The most reliable SUV
Ranked by the MotorFiable Score of the whole car, out of 10: half comes from its engines and the other half from the rest of the car (gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics…). Only SUV with solid evidence are included: at least three sources and five documented faults, each backed by its sources.
Of the 92 SUV with solid evidence, the one with the highest score is the MG ZS I (8.8/10), followed by the Suzuki S-Cross II (8.3) and the Suzuki Vitara (7.7). The one with the lowest score is the Peugeot 2008 II (3.7/10), mainly because of oil-bath timing belt degradation.
- Rank 1MG ZS I
Small SUV · 2017–2024
Medium severityThe infotainment screen freezes and the rear camera fails(electronics)
8.8 out of 10Engine 10.0
Rest of car 7.7 - Rank 2Suzuki S-Cross II
Compact SUV · 2021–today
High severityElectric power steering cut-out due to a software fault(steering)
8.3 out of 10Engine 9.4
Rest of car 7.3 - Rank 3Suzuki Vitara
Small SUV · 2015–today
Critical severityTemporary brake servo lock-up caused by the vacuum pump valve(brakes)
7.7 out of 10Engine 9.7
Rest of car 5.7 - Rank 4Fiat 600
Small SUV · 2023–today
High severityJerking, lock-ups and risk of early failure in the e-DCS6 hybrid gearbox(gearbox and clutch)
7.4 out of 10Engine 8.0
Rest of car 6.8 - Rank 5Lexus UX
Compact SUV · 2018–today
High severityBrake booster pump failure on the UX 250h built in May 2019(brakes)
7.3 out of 10Engine 7.9
Rest of car 6.8 - Rank 6Peugeot 4007
Compact SUV · 2006–2012
High severitySunroof glass coming loose because of the frame adhesive(bodywork)
7.3 out of 10Engine 8.3
Rest of car 6.4 - Rank 7Suzuki S-Cross I
Compact SUV · 2013–2021
Critical severityTemporary loss of brake servo assistance caused by the vacuum pump valve(brakes)
7.3 out of 10Engine 9.7
Rest of car 5.0 - Rank 8Dacia Duster II
Small SUV · 2017–2024
Critical severityLPG tank leak with a risk of fire (2023 cars)(security)
7.2 out of 10Engine 8.2
Rest of car 6.2 - Rank 9Citroën C-Crosser
Compact SUV · 2006–2012
High severitySunroof glass coming away because of the frame adhesive(bodywork)
7.2 out of 10Engine 8.3
Rest of car 6.2 - Rank 10Renault Austral
Compact SUV · 2022–today
High severityErratic behaviour of the E-Tech hybrid automatic gearbox(gearbox and clutch)
7.0 out of 10Engine 7.3
Rest of car 6.8 - Rank 11Mazda CX-5 II
Compact SUV · 2017–today
High severityOil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations(Skyactiv-D engine)
6.9 out of 10Engine 6.0
Rest of car 7.9 - Rank 12Jeep Renegade
Small SUV · 2014–today
High severitySaturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations(1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II engine)
6.9 out of 10Engine 6.4
Rest of car 7.5 - Rank 13Renault Arkana
Compact SUV · 2020–today
High severityErratic behaviour of the E-Tech hybrid automatic gearbox(gearbox and clutch)
6.9 out of 10Engine 7.1
Rest of car 6.8 - Rank 14Cupra Ateca
Compact SUV · 2018–2020
High severity2.0 TSI engine cover may come loose and touch the hot turbo area (fire risk)(bodywork)
6.9 out of 10Engine 7.5
Rest of car 6.4 - Rank 15Mitsubishi Outlander II
Mid-size SUV · 2006–2012
High severitySunroof glass detaching because the adhesive loses its grip(bodywork)
6.9 out of 10Engine 7.7
Rest of car 6.2 - Rank 16Kia Sportage II
Compact SUV · 2004–2010
High severityWear and loss of performance of the variable-geometry turbo(2.0 CRDi (D4EA) engine)
6.8 out of 10Engine 6.8
Rest of car 6.8 - Rank 17Peugeot 3008 III
Compact SUV · 2023–today
High severityFailures of the e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearbox of the 48V hybrid (Hybrid 136)(gearbox and clutch)
6.8 out of 10Engine 8.0
Rest of car 5.7 - Rank 18Kia Sportage III
Compact SUV · 2010–2016
Critical severityShort circuit in the ABS/ESC brake unit (HECU): fire risk(brakes)
6.8 out of 10Engine 8.0
Rest of car 5.7 - Rank 19Renault Captur II
Small SUV · 2019–today
Medium severityResets and freezes of the Easy Link multimedia screen(electronics)
6.7 out of 10Engine 7.0
