There are myriad reasons why Americans love SUVs: size, practicality, power, status… but how much does that actually mean if it leaves you standing by the roadside waiting for a tow truck? Whether your SUV is used for family duty or performance, no one wants their vehicle to leave them in the lurch – you want the best SUV for reliability.
The CarBuzz experts have spent thousands of hours testing the latest, most popular, and most powerful SUVs this year, but only a handful of those make this exclusive list – because while some may be too new to even judge their dependability, those that have made it onto this ranking are here because you can actually count on them. These are the most reliable SUVs we’ve tested in 2026.
All the SUVs we test drove in 2026 are eligible, but only those with reliability ratings qualified; models that are too new for long-term reliability data have been excluded. We rank the best 2026 SUV models for reliability based on JD Power score, from least to most reliable, taking into account recalls, complaints, and common problems. All information, specs, and reliability data sourced for these cars is correct at the time of writing.
9
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid
JD Power Score: 75/100
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV finally gets the much-needed updates that the brand’s non-hybrid flagship crossover got last year, with enhanced efficiency, improved technology, and more comfort. A new battery pack increases the all-electric range of the plug-in hybrid model to 45 miles while improving gas mileage (73 MPGe), making it a stronger contender among compact SUVs.
Expert
insight
“More range, power, and refinement give the Outlander PHEV the changes it needs to stay competitive. Crucially, the changes also help set it apart from the new and nearly identical Nissan Rogue PHEV – Nissan gets all the old stuff, and none of the new stuff.”
Inside, the cabin features added sound-deadening insulation for a quieter ride and a standard 12.3-inch infotainment display alongside a new audio system. Though third-row seating remains tight for adults, the Outlander PHEV stands out by offering standard all-wheel drive, a premium-feeling interior, smooth handling, and rare seven-passenger capacity at an accessible price point – MSRP starts at $43,245.
When it comes to reliability, the Outlander PHEV may be at the bottom of this list, but it has edged out a few bigger-name rivals that scored under 70 with JD Power. To back up its solid 75/100 quality and reliability score, it has only one recall at the time of writing, for a rearview camera image that may not display properly.
8
2026 Chevrolet Suburban
JD Power Score: 79/100
The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban remains a benchmark full-size SUV, blending oodles of passenger room, loads of high-tech features, and serious towing capability. It’s been around longer than most other nameplates, and for 2026 is fresh off a refresh; the cabin boasts an 11-inch digital cluster paired with a standard 17.7-inch infotainment screen. Starting prices for this model year are around $65k, but in higher trims you can spend six figures without batting an eyelash.
Buyers can choose from three capable powertrains, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission:
- 5.3-liter V8: 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque
- 6.2-liter V8: 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque
- 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel Inline-6: 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque
With comfortable seating over three rows, and available hands-free Super Cruise, it remains an ideal family hauler.
Expert
insight
“Buyers of the Suburban will mainly love its ability to haul seven or eight passengers comfortably and still have room for cargo behind the third row, a task even the Tahoe struggles with.”
Reliability is also strong, with a long track record for the automaker to build on. However, there are currently three recalls for the Suburban, one of which comes with a serious ‘Do Not Drive’ warning. This recall sees the front and/or rear wheel locking up unexpectedly, while a second recall pertains to incorrect front wheel hub bolts. The last recall is less severe, reporting a missing owner’s manual on some models.
7
2026 Jeep Cherokee
JD Power Score: 81/100
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee makes its return as an all-new, hybrid-only compact SUV. Redesigned with a boxier, more modern stance, it offers a roomier interior with 30% more cargo space behind the second row, and standard tech including a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The hybrid powertrain balances efficiency with capability: power comes from a hybrid system pairing a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a CVT, delivering a combined 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Standard mechanical all-wheel drive ensures light off-road capability while averaging 39/35/37 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles.
Expert
insight
“…when the engine isn’t revving to the moon, the cabin is quieter and more composed on the highway than [rivals]. Efficiency around town is better than any other Jeep SUV… Nifty, secure handling is a happy discovery, as is the attractively embossed cloth interior of the Laredo model. With all those benefits and only a few shortcomings, the Cherokee no longer feels like an also-ran in the small crossover segment, largely living up to the high goals that Jeep set for the project.”
Jeep reliability has been hit or miss lately, and the Cherokee currently has four recalls, for issues ranging from tire pressure-monitoring system errors and rearview cameras not displaying, to loss of ABS/ESC and inoperative trailer lighting. Still, JD Power scores it a high 81 out of 100.
Related
2026 Jeep Cherokee First Drive: Not Perfect, But Pretty Darn Close
It’s hard not to like Jeep’s latest small crossover, with a torquey and efficient powertrain plus a very solid feel on the road.
6
2026 Honda Pilot
JD Power Score: 81/100
The 2026 Honda Pilot receives a mild mid-cycle refresh, enhancing its appeal as a practical, family-first three-row SUV. Outside, it sports a boxier front fascia with a larger grille, while the updated cabin adds standard tech like a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
Under the hood, power comes from a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, while all-wheel drive is available across the lineup (and standard on the off-road-oriented TrailSport trim), delivering a comfortable ride and up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity.
Expert
insight
Honda’s improvements for 2026 have not radically moved the Pilot above its rivals, but it has made it more competitive in a crowded market where shoppers have more options than ever. So if you don’t need a hybrid, and you want a solid SUV with a sweet engine, the 2026 Pilot could be for you.
Regarding reliability, US authorities highlight a recall issued by Honda for select 2026 models due to improperly tightened rear subframe bolts, which could loosen over time and affect vehicle stability. Still, it scores 81/100 with JD Power, higher than many rivals in the segment.
