Which carmaker offers the most dependable luxury SUV? See if your choice is on the list
Buying a luxury SUV shouldn’t mean settling for something unreliable. Thankfully, it doesn’t.
J.D. Power recognizes the most dependable models in its 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, and many of them are luxury vehicles. The study examines how 2020 model year vehicles are currently faring by a measure of problems per 100 vehicles.
The most reliable luxury SUVs vary widely in terms of size and price. To give consumers more perspective on these vehicles, we’ve included an IntelliChoice value rating based on projected five-year ownership costs for each vehicle. Keep reading to learn more about the most dependable luxury SUVs.
2020 Buick Encore
The J.D. Power folks named the 2020 Buick Encore as one of its picks for the most reliable small SUVs, and our colleagues at IntelliChoice issued the highest possible "excellent" rating for every trim based on five-year cost of ownership compared to other vehicles in its segment. Buick at its best can represent an accessible step in between common and luxury vehicles, and in some cases, the Encore can be a strong example.
The cabin is comfortable and quiet, two top priorities for luxury customers. We appreciate the outward visibility and quick infotainment system, too, but the engine can be a little coarse, and lower-trim models struggle to feel like true luxury cars. The Encore was discontinued after the 2022 model year to make way for the new Envista.
2020 Buick Encore
Median Retail Price: $21,800
Safety Rating: Mostly Good crashworthiness ratings (IIHS); Five stars overall (NHTSA)
Engines: 1.4-liter turbo I-4
Fuel Economy: 24–25/29–30 mpg city/highway
2020 BMW X1
We don’t always think of BMWs as reliable, but the 2020 BMW X1 is just the first of a few examples from the German automaker to earn a spot on the list of the most reliable luxury SUVs. It earns J.D. Power’s recognition for dependability and achieves an "average" value rating from IntelliChoice. This is also one of the most affordable BMW SUVs you’ll find.
Although it’s one of few FWD-based BMWs, the X1 still offers the precise handling, high-speed stability, and smooth, capable powertrain you’d expect from the brand. We were surprised with its traction away from pavement, too.
Our only qualms? The front seats lack sufficient support for some bottoms (other staffers had no issues), and based on the interior, you know you’re in an entry-level BMW.
2020 BMW X1
Median Retail Price: $32,150
Safety Rating: Good crashworthiness ratings (IIHS)
Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
Fuel Economy: 23–24/31–33 mpg city/highway
2020 BMW X2
The 2020 BMW X2 was mechanically identical to the X1, so it’s no surprise the SUV's slightly sportier sibling has proven to be reliable, as well. Unfortunately, it’s projected to be a bit more expensive to own with a "mediocre" value rating. We find the X2’s hot-hatch styling worth the modest price bump over a comparable X1.
Similarities with the X1 continue with a pair of powerful engine options and great handling, though buyers should know models equipped with the optional M Sport suspension can feel too stiff at times. These are small SUVs, too, so the interior won’t accommodate cargo and passengers like an X3 or X5.
2020 BMW X2
Median Retail Price: $32,500
Safety Rating: 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick
Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
Fuel Economy: 23-24/30-32 mpg city/highway
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class is one of the X1’s closest competitors—we even ran a comparison between the two—and it's also one of the most reliable luxury SUVs. Five-year cost of ownership is "average" (FWD) or "mediocre" (AWD) for the segment based on IntelliChoice data. Like the X1 is to BMW, the GLA is the entry point to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup.
We appreciated its carlike driving dynamics, and the 2.0-liter turbo-four provides plenty of thrust for a vehicle of this size. The GLA-Class feels relatively athletic, but that comes at the expense of ride comfort. Cargo space is a little tight, too, and the cabin isn’t as premium as you’d hope for a Mercedes.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Median Retail Price: $31,225
Safety Rating: Not rated
Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
Fuel Economy: 22–24/30–34 mpg city/highway
2020 Buick Envision
For something a size up, the 2020 Buick Envision is a compact SUV that has proven itself reliable enough to earn recognition in J.D. Power’s dependability study. This crossover is sized just above the Encore we mentioned earlier, though it has a lower IntelliChoice rating of "mediocre" for most trims and "poor'' for Premium variants.
Body control is lacking, but we’re grateful that soft suspension at least affords plush ride quality. The rest of the luxury experience isn’t so convincing. Buick’s powerplant is noisy and unrefined, material quality is mixed, and the front seats are firm to the point that one editor compared them to a park bench. We were impressed with its off-road capabilities, but it’s hard to imagine buying an Envision as an overlander.
