Most Reliable SUVs in 2024

SUVs have become an Aussie favourite, they’re not just great for bigger families and/or long-range trips, they’re extremely reliable and versatile, especially when taken on those rugged Australian terrains. However, with the advent of technology, these beasts with a taste for testing their limits have become way more stylish and technologically complex. While they do have a great list of pros, the one con everyone likes to avoid is maintenance cost.

We all want a vehicles which doesn’t poop on the party and keeps the going smooth. SUVs are the modern city farers and country tourers, they’re extremely useful in loading heavy and driving through harsh terrains. Thus, when people require such great feats from these vehicles, reliability becomes a huge concern. None of us want to go to the mechanic more than those long-awaited weekend getaways. So, we have compiled a list for which minimises your trips to the shop and maximises the fun and adventures.

1.Jaguar F-Pace

Data for 2023 Jaguar F-PACE P250 R-Dynamic S Auto AWD MY24

The Jaguar F-Pace is a luxury compact SUV that effortlessly blends performance and sophistication. With its sleek and striking design, the F-Pace exudes elegance and athleticism. Under the hood, a range of powerful engines, including turbocharged four-cylinders and supercharged V6s, deliver thrilling performance and responsive handling. The well-appointed interior showcases luxurious materials, cutting-edge technology, and ample passenger space. Advanced driver-assistance features ensure a safe and convenient driving experience. Whether cruising on the highway or navigating challenging terrains, the Jaguar F-Pace offers a refined and exhilarating ride, making it a top choice in the luxury SUV market.

Key Features of Jaguar F-Pace:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Windsor leather performance seats
• AWD + Adaptive Surface Response technology
• 12.3-inch interactive driver display + 11.4-inch curved infotainment screen with Alexa
• Pivi Pro
• Cabin air purification system (optional)
  

What’s good about it?

• Exceptional driving experience
• Pricey but worth every penny
• Great new infotainment system

What’s not so good about it?

• Legroom
• Noisy
• Switchgear takes time to get used to
  

2. Ford Everest

Data for 2024 Ford Everest Ambiente Auto RWD MY24.00

If you find the LandCruiser to be too large and expensive for your preferences, the Ford Everest might be the ideal alternative. Similar to the LandCruiser, it is built on a ladder frame, providing excellent off-road capabilities and ground clearance.

However, traditional ladder frames often compromise the vehicle's performance on regular roads and highways. This is where Everest stands out. Developed in Australia by Ford, it delivers an impressive on-road driving experience, mirroring the prowess of its sibling, the Ranger ute. Whether you're cruising on freeways or navigating city streets, Everest handles with confidence and composure. As a family wagon, the Everest proves its worth, though it's worth noting that the third row is better suited for kids rather than taller teenagers.

Key Features of Ford Everest:

• 10.1 or 12-inch infotainment screen (depending on the variant) with Bang & Olufsen speaker system
• Seven on and off-road drive modes
• 9 SRS Airbags
• Heated and vented seats with driver memory
• Climate function and control
  

What’s good about it?

• Improved engine and transmission
• 18-inch alloy wheels makes the drive comfortable
• Good cabin features

What’s not so good about it?

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto may glitch
• No exactly ‘real space’ in third row
• Doesn’t save on fuel
  
  

3. Mazda CX-9

Data for 2022 Mazda CX-9 Azami LE TC Auto i-ACTIV AWD

Over the years, Australians have wholeheartedly embraced Mazda for its winning combination of quality, enjoyable driving dynamics, and affordable pricing. The second-generation CX-9, introduced in 2016, has been a resounding success both commercially and critically, surpassing its rival, the highly regarded Toyota Kluger.

What sets the CX-9 apart is its impressive array of attributes. The cabin offers a serene and comfortable environment, complemented by competitive equipment levels. Notably, the CX-9's spaciousness ensures that occupants in the third row are not an afterthought. Access to the rear seats is well designed, and adults can comfortably fit if needed. Furthermore, despite its generous size, the CX-9 remains manoeuvrable enough for urban driving, making it a versatile choice.

