Mazda 3

Aston Martin DBX

Cupra Terramar

Mercedes-AMG A45 S

Volvo EX90

BMW X3

Volkswagen Golf R

Kia EV3

the-most-reliable-large-suvs-and-the-least

what-car-reliability-survey-most-and-least-reliable-large-suvs

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/large-suvs/n17006">Large&nbsp;SUVs</a>&nbsp;are the workhorses of the modern car scene. They're roomy, luxuriously appointed and supremely comfortable, and the best ones are also dependable companions that don't let you down.&nbsp;

There are plenty of good models to choose from and the class has consistently performed well in our annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/most-reliable-cars/n26137">Reliability Survey</a>. Last year the average score for large SUVs was 92.9% and this year it's only dropped slightly to 92.2%.

Overall, large SUVs are the fourth most dependable type of car, after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small cars</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-suvs/n17050">small SUV</a>s and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family SUVs</a>.&nbsp;

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

What Car? Reliability Survey: Most and least reliable large SUVs

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Reliability rating 92.4%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;engine 4%, electrics 4%, exhaust 4%
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;78% cost £0
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;28% one day or less, 27% more than a week
	</li>
</ul>

The BMW X3 may have been recently replaced by a fourth-generation model, but the outgoing version is still one of the best large SUVs you can buy. It has a range of strong engines, sharp handling and is good value as a used buy.&nbsp;

Diesel models don't score as highly as petrol/PHEV X3s for reliability because their faults can be&nbsp;slower and more costly to fix. Owners told us that 23% of their diesel X3s went wrong with a range of areas affected, including the engine, electrics and exhaust system. Only 28% of cars were fixed in a day or less, and 27% of faults took more than a week to put right.&nbsp;

Although BMW put its hand in its pocket for 78% of fixes, 11% of owned paid £501-£1000 and 6% had to find more than £1500.&nbsp;

10: BMW X3 diesel (2018-2024)

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

XC60

Reliability rating 92.6%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;non-engine electrics 7%, sat-nav / infotainment 7%
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;67% cost&nbsp;£0
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;44% one day or less
	</li>
</ul>

Although the diesel XC50 doesn't score as well as the petrol, it's still a sound buy. In fact, the&nbsp;best seller of the line-up is the&nbsp;2.0 D4 diesel, and this is the one we'd seek out because it's&nbsp;punchy enough, reasonably economical and relatively refined.

So what goes wrong? Owners told us that 14% of their cars went wrong, with electrical issues, including infotainment system faults, the main headache.&nbsp;

Volvo covered the cost of 67% of repairs, and none of the owners who were asked to contribute to the cost were charged more than £300 per fault. Forty-four percent of cars were fixed in a day or less, and most of the rest were put right in less than a week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

9: Volvo XC60 diesel (2017-present)

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

TUCSON

Reliability rating 93.2%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;12-volt battery 4%, bodywork 4%, gearbox&nbsp;4%&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;75% cost&nbsp;£101-£750
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;50% one day or less
	</li>
</ul>

The previous-generation Tucson is a great secondhand proposition because it's practical, well-equipped and reliable. It actually has a lower fault rate than the current model: 12% of older Tucsons went wrong, compared with 18% of newer ones. Problems were split among three areas: the battery, bodywork and gearbox.

Half of faults were fixed in a day or less and 25% were put right in less than a week. Only 25% were rendered undriveable by faults that took more than a week to remedy.&nbsp;

The only major downside for owners was the cost of repairs: only 25% of faults were fixed for free, and the other bills ranged from £101 to £750.

8: Hyundai Tucson (2015-2020)

Estate

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

F-PACE

Reliability rating 94.2%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;bodywork 5%, brakes 4%
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;79% cost&nbsp;£0
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;42% one day or less
	</li>
</ul>

The Jaguar F-Pace balances&nbsp;fantastic driving dynamics, a generous amount of standard kit and a smart interior. It's also one of three Jaguar models that scores well for dependability; the others are the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/e-pace/estate/review/n17378">E-Pace</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xf/saloon/review/n85">XF.</a>&nbsp;

F-Pace owners told us that 17% of their cars had suffered a fault, with the bodywork, brakes, electrics and exhaust the main culprits. All cars could still be driven and 42% of issues were resolved in a day or less, most of the rest were sorted out in less than a week.&nbsp;

Although Jaguar paid for fixes to 79% of cars, some owners faced hefty bills: 10% of faults cost between £751 and £1500 to put right.&nbsp;

7: Jaguar F-Pace (2016-present)

