In recent years, SUVs have been dominating the market and have become the most popular type of vehicle in the United States. There are various SUV models on the market, generally priced higher than sedans. So, which SUV models are more durable and can save on maintenance costs?
Last year, global SUV sales reached 36.72 million vehicles, setting a new sales record and achieving the highest market share ever. Between 2022 and 2023, SUV sales increased by 16%, accounting for nearly 47% of the global passenger car sales last year.
Compared to sedans, SUVs are more spacious, with some SUV models able to accommodate up to 8 passengers, making them suitable for family use. SUVs have a higher ground clearance, providing drivers with a wider field of vision. Additionally, SUVs are also safer and more enjoyable to drive.
Given the popularity of the SUV market, buyers are looking to purchase vehicles that best meet their needs. Besides price, factors such as fuel efficiency, reliability, maintenance costs, and insurance are all important considerations to ultimately get a vehicle that offers value for money.
The following are five durable and low maintenance cost SUVs selected by the website gobankingrates. In the long run, owning these models can save money. Japanese cars are known for their good reliability, durability, and long lifespan, so it’s no surprise that all five SUVs selected are Japanese cars.
US insurance costs and repair cost data are sourced from the CarEdge car shopping website.
As insurance premiums vary by age, the annual premium data in this article is based on a 40-year-old driver with good driving behavior. CarEdge recommends comparing insurance costs to find lower premium options to reduce expenses.
The RAV4 offers the perfect combination of economy, reliability, and practicality. Along with Toyota’s credibility, the RAV4 attracts a large number of new owners every year. In 2023, the RAV4 sold 1.07 million units globally, a 5% increase, making it the second best-selling car behind Tesla’s Model Y.
This compact SUV is equipped with many standard safety technologies, including dynamic brake control, which helps reduce rear-end collision risks. With proper maintenance, the RAV4 can reach mileage between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. According to iSeeCars, the likelihood of sustaining 250,000 miles is 18.1%.
Starting price: $28,675.
Average insurance cost: $1,438 per year.
10-year maintenance cost: $5,531.
The probability of major repairs in the tenth year for the RAV4 is only 16.08%. Major repairs refer to any repair cost exceeding $500.
Starting price: The 2024 model starts at $55,950.
Average insurance cost: According to CarEdge data, $1,980 per year or $245 per month.
10-year maintenance cost: $6,782.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is renowned for its durability and outstanding off-road performance alongside its technical superiority. It features 3 driving modes, including mud, sand, and rock modes, catering to driving needs in different terrains. It also boasts excellent suspension and four-wheel-drive systems for easy navigation on various road conditions.
Moreover, it is very durable. According to iSeeCars, the likelihood of reaching 250,000 miles is 47.9%, with a major repair probability of only 16.08% in the tenth year.
The subcompact Honda HR-V combines unique exterior styling with well-equipped interiors. Through “Honda Connect,” users can easily connect their smartphones to a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fully integrated.
In 2023, this vehicle achieved a 5-star overall safety rating in NHTSA crash tests.
The Honda HR-V is affordably priced. According to iSeeCars, this SUV has an average mileage of 181,724 miles and, with regular maintenance, can reach 200,000 miles.
Starting price: $25,100.
Average insurance cost: $1,449 per year.
10-year maintenance cost: $6,983.
The probability of major repairs in the tenth year is 21.05%.
This is a luxury SUV with a reasonable price that can reach 300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
This vehicle offers stable performance, good handling, comfort, and fuel economy. It comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 9.8-inch touchscreen, and various driving assistance features.
Starting price: $40,615.
Average insurance cost: $1,942 per year.
10-year maintenance cost: $7,136.
The probability of major repairs in the tenth year is 20.47%.
The Mazda CX-30 is a sporty SUV known for its high cost-performance ratio. It boasts excellent handling performance, solid chassis, superior suspension tuning, and provides a stable driving experience that’s enjoyable. The 2024 CX-30 was awarded a five-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The CX-30 comes with many standard features, including adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert, intelligent brake support, and more.
Starting price: $30,679.
Average insurance cost: $1,430 per year.
10-year maintenance cost: $7,249.
The probability of major repairs in the tenth year is 21.93%.