Key Features of Mazda CX-9:

• Genuine Rosewood Interior
• KODO Design
• SkyActiv Technology
• G-Vectoring Control
• Mazda radar cruise control with Stop & Go technology
  

What’s good about it?

• Stylish design
• Comfortable ride
• Impressive AWD
  

What’s not so good about it?

• No buttons on the infotainment system
• Not so ‘Panoramic’ sunroof
• Grille design
  

4. Toyota Kluger

Data for 2021 Toyota Kluger GXL Auto 2WD

The Kluger has a lower towing capacity compared to many other vehicles mentioned. It maxes out at 2000kg, making it more suitable for lighter loads. This is primarily because the Kluger is built on a passenger car architecture, prioritising comfort and everyday control rather than the ruggedness of an off-roader.

The Kluger is better suited for light tracks, as its optional four-wheel drive system is not designed for heavy-duty off-roading, and it lacks the ground clearance required for navigating large rocks or ridges. However, the 3.5-litre V6 engine offers ample power and can easily handle smaller caravans or boats. While it may require higher revs to get moving, the Kluger still performs well for towing tasks that don't involve heavier loads.

Key Features of Toyota Kluger GXL:

• 7 SRS Airbags
• Toyota Connected Services
• 18" 5-spoke GXL alloy wheels
• 12.3" colour touchscreen display with 6 speaker audio system
• 8-way power-adjustable heated front seats
  
  

What’s good about it?

• Spacious, even in the rear
• Maintenance cost
• Improved infotainment system
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Hybrid model is way more practical
• City driving
• Rivals are way more affordable
  
  

5. Audi Q7

Data for 2022 Audi Q7 45 TDI Auto Quattro MY23

The Audi Q7 is a luxurious and versatile SUV that combines style, performance, and advanced technology. With its elegant design and spacious interior, the Q7 offers a comfortable and sophisticated driving experience for both driver and passengers. Equipped with Audi's renowned Quattro all-wheel drive system, the Q7 delivers exceptional handling and stability, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride on various terrains.

Safety is a paramount concern, and the Audi Q7 has received a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, awarded in 2019. This rating applies to all variants of the Q7 sold in Australia and New Zealand, validating its outstanding safety features and performance.

Key Features of Audi Q7:

• V6 TDI engines 170kw & 210kw options
• 21-inch alloy wheels
• 5-year warranty
• Matt aluminium inlays
• Virtual Cockpit display

What’s good about it?

• Spacious and Luxurious Interior
• Strong Performance and Handling
• Advanced Technology

What’s not good about it?

• Price and Running Costs
• Limited Third-Row Seating
• Slightly Firm Ride
  

6. Hyundai Tucson

Data for 2021 Hyundai Tucson Active X Auto 2WD MY21

The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that is known for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and long list of standard features. It seats up to five passengers and offers plenty of cargo space for its class. The Tucson is also available with various advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.

The Tucson is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 163 Bhp and 205 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available as an option.

Key Features of Hyundai Tucson:

• 10.25-inch infotainment screen with smartphone connectivity
• Hyundai Bluelink
• 17 to 19-inch alloy wheel based on variant
• Chrome DLO (Day Light Opening) moulding
• Shift-by-wire transmission
  
  

What’s good about it?

• Interior quality is immaculate
• Great boot space
• Digital display and infotainment

What’s not good about it?

• Not the best design
• Rear seating
• A bit firm in suspension
  

7. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Data for 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Auto 4x4 MY23

The Grand Cherokee has long been a favoured option for towing due to its versatile size. While it may not be as large as some other robust off-roaders, it matches their towing capabilities with a maximum capacity of 3.5 tonnes.

Not all Grand Cherokees can tow the full 3500kg (as two-wheel drive versions have a lower limit), but those that can provide a popular choice for grey nomads and couples seeking exploration opportunities. Equipped with a powerful 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine, the Grand Cherokee becomes a reliable companion for those embarking on road trips. While it may not possess the same off-road prowess as the Jeep Wrangler, it still offers available off-road hardware to tackle challenging terrains.

19-speaker premium Mcintosh sound system, twin 10.1-inch displays for the infotainment and instruments, and a 10-inch passenger display.

