Luxury SUVs are known for their comfort and performance, but not all deliver long-term reliability, especially as technology becomes more complex. However, several used models from recent years have proven to be more dependable than many of their newer counterparts.
These SUVs combine upscale interiors, strong performance, and lasting quality, often at a fraction of the cost of a new model. They’ve earned reputations for reliability through owner satisfaction, solid maintenance records, and few reported issues over time. Plus, their depreciation makes them far more affordable while still feeling luxurious.
If you’re shopping for a premium SUV but want to avoid the risks and higher costs of a brand-new model, these used options stand out. They deliver the refinement you expect from a luxury brand with the added bonus of proven dependability. Here’s an in-depth look at the used luxury SUVs that outperform their modern rivals in reliability.
In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information for vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Models are ranked based on their reliability, from lowest to highest scores.
102018 BMW X5
Reliability Score: 84/100
The X5 has been a widely recognized nameplate for some time now. As BMW’s mid-size SUV, its mission is to deliver driving thrills and act as a practical family hauler. The 2018 model may lean a little further towards the latter, but we don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing. You geta ton of luxury featuresconsidering it lists for an average of $21,378 right now.
Reliability And Maintenance
While BMW has a somewhat shaky history when it comes to reliability, the brand’s most modern lineup is pretty sturdy. That being said, the 2018 X5 easily ranks as one of the most reliable models the German automaker has produced. Maintenance is a big factor to consider when buying BMWs, though, with CarEdge estimating that the X5 costs $7,020 more to maintain over ten years than the average luxury SUV.
92020 Mini Cooper Countryman
Reliability Score: 85/100
Mini has been a part of the BMW group for some time now, which is why it’s no surprise that they benefit from the same high reliability scores as their German cousins. In fact, the Countryman shares its platform with the BMW X1. With the same iconic styling that has defined MINI as a brand since its conception and a spacious and practical interior, the 2018 Countryman is sure to help you stand out. They list for an average price of $16,620.
As mentioned above, Mini has been utilizing the resources offered to it by the BMW group to ensure that its cars are well-built and will last you long periods of time. The Countryman is much more affordable to maintain than vehicles from BMW, though, with CarEdge estimating that you’ll only pay $123 more maintaing the Countryman over ten years than you would on a comparable luxury SUV.
82018 Porsche Cayenne
Porsche is best known for their ability to build incredibly quick and agile vehicles. Performance at this level usually costs you when it comes to reliability, but the German brand has found a way to balance the two, consistently delivering sturdy vehicles. The 2018 Cayenne is the perfect example, offering exceptional levels of power and handling prowess for its size. you’re able to get all this luxury and fun for an average price of $26,858.
Reliability
There are no other performance brands thatprioritize reliabilityin the same way that Porsche does, with even their sports cars, like the 911, topping charts when it comes to long-term reliability. Though, do be aware that maintaining a Porsche is notoriously expensive, so if you pick up a used Cayenne, you had better be passionate about it.
72017 BMW X3
Reliability Score: 86/100
The BMW X3 is currently the most popular model that BMW produces, selling more than any car in the brand’s stable, and it isn’t hard to see how it got there. It does sportiness better than some of the sedans offered by BMW, which is a big enough feat. It also comes with a high-quality interior and an exceptionally comfortable ride. you’re able to also grab a 2017 modelfor a bargain of a price, with the average listing sitting at $14,581.
As we’ve already touched on, BMW has a great track record for reliability. The X3 is particularly reliable as it doesn’t over-complicate things. While there is plenty of tech in the cabin, nothing is overdone, meaning there aren’t too many parts that can fail. Even though it is a fairly straight-forward crossover, it is still absurdly expensive to maintain, with its ten-year maintenance costs being $6,580 more than the average for its segment.
