent coffee at a gas station—unexpected but genuinely satisfying.
Ford Escape (Interior)
The 1.5L EcoBoost engine paired with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission delivers performance without the fuel bill. Expect 24 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, making daily commutes less painful for your wallet. First-time buyers seeking reliable transportation without the premium price tag should consider giving the Escape a serious test drive.
1. Nissan Rogue (Exterior)
Nissan’s reliability reputation had some rough patches—like that friend who used to show up fashionably late to everything. The Rogue, however, cleaned up its act impressively. Priced from $14,000 to $22,000, it delivers solid value for budget-conscious buyers seeking dependable transportation.
Nissan Rogue (Interior)
The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower—enough for daily duties without pretending to be a race car. Combined fuel economy hits 27 MPG, keeping more cash in your pocket instead of gas station registers. With proper maintenance, these SUVs cruise past 200,000 miles. Anyone needing reliable wheels without the luxury price tag might find their perfect automotive match in the Rogue.
