SUVs More Reliable Than A Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a sought-after SUV from a leading automaker, popularized because of its roomy interior, smooth driving experience, and range of standard safety features. In production since 2000, the Highlander has undergone four different revamps, with each adding more perks, capabilities, and features than the previous. This large SUV reached a pinnacle of sales figures in 2021, with 264,128 units sold. Since then, consumers have shown a decreasing appetite for the Highlander. 2025 sales only reached 56,208, according to GoodCarBadCar.

Given these declining sales figures, it's clear that many drivers are eager to find a comparable SUV that picks up the slack. Money Digest has already covered the cars more reliable than a Toyota Highlander, but many of these vehicles miss out on the unique capabilities and features offered by an SUV. To help bridge the gap between reliability and competence that many drivers strive to achieve, we've compiled a list of the SUVs that are more reliable than the popular Highlander model.

To this end, we looked at J.D. Power's Quality and Reliability rating, which measures early impressions of consumers and long-term satisfaction. On top of that, Money Digest included U.S. News' Value score, which compares a vehicle's initial cost and prolonged ownership costs with the average for similar models. We combined these to create a composite reliability score that takes all of these important features and metrics into account. For its part, the 2026 Toyota Highlander scored 82 on J.D. Power's Quality & Reliability score and an 88 on the U.S. News Value score for a combined rating of 85. Every SUV listed below is more reliable than the Toyota Highlander based on this composite score, listed from the lowest to highest.

The combined J.D. Power and U.S. News ratings for the 2025 Toyota RAV4 place it a notch above the Highlander with a combined reliability score of 85.5. While not the most highly rated on this list, the RAV4 still packs a capability punch, making it one of the best cars for a retiree. This SUV is celebrated for its litany of standard features, appealing fuel economy, and achievable price range between $28,850 and $38,555. Some of the downsides to the RAV4 include an outdated touch screen with a small display and a standard driving experience with nothing out of the ordinary.

CarEdge estimates the long-haul maintenance bill of the RAV4 at $6,005. This is about $2,161 more affordable than the 10-year upkeep expenses of similar models. Additionally, RAV4 drivers benefit from a 7.98% lower chance of needing to cover a serious repair within the same timeframe. IIHS gave the 2025 RAV4 the highest ratings for its small-overlap front crash test, whiplash prevention, headlights, and front crash prevention system for pedestrians. The NHTSA reports two recalls for each of the front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive iterations of the 2025 Toyota RAV4.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade earned a hybrid reliability score of 85.5, tied with the RAV 4, following an 84 on the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability scale and an 87 on the U.S. News Value score. The new model is championed for its smooth ride, stylish appearance, and spacious interior, although it's critiqued for its unexciting engine performance, awkward shifting setup, and awkward button placement. The standard model is priced at $39,435 to $41,435, although consumers can spend up to $56,560 on special trims.

Owners of the Palisade spend an average of $8,816 within the initial 10 years. This exceeds the average for comparable models by a modest $650. This SUV's chances of needing a considerable repair in the first decade are right in line with the average, per CarEdge. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, which represents one of the highest safety classifications. The SUV performed exceedingly well on all crash test simulations, as well as on its front crash prevention for both vehicles and pedestrians. Its seatbelts were also found to be first-rate. Notably, the all-wheel and front-wheel drive 2026 Hyundai Palisades have three recalls each, according to the NHTSA.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks is recognized as one of the vehicles that are more reliable than the Toyota Tacoma, and that superior capability extends to outshining the Toyota Highlander, too. The 2025 production year blends a J.D. Power score of 83 and a U.S. News rating of 89 for a composite reliability of 86. This compact SUV packs a dependability punch, with a litany of benefits, including solid fuel efficiency, strong default features, and a comfortable interior. These strengths are contrasted with a modest engine, but that may not matter to many drivers. Perhaps the most attractive feature of the 2025 Nissan Kicks is the moderate price between $21,830 and $23,330 for the standard model.

CarEdge puts the 10-year upkeep costs of the Kicks at $7,791. This is $375 cheaper than the long-term maintenance expenses of similar models. Furthermore, the Kicks sees a 1.64% lower chance of demanding a serious repair over a decade. The 2025 Nissan Kicks is included in the IIHS Top Safety Pick class, with a strong performance on small-overlap front and side crash tests. Its headlights and front crash prevention for pedestrians also received top scores. According to the NHTSA, three recalls have been issued for each of the 2025 Nissan Kick's front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions.

The 2025 Acura RDX clocks in with a total reliability rating of 86, following a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability rating of 85 and a U.S. News Value score of 87. Some consumers are automatically skeptical about high-end vehicles, but Acura is considered one of the most reliable luxury car brands. The 2025 model received a facelift from prior models, resulting in a more stylish exterior and a wider display screen for more ergonomic controls. The vehicle boasts rapid acceleration and solid control for a smooth driving experience. The standard model starts at $44,700, and more premium trims can reach $54,450, placing it on the more expensive end of this list.

