The most reliable Mid-size SUVs
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 Mid-size SUVs with solid evidence are included: at least three sources and five documented faults, each backed by its sources.
Of the 70 Mid-size SUVs with solid evidence, the one with the highest score is the Subaru Outback V (7.3/10), followed by the Mazda CX-60 (7.0) and the Seat Tarraco (6.8). The one with the lowest score is the BMW X3 E83 (4.4/10), mainly because of rear timing chain stretch and breakage.
70 cars
Each label is that part's score out of 10. Only parts with documented faults or MOT inspection data are shown.
- Rank 1Subaru Outback VMid-size SUV · 2014–2021Medium severityClogged particulate filter on the EE20 diesel(Subaru bóxer engine)Engine 7.1Gearbox 9.3Suspension 8.1Brakes 8.1Steering 8.6Lights 7.7Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.57.3 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 2Mazda CX-60Mid-size SUV · 2022–todayHigh severitySteering rack with excess friction in the worm gear: the steering wheel can suddenly stiffen(steering)Engine 7.9Gearbox 7.9Steering 7.9Electronics 7.1Bodywork 9.37.0 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 3Jeep Wrangler JKMid-size SUV · 2007–2018Critical severityAirbag structure breaks when deployed(security)Engine 7.7Gearbox 7.1Suspension 8.3Brakes 4.6Steering 5.6Electrical 8.6Lights 6.7Bodywork 7.5Security 7.16.8 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 4Seat TarracoMid-size SUV · 2018–todayCritical severityCorrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rack(steering)Engine 7.7Gearbox 8.4Suspension 8.2Brakes 6.9Steering 7.4Lights 8.1Electronics 9.6Bodywork 7.7Security 8.96.8 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 5Hyundai Santa Fe IVMid-size SUV · 2018–2023Critical severityFuel tank with a risk of leaking and fire on 2020 and 2022 units(security)Engine 7.6Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.9Brakes 7.7Steering 7.5Lights 8.1Electronics 8.6Bodywork 7.5Security 5.06.7 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 6Audi Q7 4LMid-size SUV · 2006–2015Critical severityVR6 timing chain and tensioners(VR6 engine)Engine 5.9Suspension 8.2Brakes 7.7Steering 8.8Lights 8.1Electronics 8.6Bodywork 8.36.5 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 7Ford Mustang Mach-EMid-size SUV · 2021–todayHigh severityElectronic door latches that lock when the 12 V battery is flat(electrical)Engine 6.8Electrical 7.9Electronics 8.6Bodywork 6.26.5 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 8Hyundai Santa Fe IIIMid-size SUV · 2012–2018Critical severityShort circuit in the ABS/ESP module of Santa Fes built up to October 2014(brakes)Engine 7.1Suspension 7.6Brakes 6.1Steering 0.6Lights 8.1Bodywork 7.46.5 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 9Land Rover Discovery 4Mid-size SUV · 2009–2016Critical severityCrankshaft breakage and spinning main bearing shells(TDV6 / SDV6 engine)Engine 6.4Suspension 7.3Brakes 6.9Steering 8.8Lights 7.4Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.16.5 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 10Mercedes-Benz GLS X167Mid-size SUV · 2019–todayCritical severityLeak in the vacuum-driven coolant pump (fire risk)(OM656 engine)Engine 6.1Suspension 7.7Brakes 8.4Steering 7.6Electrical 7.9Lights 7.8Climate control 8.9Bodywork 7.6Security 7.96.5 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 11Nissan X-Trail IIIMid-size SUV · 2014–2022High severityPremature turbocharger failure(2.0 dCi engine)Engine 6.0Gearbox 8.9Suspension 5.8Brakes 7.7Steering 5.3Lights 7.5Electronics 9.3Climate control 8.6Bodywork 8.46.5 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 12BMW X5 G05Mid-size SUV · 2018–todayCritical severityLoss of brake assistance due to integrated braking system (IBS) fault(brakes)Engine 7.0Suspension 7.7Brakes 7.1Steering 7.7Electrical 5.7Lights 8.4Bodywork 7.4Security 5.76.4 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 13BMW X6 G06Mid-size SUV · 2019–todayCritical severityLoss of brake assistance due to integrated braking system (IBS) fault(brakes)Engine 7.0Suspension 7.5Brakes 7.1Steering 7.8Electrical 7.1Lights 8.0Bodywork 