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Consumer Reports’ 5 Most Reliable SUVs (As Of April 2025)

Top Five Most Reliable SUVs of 2025

Author

Ark
June 02, 2025

Introduction

Welcome to our roundup of the Consumer Reports’ five most reliable SUVs as of April 2025. These vehicles combine dependability, performance, and value, making them top choices for families, commuters, and adventure enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the list, starting from number five.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 stands out for its blend of reliability, sleek styling, and strong value. Consumer Reports projects it to be more reliable than the average new vehicle, based on data from the 2022–2024 models. JD Power awards it an impressive 82/100 for quality and reliability, placing it in the “great” category.

Key Features:

  • Reliability & Costs: RepairPal estimates an annual repair cost of $447, significantly below the $573 midsize SUV average, with only an 8% chance of major repairs (vs. 13% class average).

  • Performance: A 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine delivers 187 horsepower, with an optional turbocharged version offering up to 256 horsepower. Both pair with a 6-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive on most trims.

  • Interior & Tech: Features a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available Napa leather seats, heated/ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system.

  • Safety: The i-Activsense suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking, earning consistent IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings.

  • Price Range: $27,000–$42,000.

The CX-5 offers a refined driving experience, low maintenance costs, and top-tier safety, making every drive feel rewarding.

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the epitome of dependability, delivering consistent performance for daily commutes or family road trips. Consumer Reports ranks it among the top five most reliable midsize SUVs, with a JD Power score of 81/100 for quality and reliability.

Key Features:

  • Performance: A 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 265 horsepower with an 8-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive. The hybrid option, with a 2.5L engine and two electric motors, delivers 243 horsepower and 36 MPG combined.

  • Interior & Tech: Seats up to eight, with optional second-row captain’s chairs, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic moonroof, and up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

  • Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, earning IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings.

  • Ownership Costs: Known for low maintenance, with most owners reporting only routine services past 100,000 miles.

  • Price Range: $39,000–$52,000.

The Highlander balances efficiency, comfort, and practicality, offering peace of mind in a durable package.

The 2025 Honda CR-V excels in reliability, affordability, and long-term value. Consumer Reports predicts above-average reliability, backed by a JD Power score of 84/100. RepairPal estimates annual maintenance at just $407, well below the $521 compact SUV average.

Key Features:

  • Reliability & Longevity: iSeeCars data shows a 37% chance of reaching 200,000 miles, with an average lifespan of nearly 180,000 miles. Kelley Blue Book reports 83% of owners recommend it, with a 4.8/5 reliability rating.

  • Performance: A 1.5L turbocharged engine delivers 190 horsepower (30 MPG city/34 MPG highway), or a hybrid option with 204 horsepower and up to 40 MPG combined.

  • Interior & Tech: Offers leather-trimmed seating, a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, best-in-class rear legroom, and 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

  • Safety: Honda Sensing includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition.

  • Price Range: $30,000–$36,000.

The CR-V is a gold standard in compact SUVs, blending smart features, low ownership costs, and unbeatable dependability.

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is Consumer Reports’ most reliable model of the year, scoring 76/100, outpacing many competitors. It’s a practical choice for those prioritizing fuel economy, safety, and peace of mind.

Key Features:

  • Performance: A 2.5L 4-cylinder engine delivers 203 horsepower with an 8-speed automatic, offering up to 35 MPG highway. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid (RAV4 Prime) options provide 41 MPG and 94 MPGe, respectively, with available all-wheel drive.

  • Interior & Tech: Features soft-touch materials, a 10.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

  • Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, road sign assist, blind-spot monitoring, and pre-collision braking, earning IIHS Top Safety Pick status.

  • Ownership Costs: Toyota Care covers 2 years/25,000 miles of maintenance, with minimal expenses reported beyond routine services.

  • Price Range: $31,000–$43,000.

The RAV4 combines rugged capability, excellent fuel economy, and Toyota’s legendary reliability.

The 2025 Subaru Forester tops the list with an astounding 98/100 reliability score from Consumer Reports, making it the most dependable compact SUV. Subaru’s methodical engineering ensures long-term performance, earning it the top spot for brand reliability in 2025.

Key Features:

  • Reliability: A Consumer Reports Top Pick for 12 consecutive years, with minimal maintenance costs and strong resale value.

  • Performance: A 2.5L boxer engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and up to 33 MPG highway.

  • Interior & Tech: Features a functional cabin with soft-touch materials, an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front/rear seats, a panoramic moonroof, and 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

  • Safety: EyeSight Driver Assist includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, pre-collision braking, driver distraction mitigation, emergency steering assist, blind-spot detection, and reverse automatic braking.

  • Price Range: $29,000–$39,000.

The Forester is a reliable, versatile SUV that handles life’s challenges with ease, making it a family favorite.

Conclusion

The 2025 Mazda CX-5, Toyota Highlander, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester represent the pinnacle of SUV reliability. Each offers a unique blend of performance, safety, and value, ensuring peace of mind for years to come. Whether you prioritize style, efficiency, or rugged capability, there’s a model here to fit your lifestyle.

For more automotive insights, check out our other articles on the best and worst Japanese SUVs or dive deeper into reliable vehicle options.

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