As 2023 draws to a mid, it is time to look back at some of the most reliable SUVs that this year gave us. So let’s go! To compile our list, we have picked the SUVs that got the highest rating in J.D. Power’s consumer reports.
So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the most reliable SUVs of 2023!
Top SUVs for 2023 for Car Enthusiasts
While Korean automakers Kia, Genesis, and Hyundai secured three of the top four spots in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), most of the highest-ranked reliable SUVs come from Lexus. The Japanese luxury brand won in the compact premium SUV, midsize premium SUV, and small premium SUV segments.
That said, we will focus on the Compact SUV segment in the mainstream class where the 2023 Buick Envision earned the highest rank and the Upper Midsize Premium SUV class where the 2023 Porsche Cayenne topped the charts.
2023 Buick Envision – Best Compact SUV
Overall J.D.Power Score: 85/100
The 2023 Buick Envision is the highest-ranked SUV in the compact class, according to the 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. We can attribute this accolade to the Envision for its roomy seats, agile & fuel-efficient mill, a range of standard safety tech, and a low starting price.
While there aren’t any notable changes for the 2023 model year, the vehicle’s lower price tag than its rivals makes it worth consideration.
Trim Levels and Engine
Buick makes the Envision accessible in three variants – Preferred ($31,800), Essence ($36,000), and Avenir ($40,400) – all housing the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill pumping out 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine sends power to the standard front wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel-drive available as an option.
What makes the Envision stand out in its class is its EPA-estimated rating of 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The all-wheel drive is obviously thirstier at 22/29 mpg city/highway.
The towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds isn’t impressive, but its rides are comfortable and composed if you are looking for the best mom car to pick and drop your kids from school.
Safety
Although both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety didn’t crash test the Envision yet, its long list of standard driver assistance features makes it one of the safest SUVs in the market. These include:
- Rearview camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Teen Driver (lets you configure volume and speed boundaries for safe driving)
- Safety Alert Seat (shakes the driver’s seat to alert of probable threats)
Standard Features
When you buy the least expensive Envision, you get an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Bluetooth, four USB ports, satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo, a Wi-Fi hot spot, keyless entry, push-button start, cloth upholstery with synthetic leather accents, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and more.
In addition, you can go for the Comfort and Convenience package ($1,750) and the Sport Touring package ($1,325) for extra facilities in the Preferred. Other trim levels offer different packages.
2023 Porsche Cayenne – Best Upper Midsize Premium SUV
Overall J.D.Power Score: 82/100
The 2023 Porsche Cayenne reigns supreme in the upper midsize premium category for its exhilarating engines, mouth-watering performance, upscale interior, superb handling, and a range of user-friendly technologies. For the 2023 model year, the German luxury automaker improved the posh SUV with more standard features and offered Turbo GT variant along with the E-Hybrid model that adds to its appeal. Two of its most worthy contenders in the segment also come from Germany – the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Audi Q8.
Trim Levels and Engines
The new Cayenne is accessible in five variants including Base ($69,000), S ($86,800), GTS ($109,000), Turbo ($129,900), and Turbo GT ($180,800). Surprisingly, every model has its own mill with different horsepower ratings. The least powerful is a 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine propelling the Base model. The Cayenne S gets a 434-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6. The remaining trim levels – GTS, Turbo, and Turbo GT – all have a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 mill with horsepower ratings of 453, 541, and 631.
While the gas mileage of 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway isn’t very impressive, the luxury SUV is a blast to drive. The Turbo GT can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.1 seconds. Furthermore, the towing ability of up to 7,700 pounds is tremendous in its segment.
Safety
Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety didn’t crash-test the 2023 Cayenne yet. However, seeing the long list of standard and available driver assistance features, we have complete confidence in this Porsche SUV.
The forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors are customary for the new Cayenne.
Standard Features
When you pay $69,000, expect the SUV to come with leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, a 12.3-inch touch screen, navigation, a 10-speaker HiFi stereo, satellite radio, HD Radio, USB ports, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Besides, you can opt for the Off-Road package ($2,000) and the Assistance package ($6,250) or add different features individually. For instance, the adaptive air suspension demands $4,170, and the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control costs $3,590 extra.
Most Reliable SUVs of 2022
2022 Nissan Murano – Best Midsize SUV
Overall J.D.Power Score: 86/100
Thanks to the roomy five-seat interior, easy-to-use infotainment system, smooth drivability, the peppy V6 engine, excellent fuel economy, and a host of active safety features, the 2022 Nissan Murano tops the best midsize SUV category in the 2022 J.D. Power survey. On the downside, like any other vehicle, it has its limitations. Here, it relates to the cargo and towing capacity. However, that doesn’t put any dent in its reliability score.
For the 2022 model year, Nissan improved the Murano with new standard safety facilities. We are talking about blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights that now come standard. The two biggest competitors of Murano are Nissan Rogue and Ford Edge.
Engine and Trim Levels
Nissan offers the 2022 Murano in four trim levels: S ($32,510), SV ($35,640), SL ($40,010), and range-topping Platinum ($44,060). All the variants get power from a 3.5-liter V6 generating 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. The engine mates to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive is optional and available for all the trims.
The powerplant returns EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, which isn’t bad for a midsize utility vehicle.
Safety
Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2022 Murano overall safety score of Five Stars and a Top Safety Pick+, respectively. Both are the highest rankings of these safety institutes.