Rest of car 6.4 - Rank 20Hyundai Tucson I
Compact SUV · 2004–2010
High severityBrake light switch failure from burnt contacts (2007 to 2009 Tucson)(electrical)
6.6 out of 10Engine 6.8
Rest of car 6.4 - Rank 21Nissan Qashqai III
Compact SUV · 2021–today
Critical severityRecall for fire risk in the fuel line(security)
6.6 out of 10Engine 7.1
Rest of car 6.1 - Rank 22Ford Puma
Small SUV · 2019–today
Critical severityRecalls for the steering wheel airbag and the restraint control module(security)
6.6 out of 10Engine 7.5
Rest of car 5.7 - Rank 236.6 out of 10
Engine 7.6
Rest of car 5.7 - Rank 24Audi Q3 II
Compact SUV · 2018–today
Critical severityCorrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rack (2026 campaign)(steering)
6.6 out of 10Engine 7.6
Rest of car 5.7 - Rank 25Mitsubishi Outlander III
Mid-size SUV · 2012–2021
Critical severityCorrosion of the parking brake shaft and failure of the rear calipers' automatic adjustment(brakes)
6.6 out of 10Engine 7.7
Rest of car 5.5 - Rank 26Volvo XC70 II
Mid-size SUV · 2000–2007
Critical severityVolvo XC70 driver's airbag recall: the inflator can throw out fragments(security)
6.5 out of 10Engine 7.0
Rest of car 6.1 - Rank 27Nissan Juke II
Small SUV · 2019–today
Critical severityRecall over the rear seat backrest latch(security)
6.5 out of 10Engine 7.4
Rest of car 5.7 - Rank 28Seat Tarraco
Mid-size SUV · 2018–today
Critical severityCorrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rack(steering)
6.5 out of 10Engine 7.8
Rest of car 5.2 - Rank 29Mazda CX-3
Small SUV · 2016–2021
High severityOil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations(Skyactiv-D engine)
6.4 out of 10Engine 6.0
Rest of car 6.8 - Rank 30Hyundai Santa Fe III
Mid-size SUV · 2012–2018
Critical severityShort circuit in the ABS/ESP module of Santa Fes built up to October 2014(brakes)
6.4 out of 10Engine 7.1
Rest of car 5.7 - Rank 31Mitsubishi ASX I
Compact SUV · 2010–2023
Critical severityCorrosion of the parking brake shaft and failure of the rear caliper automatic adjustment(brakes)
6.4 out of 10Engine 7.4
Rest of car 5.5 - Rank 326.4 out of 10
Engine 7.8
Rest of car 5.0 - Rank 33Toyota RAV4 III
Compact SUV · 2005–2012
Critical severityWarped cylinder head gasket and oil consumption on the 2.2 D-4D(2.0/2.2 D-4D engine)
6.3 out of 10Engine 5.1
Rest of car 7.5 - Rank 34Mercedes-Benz GLA H247
Compact SUV · 2020–today
Critical severityRisk of short circuit and fire in the high-voltage battery (plug-in hybrid version)(electrical)
6.3 out of 10Engine 7.1
Rest of car 5.5 - Rank 35Kia Stonic
Small SUV · 2017–today
Medium severityJerking in the 6iMT automated gearbox and clutch wear in the DCT7 gearbox(gearbox and clutch)
6.3 out of 10Engine 7.2
Rest of car 5.4 - Rank 36Škoda Enyaq
Compact SUV · 2021–today
High severityAC charging interruptions and immediate-stop warnings from the traction battery(electrical)
6.2 out of 10Rest of car 6.2
- Rank 37Hyundai Ioniq 5
Compact SUV · 2021–today
High severityFaulty ICCU: 12 V battery drain and loss of drive power(electrical)
6.2 out of 10Rest of car 6.2
- Rank 38MINI Countryman F60
Compact SUV · 2017–2023
Critical severityThe head airbag may inflate poorly because an ignition unit comes loose (2016-2017 units)(security)
6.2 out of 10Engine 6.8
Rest of car 5.7 - Rank 39Volkswagen Tiguan II
Compact SUV · 2016–2024
Critical severityCorrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rack(steering)
6.2 out of 10Engine 6.9
Rest of car 5.5 - Rank 40Ford Kuga II
Compact SUV · 2012–2019
Critical severityFire risk from the B-pillar insulation after the seatbelt pretensioner is triggered(security)
6.2 out of 10Engine 7.1
Rest of car 5.4 - Rank 41Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2
Mid-size SUV · 2011–2021
Critical severityConfusing automatic gear selector: risk of leaving the car without Park engaged(gearbox and clutch)
6.1 out of 10Engine 6.8
Rest of car 5.5 - Rank 42Kia Sorento III
Mid-size SUV · 2015–2020
Critical severityOverheating of the climate control's auxiliary electric heater (PTC) connector on diesel Sorentos(climate control)