7.7Security 7.16.4 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 14Isuzu D-Max IIMid-size SUV · 2012–2020Critical severityBroken teeth on the camshaft gear (2017 campaign)(Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi engine)Engine 5.7Suspension 7.9Tyres 8.66.4 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 15Kia Sorento IIIMid-size SUV · 2015–2020Critical severityOverheating of the climate control's auxiliary electric heater (PTC) connector on diesel Sorentos(climate control)Engine 7.1Gearbox 7.1Suspension 7.5Brakes 6.0Steering 7.8Lights 7.9Climate control 7.1Bodywork 6.1Security 7.96.4 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 16Škoda Kodiaq IMid-size SUV · 2016–2024Critical severitySteering recall for a pulley safety ring (48P5)(steering)Engine 6.7Gearbox 8.2Suspension 8.8Brakes 8.2Steering 7.7Lights 8.8Bodywork 7.8Security 6.26.4 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 17BMW X3 G01Mid-size SUV · 2017–2024Critical severityEGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fire(BMW B47 engine)Engine 6.1Gearbox 8.2Suspension 8.6Brakes 8.8Steering 8.2Electrical 7.1Lights 8.6Bodywork 7.6Security 9.36.3 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 18BMW X7 G07Mid-size SUV · 2018–todayCritical severityLoss of brake assistance due to integrated braking system (IBS) fault(brakes)Engine 7.0Suspension 6.9Brakes 7.0Steering 7.5Electrical 7.1Lights 7.2Bodywork 7.4Security 5.26.3 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 19Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2Mid-size SUV · 2011–2021Critical severityConfusing automatic gear selector: risk of leaving the car without Park engaged(gearbox and clutch)Engine 6.8Gearbox 5.5Suspension 7.9Brakes 6.3Steering 7.5Lights 7.2Electronics 9.6Bodywork 8.46.3 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 20Tesla Model YMid-size SUV · 2021–todayCritical severityRecall for insufficient mounting of the front suspension arms (built 2020-2021)(suspension)Engine 7.6Suspension 5.7Electronics 8.6Security 7.16.3 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 21Volvo XC70 IIMid-size SUV · 2000–2007Critical severityVolvo XC70 driver's airbag recall: the inflator can throw out fragments(security)Engine 7.0Gearbox 5.7Suspension 7.7Brakes 8.3Steering 7.8Lights 6.9Bodywork 9.2Security 7.16.3 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 22Alfa Romeo StelvioMid-size SUV · 2017–todayCritical severityBrake housing incorrectly fitted on the 2019-2020 Stelvio (Safety Gate alert 9/2025)(brakes)Engine 6.4Suspension 8.6Brakes 6.3Steering 8.6Electrical 7.1Lights 7.3Electronics 7.5Bodywork 7.56.2 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 23Land Rover Range Rover VelarMid-size SUV · 2017–todayCritical severityTiming chain stretch(2.0 Ingenium diésel engine)Engine 5.7Suspension 8.1Brakes 8.0Steering 1.2Lights 8.2Electronics 8.9Climate control 7.9Bodywork 8.3Security 7.96.2 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 24Mercedes-Benz Clase G W463AMid-size SUV · 2018–2024Critical severityLeak in the vacuum-driven coolant pump (fire risk)(OM656 engine)Engine 6.1Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.9Brakes 8.4Tyres 8.6Steering 7.6Lights 8.0Bodywork 7.7Security 6.16.2 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 25Mercedes-Benz Clase M W163Mid-size SUV · 1997–2005Critical severityCorroded brake servo on the Mercedes M-Class with possible loss of pedal connection (2004 and 2005)(brakes)Engine 6.6Gearbox 7.1Suspension 6.5Brakes 6.0Steering 6.6Electrical 8.2Lights 7.3Bodywork 7.16.2 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 26Mitsubishi Montero IVMid-size SUV · 2006–2021Critical severityRight front lower arm with faulty weld (2020 recall)(suspension)Engine 7.1Gearbox 8.4Suspension 7.1Security 7.16.2 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 27Nissan Navara D23Mid-size SUV · 2014–todayCritical severityRear door child lock switch with weak holding force(security)Engine 6.8Suspension 0.9Brakes 3.5Steering 7.4Lights 6.5Bodywork 7.3Security 7.16.2 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 28Audi Q5 IIMid-size SUV · 2017–2024Critical severityCorrosion of