62022 Cadillac XT5
Cadillac goes a little underappreciated in our opinion, with most people overlooking the brand as a good option. However, they still produce some pretty good value-for-money vehicles. The compact XT5, for example, comes loaded with features and delivers an impressively sporty drive. If you’re looking for something a little more modern, the 2022 model year lists for an average price of $32,926.
Cadillac flies under the radar in a lot of ways, yet they are one of the most reliable luxury brands that you can buy from. In fact, the most recent XT5 isone of the most reliable new luxury SUVs you can buy. They also don’t cost an absurd amount to maintain, like some of the other luxury cars on this list. CarEdge estimates that the XT5’s ten-year maintenance costs are only $134 more than the segment average.
52018 Lincoln Navigator
Today, Lincoln fairly easily defines itself as a stand-alone brand, but that wasn’t always the case. For the 2018 model year, the American brand redesigned the Navigator to try and distance itself from the mainstream image that it had garnered. In our eyes, it was a pretty successful shift, with it becoming much more luxurious inside and out. When new it could cost well over $75,000, but you can buy a used 2018 model foran average price of $30,667.
The Ford group, which includes Lincoln, does not have the best reputation when it comes to reliability. However, even a broken clock can be right twice a day, and the Navigator actually has a decent track record, with the 2018 model being a particular standout. Maintenance for this luxury SUV is a little bit above the average for the segment, but not by much.
42017 Porsche Macan
Reliability Score: 87/100
Just as Porsche played a massive role in defining what a modern sports car is, they also set the standard for performance crossovers. If raucous fun in a practical SUV body is what you’re after, then you aren’t going to get much better than a Macan. It handles exceptionally well and is surprisingly quick off the line. Getting one at the current average list price of $23,791 feels like a steal too.
As we’ve already established, Porsche doesreliability as well as Toyota and Lexus do, and the sturdy Macan is the perfect example. Once again, maintenance is a big factor. Not only will you have to fork out a ton when your Macan gets maintained, but you’ll have to do it relatively often as well.
32019 Lexus UX
Reliability Score: 88/100
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get behind the wheel of a Lexus crossover, the UX is likely the answer. While this subcompact crossover is essentially a glorified hatchback on stilts, it has better standard luxury features than rivals like the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1. With an averageused price of $24,411, the 2019 UX is affordable and packed with value.
The first brand that people are likely to think of when looking for a reliable luxury vehicle is Lexus, and with good reason. Affordability and reliability are the core aspects that make Lexus the brand that it is. The UX stands out as a particularly reliable model, beating even some of the brand’s current SUVs. Lexus vehicles are also known for having affordable maintenance costs on average.
22020 Lexus RX
Reliability Score: 91/10
The RX is, and has been, the most popular Lexus RX ever since its launch. The compact crossover perfectly achieves Lexus' ethos, being much more affordable than its key rivals while still offering reasonable amounts of power, good driving dynamics, and a long list of standard features. You can grab it on the used market for an average price of $34,915.
Value for money isn’t the only reason that the RX is such a popular crossover. Lexus' knack for buildingsolid and reliable vehiclesmeans that buyers can dip their toe in the luxury segment, without incurring ridiculous upkeep costs. Maintenance costs for the RX in its first ten years on the road are $4,622 less than other popular luxury SUVS.
12018 Lexus GX
Reliability Score: 91/100
For a long time, if you wanted the practicality and off-road prowess that Toyota offered with the Land Cruiser, but you wanted a higher level of luxury, then you’d get the GX. The 2018 Lexus GX 460 perfectly fit this brief,with a big 4.6-liter V-8 under the hoodand an interior that coddled you as much as SUVs from the likes of Land Rover. It currently lists for an average price of $31,473, which is over $20,000 less than its original MSRP.
Part of what makes a successful off-roading vehicle is reliability. No one wants to have their vehicle shut down on them in the middle of nowhere. The GX being a favorite of adventurers and overlanders speaks to just how sturdy this SUV really is. It is also cheaper to maintain, on average, than just about anything else in its class.