6.1 out of 10Engine 7.1
Rest of car 5.2 - Rank 43Dacia Duster I
Small SUV · 2010–2017
Critical severityWear and seizure of the big-end bearings(1.5 dCi engine)
6.0 out of 10Engine 5.0
Rest of car 7.1 - Rank 44Nissan X-Trail III
Mid-size SUV · 2014–2022
High severityPremature turbocharger failure or breakage(1.6 dCi engine)
6.0 out of 10Engine 5.2
Rest of car 6.8 - Rank 45Mazda CX-5 I
Compact SUV · 2012–2017
High severityOil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations(Skyactiv-D engine)
6.0 out of 10Engine 6.0
Rest of car 6.1 - Rank 46Mazda CX-30
Compact SUV · 2019–today
Critical severitySmart Brake Support can brake the car unintentionally while driving(security)
6.0 out of 10Engine 6.6
Rest of car 5.5 - Rank 47Volvo XC70 III
Mid-size SUV · 2007–2016
Critical severityVolvo XC70 front seat belt anchorage cable: it can lose strength over time(security)
6.0 out of 10Engine 7.0
Rest of car 5.0 - Rank 48Mercedes-Benz GLC X254
Mid-size SUV · 2022–today
Critical severitySteering coupling fault with risk of losing steering(steering)
6.0 out of 10Engine 7.0
Rest of car 5.0 - Rank 49Jeep Compass MP
Compact SUV · 2017–today
High severitySaturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations(1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II engine)
5.9 out of 10Engine 5.0
Rest of car 6.8 - Rank 50Fiat 500X
Small SUV · 2014–today
Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(1.3 Multijet engine)
5.9 out of 10Engine 5.7
Rest of car 6.1 - Rank 51Hyundai Santa Fe IV5.9 out of 10
- Rank 52Škoda Karoq5.9 out of 10
- Rank 53Škoda Kamiq5.9 out of 10
- Rank 54Renault Captur I5.8 out of 10
- Rank 55Suzuki SX45.8 out of 10
- Rank 56BMW X3 G015.8 out of 10
- Rank 57Peugeot 3008 I5.7 out of 10
- Rank 58Volkswagen T-Cross5.7 out of 10
- Rank 59Audi Q25.7 out of 10
- Rank 60Audi Q3 I5.6 out of 10
- Rank 61Volvo XC90 I5.6 out of 10
- Rank 62Toyota C-HR I5.6 out of 10
- Rank 63Ford Kuga III5.6 out of 10
- Rank 64Renault Kadjar5.6 out of 10
- Rank 65Kia Sportage V5.6 out of 10
- Rank 66Hyundai Tucson IV5.6 out of 10
- Rank 67Audi Q5 II5.6 out of 10
- Rank 68Volvo XC90 II5.5 out of 10
- Rank 69Volvo XC60 II5.5 out of 10
- Rank 70Kia Sportage IV5.5 out of 10
- Rank 71Volkswagen T-Roc5.5 out of 10
- Rank 72Volkswagen ID.45.4 out of 10
- Rank 73Hyundai Tucson III5.4 out of 10
- Rank 74Volvo XC405.3 out of 10
- Rank 75Kia Soul II5.3 out of 10
- Rank 76Seat Ateca5.3 out of 10
- Rank 77Seat Arona5.2 out of 10
- Rank 78Toyota RAV4 IV5.1 out of 10
- Rank 79Tesla Model Y5.0 out of 10
- Rank 80Ford Ranger5.0 out of 10
- Rank 81Mercedes-Benz GLC X2534.9 out of 10
- Rank 82Toyota Urban Cruiser4.9 out of 10
- Rank 83Jeep Avenger4.6 out of 10
- Rank 84Mazda CX-74.5 out of 10
- Rank 85Ford EcoSport4.5 out of 10
- Rank 86Opel Grandland I4.3 out of 10
- Rank 87Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X1664.2 out of 10
- Rank 88Mercedes-Benz GL X1644.2 out of 10
- Rank 89Citroën C5 Aircross4.1 out of 10
- Rank 90BMW X3 E834.0 out of 10
- Rank 91Citroën C3 Aircross I3.9 out of 10
- Rank 92Peugeot 2008 II3.7 out of 10
The least reliable SUV
The three with the lowest scores and the fault that weighs most in each.
- Peugeot 2008 II · 3.7/10Oil-bath timing belt degradation (1.2 PureTech engine)
- Citroën C3 Aircross I · 3.9/10Oil-bath timing belt degradation (1.2 PureTech engine)
- BMW X3 E83 · 4.0/10Rear timing chain stretch and breakage (BMW N47 engine)
How it is calculated
The score combines the risk index of its engines and that of the rest of the car, calculated from the most serious documented faults (severity times frequency). Faults that the manufacturer fixes free of charge under a recall carry less weight. A high score does not guarantee that a particular car will not fail: it means we have found fewer serious, frequent documented faults. More recent models have been on the road for fewer years and may have fewer documented faults: preferably compare cars from the same period. Full methodology