Reliability rating 94.3%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;sat-nav / infotainment system 12%&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;£0
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;43% one day or less
	</li>
</ul>

The BMW X3 combines a great driving experience with a premium interior and plenty of space for a family of five. All versions offer decent performance,&nbsp;agile handling and a class-leading infotainment system.&nbsp;

Petrol versions of the X3 outdo diesels in our reliability ratings because they're more affordable to live with: BMW covered the cost of 100% of remedial work for their owners, whereas 22% of diesel X3 faults were not fixed for free.&nbsp;

Most X3s could still be driven in spite of their faults, but 43% of petrol car issues were resolved in a day or less, while only 28% of diesels were put right this quickly. The main gripe of petrol X3 owners was issues with the sat-nav / infotainment system, and there were also some reports of problems with the bodywork, electrics and interior trim.&nbsp;

6: BMW X3 petrol (2018-2024)

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Reliability rating 95.1%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;non-engine electrics 10%, bodywork 5%
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;£0
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;55% one day or less
	</li>
</ul>

The Audi Q5 has long been a popular choice for anyone who wants a roomy five-seater SUV. It's&nbsp;smarter inside than a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x3/4x4/review/n42">BMW X3</a>&nbsp;and better to drive than a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc60/estate/review/n17339">Volvo XC60</a>.

If you want the most hassle-free experience, we'd recommend a petrol or PHEV model. These versions&nbsp;gain a far higher reliability rating than diesel models because they're quicker and cheaper to repair.&nbsp;

Owners told us 23% of petrol/PHEV models went wrong, compared with 35% of diesels. Both had electrical issues, and while Audi paid for all petrol/PHEV cars to be fixed, it only shelled out for 82% of diesels. Petrols were quicker to fix too: four out of five cars were back on the road in less than a week, 55% in a day or less.&nbsp;&nbsp;

5: Audi Q5 petrol/PHEV (2018-present)

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

MACAN

Reliability rating 95.5%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;non-engine electrics 5%, bodywork 4%
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;77% cost&nbsp;£0, 8% cost more than £1500&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;46% more than a week
	</li>
</ul>

The Macan may not be the most practical larger SUV, but it is probably the most fun to drive.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, with prices starting at £57,000, it's affordable compared with rivals such as the hotter versions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/4x4/review/n17345">Mercedes GLC</a>. According to owners, their Macans didn't go wrong very often, but when they did, some could be slow and pricey to fix.&nbsp;

Only 13% of the Macans in our survey had a problem, with a range of electrical systems and the bodywork causing the most headaches. Only 8% of cars broke down due to their faults, but only 15% were fixed in a day or less. Thirty-nine percent of faulty cars were out of action for up to a week, and 46% were stuck in the garage for more than seven days.&nbsp;

Although Porsche covered the cost of 77% of repairs for owners, that left some having to foot the bill. Most faults cost less than £100 to put right, but 8% cost more than £1500 each.&nbsp;&nbsp;

=3: Porsche Macan (2014-present)

Reliability rating 95.5%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;bodywork 4%, non-engine electrics 4%
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;83%&nbsp;cost&nbsp;£0&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;56% one day or less
	</li>
</ul>

The Tucson is Hyundai's largest SUV, and it's exceptionally roomy for people and luggage. The punchy hybrid versions offer an economical alternative to diesel models. It is also a sound proposition if you're after a dependable large SUV because it - and the previous Tucson (see below) - suffer from very few faults.&nbsp;

Although 18% of the cars in our survey went wrong, most issues were minor glitches with the bodywork and a range of electrical systems. Only 4% of cars were rendered undriveable by their faults, and more than half of them were sorted in less than a day. The brand's models are backed by a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty, and 84% of cars were fixed for free. Where owners were charged no bills exceeded £200 per fault.&nbsp;&nbsp;

=3: Hyundai Tucson (2021-present)

Reliability rating 96.5%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;bodywork 5%, non-engine electrics 5%, sat-nav / infotainment 5%
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;£0
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;50% one day or less
	</li>
</ul>

The Volvo XC60 is ageing gracefully&nbsp;and can still manage to fend off newer rivals with its roomy, upmarket interior, well-judged ride and decent handling. It's also&nbsp;highly dependable, with a low fault rate.&nbsp;

Petrol and PHEV versions of the XC60 go wrong slightly more often than diesels: 16% of petrol/PHEV examples had a fault compared with 14% of diesels. However, when they do it's far more likely that Volvo will pay owners' repair bills. Our survey respondents told us that 100% of petrol/PHEV problems were fixed for free, while only 67% of diesels were covered.&nbsp;