According to CarEdge, the first decade of owning the Acura RDX comes with a maintenance bill of $10,295, which is $2,158 lower than the norm for similar luxury SUVs. On top of that, drivers face 8.92% lower odds of having to cover an expensive repair. The 2025 Acura RDX is another IIHS Top Safety Pick, clearing the crashworthiness tests with perfect scores. Its headlights and seatbelt reminders also received top-tier results. The NHTSA reports that the front-wheel and all-wheel drive 2025 Acura RDX are both subject to a single recall each.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona ties with the 2025 Acura RDX for a combined reliability rating of 86.5, resulting from a J.D. Power score of 84 and a U.S. News ranking of 89. The newest Kona isn't recognized for its driving experience, with reviews noting sluggish acceleration and subpar handling. However, the model is acknowledged for its superior fuel efficiency, stylish design, spacious interior, and slew of standard features. You can pick up the standard 2026 Kona for anywhere between $25,350 and $26,850, but higher-end trims reach up to $34,150.

The first 10 years of owning the Hyundai Kona rack up a maintenance bill of $8,463, which is only about $297 more than for comparable SUVs. The model's risk of needing a serious fix within the same period also falls in line with the average, according to CarEdge. The 2026 Hyundai Kona received the highest safety and crashworthiness classification from the IIHS as part of the Top Safety Pick+ group. The SUV received the highest rating on all crash tests and on its front crash prevention for vehicles and pedestrians. Its seatbelt reminders also performed well. The 2026 Hyundai Kona has been recalled four times, twice each for its front-wheel and all-wheel drive models, according to the NHTSA.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue ties with the 2026 Hyundai Kona for a combined reliability score of 86.5. This hybrid rating is based on a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability ranking of 84 and a U.S. News Value score of 89. The Rogue is a smaller SUV that delivers on fuel efficiency, interior spaciousness, and a long list of stock features. Yet, it falls short in creating an exciting driving experience. The starting model has a price tag of $28,590 to $29,990, although the premium trim can stretch to $39,990. If you're thinking twice before buying a new car because of the price, the Rogue can be a solid alternative.

A Nissan Rogue is more affordable to keep up and running than comparable SUVs by about $179 over the course of a decade. In total, owners should budget $7,987 over this period. The Rogue also boasts a 1.64% lower chance of requiring a considerable fix within 10 years, according to CarEdge. IIHS gave the 2025 Nissan Rogue decent crash test results, with a perfect score on the small-overlap front test and the second-highest ratings on the moderate-overlap and side tests. Its headlights and seatbelt reminders were judged high-performing. Three recalls have been issued for each of the front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions of the 2025 Nissan Rogue, per the NHTSA.

J.D. Power judged the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox to have an 88 in its Quality and Reliability score, while U.S. News gave the model an 86 on its Value assessment. This combines for a hybrid reliability score of 87, placing it firmly above the Toyota Highlander. The Equinox is a full-size SUV recently revamped for a more stylish and sporty look. The overhaul also equipped the model with additional safety features. The Equinox may fall short on engine performance, but it delivers on fuel efficiency and affordability. The 2025 model goes for between $28,600 and $35,000. It's worth noting that Chevy is a popular brand that will make you spend more on maintenance.

CarEdge places the 10-year maintenance costs of the Chevrolet Equinox at $9,196. Notably, that's about $1,030 more than what owners of similar SUVs are paying. Furthermore, the Equinox experiences 2.32% higher odds of needing a serious fix within the same time frame. IIHS doesn't have much information on the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox due to a lack of testing. Its whiplash prevention received the second-best marks, and the vehicle's standard blind spot detection, rear automatic braking, and lane keep assist are noted. The NHTSA doesn't report any recalls for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. However, its electric vehicle (EV) version is subject to six recalls.

There are plenty of vehicles more reliable than the Honda CR-V, but this popular model still beats out the Toyota Highlander. J.D. Power placed the CR-V's Quality and Reliability rating at 84, and U.S. News assessed its Value score at 91. Together, these result in a respectable composite reliability score of 87.5. Drives can benefit from the CR-V's comfortable driving experience, ergonomic controls, cost-saving fuel economy, and spacious interior and cargo space. On the flip side, the built-in tech is somewhat lacking compared to similar models.

Owners of the Honda CR-V spend about $530 less on maintenance over the first 10 years of driving when compared to similar SUVs. This comes out to a decade-long upkeep expense of $7,636. Also, the CR-V has 2.85% lower odds of needing a serious fix in the same time frame, per CarEdge data. The 2025 Honda CR-V is another inclusion in the IIHS Top Safety Pick class. It performed well on the small-overlap front and side crash test, as well as on whiplash prevention. Its headlights were also found to be high-quality. Per the NHTSA, the 2025 Honda CR-V is subject to one recall for each of its all-wheel and front-wheel drive models.

