I’m the host at Auto Wheels, and after owning, driving, and repairing more SUVs than I can count, I put together this list of the eight most reliable SUVs of 2025 using Consumer Reports data and real-world experience. These aren’t the flashiest choices — they’re the SUVs that resist the hidden traps most owners fall into: surprise repairs, warranty headaches, inflated insurance, and steep depreciation. Below I break down what makes each model stand out, plus the financing and insurance moves that can save you thousands over ownership.
Overview
- Why these SUVs: high reliability scores, proven powertrains, durable electrical systems, and owner satisfaction.
- What they avoid: crazy tech gremlins, fragile turbo setups, and dramatic resale drops.
- Who should read this: families, commuters, value-seekers, and anyone who wants a vehicle that still works five or ten years from now.
1. Honda Pilot — The family SUV that just works
If I had to recommend one SUV for families who want something they can trust for the next decade, it’s the Honda Pilot. It doesn’t compete on gimmicks — it focuses on space, strength, and consistency.
- Powertrain: proven 3.5L V6 with a 10‑speed automatic — smooth shifts, no CVT weirdness or turbo lag.
- Interior: clean, mature design and one of the most usable third rows in the segment; adults can actually sit back there.
- Durability: powertrain, electrical systems, and suspension components all show above-average longevity in Consumer Reports surveys.
- Safety: top crash test ratings and Honda Sensing standard (adaptive cruise, collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping).
Bottom line: the Pilot is a finances-safe flagship if you want space, towing capability, and few surprises at the repair shop five years down the road.
2. Subaru Forester — Old-school practicality, modern dependability
The Forester is built for traction and everyday utility. It’s simple, effective, and holds up under real-world use.
- AWD: symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive that provides immediate traction when conditions get rough.
- Design: massive windows, tall roofline, exceptional visibility, and upright seating for comfort on long drives.
- Reliability: engine, transmission, and AWD systems score highly for longevity with fewer electronic gremlins than many competitors.
- Safety: high ratings with standard pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise, and lane-keep assist.
If you want an SUV that refuses to be finicky and performs in all weather, the Forester deserves a top spot on your shortlist.
3. Mazda CX-5 — Luxury feel without the luxury budget
The CX-5 is one of those rare crossovers that feels premium without fragile complexity. It drives like a sport sedan and holds up like a Honda.
- Powertrain: naturally aspirated 2.5L engine — smooth, responsive, and durable.
- Interior: near-luxury materials and a tactile, well-laid-out cabin that rivals pricier competitors.
- Driving dynamics: sharp steering, minimal body roll, chassis tuned for engaging commutes.
- Resale and upkeep: steady demand keeps depreciation reasonable; proven mechanicals mean fewer surprise repairs.
Want a premium experience without paying premium maintenance costs? The CX-5 is a standout.
4. Acura RDX — Luxury without the premium headaches
Built on Honda DNA, the Acura RDX offers an upscale experience with the long-term reliability you expect from Japanese engineering.
- Powertrain: 2.0L turbo — quiet, responsive, and efficient.
- Handling: Acura’s SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) gives planted confidence in wet or snowy conditions.
- Durability: electronics and transmission score above average in long-term owner surveys — far fewer random sensor failures than many European rivals.
- Resale: holds value better than many German brands, making it a smart lease buyout or long-term keeper.
If you want genuine luxury finishes without a rotating door of warning lights and expensive repairs, the RDX is a top pick.
5. Honda CR-V Hybrid — Fuel efficiency meets long-term value
The CR-V Hybrid combines real-world MPG with Honda’s proven hybrid systems — a winning formula for long-term owners.
- Fuel economy: about 35 mpg in real-world testing for an AWD compact SUV.
- Reliability: Honda’s hybrid tech has millions of miles of proven service with minimal battery or electrical horror stories.
- Safety: Honda Sensing standard — collision mitigation, lane keeping, adaptive cruise.
- Owner satisfaction: few surprise repairs and strong resale values after 4–5 years.
For families who want SUV practicality and compact-sedan operating costs, the CR-V Hybrid is one of the smartest long-term bets.