Standard Features
The standard facilities in this best family car comprise an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, push-button start, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The standard safety features encompass a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, front and rear collision warning, automatic emergency braking, LED headlights with automatic high beams, rear door alert, and driver drowsiness monitoring.
2022 Lexus RX – Best Midsize Premium SUV
Overall J.D.Power Score: 83/100
The 2022 Lexus RX shines in the midsize luxury segment owing to its excellent reliability and safety rankings, superb overall quality, a wide range of regular and optional facilities, a solid V6 engine, and composed ride and handling.
For the 2022 model year, Lexus improved the SUV by adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and power-folding & auto-dimming outside mirrors as standard features, along with an optional device charging facility.
The only downside is the lower cargo capacity and cramped available third-row seats, which do not mar its reliability score.
Engine and Trim Levels
The 2022 RX is accessible in three variants: 350 ($45,170), 350 L ($48,000), and 350 F Sport ($48,650), all powered by a 3.5-liter V6 pumping out 295 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. The engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and sends power to the front wheels. The all-wheel drive is optional for extra cash.
Safety
Thanks to the new safety tech, the 2022 Lexus RX earns an overall safety rating of four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Moreover, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded its top ranking of ‘Good’ in all six collision examinations. The variants not featuring adaptive headlights get a Top Safety Pick rank.
The standard safety systems include:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Lane tracing assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Traffic sign recognition
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Rearview camera
Standard Features
What makes the 2022 Lexus RX the most reliable SUV in the segment is its wide range of standard amenities. The $45,170 package encompasses synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, a reclining second row, proximity keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, paddle shifters, power-folding and auto-dimming outside mirrors, and a power liftgate.
Furthermore, an 8-inch display for infotainment supports voice recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, along with a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, and a nine-speaker premium stereo.
If that’s not enough, Lexus offers a host of optional packages such as the Luxury package ($3,890), the Navigation package ($2,285), and so many other add-ons that cost a pretty penny.
Highly Rated Picks: Some of the Best SUVs of 2020
Mazda CX-30
J.D.Power Score: 82/100
If you think you have become an expert driver and learned all aspects of motoring, the first car on our list of most reliable SUVs will be Mazda CX-30 for you. Mazda has perfected the art of SUV making and blown us away with a few masterpieces before. The new Mazda CX-30 fills the gap between the subcompact crossover CX-3 and the much larger CX-5. The first thing you’ll notice about this SUV is the upscale interior, which is not something many other crossovers offer at this point. You get to enjoy ample space, sophisticated ambiance, and advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic braking, and lane-keeping assist. In addition to this, the crossover SUV also offers refined ride quality and nimble steering you would normally expect from a more expensive ride.
Trim Levels
The only engine offering Mazda CX-30 has is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 186-horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. It does come in four standard trims though: Base, Select, Premium, and Preferred. The Base model is quite well equipped, featuring LED lighting, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, and alloy wheels. In short, it has all the features that justify its place on this list of most reliable SUVs.
Moving up the ladder is the ‘Select’ trim level with upgrades such as tinted rear windows, dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and simulated leather upholstery. The ‘Preferred’ adds heated seats, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and some other minor changes. The top trim level, the Premium, comes with a head-up display, full leather seating, a power liftgate, and adaptive front lighting.
2020 Kia Soul
J.D.Power Score: 85/100
In case you feel nostalgic for the time when small, boxy SUVs were popular, you’re going to love the next vehicle on our list of most reliable SUVs – the 2020 Kia Soul. This subcompact and spacious SUV lets you choose between the two gas-powered four-cylinder mills and will soon offer an electric model too. With ample room for both back passengers and cargo, it is the ideal SUV for your globetrotting adventures.
Trim Levels for KIA Soul
The entry-level 2020 Kia Soul features a 7.0 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The higher trim levels come with a larger display and more features. All models offer the rear-seat alert system, which tells you if you forget someone in the back seat. From the S model onwards, the standard safety features include forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
As the trim levels change, so does the appearance of the 2020 Kia Soul. The X trim has a rugged look, and you can get it in an exclusive undercover green paint. The GT-Line has a sportier appearance and flaunts a unique wheel design and some cool red exterior bits. Higher trim levels also have a sunroof, leather upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, wireless charging pad, and power-adjustable seats.
Engine Options
The 2020 Kia Soul is one of the most reliable SUVs in terms of performance, as well. It comes with two engine options, as we’ve already mentioned above. The first one is the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder yielding 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. You can mate it to either a six-speed manual transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The second engine option is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged good for 201-hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It sends power to the wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission
The 2020 Kia Soul is available in six variants; LX, X-Line, GT-Line, S, EX, and Turbo. All the versions, except the Turbo, come with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The Turbo gets the upgraded turbo powerplant. Except for the LX trim, all other trim levels receive the continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard (the LX gets a six-speed manual, but you can choose CVT for this too). The Turbo trim has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Final Thoughts:
There is no denying that we saw some of the most reliable SUVs in the market in 2023. If you’ve been looking to buy a utility vehicle and weren’t able to because of how uncertain the year was thus far, fret not, you’ve still got time. While there are many vehicles for you to choose from, we have picked our top three most reliable SUVs based on their performance and overall appearance. We’ve also mentioned the J.D. Power Score for these crossovers to make the decision easier for you.