2020 Buick Envision
Median Retail Price: $29,825
Safety Rating: Good crashworthiness ratings (IIHS)
Engines: 2.5-liter I-4; 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
Fuel Economy: 20–22/25–29 mpg city/highway
2020 Lexus NX
As the luxury arm of Toyota, it’s no surprise Lexus is one of the most reliable luxury automakers. The RAV4-sized 2020 Lexus NX is the first on our list, and rated as the most dependable vehicle in its segment. The small SUV earns bonus points in our book for its mostly "excellent" IntelliChoice ratings, too.
Lexus is generous with its standard driver assist safety content, and the NX is one of the few vehicles represented here with an available hybrid powertrain. No version of the NX is especially athletic, though, and considering this first-generation model arrived for 2015, it may feel older than other luxury SUVs from the same model year.
2020 Lexus NX
Median Retail Price: $36,175
Safety Rating: 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+; Five stars overall (NHTSA)
Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4; 2.5-liter I-4 + three elec motors
Fuel Economy: 22–33/27–30 mpg city/highway
2020 Cadillac XT4
The 2020 Cadillac XT4 is one of the most reliable luxury SUVs you can buy right now, but the rest of the ownership experience is relatively underwhelming. At least its value is "good" according to IntelliChoice research. Cabin materials fail to impress, the rear seat is cramped, and the interior can be noisier than those of some competitors. Infotainment is a strong point, with a responsive, intuitive touchscreen setup.
The XT4’s turbocharged engine feels eager and gutsy, though the clumsy transmission and excessive body roll ruin the experience on twisty roads. Cadillac’s compact SUV is best experienced on long, straight highways, where it feels stable and keeps folks comfortable, at least in the front seat.
2020 Cadillac XT4
Median Retail Price: $33,188
Safety Rating: Five stars overall (NHTSA)
Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
Fuel Economy: 22–24/29–30 mpg city/highway
2020 BMW X3
Rounding out the top three most reliable compact luxury SUVs, the 2020 BMW X3 is the vehicle we’d most like to own, although it has mostly "mediocre" value ratings. The interior is quiet, and the ride comfortable without sacrificing great body control. BMW offers four engine options ranging from the efficient, affordable sDrive30i to the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e (the most affordable to own) and the ultra-focused X3 M Competition.
There are some cheap-feeling materials inside, though both rows of seating are relatively well equipped. The only serious issue is that a used X3 may run you significantly more cash than a comparable NX or XT4.
2020 BMW X3
Median Retail Price: $42,600
Safety Rating: 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick+; Five stars overall (NHTSA)
Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4; 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6; 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 + elec motor; 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I-6
Fuel Economy: 14–25/19–29 mpg city/highway
2020-Lexus-RX-450h-29
2020 Lexus RX
The 2020 Lexus RX is rated as J.D. Power’s most reliable midsize luxury SUV, powered by Toyota’s proven 3.5-liter V-6. It’s a bit more expensive to own for its segment than the NX, only achieving a "good" IntelliChoice rating. We’re especially fond of the hybrid RX450h, which is exceptionally easy to drive smoothly. Buyers will appreciate the standard driver assists and well appointed interior, too. The eight-speed auto in the standard model isn’t the most clever, though, and we don’t recommend the RX L, as its third row seating is too cramped to prove useful.
2020 Lexus RX
Median Retail Price: $46,525
Safety Rating: 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick; Five stars overall (NHTSA)
Engines: 3.5-liter V-6; 3.5-liter V-6 + elec motor
Fuel Economy: 18–31/25–28 mpg city/highway
2020 Lexus GX
The Lexus GX is a very different kind of midsize luxury SUV, one with more of a penchant for off-road adventures. Superb reliability and a "good" IntelliChoice value rating make it an appealing choice for overlanders.
Like the RX, it’s not much of a three-row family hauler (the third row is tiny). Fuel economy is awful, and the GX isn’t as spacious inside as similarly sized SUVs. But its full-time 4WD, selectable low-range gearing, and height-adjustable air suspension make it tough to beat off-road. Some buyers will appreciate the old-school V-8 rumble, too. The GX can feel dated, but in a way, it’s timeless.
2020 Lexus GX
Median Retail Price: $48,475
Safety Rating: Not rated
Engines: 4.6-liter V-8
Fuel Economy: 15/19 mpg city/highway
2020 BMW X5
If you appreciate the X3 but need something with a bit more space and luxury, the 2020 BMW X5 also earned a spot on our list of the most reliable luxury SUVs, though it only achieves mostly "mediocre" value ratings. Both the I-6 and V-8 engine options provide generous, smoothly delivered power, and the X5 is capable of the sharp, responsive handling buyers would expect from a BMW. Plus, the X5 is more capable off-road than you’d think. We’d like a bit more space in the rear seat and a hybrid option, but the X5 is still seriously appealing.
2020 BMW X5
Median Retail Price: $62,000
Safety Rating: 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Engines: 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6; 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8
Fuel Economy: 17–20/22–26 mpg city/highway
