While Toyota and Honda both have a reputation for building reliable SUVs, that doesn’t mean all of them deserve credit. There is a surprising lack of small SUVs from these Japanese brands, meaning popular models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have some explaining to do. 

The most reliable small SUVs aren’t from Honda or Toyota 

Get ready to have your mind blown by the list of most reliable small SUVs for 2025 and the lack of options by Toyota and Honda. 

U.S.News made this list based on reliability scores from J.D.Power. Surveys are sent out to owners after three years of ownership, allowing them to report problems they faced from peeling paint, engine failure, faulty transmissions, and more. 

Then each vehicle is judged on a 100 point scale. Scores between 91 and 100 are best, while anything between 81 and 90 is Great or Above Average. Rankings between 70 and 80 are Average. 

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is actually tied for the most reliable SUV with the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. Both of these SUVs received a score of 88 out of 100. Then the 2025 Kia Seltos lands in second place with a score of 87. 

This list contains 15 of the most reliable tiny options. There are tons of Kia, Hyundai, Buick, and Chevy models on the list. Plus, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio even shows up in 13th place with a score of 85. 

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 has a score of 80, which is average and not bad. Then the Toyota Corolla Cross has a 79, which is also average. 

In a bit of a twist, the 2025 Honda CR-V still has an above average score of 84. But it’s one point away from making it in the top 15. Also, the Honda HR-V falls slightly behind with an 82. 

Perhaps the times are changing, and the new leaders in reliability are Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, and Kia.