Most reliable midsize SUVs for family buyers

The midsize family SUV: almost everyone and their brother has one these days - and if you don't, you know someone who does. They have taken over the car market, killing the hatchback and the wagon, and turning sedans into an endangered species. This makes it one of the most important market segments in the auto industry at the moment, with models like the Toyota Grand Highlander selling over 75,000 units for the year to date. With so many models to choose from, it is important that you choose the most reliable midsize SUV for your needs. While these cars come with decent warranties, you may want one that lasts far longer than four or five years, and being hit with heavy repair bills later can hurt.

A new car is the most expensive household appliance most families ever buy, so picking a midsize SUV with the best long-term reliability can save you money in the long-run. Here are the 10 best midsize SUVs for reliability, ranked by real-world dependability, common issues, and owner satisfaction.

Mazda CX-9 (2016–2023)

Reliability Scores, Recalls, & Complaints

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 84/100
• NHTSA Recalls: 0
• NHTSA Complaints: 9

One of the first of the new generation of Mazda SUVs that put everyone on notice, the CX-9 is a gorgeous, spacious SUV that punches well above its weight in premium feel and design. On top of this, Mazda had figured out its 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain and made it extremely reliable. It made 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, which was sent to either the front or all four wheels. The later models are shown to be the most reliable, so aim for the 2022 model CX-9. This model was later replaced by the CX-90, but if you want good value along with a reliable powertrain (and at a good price) there is nothing wrong with the CX-9.

Honda Pilot (2016–2022)

Reliability Scores, Recalls, & Complaints

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 81/100
• NHTSA Recalls: 0
• NHTSA Complaints: 0

The Honda Pilot is a staple of the midsize SUV segment. One of the most popular choices, the Pilot does well in the NHTSA reports, but falls a little short when compared to typically lesser-considered rivals in the J.D. Power survey. The 2010s were a real golden age for the brand, with its lineup consisting of V6-powered reliable models that didn't break the bank. The Pilot is so good, in fact, that it underpins another vehicle on this list. The smooth 3.5-liter V6 is a tried and tested motor, and any transmission issues that previous generation models had struggled with had long been fixed. There is a reason why this was and is one of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market - and you can get one for relatively cheap on the used market.

Lexus RX (2008–2015)

Reliability Scores, Recalls, & Complaints

• J.D.Power Quality & Reliability: 91/100
• NHTSA Recalls: 4
• NHTSA Complaints: 136

The other luxury offering on this list, the RX is one of the pioneers of the midsize luxury market, launching all the way back in 1998. By its third generation, Lexus had gotten the formula down to a T. The RX is a bullet-proof SUV, making 295 hp in the regular 3.5-liter V6 models and 308 in the hybrid version. The RX is one of the only 2010s hybrids we have no issue recommending, as Toyota and Lexus were already multiple decades into developing it at this point. All this bodes well for the RX in terms of reliability, with an average of 91 out of 100 from J.D. Power, along with many happy customer testimonies. Like other Toyota SUVs on this list, the RX holds its value well, so getting into one may be pricey when compared to rivals.

Buick Enclave (2017–2024)

Reliability Scores, Recalls, & Complaints

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 83/100
• NHTSA Recalls: 0
• NHTSA Complaints: 7

Quietly, while no one has been watching, Buick has slowly risen up the ranks as not only one of the most reliable American brands available to buy, but one of the most reliable brands, period. This comes down to a lot of factors, but the main one is its focus on straightforward gas-powered vehicles that use powertrains and parts from its parent company. One example of this stealth reliability is the Buick Enclave, which, to most people's surprise, scores an 83 from J.D. Power in the reliability category. On top of that, the interior is a nice place to be, with Buick's semi-luxury/premium brand ranking in the GM family, meaning you get better materials and more equipment than your standard Ford or Chevrolet.

Acura MDX (2014–2020)

Reliability Scores, Recalls, & Complaints

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 79/100
• NHTSA Recalls: 8
• NHTSA Complaints: 210

For those looking for a more premium experience without wanting to break the bank, Acura and its third-generation MDX offer a great luxury-feeling midsize SUV that won't leave you stranded. Based on the already reliable Honda Pilot, the MDX offered a 3.5-liter V6 making 240 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque. Acura threw a lot of nice goodies at the MDX in an attempt to rival Lexus, so your MDX will have things like adaptive cruise control, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), LED fog lights, genuine wood interior trim, a heated steering wheel and surround-view camera system, to name a few. You will want to aim for a 2017 model or newer if you can, as this was the first year of the facelift with the newer and more efficient ZF nine-speed automatic. Stick with the regular gas powertrain, too. The hybrid offering may be tempting for the fuel economy, but will be more expensive to repair down the line. Reliable, well-appointed, and roomy, the MDX is a great offering for someone who isn't going off-road.