Most faulty cars remained driveable and half of their issues&nbsp;were put right in a day or less. However, 33% of cars were stuck in the garage for more than a week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2: Volvo XC60 petrol/PHEV (2017-present)

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Reliability rating 97.9%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;battery 4%
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;£0
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;more than a week
	</li>
</ul>

The GLC is the SUV equivalent of the C-Class saloon in the Mercedes line-up, and it sits between the smaller&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/gla/hatchback/review/n17173">GLA</a>&nbsp;and larger&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/gle/4x4/review/n145">GLE</a>. It's the second best Mercedes model for reliability, only surpassed by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n88">A-Class.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;It's generally a robust model, with few faults. The biggest headache for owners is the fact that remedial work can be slow when things do go wrong.

Only 9% of the cars reported on in our survey had a glitch, with the 12-volt battery the most common cause for concern, followed by the bodywork and non-engine electrics including the sat-nav /&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment</a>&nbsp;system. All faulty cars could still be driven, but 60% of them were in the workshop for more than a week.&nbsp;

The inconvenience stopped there, though, because Mercedes covered the cost of&nbsp;all necessary repairs.&nbsp;

1: Mercedes GLC (2015-present)

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

KUGA

Reliability rating&nbsp;83.8%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;12-volt battery 13%, exhaust 13%, non-engine electrics 13%, sat-nav / infotainment system 13%
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;82% cost&nbsp;£0
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;36% more than a week
	</li>
</ul>

The previous generation Kuga is well equipped, agile for an SUV and economical, especially if you pick a diesel. However, doing so could mean you spend more time than you'd like in the workshop.&nbsp;

That's because diesel versions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/kuga/4x4/used-review/n895">used&nbsp;Ford Kuga</a>&nbsp;have a fault rate of 44%. They could also be slow to&nbsp;fix: 36% of diesel Kugas were out of action for more than a week, although a similar percentage were fixed in a day or less.&nbsp;

Ford paid for all remedial work on 82% of diesel Kugas, though, and those do did have to pay only needed to find £101-£200 per fault. &nbsp;

Least reliable large SUVs - 3: Ford Kuga diesel (2013-2020)

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

RANGE ROVER VELAR

Reliability rating 82.2%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;bodywork 26%, interior trim 11%
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;89% cost&nbsp;£0
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;55% more than a week
	</li>
</ul>

The&nbsp;Range Rover Velar is a&nbsp;refined, luxuriously equipped and seriously appealing large SUV. However, it's the lowest scoring model for reliability in the car maker's current line-up. In fact, only the previous generation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/4x4/used-review/n846">2011-2019 Evoque</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family SUV</a>&nbsp;gains a lower rating (73.8%).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just over 42% of the Velars in our survey went wrong, with bodywork and interior trim issues the main bugbears for owners. Although most cars could still be driven, 55% took more than a week to be fixed. While 89% of work was paid for by Land Rover, 7% of issues cost more than £1000&nbsp;to fix.

Least reliable large SUVs - 2: Range Rover Velar (2017-present)

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

CX-60

Reliability rating 68.8%

<ul>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Most common faults:&nbsp;suspension 33%, steering 24%, non-engine electrics 19%
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Average repair cost:&nbsp;£0
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	Typical time off road:&nbsp;43% one week or more
	</li>
</ul>

Mazda is generally regarded as a dependable brand, but the CX-60 doesn't follow this trend. It's not only the least dependable model in the current Mazda line-up, it's also the lowest scoring large SUV.

A whopping 62%&nbsp;of owners told us they'd had glitches with their cars. A third had suspension issues, a similar proportion had engine and non-engine electrical faults and 24% had steering problems.

Although 33% of faults were fixed in a day or less, owners told us that 43% of problems took more than a week to put right. The only good news is that&nbsp;Mazda covered all repair costs.

Least reliable large SUVs - 1: Mazda CX-60 (2022-present)

The most reliable large SUVs - and the least

In our annual Reliability Survey, we ask readers to rate the dependability of cars aged up to five years old. Here we list the most and least reliable large SUVs in the UK

NEW REVIEWS:

The most reliable large SUVs - and the least

In our annual Reliability Survey, we ask readers to rate the dependability of cars aged up to five years old. Here we list the most and least reliable large SUVs in the UK...

Every car made in the UK

New issue of What Car? magazine on sale now

What Car? Reliability Survey: Most and least reliable luxury cars

Renault 5 Turbo reimagined as a 500bhp electric super-hatch

CUPRA Born: 9 cool features we love

Best used automatic small cars for less than £10,000

Also consider

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information