Toyota RAV4

Japanese car manufacturers are renowned for producing reliable cars. Be it supercars like the incredible Honda/Acura NSX or even Kei cars like the Autozam AZ-1, a Japanese car is almost guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Like them or hate them, their SUVs last a long time. They are some of the most reliable on the planet, and there are a few that really stand out.

This list contains 13 of those SUVs that stand out for their reliability. Based on that alone, these are vehicles you should consider if you are seeking a long-lasting daily driver.

Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester Premium
Image Credit: Subaru.

Subaru is familiar with reliable vehicles and is certainly no stranger to those that can perform off-road. Just take a look at the current Forester, one of its best products and one with a J.D. Power reliability score of 83/100, which is highly impressive.

The Forester’s power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower, which is plenty for a daily driver. The Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system ensures it is just as capable on dirt and the trail as it is cruising around town.

Mitsubishi Outlander

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SE Silver
Image Credit: Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi is a different brand than it used to be. The Japanese manufacturer has fallen from the heights of its Evo Lancer production days, but it still knows how to produce a reliable car, such as the current Outlander. Power comes from a 2.5-liter inline-four, making 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.

The Outlander is not only reliable but also affordable, starting at just $28,395. This is excellent for a modern and sizeable SUV. Plus, it has seating for up to seven passengers and a towing capacity of around 2,000 lbs.

Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot
Image Credit: Honda.

Honda is a byword for reliability, and that is no different with the Pilot SUV. The Pilot had a major redesign for the 2022 model year and fresh updates for 2024. Those updates clearly paid off, as it is another SUV to score 84/100 with J.D. Power for its reliability.

Honda put in a lot of work to fix some of the niggles with the previous generations’ all-wheel drive systems. This included implementing Acura’s patented SH-AWD system. Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and with a starting price of $40,200 for the 2025 model, it is still one of the more affordable SUVs on the market.

Mazda CX-30

2023 Mazda CX-30
Image Credit: Mazda.

The Mazda CX-30 is a more recent addition to the SUV segment. In fact, Mazda only launched the CX-30 in 2019 in readiness for the 2020 model year, and clearly, it’s been a success, as the SUV is still on sale ahead of the 2025 model year. For those on a budget, the CX-30 is an excellent option with its $24,995 MSRP.

It has also scored highly at J.D. Power, with the 2020 model taking a respectable 82/100 for reliability. Available with the CX-30 is the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that makes 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.

Mazda CX-5

2024 Mazda CX-50 S Premium
Image Credit: Mazda.

Mazda also offers the CX-5, and while it might be a little long in the tooth in some aspects, it still represents a solid choice for many. Plus, its starting price of just $28,570 means it is still quite affordable, and with up to 28 MPG combined, it’s more economical than quite a few large SUVs.

The CX-5 is just as reliable as the CX-30, and under the hood of the CX-5 is a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four engine. That engine produces 187 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. Despite its age, the CX-5 is still a good-looking, comfortable, and reliable SUV.

Lexus GX460

Lexus GX460
Image Credit: Lexus.

Lexus not only knows how to produce luxurious SUVs, but it also knows how to produce reliable ones as well. The 2023 GX460 is one such example, scoring a very respectable 84/100 on J.D. Power’s reliability rankings, and it has become even better for the 2024 model year.

Lexus has given the GX range a massive upgrade, and while it is pricey with its $62,250 MSRP, its still an excellent option. The new design and looks of the GX range are a big step over the previous generation.

Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback
Image Credit: Subaru.

The Subaru Outback is an interesting SUV. Originally, it was a family-oriented station wagon before the Japanese manufacturer decided to dramatically evolve it and turn it into a very practical SUV.

Now, the Outback has become an all-wheel-drive mid-size SUV. The 2025 model currently retails at a $28,895 MSRP and gets 32 MPG on the highway and 26 MPG in the city. Power comes from a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine, and all-wheel drive is standard on every trim level.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Image Credit: Mitsubishi.

The Outlander isn’t the only reliable SUV in Mitsubishi’s lineup. The manufacturer also produces the Eclipse Cross, which is beautifully priced as one of the most affordable compact SUVs currently on sale. At the time of writing, the starting price is $26,345.

Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that makes 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Like the Outlander, the Eclipse Cross can seat up to seven people and has an impressive 1,500-lb towing capacity—not bad for a compact SUV.

Toyota Corolla Cross

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross
Image Credit: Toyota.

Many of us know the Toyota Corolla as one of the best hatchbacks and sedans in the business. The recent GR Corolla has only made it even better. Still, in recent years, Toyota launched the Corolla Cross, a reliable and affordable SUV version of its household name.

Power comes from the ultra-reliable 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Not only is it reliable, but it has extra cargo room over the hatchback and sedan versions of the Corolla, and it comes with the latest version of Toyota’s Safety Sense suite.

2017 Toyota 4Runner

2017 Toyota 4Runner
Image Credit: Toyota.

If you are looking for a reliable SUV from the second-hand market, then Toyota might still be the way to go. With a J.D. Power reliability score of 85/100, the 2017 Toyota 4Runner is one of the best-used SUVs available, and it represents a significant saving over newer models.

It’s not unheard of for some of these to clock well over 100,000 miles. One example on Cars.com remarkably did over 300,000 miles. Power comes from a 4.0-liter V6 engine, making 270 horsepower, and for extra convenience, the SUV comes with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Honda HR-V

2024 Honda HR-V
Image Credit: Honda.

If the Honda Pilot doesn’t take your fancy but you still want a Honda SUV, then perhaps the HR-V is the one for you. The HR-V is the more affordable of the two, with this excellent SUV starting at just $25,400 and able to achieve around 32 MPG on the highway. Not many SUVs can boast a number that big.

Under the hood, a 2.0-liter inline-four engine produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque—not Ferrari SF90 numbers, but absolutely enough for someone’s daily driver. Being a Honda, it will last until the end of time, so you will likely never need to worry about it breaking down.

2020 Lexus RX

2020 Lexus RX
Image Credit: Lexus.

For those on the used market, the 2020 Lexus RX is an equally excellent choice as the 2017 Toyota 4Runner. Its reliability score is very impressive, with 87.100 from J.D. Power, meaning even second-hand, it should last a very long time.

Power comes from two different 3.5-liter V6 engines, which can be purely gasoline or hybrid electrics. Inside, you get all the expected mod-cons, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a brilliant 12.3-inch HD infotainment screen.

Toyota RAV4

Toyota-RAV4_Prime-2021-1280-06
Image Credit: Toyota.

Toyota has another ace up its sleeve with the brilliant RAV4. The 2024 model retails for just $28,675, which once again makes it one of the most affordable SUVs currently on sale. Plus, thanks to its uncluttered and handsome lines, it’s one of the best-looking compact SUVs.

Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 203 horsepower, and the 4Runner gets 35 MPG on the highway. An eight-speed automatic transmission makes life very easy in the city, and an 8.6-inch ground clearance means the RAV4 is brilliant off-road.

Author: Henry Kelsall

Henry is a freelance writer, with a love for all things motoring whether it be classic sports cars, or Formula 1 racing. He has freelanced for over eight years now, mostly in automotive matters, but he has also dabbled in other forms of writing too. He has a lot of love for Japanese classics and American muscle cars, in particular the Honda NSX and first-generation Ford Mustang. When not writing, Henry is often found at classic car events or watching motorsports at home, but he also has a curious passion for steam trains and aviation.

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