Most reliable 4x4s and SUVs to buy
We reveal the most reliable 4x4s and SUVs, according to our Driver Power survey
Stylish looks, spacious interiors and perhaps even off-road ability are all things you may be looking for if your next car will be an SUV, but choosing one of the most reliable SUVs and 4x4s on sale will do more to make life with your new car stress-free and enjoyable.
One of the biggest problems with reliability, though, is trying to gauge it before you buy. Often the first indication that a car might be unreliable comes as you’re sitting at the road side wondering why it won’t start. This is why our Driver Power survey picks out the most reliable cars in the UK with information from the people who know them best, their owners.
You might assume that the most reliable cars you can buy are tough, heavy-duty 4x4s and SUVs. In truth, the wide array of on-board technology and varied, complex powertrains mean modern cars can be just as susceptible to faults, no matter the shape or size. Some SUVs are very reliable, others are less so.
Our most reliable 4x4 and SUV results are based on the latest Driver Power survey data for cars that are currently available to buy new. Owners were asked about their satisfaction with the standard of build quality and reliability in the cars they own and drive every day, so the resulting data offers potential car buyers a useful insight into the ownership experience they can expect.
Top 10 most reliable SUVs and 4x4s
Read on to find the most reliable SUVs and 4x4s on the market, according to their owners, listed in reverse order.
10. Peugeot 2008 Mk2 - 93.23%
Some people claim that old Peugeots go on forever, and it would seem that at least some of the brand's modern cars are proving to be highly dependable, too. Owners of the Peugeot 2008 have enjoyed trouble-free motoring for the most part, and they also ranked this small SUV as the eighth best car to own in Driver Power 2024 overall.
It would appear that the 2008’s build quality is also holding up well, as it ranked in first place for exterior fit and finish, while the interior wasn’t far behind in sixth place.
9. Volkswagen T-Roc Mk1 - 93.48%
While they usually appear sturdy, Volkswagens haven’t always had the best reputation for outright reliability. The T-Roc is bucking that trend, however, with another consecutive appearance on this list.
Elsewhere, the T-Roc only managed middling scores throughout our Driver Power survey, but if any issues do arise, VW’s warranty lasts for three years or 60,000 miles, with the option of extending up to five years and 90,000 miles.
8. Toyota C-HR Mk1 - 93.58%
There aren’t many brands that can come close to Toyota when it comes to its overall reputation for reliability, and the Japanese brand is continuing this trend with the first-generation C-HR. This small SUV was just one of several Toyotas to appear towards the top of our overall Driver Power reliability rankings.
Owners aren’t only satisfied with the durability of the hybrid powertrains, but the C-HR scored highly for its smoothness and handling, too.
7. Citroen C3 Aircross Mk1 - 93.67%
Not to be outshone by Peugeot, Citroen has also made great strides to improve the reliability of its cars in recent years. Leading the way for the brand is the first-generation Citroen C3 Aircross, so the new Mk2 model has some big shoes to fill.
Fortunately, owners of the C3 Aircross haven’t been too perturbed by servicing costs, as they voted Citroen’s small SUV into ninth place for this category. A seventh place finish for other running costs, such as insurance, should mean other big bills are kept at bay, too.
6. Suzuki Vitara Mk4 - 93.84%
It may be one of the oldest SUVs that you can still buy brand-new in the UK, but the Mk4 Suzuki Vitara is still putting many younger models to shame when it comes to being dependable.
You can now only buy the Vitara with a mild-hybrid powertrain, and the good news is that owners voted this version into an impressive fourth place for economy and running costs. In fact, the Citroen C5 Aircross is the only SUV that managed to outperform the Vitara in Driver Power when it comes to fuel efficiency.
5. Ford EcoSport Mk1 - 93.98%
While the Ford EcoSport isn’t as modern in feel as some of the alternatives, it should provide worry-free motoring for some time, as few owners reported any issues.
The standard three-year or 60,000-mile warranty offered by Ford is pretty standard fare, but there is the option of extending it to four years and 80,000 miles or five years and 100,000 miles for a one-off payment.
4. Dacia Duster Mk2 - 94.87%
If you fancy a car that’s genuinely cheap and cheerful, the Dacia Duster can be picked up brand-new for under £18,000. It has been designed with simplicity and ruggedness in mind, and it’s clear that this budget off-roader’s mechanical bits are living up to its tough exterior design.
Not only is the Duster proving to be a dependable workhorse, but owners are hugely satisfied with it elsewhere, too. In fact, it was voted as the best car to own in 2024.
3. Mazda CX-5 Mk2 - 95.36%
It’s yet another podium finish for the second-generation Mazda CX-5. This family-friendly SUV has been a solid reliability performer over the past few years, and it scored admirably elsewhere, too, with value for money, interior quality and safety systems all ranking in the top five.
Mazda does fall behind its rivals on warranty cover, though, as it only offers the CX-5 with a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty. Servicing and maintenance costs were also far from class-leading.
2. Skoda Kodiaq Mk1 - 96.24%
We think the Skoda Kodiaq is one of the best large SUVs to buy right now, and it’d seem that most owners agree with us. The Kodiaq is another car that consistently appears in this top-ten list, so it’s clearly standing up well to daily family life.
Similar to Volkswagen, Skoda offers the Kodiaq with a typical three-year/60,000-mile warranty, although there is the option to extend for up to five years, with the mileage being capped at 100,000 miles.
1. Toyota RAV4 Mk5 - 96.47%
Toyota, once again, continues to solidify its robust reputation for building reliable cars. Not only is the RAV4 well put together, with reports of niggles and trips to the workshop being few and far between, but owners were also hugely satisfied with other important areas like the smoothness of the hybrid powertrain, boot space, rear-seat legroom, safety features and fuel economy.
Toyota’s warranty should give owners further peace of mind, too, as the RAV4 comes with a standard three-year/60,000-mile plan, with the option to extend the cover for an additional 12 months or 10,000 miles every time you have the car serviced at an authorised Toyota repairer or main dealer, up to a total of ten years or 100,000 miles.
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