The Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Trucks And SUVs You Can Buy According To Consumer Reports

The infotainment system can definitely take some getting used to, but the Acura RDX does its best to make up for it with a torquey engine and engaging driving dynamics. We happen to think it looks pretty good, too.

We’ve been critical of BMW’s design direction for a while, but even we have to admit that if you’re buying a used German luxury crossover, BMW is the way to go. The X3 has proven much more reliable than you might expect, which is great since it’s also sporty, smooth, quiet and well-built.

The Toyota RAV4 may get a lot more attention for being such an improvement over the previous version, but don’t sleep on the Honda CR-V. It’s a better crossover in almost every way, from powertrain and handling down even to cabin storage solutions and ease of ingress and egress.

The Honda HR-V isn’t quick, but if you’re looking for a subcompact crossover that’s still practical and flexible, the HR-V is hard to beat. We still miss the Honda Fit, but in its absence, the HR-V does a decent job of scratching that itch.

The previous-generation Hyundai Tucson may not have the current version’s futuristic styling and wild headlights, but for some, that may be an advantage since the current design is pretty polarizing. Especially if you can find a good deal on one, the Tucson makes a great alternative the RAV4 or CR-V.

While it’s mechanically very similar to the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage stands out with more aggressive styling. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but at the very least, it stands out.

If you like the Toyota RAV4 but wish it was more comfortable, then Lexus will be happy to sell you an NX. It won’t be as exciting to drive as some of its competitors, but if reliability is your top priority for a luxury SUV, you’ll probably want the Lexus.

Lexus also lands on this list with the smaller UX crossover, which offers pretty much everything that makes the NX great in a more maneuverable package. If you can afford it, you’ll probably want to spring for the hybrid, which gets outstanding fuel economy even if the engine itself isn’t super refined.

The Mazda CX-5 is the kind of crossover that might accidentally turn you into an enthusiast. Unlike some of its more mainstream competition, the CX-5 is legitimately fun to drive, and it looks pretty darn good while it’s at it, too.

Now that the Forester is all grown up, the Crosstrek is here to take over the slot in Subaru’s lineup that was previously occupied by the Forester. It’s not quite as boxy, but it’s a fantastic daily driver that’s more than happy to take you on a few adventures. We just wish Subaru had offered a WRX version.

The 2021 Subaru Forester may not be the lifted wagon you remember, but it’s aimed right at the CR-V and RAV4. If you’re considering either of those two, you should definitely give the Forester a look because you very well may end up liking it better.

After being mentioned so many times while talking about other cars, you knew it was time for the Toyota RAV4 to make an appearance. You can find more interesting options in this segment, but it’s the default choice for so many people for good reason. It just gets the job done.

Reliability and style don’t always go hand in hand, but with the Volvo XC40, you get both. It isn’t especially sporty, and the controls could take some getting used to, but that’s a lot easier to forgive when the XC40 looks as good as it does.

You might not think to shop at the GMC dealer for a minivan that isn’t technically a minivan unless you have your eyes on a Yukon, but the Acadia is a solid, reliable alternative that will also probably save you a few bucks compared to its body-on-frame big brother.

Slotting in between the Honda CR-V and the Pilot, you can think of the Passport as an SUV for someone who needs a vehicle that’s a little bigger than the CR-V but doesn’t need the third row that comes in the Pilot. That may not be the most exciting description ever, but it really is a solid crossover with a smooth V6.

Do you need a Honda Odyssey but know you can’t see yourself driving a minivan? Well, look no further than the Honda Pilot. It may not be quite as practical as the Odyssey, but it’s about as close as a crossover is ever going to get.

Lexus has been refining the RX for generations, and while we’re big fans of the new one, there’s a reason this generation was also so popular. Plus, this one can still be had with the V6, which many will probably find preferable to the turbocharged four-cylinder found in the redesigned RX.

After decades of having no idea what Lincoln was doing, it’s been refreshing to see Ford’s luxury brand start to come into its own again. The Nautilus is comfortable, quiet, well-equipped and can even be had with a powerful turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 that should make driving even more enjoyable.

If you want a comfortable, fuel-efficient daily driver with all the latest features, the Toyota 4Runner is not for you. That said, it’s an incredibly capable body-on-frame off-roader, and if that’s what you’re looking for, there aren’t many better options available.

Similar to the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander is essentially a minivan for people who can’t bring themselves to pull the trigger on the Sienna. Sliding doors would make it more practical, but beyond that, you don’t lose out on much by going for the Highlander. There’s a reason it’s so popular with families, after all.

The Toyota Venza was never the hit that the RAV4 was, but it’s still a neat little crossover. It’s only available as a hybrid, so you know it will get good gas mileage. It’s also stylish, comfortable and feels a bit more premium than some of Toyota’s other offerings.

You can find other trucks in this segment that are more refined, but those who miss the days when trucks felt like trucks may see the Ranger’s shortcomings as advantages. It had already been on sale in other markets for years by the time it went on sale here, so it was pretty dated when it showed up, but maybe that’s also why it ended up being so reliable.

On the opposite end of the truck spectrum is the Honda Ridgeline. It may not be a “real” truck, but that’s exactly why so many owners love them. You get all the refinement of a crossover with a bed at the back that you can use for truck stuff. Unless you need to tow a train, it’s going to be the best daily driver of the bunch.

Much like the 4Runner, the Toyota Tacoma isn’t a great daily driver. Most other trucks are going to be quieter, more comfortable and more refined. With its off-road capability, reliability and high resale values, though, it’s also one of the most popular trucks on the market.

If the Tacoma is too small for you, or you need more towing capability, then you’re going to want to look at the Toyota Tundra. The 5.7-liter V8 gets terrible gas mileage, but it’s still in line with what you can expect from other full-size trucks. Plus, there’s a good chance that at 100,000 miles, it’ll barely even be broken in yet.