The 12 Most Reliable SUVs

Passenger cars of increased cross-country ability are commonly referred to in our country as off-road vehicles or SUVs. In Soviet times, this category included only famous Niva and UAZ, but today the domestic market is flooded with imported “cross-country vehicles”. Russian motorists appreciated the combination of comfort and cross-country ability, reliability and efficiency of vehicles. Potential buyers are offered both expensive cars, and low-cost, with rich equipment and ascetic models. That’s why it’s hard to choose an off-road tire. Our experts recommend to pay attention to the following points.

Important nuances of SUV choosing

Varieties.There are two varieties of off-road vehicles in the car market.

1. Frame SUVs are distinguished by their robust body construction. The frame plays the role of the base, and the body is mounted on top of it. To the pluses of such jeeps, experts refer durability, equal distribution of load when passing off-road sections. The disadvantage is the high weight of the car.
2. Today cars, which have a supporting structure with a body, dominate on the home market. They are similar to regular passenger cars, except they have higher ground clearance and a four-wheel drive transmission. The advantage of this type of SUV is considered a small weight. Disadvantages, according to experts, include mobility of the body when driving on rough roads.

Auto function.At the first stage, a potential buyer must determine the range of tasks for the SUV. If you need a car to get your family to and from the countryside, a lightweight, roomy vehicle with a load-bearing body is the right choice. But for hunters or fishermen, who overcome bumps, mud and huge puddles, the best option will be buying a frame SUV.

Gasoline or diesel.Jeeps are equipped with two types of power units.

1. Gasoline models are more adapted to Russian conditions. They are unpretentious to fuel quality, but consume gasoline often in large quantities.
2. The diesel engine has excellent traction, allowing you to overcome difficult terrain at low revs. In addition to that, diesel engines are notable for their economical consumption. But the owner needs to watch the quality of fuel, and to change to winter diesel fuel at the end of autumn.

Specification.Every motorist has his own set of requirements for the package. Some will be satisfied with a combination of all-wheel drive with differential lock. For these ascetics, a car with a basic configuration will do. Other drivers are used to a comfortable ride, they want to enjoy driving. That is why their list of options includes adaptive cruise control, multizone climate control, multimedia system with navigation, leather interior trimming, etc. d. Demanding motorists will suit Jeep in the “luxury” version.

We have selected 12 most reliable off-road vehicles in this review. These cars are sold on the Russian market and loved by Russian car owners. Opinions of expert community and reviews of SUV owners were taken into account while making the rating.

Rating of the most reliable SUVs

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Rating: 5.0

Car enthusiasts around the world show increased interest in the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV. The car of German manufacture has excellent cross-country ability and high reliability. The car shows enviable endurance, which allows it to lead our rating. Powertrain is considered by experts to be Helenwagen’s strong point. Due to the perfect construction of the engine the models of the 90s are still in service. The latest version of the luxury GELIK (2019) has already arrived in the retail network of Russia. Gasoline twin-turbo engine with a power of 585 hp. s. Accelerates the SUV to 100 km/h in just 4.5 s.

Car owners admire the indestructibility and passability of the German SUV. The dream of a Gelenwagen remains unfulfilled for many Russians only because of its high price.

Advantages

• powerful and durable engine;
• recognizable body;
• frame construction;
• high level of comfort.

Disadvantages

• high price.

Lexus LX570

Rating: 4.9

The Japanese Lexus LX570 SUV is not much less luxurious than the legendary Helenwagen. And technical characteristics look a little bit more modest. For example, the 5.7-liter powertrain produces only 367 l. s. Therefore, acceleration up to a cherished “hundred” makes 7,7 s. The manufacturer has limited the maximum speed to 220 km/h. Experts highlighted the use of high-strength aluminum for the engine body. It provides maximum reliability and durability to the car. SUV feels equally well in the city and on off-road terrain. It deservedly becomes the silver medalist in our rating.

Domestic motorists praise Lexus LX570 for comfort and safety. The disadvantages are the high gasoline consumption (20-25 liters per 100 km).

