THE MOST RELIABLE SUVS YOU CAN BUY IN 2026
SUVs have been extremely popular in the US for quite some time now, and while trucks still dominate the very top of the sales charts, SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Tesla Model Y are not far behind, in fact those three models were the 3rd, 4th and 7th best-selling vehicles of any type in the US last year.
With so many SUVs on the roads, and so many of us relying on them for daily transport, the reliability aspect is as important as ever. We looked into what the most reliable SUVs across all segments on sale currently are. To do so, we dug into the recent J.D. Power consumer ratings and dependability studies for 2025 and 2026, to find the top five performers. We list each one here in descending order of their quality and reliability scores but cover other pros and cons as well to provide a more balanced view of each vehicle. It is certainly interesting to note that four out of the five top performers are manufactured by General Motors…
1. Buick Encore GX (Small SUV)
- Total Score: 85/100
- Quality & Reliability Score: 90/100
The Buick Encore GX currently holds the highest reliability score for any SUV in the J.D. Power database, recently winning the "Highest Quality Small SUV" award for 2025. However, it sees a notable dip in Resale Value (77/100) compared to larger SUVs like the Tahoe, although its Dealership Experience (87/100) is a high point, reflecting Buick's premium service focus.
Owners enjoy the engine's power delivery for a small vehicle and the cabin's refinement at speed. Dislikes typically center on the digital displays, and lack of comfort of the rear seats. It is also worth noting that owners of older Encore models (2021 to 2023) seem to have more reliability issues than the later models. In terms of the engines, the 155-hp 1.3-liter turbocharged engine is the preferred choice over the base 137-hp 1.2-liter unit. AWD models come with a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission, which many owners find more dependable and smoother than the CVT found in FWD versions.
2. Chevrolet Trailblazer (Small SUV)
- Total Score: 86/100
- Quality & Reliability Score: 88/100
The Trailblazer is a top-tier performer in the small SUV segment, often tied for first place in both initial quality and long-term dependability relative to the Buick Encore GX. This is perhaps not all that surprising, considering that they both share the same platform and mechanical components. The Trailblazer does offer a higher Driving Experience (84/100) score and Resale Value (84/100) figure than its Buick sibling, making it a better financial investment over time according to J.D. Power forecasts.
Trailblazer owners are impressed by the fuel economy and storage for personal items, but they are less enthused by the three-cylinder engine’s grumbly character and the audio system’s unintuitive interface. The ACTIV and RS trims feature the 1.3L engine and 9-speed automatic, which is considered the best powertrain combination for this model.
3. Chevrolet Blazer (Midsize SUV)
- Total Score: 84/100
- Quality & Reliability Score: 85/100
The Blazer is the top performing mid-size SUV when it comes to reliability and scored highly across the board in the J.D. Power survey. The Driving Experience score of 83/100 underlines its sporty nature, and it also benefits from a high Dealership Experience score like its smaller Trailblazer stablemate.
Owners appreciate the roomy high-tech interior, but rearward visibility came in for some criticism and some owners complained of glitches with the transmission. Both a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.6-liter V6 engine are offered, with most preferring the more powerful V6 model for its performance and perceived long-term reliability.
4. Lexus GX (Midsize Premium SUV)
- Total Score: 81/100 (Preliminary for redesign)
- Quality & Reliability Score: 82/100
The Lexus GX has been a regular top performer in the reliability stakes, and while J.D. Power's 100-point consumer scores for the brand-new 2025/2026 redesign are still stabilizing, the model has been a constant segment winner. The previous generation GX was awarded an 89/100 Quality & Reliability Score in 2023, and the new GX should follow suit.
The Lexus GX typically dominates in Resale Value and Dealership Experience (85/100), but its Driving Experience (76/100) is lower than the others on this list because its truck-based frame makes for a stiffer, less agile ride in the city. This, of course, makes it that much more capable over the rough stuff.
Owners have praised the extreme durability and sound of the engine, but dislikes are usually centered on fuel economy and the difficulty of maneuvering in tight parking spaces. These observations are mostly for the older GX, and the new model should deliver better economy and performance thanks to the more advanced 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 that has replaced the old 4.6-liter V8. For maximum reliability, many owners still point to the GX 460 (Premium trim) from the previous generation (2023) with that naturally aspirated V8, though the new GX 550 Overtrail is designed for heavy-duty use and should also be engineered for long-term reliability.
5. Chevrolet Tahoe (Large SUV)
- Total Score: 83/100
- Quality & Reliability Score: 81/100
The Tahoe is currently the top-ranked Large SUV in the 2025 and 2026 J.D. Power studies, garnering awards for both design and initial quality. It also shines in Resale Value (84/100) and Driving Experience (84/100). The reliability score is lower than the small SUVs on this list, but this is common for large vehicles with more complex mechanical and electrical systems and it still outperforms its direct rivals.
Owners love the engine sound and the massive interior storage, while the dislikes are the heavy fuel consumption and relative difficulty in parking the big beast. The 5.3-liter V8 engine is the most common and historically reliable choice, while the LS or LT trims are often recommended for long-term ownership to avoid the high maintenance costs of the adaptive air suspension found on higher trims.
2026-03-11T18:44:34Z