12 Most Reliable American SUVs Of The Last Decade

Toyota and Honda have some of the most reliable cars. This has always been the norm in the industry, so much so that a slew of very reliable Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, and Ford cars go mostly under the “reliability” radar. In some cases, these American SUVs even score better than their Japanese counterparts, according to reputed ranking sites like J.D. Power.

From compact SUVs to huge three-row family haulers, there are many reliable SUVs that aren’t from the Far East. This list also includes recent cars, one even as new as 2023 model year. We will give you a rundown of today’s most reliable used American SUVs.

How We Got This Models Selection:
HotCars screened the internet, specifically used car and consumer rating websites, to curate a list of the most reliable used American SUVs of the last decade (2014-2024).

Other parameters considered to curate this list besides the reliability rating include average yearly maintenance costs, estimated 10-year maintenance cost, and the highest mileage recorded, all sourced from reputed sources like Cars.com, RepairPal, and CarEdge.

12 2018 Chevrolet Suburban

Reliability Score: 81/100

The Chevy Suburban is a full-size SUV that can easily seat up to nine passengers. In 2018, it was offered in three trim levels: LS, LT, and Premier. A 5.3-liter V8 engine pumps out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque and is standard across the board. Luxury, comfort, and technology features are filled to the brim in the Suburban, and the top-spec model comes with adaptive Magnetic Ride Control suspension, ventilated front seats, and power-adjustable front seats.

With an overall J.D. Power rating of 82, the 2018 Suburban ranks third among the best large SUVs of the year. Its quality and reliability scores, as well as its resale scores, are over 80, which is very impressive for an SUV this size. Cars.com has over 20 used 2018 Suburbans on sale today, with over 150,000 miles on the odo.

Reliability

(Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, Cars.com)

11 2021 Jeep Compass

Reliability Score: 81/100

Tallying the reliability rating of the 2018 full-size Suburban SUV is a 2021 MY small SUV with the Jeep Compass (overall rating of 80/100). While we are still eagerly waiting for Jeep to give its compact SUV a much-needed third-gen upgrade, the extra-long eight-year runtime has provided proof that this 2.4-liter four-cylinder-equipped SUV has the muscle to do over 150,000 miles without any major hiccups.

The 2021 MY is offered in four trim levels—Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. The 2.4-liter pot produces 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, sending power to the front wheels as standard. AWD is an optional extra for all models except the Trailhawk, which has it as standard. The FWD units are equipped with a standard six-speed automatic gearbox, while a 9-speed auto takes care of momentum on the AWD models. Currently, cars.com has an inventory of eleven 2021 Compass models with over 100,000 miles on the odo.

Reliability

(Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, Cars.com)

10 2016 Ford Edge

Reliability Score: 82/100

The 2016 Ford Edge is quite the edgy-looking mid-size SUV. Ranking in at an overall fourth position with a score of 82/100 in the Best Mid-size SUV 2016 category by J.D. Power, even the famed ‘reliable’ likes of the Toyota 4Runner fell short (with an 81/100 rating).

Its standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, performs quite sluggishly. But this FWD-driven SUV, with a combined 23 MPG, has a reliability quotient that will make you forget its shortage of power. But there is a way to get extra oomph with a 2.7-liter V6 engine that churns out 280 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Over 18 used Ford Edge 2016 models are currently on Cars.com.

Reliability

(Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, Cars.com)

9 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe

Reliability Score: 83/100

Being helmed as the second Best Large SUV of 2014 by J.D. Power is no small feat. The 2014 Tahoe outperforms the likes of Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia to stand on the podium in this list. A major contribution to its ranking is its commendable reliability factor, reflected in its 83/100 reliability score. It even has an average yearly maintenance cost of under $750, which is impressive for a large SUV.

Its standard 5.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 is known for its buttery-smooth character. Pumping out 320 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque, a six-speed automatic transmission propels this SUV via either a 2WD (rear wheel) layout or a 4WD setup. Cars.com has over 15 used specimens on sale right now, with over 150,000 miles on the odo. But the shocker is a 300,000+ mile 2014 Taheo LT model, a prime testimonial of its longevity. The “Great Deal” tag on Cars.com also indicates a hassle-free package for the price.

Reliability

(Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, Cars.com)

8 2020 Ford Edge

Reliability Score: 85/100

Ford Edge has notably improved its reliability game over the years, as evident with the 2020 MY. With an impressive J.D. Power rating of 85, this Ford has its quality game dialed up. The 2020 MY is offered in four trim levels—SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST. Powering the Ford Edge as standard is a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque.

This is the same engine as seen in the aforementioned 2016 MY but has been marginally bumped up in performance. The ST trim, however, gets a more powerful twin-turbo 2.0-liter V6 that churns out 330 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Cars.com has over 19 specimens of the 2020 Ford Edge with over 100,000 miles, most of which are pretty “Good Deals.”

