Auto Experts Reveal the Most Reliable SUVs in 2026
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Having a reliable SUV doesn’t just give you peace of mind; it’s necessary for your wallet. Repairs can be costly and quickly eat through your savings.
Fortunately, several trustworthy brands are available, but with so many options, it can be hard to choose what’s best for you and your budget. Here are four dependable 2026 SUVs that receive the stamp of approval from auto experts.
Toyota Highlander
- Starting price: $45,870
Toyota is a trusted brand known for longevity, and the Highlander is the No. 1 choice for Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot in Hollywood, Florida. He said the top-notch safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and more, are appealing and give the SUV high credibility.
“The Highlander holds a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and can surpass 200,000-plus miles with proper care,” he said. Average annual maintenance costs $489, per RepairPal.
Honda CR-V
- Starting price: $30,920
No surprise that Honda also makes the list. The CR-V is a popular crossover that’s loaded with features, including wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging and plenty of safety technology.
The CR-V is “one of the longest-lasting SUVs on the market and regularly provides reliable service over 50% longer than competing SUVs in its class,” said Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org.
The CR-V is considered a reliable small SUV because of Honda’s strong engineering, efficient engines and well-tested components. “With basic maintenance, the CR-V can easily see 200,000-plus miles with ease and no issues whatsoever,” Gelfand said.
Yearly maintenance is on the lower end, averaging $407, per RepairPal.
Chevrolet Tahoe
- Starting price: $60,700
If you want a ton of space, a strong engine and a powerful performance, the Chevrolet Tahoe is worth considering. “General Motors was the number one selling brand in America last year,” said dealership expert Joel Kansanback.
The Tahoe offers several high-tech safety features, including a 360-degree camera, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and more.
“This vehicle gives you a luxury feel with the utmost in comfort and safety,” Kansanback said. The Tahoe delivers a lot of bang for your buck, but it is a bit pricier than other SUVs, with average annual maintenance costs of around $744, per RepairPal.
Subaru Outback
- Starting price: $34,995
The Subaru Outback is a rugged SUV built for harsh weather, with generous cargo space and safety systems, such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic pre-collision braking.
“Its simple design and Subaru’s iconic symmetrical all-wheel drive system also make for a durable vehicle and can go up to 200,000 to 300,000 miles if the owner takes good care of it,” Gelfand said.
Annual maintenance for the Subaru Outback costs an average of $607, per RepairPal.
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