the eccentric bolts on the multi-link rear axle(suspension)Engine 6.3Gearbox 8.1Suspension 7.6Brakes 7.9Steering 8.4Electrical 7.1Lights 8.4Electronics 8.6Bodywork 7.76.1 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 29BMW X3 G45Mid-size SUV · 2024–todayCritical severityLoosely tightened positive cable on the starter-generator (fire risk and stalling)(electrical)Engine 7.1Steering 7.1Electrical 7.1Security 7.96.1 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 30Jeep Wrangler JLMid-size SUV · 2018–todayCritical severitySoftware fault in brake system module with insufficient braking assistance (2021 model year)(brakes)Engine 6.4Gearbox 7.1Suspension 6.9Brakes 7.2Steering 7.5Electrical 7.9Lights 6.9Electronics 8.6Bodywork 7.66.1 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 31Mitsubishi Outlander IIIMid-size SUV · 2012–2021Critical severityCorrosion of the parking brake shaft and failure of the rear calipers' automatic adjustment(brakes)Engine 6.5Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.9Brakes 6.4Steering 0.0Electrical 7.1Lights 7.0Electronics 7.9Bodywork 8.1Security 7.96.1 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 32Audi Q5 IMid-size SUV · 2008–2017High severityHigh oil consumption(2.0 TSI / TFSI engine)Engine 5.5Gearbox 6.8Suspension 8.4Brakes 8.8Steering 8.9Electrical 8.9Lights 8.5Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.86.0 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 33Land Rover Discovery SportMid-size SUV · 2014–todayCritical severityDriver's airbag recalls: the inflator can rupture on deployment(security)Engine 6.4Gearbox 8.9Suspension 7.4Brakes 7.8Steering 8.9Electrical 7.0Lights 7.8Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.5Security 5.76.0 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 34Mercedes-Benz GLC X254Mid-size SUV · 2022–todayCritical severitySteering coupling fault with risk of losing steering(steering)Engine 7.0Suspension 7.1Steering 7.1Electrical 7.1Bodywork 8.6Security 7.16.0 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 35Mercedes-Benz GLE V167Mid-size SUV · 2019–todayCritical severity48 V earth cable under the passenger seat insufficiently tightened: risk of overheating and fire(electrical)Engine 6.1Suspension 7.5Brakes 7.9Tyres 5.7Steering 7.2Electrical 5.7Lights 8.6Climate control 7.9Bodywork 7.6Security 7.16.0 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 36Porsche Cayenne IMid-size SUV · 2002–2010Critical severityVR6 timing chain and tensioners(VR6 engine)Engine 5.1Gearbox 6.8Suspension 8.7Brakes 8.4Steering 8.9Electrical 9.3Lights 8.1Bodywork 8.46.0 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 37Volvo XC60 IMid-size SUV · 2008–2017Critical severityAuxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder)(D4/D5 engine)Engine 5.4Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.6Brakes 8.3Steering 8.1Lights 8.0Electronics 9.3Bodywork 8.7Security 6.86.0 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 38BMW iX I20Mid-size SUV · 2021–todayCritical severityDriver's airbag folded incorrectly and may not deploy properly(security)Engine 6.4Bodywork 8.6Security 5.55.9 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 39Land Rover Discovery 3Mid-size SUV · 2004–2010High severityValve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearbox(ZF 6HP gearbox)Engine 5.7Gearbox 7.7Suspension 7.5Brakes 7.1Steering 7.2Lights 7.4Bodywork 6.35.9 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 40Mercedes-Benz EQC N293Mid-size SUV · 2019–2023Critical severityElectric power steering wiring harness damaged during assembly: risk of losing assistance(steering)Engine 6.2Suspension 4.4Brakes 8.6Steering 7.3Lights 8.4Bodywork 7.7Security 5.75.9 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 41Volvo XC60 IIMid-size SUV · 2017–todayHigh severityHigh oil consumption from 90,000-150,000 km that harms the turbo (VEA)(D4/D5 engine)Engine 5.4Gearbox 8.6Suspension 8.2Brakes 7.7Steering 7.9Electrical 8.6Lights 8.8Electronics 7.5Bodywork 7.55.9 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 42Audi e-tronMid-size SUV · 2019–2025Critical severityBattery cell modules with a risk of overheating