Advantages

• Wealth and comfort;
• Reliable and durable engine;
• roomy trunk;
• air suspension.

Disadvantages

• high fuel consumption.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Rating: 4.8

Another Japanese SUV Toyota Land Cruiser shows enviable reliability. This car in popularity is not inferior to the winner of the rating, and to become the owner of this car (at least used) have a chance for many Russians. Buying a used Cruzak can be reasonable if the previous owner performed timely maintenance. The manufacturer offers several good engines, in Russia the most popular is considered a “passable” diesel engine with a capacity of 4.5 liters and 249 liters of power. s. Experts explain the high passability of the car by a combination of independent suspension in front and continuous axle in back.

The owners on the forums flattering about the beautiful design, high reliability and good off-road mobility. But maintenance of the car seriously hits the owner’s wallet.

Advantages

• beautiful appearance;
• Reliable engine;
• roomy interior and trunk;
• good passability.

Disadvantages

• expensive maintenance.

Cadillac Escalade

Rating: 4.7

American Cadillac Escalade SUV is notable for its unkillability. Not without reason this car has a permanent residence in the garage of U.S. presidents. Even in the basic version the model is very reliable, all components are made with sufficient strength, starting from the body and ending with the wiring. If timely maintenance is performed, the car will serve its owner for many years. That’s why decades-old Cadillacs, while losing considerably in price, remain serviceable. Experts gave the American the fourth place in the rating for the low landing, due to which there are difficulties on off-road.

Car owners praise the car for its spacious interior, soft suspension, excellent transmission. Of the disadvantages noted high fuel consumption.

Advantages

• spacious interior;
• rich equipment;
• soft suspension;
• excellent noise isolation.

Shortcomings

• low landing;
• high fuel consumption.

Toyota LC Prado

Rating: 4.6

In the mid-budget segment of SUVs, the Japanese car Toyota LC Prado takes a worthy place. To achieve the price appeal, the manufacturer offers a modest package and a line of less powerful motors. In the maximum configuration has a gasoline engine (249 liters per gallon). s.), paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. All units are simple and repairable. Experts call Toyota LC Prado a real workhorse without frills.

Russian motorists appreciate excellent cross-country ability and spacious interior, reliability of all units and liquidity on the secondary market. The car could not rise higher in our ranking because of the high number of thefts and uncomfortable seats.

Advantages

• excellent cross-country ability;
• spacious interior;
• high service life of all units;
• Secondary market liquidity.

Disadvantages

• high theft rate;
• uncomfortable seats.

Chevrolet Tahoe

Rating: 4.5

The American manufacturer has emphasized maximum comfort, developing the Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. The model has appealed to the younger generation of motorists, which is why the fourth generation (2014) remains relevant today. The basic package includes leather interior trim, LED headlights, three-zone climate control, a modern multimedia system and a number of other options. Powerful 8-cylinder engine (409 liters. s.) easily copes with any off-road conditions. Automatic transmission is notpretentious.

Both experts and car owners note such qualities of the SUV as power, comfort, maneuverability. The model could not beat the leaders of the rating because of the high fuel consumption, cheap squeaky plastic in the cabin.

Advantages

• high power;
• rich equipment;
• spacious interior;
• good cross-country ability.

Disadvantages

• high fuel consumption;
• cheap plastic in the cabin.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Rating: 4.4

American Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most durable cars. According to experts, domestic motorists underestimate the capabilities of the car. Scares away potential buyers expensive maintenance and a good “appetite” of the engine. Specialists advise to pay attention to high power, excellent cross-country ability and extraordinary endurance of the model. By the way, a large number of SUVs were equipped with reliable Mercedes diesel engines. Weak point of the car is the air suspension, which in Russia quickly breaks down.

Cherk owners are happy with the safety and comfort, passability and reliability. The disadvantages are high fuel consumption and poor controllability on the highway.

Advantages

• endurance;
• safety and comfort;
• excellent cross-country ability;
• graceful appearance.

