Reliability is a significant factor to consider when buying a new vehicle. Whether you want to get a pickup truck, a sports car, an SUV, or anything in between, it's essential to know you can rely on your ride in all possible situations. That's even more true when it comes to buying a family vehicle.
Considering SUVs today provide probably the most comfort and convenience for numerous passengers, it's no wonder many families opt for this vehicle type. But how do you know which SUV is the most reliable in a sea of available ones?
In this article, we handpick the 10 most reliable family SUVs to buy in 2023 based on their reliability ratings on J.D. Power. Considering J.D. Power rates vehicles according to the detailed feedback of verified owners and factors in the level of defects, malfunctions, and design flaws, these ratings should give you a broad idea of what to expect from your new ride in terms of quality and reliability.
10 Chevrolet Tahoe
Families seeking the spaciousness and comfort of XXL SUVs may want to check out the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. This large vehicle comes with a roomy, feature-packed interior, top-notch technology, and V8 engines capable of ensuring smooth, stable, and exciting rides. But that's not all.
Rated first in its segment, the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe scores 80 out of 100 points for reliability and gets "great" badging for driving experience, resale value, and dealership experience at J.D. Power. Most owners who contributed to this rating liked the safety, easy maneuverability, and economy of the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe.
9 Kia Telluride
Now to a slightly smaller SUV. The 2023 Kia Telluride is a stylish and comfortable vehicle with refined manners, admirable equipment, and reasonable prices. Add to the equation a potent V6 and a long list of exceptional tech and comfort features, and you get a perfect family SUV.
Moreover, J.D. Power gives the 2023 Kia Telluride 85 out of 100 points for reliability and 87 and 89 points for driving experience and resale value. According to the majority of reviews, the SUV is also practical, comfortable in the back seats, and easier to get in and out than most competitors.
8 GMC Terrain
Smaller families may be able to get away with more compact SUVs, of which the 2023 GMC Terrain gets a top reliability rating. J.D. Power gives this vehicle 86 points for reliability, highlighting the economy and tech usability as the Terrain's most praised characteristics and features.
The 2023 GMC Terrain comes with a stable and efficient four-cylinder engine, a spacious and comfortable interior, and many other convenience-boosting features. However, the one thing to keep in mind is that the safety technology in this SUV may be more challenging to use compared to the competition.
7 Lexus GX
Back to the mid-size SUV segment, which may actually suit most families, we have another highly reliable entrant — the 2023 Lexus GX. Although the GX is not without flaws (dubbed less fuel efficient than competitors and a little cramped in the rear seats), it makes a capable, safe, and reliable ride. Considering J.D. Power gives it 86 points for reliability, and Consumer Reports predicts the GX will be much more reliable than the average car, you can expect this SUV to serve you well without major defects.
6 Chevrolet Blazer
Scoring great across all four J.D. Power categories, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer is one of the most reliable mid-size SUVs (as per reviews and owners' feedback). Consumer Reports also marks the Blazer as one of the SUVs that will be more reliable than most average cars.
In terms of family-oriented convenience, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer has much to offer, starting with unique, sporty looks, reliable four-cylinder and V6 engines, modern tech, and more. But you can learn more about this SUV in one of our comprehensive reviews.
5 Toyota 4Runner
Some may call it dated in both design and powertrains, but the 2023 Toyota 4Runner still provides exceptional value, especially in terms of safety and reliability. According to J.D. Power, this mid-size SUV deserves 87 out of 100 points for reliability, which means you should be able to rely on it in most daily and demanding situations. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner may actually be best suited for adventurous families planning to go off-road frequently.
4 Kia Sportage
Another compact SUV that smaller families may want to consider is the 2023 Kia Sportage. J.D. Power gives this SUV as high as 88 points for reliability, rating it great in driving experience and resale value too.
Moreover, the 2023 Kia Sportage comes in various trims and price points, offers stable (and hybrid) powertrains and specs, allows for advanced customization, and much more. In terms of modern styling, convenience, and comfort, the 2023 Kia Sportage scores pretty well.
3 Lincoln Nautilus
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus received only a few updates for this production year ahead of discontinuation. However, that makes it no less worthy of purchase. This mid-size premium SUV has a great reliability rating and provides plenty of tech and comfort features for families to enjoy every ride, starting with the roomy cabin and excellent economy.
2 Chevrolet Equinox
If you don't need three rows of seating and enormous cargo space for your family, consider the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. Make no mistake, this is a compact SUV for up to five passengers that goes best in the city. However, if you find this perfect for your family, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox will wow you with its efficiency, economy, modern styling, performance, and reliability.
J.D. Power gives the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox as high as 90 points for reliability and measures high owner satisfaction. Following this review, we also expect the upcoming 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV to be highly reliable. Therefore, if you prefer an EV and don't mind waiting a few more months, the Equinox EV may be worth it.
1 Nissan Murano
J.D. Power rates the 2023 Nissan Murano as first in the mid-size SUV segment reliability-wise, giving it 90 out of 100 points in both reliability and driving experience areas. Actually, with this rating, the Murano stands first overall in terms of reliability across all SUV segments. That means this Japanese ride should give its owners the least problems in upcoming years.
For more information on the 2023 Nissan Murano, follow one of our comprehensive single-vehicle reviews.