5
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
JD Power Score: 81/100
Close
Another Jeep on this list may come as a surprise, but JD Power rates the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee quite highly. It balances off-road heritage with modern SUV luxury, offering high-end interior trims, available air suspension, 4×4 capability, and the promise that it won’t leave you stranded.
However, despite high ratings, safety authorities highlight an expanded recall covering hundreds of thousands of recent Grand Cherokee models due to incorrectly installed rear coil spring isolators. If the issue is unaddressed, the rear springs can detach while driving, presenting a safety hazard, though models equipped with optional air suspension are unaffected.
Expert
insight
Like its distant predecessor, there’s a lot of space, comfort, and finesse built into today’s midsize Jeep. We can even say with some confidence that the turbocharged engine does nothing to detract from that reputation and, in fact, might enhance it in time. Once the nits get picked out, Jeep will have a real winner in the 2026 Grand Cherokee.
The Grand Cherokee comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 generating 293 hp and 260 lb-ft. For 2026, an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder upgrades output to 324 hp and 332 lb-ft, which gives punchier low-end grunt and improved fuel economy over the base V6.
4
2026 Subaru Outback And Outback Wilderness
JD Power Score: 81/100
The 2026 Subaru Outback continues as a versatile crossover-wagon, blending standard all-wheel drive with high ground clearance and everyday practicality. The rugged Wilderness trim elevates off-road capability further with 9.5 inches of clearance, all-terrain tires, adaptive dampers, and enhanced underbody armor.
Base models feature a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. Standard on the Wilderness (and optional XT trims) is a punchier turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder generating 260 hp and 277 lb-ft.
Expert
insight
“The Subaru Outback has achieved its “beloved” status by being a friendly, comfortable wagon with enough rugged performance to get its occupants over and through moderately slippery and generally difficult terrain. Now, the Outback is entering its seventh generation – with the benefit of Subaru’s continuing commitment to listening to customers and pushing to make the Outback better and easier to live with.”
Reliability authorities rate the Outback highly overall, though sources highlight recurring owner complaints regarding sluggish throttle response from the CVT, minor infotainment touchscreen glitches, and past safety recalls involving EyeSight driver-assist camera software calibration.
3
2026 Mazda CX-5
JD Power Score: 82/100
An SUV with a reputation for fun, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 remains a standout in the compact crossover class, blending upscale styling with trademark driving dynamics and standard AWD. Under the hood, base models feature a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 187 hp and 186 lb-ft, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Upgraded trims feature a punchier turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel.
Expert
insight
Whether you’re attracted to Mazda’s styling and the CX-5’s reputation for being fun to drive and having stellar interiors or waiting to see how the next generation plays out, you’re likely just as curious if Mazda can keep the CX-5 as engaging while lengthening the wheelbase and adding a little on the sides as we were
While the powertrain enjoys a strong reputation for long-term mechanical reliability, there are some owner complaints regarding early 2026 models. Key issues center on glitchy software in the updated infotainment touchscreen – causing temporary system freezes and lockout of climate/navigation controls – alongside sporadic false warnings and failure messages from the i-Activsense driver-assistance suite. There are no recalls at the time of writing, however, and the CX-5 remains one of the most reliable compact SUVs of the last decade.
2
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
JD Power Score: 84
Second from the top, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder stands out as a sensible three-row SUV, earning high praise from CarBuzz test drivers as the top choice in its class for overall reliability and value. Under the hood sits a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain outputs 284 hp and 259 lb-ft on standard models, while the off-road-oriented Rock Creek trim sees a slight bump to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Both FWD and AWD are available, enabling up to 6,000 lbs of towing capacity.
From a reliability standpoint, there are currently no NHTSA recalls or major mechanical defects for the 2026 model, though some owners report minor glitches with the ProPILOT driver-assist sensors. The Pathfinder is otherwise a high-scoring SUV with a value-for-money lineup that comes in cheaper than most rivals, making it the best SUV for the money on this list.
Expert
insight
Since its release, the Nissan Pathfinder has been an excellent family vehicle. It doesn’t boast a complicated powertrain, and it isn’t full of the latest and greatest tech, but by hanging back slightly behind the curve and having care and attention paid to it by the design team, the Pathfinder is an easy three-row crossover to like. It’s unfussy yet comfortable and competent, and offers excellent value for money.
1
2026 Audi Q3
JD Power Score: 86/100
The best SUV for reliability as tested by the CarBuzz experts is the redesigned 2026 Audi Q3. It scores highest of all the SUVs we test drove this year, with JD Power rating it at 86 out of 100 despite one active recall for a sunroof malfunction. Audi’s smallest SUV delivers a premium experience, combining sharp exterior styling, an elevated cabin with open-pore wood accents, and standard quattro AWD. Inside, a panoramic glass display comprises an 11.9-inch digital cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen.
Under the hood sits a revised 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 255 hp and 273 lb-ft, mated to a quick-shifting seven-speed S tronic DCT. With a starting price of around $44k for 2026, it also represents excellent value for a luxury product.
Expert
insight
The Audi Q3 might not be the most exciting little premium SUV, but it’s refined and responsive enough to be enjoyable. When that’s combined with striking styling, a luxurious cabin, and incredible value, it makes it one of the most appealing options in the segment.
As for reliability, authorities uphold the Q3 as dependable among luxury subcompact crossovers due to the brand refining its long-standing EA888 engine platform and dual-clutch setup to eliminate legacy mechanical faults. With no open NHTSA safety recalls, minor owner complaints are limited to initial software glitches, such as occasional Bluetooth connection drops and climate screen lag – the Audi Q3 is the top SUV to put your trust in.
Sources: JD Power, NHTSA, Audi, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Chevrolet, Jeep, Subaru, Mazda