Reliability

(Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, Cars.com)

7 2017 Ford Escape

Reliability Score: 86/100

The 2017 Escape, with a score of 86/100, takes the reliability bar further up. This Ford is ranked second on JD Powr’s Best Compact SUV of 2017 list, undercutting the Toyota and Honda offerings. The Edge is offered in three trim levels for 2017: S, SE, and Titanium. Powering the S is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder pumping out 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels only via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Next up is a more athletic 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder in the SE trim, churning out 179 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. This trim also gets an optional 2.0-liter turbo four with 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque coupled to an AWD setup. This engine package is also applicable to the top-spec Titanium trim. Currently, over 15 used 2017 Ford Escape models are on sale on Cars.com with over 100,000 miles on the odo.

Reliability Parameters

(Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, Cars.com)

6 2022 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Reliability Score: 86/100

Despite being a fairly new model year, the Chevy Trailblazer impresses us with a commendable reliability score of over 85. It also gets an overall rating of 84/100 from JD Power, which ranks it second on the list of Best Small SUVs of 2022. An impressive combination of quality, reliability, driving experience, and dealership experience has put this rather new and edgy Chevy SUV on top of its game.

Slit across four 2022 Chevy TrailBlazer trim levels—LS, LT, Activ, and RS, are two engine options and drivetrain options. The base engine is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder that churns out a humble 137 horses. The bigger 1.3-liter unit bumps it up to 155 horses. The 1.2 comes coupled with a standard FWD and a CVT transmission, making things quite sluggish on the road. The 1.3 is comparatively exciting, with optional AWD and a more athletic nine-speed automatic gearbox.

Despite being a “fresher” used SUV, Cars.com has a slew of them listed with three over 100,000 miles and four over 90,000 miles on the odo.

Reliability

(Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, Cars.com)

5 2020 Chevrolet Trax

Reliability Score: 87/100

This small Chevy SUV garners attention for its impressive reliability rating. Ironically, this boils down to the fact that this American SUV has not been updated since its first-generation model in 2015.

This sort of thing follows the Japanese ideology of honing technology to its finest before discarding it. As of 2020, the Trax’s engine and other hardware components have been on the market for over five years. Couple that with a slew of recalls and customer complaints, Chevy got its own sweet time to improve on the reliability factor.

The 2020 Trax is offered in three trim levels—LS, LT, and Premier. One engine option is standard across the board: a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder churning out 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a standard six-speed automatic transmission. It can also be had with optional AWD. As of today, Cars.com has over 14 specimens of used 2020 Chevy Trax models on sale, with over 100,000 miles on the odo.

Reliability

(Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, Cars.com)

4 2023 GMC Terrain

Reliability Score: 88/100

This is the newest car to make it to this list of reliable American SUVs. Despite being just a year old, this GMC has scored an impressive 88/100 in terms of reliability. It ranks second after the Chevy Equinox in JD Power’s list of the Best Compact SUVs of 2023.

It is offered in four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. A 1.5-liter turbo four engine churns out 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent via a nine-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels as standard. AWD comes in as an option. While it’s just over a year old, there are already used GMC Terrain models with over 80,000 miles (one even closes in on 90,000 miles) on sale on Cars.com.

Reliability

(Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, Cars.com)

3 2014 Chevrolet Equinox

Reliability Score: 89/100

The 2014 Equinox has an overall reliability rating of 84/100. The major reason for this 80+ score is its impressive 89/100 quality and reliability rating. All other parameters are below the 80-mark. It ranks second in the list of Best Compact SUVs of 2014, just below the Toyota FJ Cruiser.

The 2014 Equinox is offered in two engine options. The base is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that churns out 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. It comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that only sends power to the front wheels. An AWD system is optional. The more powerful engine option is offered on the top LT and LTZ models, such as a 3.6-liter V6. It churns out 301 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. Being a 10-year-old SUV, more than 16 specimens of the 2014 Equinox are on sale on Cars.com with over 100,000 miles on the odo.

Reliability

(Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, Cars.com)

2 2020 Buick Encore

Reliability Score: 90/100

With an overall rating of 86, the 2020 Encore ranks first in the list of Best Small SUVs as per JD Power. A major part of this rating comes from its impressive 90/100 score for quality and reliability. This humble subcompact crossover SUV has a tiny footprint with four trim levels on offer—1SV, Preferred, Sport Touring, and Essence.

All models are equipped with a turbo 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels as standard via a six-speed automatic transmission, and an AWD powertrain is optional. Over 15 specimens of 2020 Encores are on sale on Cars.com, with over 100,000 miles on the odo.

Reliability

(Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, Cars.com)

1 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

Reliability Score: 90/100

Among this list of entries, the 2022 Chevy Equinox is the most reliable American SUV, tied with the 2020 Buick Encore. We have placed the Equinox as a better option here because of its overall better average score in all J.D. Power rating parameters. It sits just behind the Buick Envision in the list of Best Compact SUVs from 2022.

This SUV will not excite you with its sluggish 170-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder. However, it is highly efficient, with 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. This Chevy has a standard six-speed automatic gearbox coupled with an FWD setup. However, it can be opted for with an AWD unit as well. As per Cars.com, there are quite a few used 2022 Equinox models with over 100,000 miles on the odo, most of which are “good deals”.

Reliability

(Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, Cars.com)

Sources: Cars.com, RepairPal, and CarEdge, J.D. Power.