Key Features of Jeep Grand Cherokee:

• 6 20-inch alloy wheel options
• Standard fog lamps for front and rear
• 16-way adjustable memory seats with massage mode
• Ambient lighting
• 487 Litres of boot space expands to 1328 litres and 2395 litres is maximum

What’s good about it?

• Great ground clearance
• Endless boot space
• Powerful pick-up

What’s not so good about it?

• Defender is more family-friendly
• Affordable models restricted to PHEVs
• Balance is tilted to off-roading not city driving

8. Toyota Land Cruiser

Data for 2023 Toyota Landcruiser Workmate Troopcarrier Auto 4x4

As a substantial and robust vehicle, the LandCruiser offers ample space to accommodate up to eight people in select variants, spread across three rows of seating. With the sliding second-row seat, even adults can comfortably occupy the third row if needed. Powered by a V8 turbo-diesel engine, the LandCruiser delivers abundant pulling power, ensuring it can handle demanding tasks with ease. While a V8 petrol engine was available for a period, the diesel option proved to be more fuel-efficient and favourable for towing.

The interior ambience of the LandCruiser varies across different trims, ranging from the practical GX to the luxurious Sahara. Alongside the variations, there are corresponding upgrades in equipment levels. At the upper end of the range, you'll even find features such as automatically disconnecting and connecting anti-sway bars, enhancing both on-road handling and off-road capability by enabling increased wheel travel.

Key Features of Toyota Land Cruiser 200:

• 10 speed transmission and LSD
• Multi-Terrain Select with a new Automatic Mode
• E-KDSS (Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System)
• 12.3” colour touchscreen display
• 14 speaker JBL premium sound system

What’s good about it?

• Extended warranty
• Great visibility
• Off-roading capabilities

What’s not so good about it?

• Noisy engine and cabin
• Dashboard plastic is cheap
• Bit cramped third-row
  

Conclusion

In a landscape as diverse and challenging as Australia, reliability in an SUV is paramount. The vehicles we've highlighted in this blog epitomise that reliability, each excelling in various aspects to cater to different needs and preferences. From Toyota's legendary Land Cruiser with its off-road prowess to Mazda's CX-5, a reliable all-rounder, these SUVs showcase the best of what the automotive industry has to offer. Your choice ultimately depends on your specific requirements, be it space, performance, fuel efficiency, or technological features. May your SUV journey in Australia be smooth, reliable, and tailored to suit your adventurous spirit. Safe travels!

FAQs

1. What are the key factors that make an SUV reliable, and why is reliability an important consideration for Australian SUV buyers?

Reliability in an SUV is ensured by factors like robust engineering, quality components, minimal recalls, and consistent performance. In Australia, reliability matters to ensure the vehicle can handle diverse terrains and conditions.

2. Can you provide an overview of the current SUV market in Australia, including popular models and manufacturers known for reliability?

Popular reliable SUVs in Australia include Toyota Land Cruiser, Mazda CX-9, and Hyundai Tucson. These manufacturers are known for producing SUVs with a strong track record of dependability.

3. How do consumer reviews and reliability ratings contribute to determining the most reliable SUVs in Australia?

Consumer reviews and reliability ratings aggregate experiences, highlighting common issues, repairs, and overall satisfaction. Analysing such data aids in identifying consistently dependable SUVs in the Australian market.

4. What are some of the top-rated SUVs in terms of reliability, and what makes them stand out in the market?

Some top-rated, reliable SUVs in Australia are Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Everest, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Their reliability stems from strong build quality, good performance, and positive feedback from owners.

5. Are there any particular SUV segments (e.g., compact, midsize, full-size) that tend to have more reliable options in Australia?

Generally, compact and midsize SUV segments tend to offer more reliable options due to their widespread popularity, leading to continuous improvements and refined manufacturing processes.

6. How does the maintenance and servicing of reliable SUVs compare to less reliable models, and what should buyers expect in terms of long-term costs?

Reliable SUVs often have lower maintenance needs, reducing long-term costs. They require fewer repairs and replacement parts, providing financial benefits and peace of mind to buyers over the vehicle's lifespan.