Small SUVs have gone from niche alternatives to dominating the global automotive market when compared to similarly priced vehicles. Not only have they consistently outperformed traditional sedans and hatchbacks in sales volume, in the US, models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are frequently among the top 10 best-selling vehicles.
There’s a lot to like about the basic format: an elevated driving position, superior cargo versatility, and the option of all-wheel drive on many models makes it a great package. While subcompact SUVs are often not much more than hatchbacks with a raised ride-height, and sedans are less practical, the small SUV fills the gap between the larger, more expensive SUVs that not everyone can afford.
Toyota
Lexus
But even the best packaged vehicle will deliver a frustrating ownership experience if it isn’t reliable. Especially when it is used for daily chores and time-sensitive tasks. While most new cars tend to be trouble-free, issues tend to crop up in the second and third years of ownership. So, to determine which small SUVs are the most reliable, we looked beyond initial quality scores and examined their long-term durability.
That’s why the vehicles on this list are ones that were in production five years ago, providing a robust data set to gauge their longevity. Consumer Reports (CR) is our source of choice because it collects annual survey data from hundreds of thousands of real-world owners. This allows them to identify patterns in engine health, transmission smoothness, and electronics reliability that a simple test drive or one month owner review would completely miss.
Mazda CX-5
Consumer Reports Reliability Score: 83 / 100
- Model Years: 2017–2025
- Most Reliable Trim: Touring
- 2021 New Price: $25,370 – $37,505
- Average Used Price: $21,000 – $26,000
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 secured its spot as the most reliable compact SUV from the past five years by refining its existing hardware rather than chasing unproven tech. By 2021, the 2.5L engine and 6-speed transmission were considered “bulletproof” due to years of incremental improvements. It features a sporty chassis that makes it feel more like a sport sedan than an SUV. Its only real issue is a relatively small infotainment screen by modern standards, but mechanically, it is nearly flawless. One long-term owner noted, “It’s the most dependable small SUV I’ve owned; five years in and it still drives like it’s brand new.”
Toyota RAV4
Consumer Reports Reliability Score: 81 / 100
- Model Years: 2019–2025
- Most Reliable Trim: XLE Hybrid
- 2021 New Price: $26,150 – $37,130
- Average Used Price: $23,000 – $29,000
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was another standout among most reliable compact SUVs from the past five years, particularly in its Hybrid form. Toyota’s hybrid system uses a planetary gear setup that eliminates the belts and chains found in standard CVTs, removing a common failure point. A notable feature, even on these older models is the standard Toyota Safety Sense suite. While the gas-only 8-speed transmission sometimes received complaints for “hesitant” shifting, the Hybrid model was praised for its seamless power delivery. Owners commented that their cars just went about their jobs with no issues. Just about the best compliment for those wanting a rugged and unfussy family vehicle.
Lexus UX
Lexus
Consumer Reports Reliability Score: 80 / 100
- Model Years: 2019–present
- Most Reliable Trim: 250h (Hybrid)
- 2021 New Price: $33,000 – $39,900
- Average Used Price: $26,000 – $31,000
The Lexus UX represents the luxury end of the spectrum. Since it is the luxury division of Toyota, the UX uses the same high-quality hybrid components found in the RAV4 but comes with more upmarket interior trim and more kit – especially on the higher spec trims. The polarizing touchpad controller for the screen was a pain for several owners, but mechanically, it is among the best in the world. Owners frequently cite its “dead silent” cabin and “zero-repair” history as reasons for their high satisfaction.
Subaru Forester
Consumer Reports Reliability Score: 79 / 100
- Model Years: 2019–2025
- Most Reliable Trim: Premium
- 2021 New Price: $24,795 – $34,895
- Average Used Price: $19,500 – $24,000
The 2021 Forester benefited from Subaru’s commitment to safety and visibility. By its third year of production, Subaru had smoothed out early issues with the EyeSight driver-assist sensors, one of the few issues with this model. An interesting feature is its expansive sunroof, standard on higher trims, it is one of the largest in the segment. Owners of 2019-2022 Foresters should be vigilant about windshield chips, as the acoustic glass used was particularly prone to them. One CR survey respondent remarked, “The Forester is simply the most dependable small SUV for anyone living in a snow belt.”
Honda CR-V
Consumer Reports Reliability Score: 77 / 100
- Model Years: 2017–2022
- Most Reliable Trim: EX
- 2021 New Price: $25,350 – $36,350
- Average Used Price: $21,500 – $27,000
The fifth-generation Honda CR-V is a perennial favorite on the used car market because of its intuitive design, massive cargo space and the advanced Honda Sensing safety suite. By 2021, Honda had resolved the oil dilution problems that plagued earlier 1.5L turbo engines, but a 2.0-liter hybrid is also available if you prefer to avoid the issue completely. It’s advisable to ensure the software for the infotainment and engine management is kept up to date via dealer TSBs, and while CR data shows that it had minor tech glitches, the CR-V is a reliable vehicle overall.
About the author
John Tallodi
Senior Editor