The supply of new SUVs on the market remains low, which means demand is still high for used options. These are some reliable Toyota SUVs under $25,000 that Consumer Reports recommends. Some important criteria for these sport utility vehicles are reliability scores, safety scores, and how satisfied owners are.

The 2015 Toyota Highlander is a reliable Toyota SUV under $25,000

When Consumer Reports gathered some of its favorite used Toyota SUVs, the 2015-2016 Highlander had to be included. The 2015-2016 Toyota Highlander is the quintessential reliable Toyota SUV people talk about. Considered a midsize sport utility vehicle with three rows, Consumer Reports gave it high marks on the road test, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2015 Highlander a Top Safety Pick Plus award. Most of the crashworthiness tests performed on the sport utility vehicle returned “good” and “acceptable” ratings. Toyota offered systems like forward collision warning and blind spot warning at the time, but these were only optional. Try to find one with additional driver assistance features, if possible.

Average Retail Price: $20,025 – $26,600

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner is another option for a reliable Toyota SUV under $25,000

The 2012-2013 Toyota 4Runner is another reliable Toyota SUV. Consumer Reports calls it a midsize SUV, but some might consider it large. With high reliability and owner satisfaction scores, the 4Runner can be hard to find because owners tend not to sell. This IIHS gave it mostly “good” scores, but there weren’t as many tests back in 2012.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Toyota SUV four and five stars on most of its crashworthiness tests. The 4Runner has a long history of reliability, and owners report being satisfied with the styling, driving experience, comfort, and value.

Average Retail Price: $18,775 – $22,525

It might not be a Toyota, but the 2014 Lexus RX is still a good option

The 2014-2015 Lexus RX is considered a luxury midsize SUV with Toyota reliability. Consumer Reports agreed, giving the Lexus SUV high reliability and owner satisfaction scores. Both the IIHS and NHTSA gave this luxury sport utility vehicle high scores in its crash testing. Owners report being satisfied with the comfort, value, and styling. 77% of owners would buy the 2014 Lexus RX again, too.

The reliability trouble spots such as the engine, transmission, and drive system were not an issue for owners. The standard V6 engine has enough power and returns 21 mpg overall. Lexus offers a hybrid version as well that gets 26 mpg overall. It is comfortable, quiet, and under $25,000.

Average Retail Price: $20,500 – $23,300

Depending on your budget, there should be a reliable Toyota SUV option for everyone. The Highlander and 4Runner are known to be Toyota SUVs that last more than 200,000 miles, so don’t be afraid of a higher mileage option if it is in your budget.

This article was updated on 1/16/2023.