The Most Reliable Compact SUV Isn’t a Honda or Toyota
If asked which vehicle is the most reliable compact SUV, people would likely say the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. You might get differing answers, but most would put those two compact SUVs at the top of reliability lists. Would you be surprised to learn that the most reliable compact SUV isn’t either of those models?
What is the most reliable compact SUV?
According to RepairPal data, the Subaru Crosstrek is the most reliable compact SUV. This ranking is based on the consumer site’s three qualifying factors: cost, frequency, and severity of annual repairs and maintenance. Here are the top 10 most reliable compact SUVs:
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4
- Nissan Rogue Select
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia Sportage
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Jeep Cherokee
- Mazda Tribute
The RepairPal reliability rankings consider vehicles from the 2010 to 2019 model years, giving us an accurate measure of reliability instead of predictions based on expectations of new models.
What is the cost difference of annual maintenance and repairs for the top 10 compact SUVs?
According to RepairPal, the annual costs expected for each of the top 10 are as follows:
- Subaru Crosstrek – $492
- Honda CR-V – $407
- Toyota RAV4 – $429
- Nissan Rogue Select – $436
- Hyundai Tucson – $426
- Kia Sportage – $462
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport – $498
- Mitsubishi Outlander – $519
- Jeep Cherokee – $520
- Mazda Tribute – $523
The Crosstrek and CR-V are the only compact SUVs to earn 4.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.
Is there something strange about the Subaru Crosstrek’s reliability rating?
The Subaru Crosstrek’s reliability rating shows something unexpected. The average annual cost of maintenance and repairs of this compact SUV is higher than the five next models on the list. That seems odd and raises a red flag until we dig further.
Although the cost is higher for the Crosstrek than the next five models, the frequency of unscheduled repairs for this Subaru SUV is 0.1 times yearly. The average for the compact SUV class is 0.3 times per year. By comparison, the Honda CR-V has a frequency rating of 0.3, and the Toyota RAV4’s frequency rating is 0.26.
Going a step further, the probability that Subaru Crosstrek unscheduled repairs are severe is 7%, compared to 11% for the compact SUV class. Turning to the Honda CR-V, we find a severity rating of 9%, while the Toyota RAV4 has a severity rating of 10%.
Does a Subaru Crosstrek hold its value?
Kelley Blue Book ranks the Subaru Crosstrek as the highest SUV in its class for resale value. It appeals to consumers through an excellent package of features, impressive versatility, safety features, efficiency, and standard all-wheel drive. Every Crosstrek includes Subaru’s patented Symmetrical AWD, one of the automaker’s most desirable features.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek a good compact SUV?
The Subaru Crosstrek has a lot going for it. This crossover is the most reliable compact SUV. It maintains an excellent resale value and is easy to drive and enjoy. The benefits of AWD make this Subaru a dependable vehicle in inclement weather and on challenging terrain.
You might be surprised that the most reliable compact SUV isn’t a Toyota or a Honda, but it’s hard to argue against the Crosstrek and its reliability rating.
