We all have our favorite brands of SUV but which amongst them are actually reliable. May be all, may be none. However, the good news is with the developments in the automotive industry, there are many models which can be termed as reliable, here are some of those names.
Times have really changed since the first SUV was introduced in the automobile market. At first when the concept of a SUV was launched, people used them as pickup trucks and station wagons. But, today, thanks too latest design and technological advancements, SUVs have become one of the most sought cars in the world. Looking at the recent buying statistics, people prefer cars which are bigger, better, have a good fuel economy, and can also accommodate more passengers. The SUV fits perfectly in all these categories and the segment also offers the consumer various models to choose from.
According to the latest research conducted by the IIHS (Institute Insurance for Highway Safety), SUVS have become safer than they were. The widespread use of Electronic Stability System (EBS) has reduced the number of car accidents and also reduced rollover incidents. Here is a list of the best and the most reliable SUVs on the American roads.
Reliable SUVs
One out of three Americans rely on the Consumer Reports Car issue for advice when it comes to car buying. The term “Reliable SUV” covers a range of factors such as crash tests, engine reliability, better grip on the road and safe driving. The following names have gathered excellent reviews from Consumer Reports and from various other automobile experts all around.
Honda has an impressive record of making good cars and it shines again with its most popular SUV; the Honda CR-V. The company’s main aim is to make this compact SUV a good family car and critics say that this goal has been accomplished. The new model has been well designed and looks amazing from the outside and inside. The new CR-V has a 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC engine with 4 cylinders for a great performance. Coming to the reliability, the CR-V is loaded with the best safety features Honda can offer. It has a Vehicle Stability Assist with Motion-Adaptive EPS (Electronic Power Steering) for keeping the occupants safe on sharp turns. Honda has designed the CR-V with its Advanced Engineering so that its occupants are safe from high-impact collisions. Every model in the CR-V series has been equipped with enough airbags, automatic tensioning seat belts and rollover sensors which keep driving safe.
A large, safe and affordable SUV from the Japanese major, the Sequoia scores full points in space, safety and comfort. Toyota’s Sequoia is perhaps the perfect pick for people with large families who prefer a smooth driving experience, every time they take a journey. The car is powered with a 4.6 and 5.7 liter i-Force V8 DOHC 32-valve engine and is available in FWD and 4WD mode. Interiors are great with enough room for people sitting at the rear row. Safety features include; an excellent Vehicle Stability Control System (VSC), Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA) which depresses the accelerator at greater speeds and then applies brakes, eight airbags and rollover sensors are state-of-the-art.
A rugged product from Honda, the Element is all about utility. Critics define the Element in a very simple fashion; durable and practical. Best for people who prefer who carry a lot of cargo with them. The Element just can’t be labeled for a particular class of people, it is well-suited for all and offers enough smoothness on a long journey. The car does look like a big cubicle but once you sit inside and take a drive, the realize the positive aspects of this car. The Element is powered by a 2.4 liter engine i-VTEC with 4 cylinders. Honda doesn’t make the Element anymore, hence it can be bought as a used item. The car is available in a 2WD or 4WD drive and has 7 airbags for the safety of the occupants. EBS, daytime running lights and rollover sensors ensure a smooth drive.
A luxury division of Ford Motors, Lincoln cars are a luxury not many can afford but the MKX is not all about the hefty price tag. This car has some amazing traits which qualifies it to feature in the list of reliable SUVs. It has a 3.7 liter V6 engine with independent variable cam timing, posh interiors and smooth riding on rough roads. Any buyer would be pleased looking at its intelligent AWD and high-tech features which include the new touch screen interface. The new AWD ensures that the car has a good grip and the performance and driving are not hampered even in the trickiest road surfaces. The new Roll Stability Control checks the vehicle’s roll-rate almost 100 times every second, this system helps the car to determine brake usage and helps the engine to ensure firm grip of all the four tires at all times. Airbags, parking sensors, ABS, EBS and a blind spot detection system with cross-traffic sensor which alerts the driver when a car is coming when he/she is backing up are standard features.
Completing 4 years in the market, Chevrolet Traverse has made a strong place in the automobile market. It is a favorite among customers who prefer more leg room, cargo space and want a big SUV at an affordable range. The Traverse has the most space any SUV can provide in its segment and can also fit in huge chunks of cargo. This SUV comes with amazing and posh interiors, it has a 3.6 liter V6 engine with variable valve timing. The AWD is very secure and handles the car easily in rough weather and road conditions. The safety meter of this car is also very impressive with features like anti-lock brakes, better traction control, airbags for driver and the passengers. The advanced engineering makes this 8 seater a powerful and fast machine but at the same ensures passenger safety a top priority.
The BMW X5 has secured positive ratings from critics because it is not just a luxury car, it is the total package. The X5 comes with a 3.0 liter DOHC, 24 valve inline 6 cylinder engine with TwinPower turbo technology. It is one of the most beautiful SUVs and every reviewer calls it a masterpiece which should be explored. The interiors are well made and very well-defined for the comfort of the driver and occupants and the exterior styling is just marvelous. The BMW AWD system is one of the best in the world, which makes every journey with the car an unforgettable experience. The iDrive system ensures that the driver controls most of the car just by pressing some buttons. The car has front and side airbags with front and rear seat sensors that are designed to avoid unnecessary airbag deployment. Automatic safety belts and head protection system in the seats which ensure protection in times of collision.
A perfect combination of luxury, style, comfort and reliability; Cayenne is something that is conceived once in generations. This sports SUV is the best choice for people who don’t mind spending some extra money on a car. The Cayenne has a 3.6 liter engine V6 engine, which is just pure power. The Cayenne defines luxury and is considered one of the toughest SUVs on road. Safety features include torso safety and curtain airbags, EBS, Porsche Stability Management, and Engine Drag Torque Control. Most models come with parking and rollover sensors to add that extra dash of safety to the car. The Porsche AWD system ensures that the machine is providing a comfortable drive by forming a perfect grip on the roads.
Reliable SUVs under $5000
Reliable SUVs don’t need to be expensive, here is a list of used reliable SUVs which run great even today.
- 2002 Nissan Xterra
- 2002-2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 1999-2000 Toyota RAV4
- 2001-Present Toyota Highlander
- 1997-2003 Infiniti QX4
- 2001 Ford Explorer
- 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada
- 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2000 Toyota 4Runner
- 1999-2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
All the options mentioned in this article have excelled in the durability and reliability tests conducted by Consumer Reports and J. D. Power and Associates. It is still recommended that consumers purchase an automobile only after taking a test drive.