Hyundai is one of the brands that is far more reliable than Jeep, and this automaker doesn't miss with the 2026 Tucson. J.D. Power rated the SUV with an 83, and U.S. News judged it to be an 83, resulting in a hybrid reliability rating of 88. This compact SUV is criticized for a relatively straightforward and unexciting driving experience, but this is combated by a sizable interior, spacious cargo area, decent fuel economy, and solid standard features. Although the starting model costs $29,200 to $30,700, the most expensive trim costs between $39,175 and $40,675.

Driving the Hyundai Tucson comes with a maintenance bill of $8,560 over the first decade. This is only about $394 more than the upkeep costs of similar SUVs. This model also experiences the average risk of needing a serious fix in the same period, according to CarEdge. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson enjoys a stellar safety rating from IIHS with the highly coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation. It received top-rate results for its crash tests, with only its whiplash prevention falling into negative territory. This SUV's headlights, seatbelt reminders, and front crash prevention for both pedestrians and other vehicles received the highest ratings. The front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson are subject to two recalls each, per the NHTSA.

The 2025 Kia Sportage is more dependable than the Toyota Highlander, but that's not where its accolades stop. It's also considered one of the top-selling SUVs that are perfect for a retiree, underscoring its performance and quality. The newest Sportage ranks 84 on J.D. Power's Quality and Reliability test and 93 on the U.S. News value rating. This produces a solid combined reliability rank of 88.5. The downsides of the 2026 Kia Sportage include an underperforming engine and a boring driving experience. However, these critiques are weighed against many advantages, such as an accessible price tag, generous warranties, various safety features, and plenty of room. The basic model goes for $28,690 – $30,490, and the top trim sells for $39,590.

CarEdge reports that the first decade of owning the Kia Sportage incurs a maintenance bill of $8,453, which is about $287 higher than for similar SUVs. This model's chances of needing a serious fix in the same period are on par with the average. IIHS included the 2026 Kia Sportage in its Top Safety Pick+ category, indicating superior crashworthiness and safety features. This SUV landed the highest scores on all crash simulations and the second-best for whiplash prevention. Its front crash prevention systems for both pedestrians and vehicles also performed extremely well. According to the NHTSA, the 2026 Kia Sportage is subject to one recall for each of its front-wheel and all-wheel drive models.

Hyundai is the most represented automaker on this list of SUVs that are more reliable than the Toyota Highlander, underscoring the caliber of vehicles the marque produces. Notably, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe experiences a large gap between its J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score of 81 and its U.S. News Value rating of 97. However, the composite reliability score of 89 is extremely strong. The mid-size SUV delivers on the spaciousness of a full-size competitor with three rows, although the farthest back row lacks comfortable leg space. The newest model is recognized for a stylish cabin, comfortable ride, standard safety features, and a decent price tag for its offerings. You can expect to pay between $34,800 and $36,600 for the standard trim, but the most premium version costs upwards of $49,150.

You can expect to spend $8,720 on upkeep when owning the Hyundai Santa Fe for a decade. For reference, this is higher than the industry standard for similar SUVs by $554. This SUV sees average odds of requiring a considerable fix in the initial decade of ownership, according to CarEdge. IIHS determined the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe to feature sufficient safety features and crashworthiness results to be a Top Safety Pick+. These results were apparent in the SUV's top-rated results across all crash simulations. The vehicle also received the highest scores in front crash prevention for vehicles and pedestrians, as well as for its seatbelt reminders. The NHTSA reports three recalls for each of the 2026 Santa Fe's front-wheel and all-wheel drive models.

The Kia Telluride tops the list of SUVs that are more reliable than a Toyota Highlander, with an impressive hybrid score of 89.5. This rating is derived from a high J.D. Power score of 85 on its Quality and Reliability index, and an even loftier ranking of 94 on the U.S. News Value scale. Although the 2025 Kia Telluride didn't feature anything significantly different from prior production years, it delivered a stellar performance on the essentials. The cabin is stylish, comfortable, and roomy. The engine is decently powerful, yet the driving experience is still smooth and responsive. There's no shortage of built-in safety features and amenities, taking off the pressure of buying a more expensive trim. The entertainment system is also intuitive. The most affordable trim of the 2025 Kia Telluride starts at a reasonable $36,390, but the most expensive trim costs $53,685.

CarEdge estimates that the Kia Telluride is about $564 more expensive to maintain than the standard SUV over the first 10 years of ownership. Overall, this comes out to a maintenance bill of $8,730 within a decade. Also, the Telluride experiences a slightly lower chance of requiring a considerable fix within the same period than comparable models. The 2025 Kia Telluride is recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, reflecting its above-standard safety features and crashworthiness. This SUV received the highest ratings across the board, including in all crash safety tests, as well as for its front crash pedestrian prevention. Its headlights and seatbelt reminders were also judged to be high-performing. The 2025 Kia Telluride has been recalled three separate times, each for the front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions, according to the NHTSA.