and fire(Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron engine)Engine 5.7Suspension 7.0Brakes 6.8Steering 7.9Lights 8.1Bodywork 7.45.8 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 43Land Rover Discovery 5Mid-size SUV · 2017–todayCritical severityTiming chain stretch(2.0 Ingenium diésel engine)Engine 5.7Suspension 5.3Brakes 7.5Steering 8.7Electrical 8.6Lights 8.1Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.3Security 6.15.8 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 44Land Rover Range Rover Sport IIMid-size SUV · 2013–2022Critical severityTiming chain stretch(2.0 Ingenium diésel engine)Engine 5.7Gearbox 6.4Suspension 1.6Brakes 7.8Steering 8.7Electrical 8.6Lights 8.4Electronics 9.6Bodywork 7.7Security 6.15.8 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 45Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X166Mid-size SUV · 2012–2019Critical severityBroken swirl flaps in the intake manifold(OM642 engine)Engine 5.3Suspension 8.6Brakes 7.9Steering 8.0Lights 8.3Bodywork 7.85.8 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 46Audi Q7 4MMid-size SUV · 2015–todayHigh severityFailing water pump and cooling system leaks(3.0 TDI V6 engine)Engine 5.6Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.2Brakes 8.3Steering 7.8Electrical 7.1Lights 8.1Bodywork 7.9Security 6.85.7 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 47Volvo XC90 IIMid-size SUV · 2015–todayHigh severityHigh oil consumption from 90,000-150,000 km that harms the turbo (VEA)(D4/D5 engine)Engine 5.4Suspension 6.7Brakes 7.8Steering 1.2Lights 8.7Electronics 7.1Climate control 8.6Bodywork 5.35.7 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 48Audi Q8Mid-size SUV · 2018–todayHigh severityFailing water pump and cooling system leaks(3.0 TDI V6 engine)Engine 5.2Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.0Brakes 8.6Steering 7.7Electrical 7.1Lights 8.9Bodywork 7.5Security 7.95.6 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 49BMW X5 F15Mid-size SUV · 2013–2018Critical severityEGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fire(BMW N57 engine)Engine 4.4Gearbox 6.4Suspension 8.1Brakes 8.7Steering 8.5Lights 8.7Electronics 9.3Climate control 9.6Bodywork 8.45.6 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 50Fiat ToroMid-size SUV · 2016–todayHigh severitySaturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations(1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II engine)Engine 4.8Electrical 6.8Electronics 8.65.6 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 51Kia Sorento IMid-size SUV · 2002–2009High severityCorrosion on the underbody, tailgate and rear axle mounts(bodywork)Engine 6.4Gearbox 8.6Brakes 6.1Bodywork 6.85.6 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 52Mercedes-Benz GLC X253Mid-size SUV · 2015–2022Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(OM651 engine)Engine 4.9Gearbox 6.8Suspension 6.5Brakes 9.2Steering 8.0Lights 9.0Electronics 8.6Bodywork 8.0Security 8.65.6 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 53Porsche Cayenne IIMid-size SUV · 2010–2017Critical severityVR6 timing chain and tensioners(VR6 engine)Engine 5.4Gearbox 6.8Suspension 9.1Brakes 8.0Steering 9.2Lights 8.4Bodywork 8.25.6 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 54Volkswagen Touareg IIMid-size SUV · 2010–2018Critical severityVR6 timing chain and tensioners(VR6 engine)Engine 5.4Suspension 8.8Brakes 7.9Tyres 7.1Steering 8.1Electrical 7.1Lights 8.0Bodywork 8.15.6 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 55Volkswagen Touareg IIIMid-size SUV · 2018–todayHigh severityFailing water pump and cooling system leaks(3.0 TDI V6 engine)Engine 5.2Gearbox 7.9Suspension 6.6Brakes 8.5Steering 7.6Electrical 7.1Lights 9.0Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.7Security 6.85.6 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 56Land Rover Defender IIMid-size SUV · 2020–todayCritical severityTiming chain stretch(2.0 Ingenium diésel engine)Engine 5.3Suspension 7.9Brakes 8.0Steering 7.8Lights 7.3Bodywork 7.6Security 5.25.5 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 57Chevrolet CaptivaMid-size SUV · 2006–2015High severityUnintended