Disadvantages

• expensive maintenance;
• high fuel consumption.

Nissan Pathfinder 3

Rating: 4.3

Frame off-road Nissan Pathfinder 3 can boast with an excellent combination of reasonable price, reliability and unpretentiousness. The manufacturer has taken into account all the shortcomings of older versions of the SUV, and now the car has become reliable and unpretentious. The only condition for its long life is timely attendance at service stations for maintenance. According to experts, the SUV deserves the eighth place in our rating.

Russian owners of Japanese vehicles note reliability, cross-country ability and roominess of the car. The pluses they also include a brutal design and good dynamics. As for the disadvantages, very quickly the SUV loses in value, the poor look of the car interior, ineffective headlights.

Advantages

• large trunk;
• affordable price;
• brutal design;
• economy.

Disadvantages

• Poor road lighting;
• brake pads wear out quickly.

Toyota RAV4

Rating: 4.2

The bestseller in Russia is the budget SUV Toyota RAV4. Although this car was not created for conquering the real off-road, but it feels great on rough terrain. Experts note the reliability of the car, which is due to the high quality of all units. Cars are equipped with years-proven engines and transmissions, and all novelties are adapted for Russian market. The Japanese manufacturer has prepared another version of the RAV4, which will appear in our country in the second half of 2019.

Car owners praise the car for a roomy interior, economical fuel consumption, inexpensive maintenance. To climb up in our rating the SUV was hampered by low ground clearance, ineffective noise isolation and long warm-up time of the engine.

Advantages

• reliability and efficiency;
• inexpensive maintenance;
• modern design;
• comfortable seats.

Disadvantages

• rigid suspension;
• low clearance.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Rating: 4.1

The combination of sporty appearance and good cross-country ability allowed Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV to win the hearts of Russian motorists. Despite the affordable price, the car has a high level of comfort, durability and unpretentiousness. Frame design preserves body geometry while overcoming off-road. The experts have included the model in TOP-10 of our rating for liquidity in the secondary market. Many cars are equipped with “million-dollar” motors, so even a used jeep will serve for a long time with regular maintenance.

Owners praise the car for its good off-road ability, comfort, low fuel consumption. The disadvantages are the rigid suspension and ephemeral lacquer coating.

Advantages

• aggressive appearance;
• good passability;
• comfortable interior;
• economy.

Disadvantages

• weak protection against corrosion;
• stiff suspension.

FORD EXPLORER

Rating: 4.0

FORD EXPLORER model competes worthily on the Russian market with SUVs of other manufacturers. Domestic motorists appreciate the car for its reliability and affordable prices (for used cars). Experts note the great motor life even in 10-year-old Jeeps. The updated version has already appeared on the Russian market in the spring of 2019, all its advantages are already appreciated by young but rich owners. The basic package has a leather interior, electric windshield heating, LED optics, a modern multimedia system with an 8-inch screen.

The car was prevented from promotion in our rating by one disadvantage. The steering rack often fails, this happens even in the warranty period. Specialists recommend to regularly check the integrity of the rubber dust covers.

Advantages

• good cross-country ability;
• roomy interior;
• fuel-efficient engine;
• rich equipment.

Disadvantages

• unreliable steering rack;
• weak dynamics.

KIA Sportage

Rating: 4.0

The versatile qualities of the Korean car KIA Sportage have appealed to many Russian car owners. The car is popular in different countries of the world due to its affordable price and good quality. The updated version became even more comfortable and spacious, retaining the best features of its predecessors. At the same time, the SUV shows enviable reliability, which was confirmed by the German edition Auto Bild. The owner of the car just needs to remember about maintenance, replacement of consumables. The manufacturer also believes in the reliability of its cars, so the warranty mileage is 150000 km.

The model closes the rating of the most reliable SUVs. Users complain about such drawbacks as cheap plastic, big blind spots and slow acceleration.

Advantages

• elegant appearance;
• affordable price;
• good equipment;
• long warranty period.

Disadvantages

• weak dynamics;
• Cheap interior trim.