6. Toyota Highlander Hybrid — Big space, small fuel bill
The Highlander Hybrid is rare: a three-row SUV that doesn’t feel like a gas-guzzler.
- Fuel economy: roughly 40 mpg combined in real-world driving.
- Powertrain: 2.5L 4-cylinder with electric motors — tuned for longevity and efficiency rather than outright speed.
- Space: seats up to eight depending on configuration; folding second row opens huge cargo capacity.
- Reliability: above-average scores across engine, hybrid system, electronics, and in-car tech.
- Safety: Toyota Safety Sense with adaptive cruise, lane centering, and pre-collision braking.
Put simply: it’s a minivan in disguise with Toyota resale and compact-sedan operating costs.
7. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid — AWD, efficiency, and bulletproof daily driving
The RAV4 Hybrid combines standard electric AWD, strong fuel economy, and Toyota’s proven hybrid reliability.
- Fuel economy: around 35 mpg and durable across real-world conditions.
- Reliability: powertrain and electrical systems show above-average longevity in Consumer Reports data.
- Value: strong resale, low insurance risk due to solid safety features and crash test performance.
It’s a practical, dependable daily driver that punches above its price tag and keeps maintenance stress low.
8. Lexus NX Hybrid — The luxury SUV you can actually keep long-term
If you want high-end refinement without the repair roulette of many European brands, the Lexus NX Hybrid is the luxury SUV I’d keep.
- Powertrain: Toyota/Lexus hybrid tech — 239 horsepower and about 35 mpg combined.
- Cabin: quiet, premium materials, usable tech (wireless Apple CarPlay, Mark Levinson sound available).
- Reliability and resale: luxury without the risk reputation — NX models retain demand even after five years.
- Consumer Reports: top ranks among luxury SUVs for long-term dependability.
For refined comfort, silence, and long-term value in a premium package, the NX Hybrid stands out.
Smart Ownership: How to Avoid Paying Too Much Over Time
Buying the right SUV is step one. Owning it smartly is where most people save or lose thousands. I’ve bought cars the wrong way and paid the price — here’s what to do differently.
Financing
- Never finance for more than 60 months; prefer 48 months if possible. If you can’t afford the monthly payment on a 48‑month loan, you’re buying too much car.
- Get preapproved by a credit union or online lender before visiting the dealer — that saves 1–3% in interest and gives negotiating leverage.
- Follow the 20% / 4 years / under 10% rule: put down at least 20%, finance no more than four years, and keep total car-related expenses under 10% of your monthly income.
Insurance
- Check insurance quotes before you buy — trim level, safety features, and crash test scores can change premiums by hundreds per year.
- Raise your deductible to $1,000 if you have an emergency fund — savings of 15–20% are common.
- Cars with standard advanced safety tech often qualify for discounts; confirm with insurers in advance.
- Never let a dealer bundle insurance or an extended warranty into your loan — you’ll pay interest on that cost.
Depreciation
- New cars typically lose 15–20% off the lot and up to 50% in 3 years. Brands that hold value: Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Mazda.
- Buy used 2–3 years old (off-lease, low mileage, clean history) for the depreciation sweet spot — someone else eats the first $10k loss.
Ownership Cost Example
Compare a new BMW X3 and a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The X3 might have a tempting payment, but high insurance, premium maintenance, and rapid depreciation can push five-year ownership costs to $80,000. The RAV4 Hybrid, similar size and far lower operating costs, can be around $48,000 over five years — a potential $30,000 difference for two vehicles that look similar on the road.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the smartest SUV isn’t always the flashiest. The Honda Pilot, Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, Acura RDX, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and Lexus NX Hybrid share an uncommon combination: proven powertrains, durable electronics, high safety ratings, and owner satisfaction that translates into lower insurance and better resale.
If you want to avoid surprise repairs and sinking resale values, start by choosing one of these models and then own it smart: finance conservatively, shop insurance proactively, and buy into brands known for longevity. For the full breakdown and my driving impressions of each model, check out the original Auto Wheels video on the Auto Wheels YouTube channel.
Drive smart, buy smart, and keep more money in your pocket — that’s the real cost of choosing reliability.