While it is not the most exciting car on this list, you can at least brag that it lapped the Nürburgring eight seconds faster than its predecessor, which begs the question of who took a second-generation MDX to the track?

Dodge Durango (2011–Present)

Reliability Scores, Recalls, & Complaints

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 83/100
• NHTSA Recalls: 0 for R/T model, 6 for the base model.
• NHTSA Complaints: 0

Can you believe they are still making this thing? The Durango is still going strong in 2026 and has managed to regain popularity thanks to its traditional setup and drivetrain. This means Dodge has quietly produced one of the most reliable 3-row SUVs on the market. We would stay away from the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, as it has proven to be a more troublesome engine than the V8s on offer. With strong scores from both J.D. Power and the NHTSA, the Durango trades newer technology and styling for V8 reliability and power. If you want a sportier SUV that will not leave you stranded, then the Durango is a great option. The limited warranty runs for three years/36,000 miles and the powertrain warranty for five years/60,000 miles.

Subaru Ascent (2018–Present)

Reliability Scores, Recalls, & Complaints

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 84/100
• NHTSA Recalls: 0
• NHTSA Complaints: 1

Subaru worked hard to resolve the early transmission issues that plagued the Ascent, making it one of the most reliable midsize SUVs on the market, on par with the very best. The Ascent comes standard with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, a three-year/36,000-mile wear item warranty, and a five-year corrosion perforation warranty. While it is not class-leading, the coverage is broadly in line with what is offered by most competitors. The Ascent has had a great track record for some time now, with no recalls reported for either the 2024 or 2025 model years - and price trends hold stable, if you're wanting to buy to resell.

Kia Telluride (2020–2025)

Reliability Scores, Recalls, & Complaints

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 85/100
• NHTSA Recalls: 3
• NHTSA Complaints: 87

Kia and its Telluride carry forward that strong brand reliability score from the previous models, achieving an 84 in the J.D. Power survey. It is no surprise, really, with Kia offering a great warranty and an impressive package for the money. The Telluride has come under scrutiny for its liberal use of the word "midsize," as it veers ever closer to entering a larger market segment, but there is no denying its presence and dependability. J.D. Power scores it very highly, but it does suffer from multiple NHTSA complaints. Nevertheless, it is still a top contender for the most reliable midsize SUV for families, and with a new one on the horizon, a used version will likely score you a great deal.

Toyota 4Runner (2010–2024)

Reliability Scores, Recalls, & Complaints

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 86/100
• NHTSA Recalls: 1
• NHTSA Complaints: 7

When it comes to dependable midsize SUVs, the N280 Toyota 4Runner needs no introduction, being one of the only SUVs to get more and more popular the older it gets. This was a perfect storm for Toyota, as the off-road trend began to explode in the late 2010s and into the 2020s, and the cool, old-school 4Runner was there to reap the rewards. Powered by a 1GR-FE 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower, the fifth-generation 4Runner powertrain is not what one would call advanced, but thanks to this big lazy engine setup, it is practically bulletproof. The model also hold its value very well, with even a high mileage, lower-specced example going for around $20,000.

While this is a lot of money to pay for what seems like an underpowered, tech-lacking, body-on-frame SUV, it is those exact reasons that have allowed the fifth-generation 4Runner to stay so relevant in the modern market, being a breath of reliable fresh air in a world of turbocharged, cylinder deactivated modern engines.

Toyota Highlander (2019–2026)

Reliability Scores, Recalls, & Complaints

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability: 84/100
• NHTSA Recalls: 0
• NHTSA Complaints: 1

While it is being discontinued after this model year for an all-electric version in 2027, theRAV4's slightly larger sibling is one of, if not the most, reliable midsize SUVs you can buy. The Highlander is aging, having been on sale since 2019, but its long life cycle has allowed Toyota to resolve any issues with its drivetrain, making it one of, if not the most reliable used midsize SUV. Its basic warranty is standard, if somewhat limited, at 36 months or 36,000 miles, while corrosion perforation is covered for 60 months with unlimited mileage. Restraint systems also receive 60 months/60,000 miles of coverage, and the powertrain is warranted for 60 months/60,000 miles. For hybrid models, Toyota offers a hybrid battery warranty of 120 months or 150,000 miles and the hybrid systems warranty of 96 months or 100,000 miles.

Sources: Dodge, Subaru, Buick, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Toyota, NHTSA, J.D. Power