engine start with the key in the off position(electrical)Engine 5.7Gearbox 5.9Brakes 7.9Electrical 6.8Security 8.95.4 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 58Volvo XC90 IMid-size SUV · 2002–2014Critical severityOuter ball joint pin breakage that can cause loss of steering control(steering)Engine 5.6Gearbox 5.7Suspension 8.2Brakes 6.8Steering 7.5Lights 6.8Electronics 8.6Bodywork 7.25.4 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 59BMW X5 E70Mid-size SUV · 2006–2013Critical severityEGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fire(BMW N57 engine)Engine 4.5Gearbox 5.2Suspension 8.5Brakes 8.6Steering 8.8Lights 8.3Electronics 8.6Bodywork 8.9Security 8.95.2 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 60Mitsubishi Outlander IIMid-size SUV · 2006–2012High severitySunroof glass detaching because the adhesive loses its grip(bodywork)Engine 5.4Gearbox 4.6Suspension 6.7Brakes 6.9Steering 2.9Electrical 8.6Lights 7.3Electronics 7.9Bodywork 7.35.2 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 61Opel AntaraMid-size SUV · 2006–2015Critical severitySteering intermediate shaft not properly coupled to the column (Antara 2006-2007)(steering)Engine 5.7Gearbox 5.9Brakes 7.9Steering 7.1Electrical 7.95.2 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 62Toyota Land Cruiser J120Mid-size SUV · 2002–2009High severityChassis and bodywork corrosion (sills, wheel arches and tailgate)(bodywork)Engine 5.3Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.9Steering 8.6Climate control 8.6Bodywork 6.15.2 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 63Toyota Hilux VIIMid-size SUV · 2005–2015Critical severityDriver's airbag with an inflator that can rupture (recalls from 2015 to 2024)(security)Engine 5.2Gearbox 7.9Steering 7.1Security 5.75.1 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 64Volkswagen Amarok IMid-size SUV · 2010–2020High severityFailing water pump and cooling system leaks(3.0 TDI V6 engine)Engine 5.1Gearbox 6.4Suspension 4.9Brakes 4.4Steering 7.7Electrical 7.9Lights 6.6Bodywork 7.6Security 5.75.1 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 65Ford RangerMid-size SUV · 2011–todayCritical severityFatigue cracking and deformation of the front brake hoses(brakes)Engine 5.1Gearbox 7.1Suspension 3.5Brakes 5.0Steering 7.4Lights 5.7Bodywork 5.9Security 7.15.0 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 66Mercedes-Benz Clase M W164Mid-size SUV · 2005–2011Critical severityBroken swirl flaps in the intake manifold(OM642 engine)Engine 4.6Gearbox 5.2Suspension 8.5Brakes 6.7Steering 8.4Electrical 9.3Lights 7.9Electronics 8.6Bodywork 8.85.0 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 67Volvo XC70 IIIMid-size SUV · 2007–2016Critical severityAuxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder)(D4/D5 engine)Engine 4.1Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.9Brakes 7.6Tyres 7.1Steering 7.2Lights 7.5Electronics 8.6Bodywork 8.3Security 7.14.9 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 68Mazda CX-7Mid-size SUV · 2006–2012Critical severityTiming chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CD(MZR-CD engine)Engine 3.6Suspension 7.1Brakes 7.8Tyres 9.6Steering 7.2Lights 7.5Bodywork 8.6Security 7.14.7 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 69Mercedes-Benz GL X164Mid-size SUV · 2006–2012Critical severityBroken swirl flaps in the intake manifold(OM642 engine)Engine 3.5Suspension 8.7Brakes 6.9Steering 7.2Lights 8.0Bodywork 9.0Security 7.14.6 out of 10Overall score
- Rank 70BMW X3 E83Mid-size SUV · 2003–2010Critical severityRear timing chain stretch and breakage(BMW N47 engine)Engine 3.6Gearbox 5.7Suspension 7.8Brakes 8.4Steering 9.3Electrical 8.9Lights 8.1Bodywork 7.5Security 7.14.4 out of 10Overall score
The least reliable Mid-size SUVs
The three with the lowest scores and the fault that weighs most in each.
- BMW X3 E83 · 4.4/10Rear timing chain stretch and breakage (BMW N47 engine)
- Mercedes-Benz GL X164 · 4.6/10Broken swirl flaps in the intake manifold (OM642 engine)
- Mazda CX-7 · 4.7/10Timing chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CD (MZR-CD 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