The Most Reliable Midsize SUVs You Can Buy Used-Including One With a Perfect Score

Mid-size SUVs may not sell as many units as compact and subcompact SUVs, but that is partly down to their higher starting prices. For those that can stretch to a new mid-size SUV, they will find that they strike a perfect balance between the nimble handling of smaller crossovers and the immense dimensions and unwieldy handling of full-size haulers. Some even offer added flexibility with three row seating, and cargo space is more than enough for even large families. Because these vehicles often serve as primary family transport, reliability is not just a luxury; it is a necessity. Unexpected repairs can be more than just a frustration, making long-term durability a top priority for buyers.

While the latest crop of mid-size SUVs promise to offer years of reliable service, the only way to know for sure is with years of real-world experience from owners. That is why we have focused on 5-year-old 2021 MY vehicles for this article. This time frame provides a comprehensive window to assess how these SUVs perform once they are out of their initial warranties and have been subjected to the harsh realities of school runs, weekend trips, and shopping expeditions. Another benefit of older cars is that they can be found at far more attractive price points than their new equivalents.

All reliability data in this report is sourced exclusively from Consumer Reports. It derives its reliability scores from annual surveys sent to hundreds of thousands of its members. The data reflects actual owner experiences across 17 areas, ranging from engine and transmission to in-car electronics.

1. Lexus GX 460

• Consumer Reports Reliability Score: 100 / 100
• Production Dates: 2010 – 2023 (Replaced by GX 550 for 2024)
• Most Reliable Trim: Luxury
• Average 5-Year-Old Price: $39,000

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 achieved a rare, perfect reliability score from Consumer Reports, marking it out as a superbly dependable choice in this category. The secret to its success is pretty straightforward. The GX utilized a 4.6-liter V8 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission that remained largely unchanged for over a decade, and the body-on-frame chassis is as tough as nails. Thanks to its long production cycle, the GX 460 was largely free of electrical issues and while the infotainment system is outdated, owners loved that it still has physical buttons and switches for major functions. While running costs can be high due to the V8's thirst, unforeseen maintenance costs should be low.

2. Toyota 4Runner

• Consumer Reports Reliability Score: 86 / 100
• Production Dates: 2010 – 2024 (5th Generation)
• Most Reliable Trim: SR5 Premium
• Average 5-Year-Old Price: $32,000

The Toyota 4Runner is a legend of endurance, with many older models covering hundreds and thousands of miles with no mechanical issues. For the 2021 model year, it continued to use its famously durable 4.0-liter V6 engine, a powerplant known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance. Reliability is bolstered by the 4Runner's rugged, truck-based architecture, which is designed to withstand serious off-road abuse. Owner feedback highlights the 4Runner's incredible resale value, but some mentioned that the fuel economy is poor and the interior tech feels dated compared to modern rivals. Overall, though, they love the 4Runner's go-anywhere ability and the peace of mind that comes with its legendary mechanical toughness.

3. Kia Telluride

• Consumer Reports Reliability Score: 82 / 100
• Production Dates: 2020 – 2025 (Second Gen model for 2026)
• Most Reliable Trim: EX
• Average 5-Year-Old Price: $28,500

The Kia Telluride took the mid-size SUV segment by storm in 2020, and it proved that modern design and tech can be just as reliable as older designs.

The powerful 3.8-liter V6 powertrain (discontinued in the second-gen models) and smooth-shifting 8-speed transmission work well in this package, and the sheer size of the Telluride means that the third row of seats are actually usable and easily accessible. Owners frequently mention the interior's luxury-level materials, and many commented positively on the vehicle's quiet ride and extensive suite of standard safety features.

4. Mazda CX-9

• Consumer Reports Reliability Score: 80 / 100
• Production Dates: 2016 – 2023 (Replaced by CX-90 for 2024)
• Most Reliable Trim: Grand Touring
• Average 5-Year-Old Price: $27,500

By the 2021 model year, Mazda had more or less perfected the second-generation CX-9, earning it a spot among the most reliable mid-size SUVs. The Skyactiv-G engine technology is efficient and robust, although some owners reported higher-than-average oil consumption in specific early-production 2021 models (later addressed by a technical service bulletin).

The vast majority enjoy trouble-free ownership and a design that still looks contemporary years later. This model year also benefited from an updated, more stable infotainment system, and owners appreciated the sharp driving dynamics of the CX-9, and the premium interior finishes.

5. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

• Consumer Reports Reliability Score: 75 / 100
• Production Dates: 2020 – Present (4th Generation)
• Most Reliable Trim: XLE Hybrid
• Average 5-Year-Old Price: $27,500

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers exceptional fuel economy without sacrificing the brand's core reliability traits. Consumer Reports consistently rates the hybrid variant of the Highlander higher than its gas-only counterpart, thanks to Toyota's decades of experience with these powerplants.

Owners appreciate the massive driving range, often exceeding 500 miles on a single tank, and the overall smoothness of the engine. The most common owner complaints involve the tight third-row seating and some wind noise at highway speeds, but the vehicle earns high marks for its excelent crash-test ratings and minimal long-term maintenance costs.

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This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 8:15 AM.