In recent years, SUVs have dominated the market and have become the most popular vehicle type in the United States. There are various SUV models on the market, generally priced higher than sedans. So, which SUV models are more durable and cost-effective in terms of maintenance?
Last year, global SUV sales reached 36.72 million vehicles, setting a new sales record and achieving the highest market share ever. From 2022 to 2023, SUV sales increased by 16%, accounting for nearly 47% of last year’s total global passenger vehicle sales.
Compared to sedans, SUVs are more spacious, with some models capable of accommodating up to 8 passengers, making them suitable for family use. SUVs have a higher chassis, providing drivers with a wider field of view. Additionally, SUVs are safer and offer a more enjoyable driving experience.
Given the popularity of the SUV market, buyers seek cars that best meet their needs. Apart from price, factors such as fuel efficiency, reliability, maintenance costs, and insurance need to be seriously considered to ultimately get a worthwhile vehicle.
The following are five durable and low maintenance cost SUVs selected by the Gobankingrates website. In the long run, owning these models can help save funds. Japanese cars have long been known for their good reliability, durability, and longevity, and unsurprisingly, all five of these selected SUVs are Japanese.
For information on US insurance costs and maintenance costs, the data is sourced from the CarEdge automotive shopping website.
RAV4 offers the perfect blend of economy, reliability, and practicality. Coupled with Toyota’s credibility, RAV4 attracts a large number of new owners every year. In 2023, 1.07 million RAV4s were sold globally, a 5% increase, ranking second in best-selling cars, only behind Tesla’s Model Y.
This compact SUV comes equipped with many standard safety technologies, including dynamic brake control, helping to reduce rear-end collision risks. With proper maintenance, a RAV4 can reach a mileage of 200,000 to 250,000 miles. According to iSeeCars, the likelihood of sustaining 250,000 miles is 18.1%.
Starting price:
$28,675 (approximately NT$934,231.50).
Average insurance cost:
$1,438 annually (approximately NT$46,850.04).
10-year maintenance cost:
$5,531 (approximately NT$181,199.98).
The probability of a major repair in the tenth year is only 16.08%.
Starting price for the 2024 model:
$55,950 (approximately NT$1,822,962.90).
Average insurance cost:
According to CarEdge data, $1,980 annually (approximately NT$64,512.36) or $245 monthly (approximately NT$7,982.59).
10-year maintenance cost:
$6,782 (approximately NT$229,971.12).
Toyota Land Cruiser is renowned for its rugged durability and excellent off-road capabilities. It features 3 driving modes – mud, sand, and rock – to meet driving needs in different terrains. It also has excellent suspension and four-wheel drive systems, enabling easy driving on various road conditions.
In addition, it is very durable, with a 47.9% likelihood, according to iSeeCars, of sustaining 250,000 miles. The probability of a major repair in the tenth year is only 16.08%.
The subcompact Honda HR-V combines unique exterior styling with a well-equipped interior. Through “Honda Connect,” users can easily connect their smartphones to the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fully integrated.
In 2023, this vehicle received a 5-star overall safety rating in NHTSA crash tests.
The Honda HR-V is affordably priced, with an average mileage of 181,724 miles, according to iSeeCars. With regular maintenance, it can sustain 200,000 miles.
Starting price:
$25,100 (approximately NT$817,808.20).
Average insurance cost:
$1,449 annually (approximately NT$47,211.32).
10-year maintenance cost:
$6,983 (approximately NT$227,520.11).
Probability of a major repair in the tenth year is 21.05%.
It is a luxurious SUV, but reasonably priced, capable of driving 300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
This SUV exhibits stable performance, good handling, comfort, and economical fuel consumption. It is equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 9.8-inch touchscreen, and various driver assistance features.
Starting price:
$40,615 (approximately NT$1,323,317.93).
Average insurance cost:
$1,942 annually (approximately NT$63,274.24).
10-year maintenance cost:
$7,136 (approximately NT$232,505.15).
Probability of a major repair in the tenth year is 20.47%.
Mazda CX-30 is a sporty SUV offering great value for a small SUV. It excels in handling performance with a solid chassis, excellent suspension tuning, and stable driving experience, providing enjoyable driving. The 2024 CX-30 was awarded a 5-star safety rating by the NHTSA.
The CX-30 comes with many standard features such as adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert, and intelligent brake support.
Starting price:
$30,679 (approximately NT$999,583.18).
Average insurance cost:
$1,430 annually (approximately NT$46,592.26).
10-year maintenance cost:
$7,249 (approximately NT$236,186.92).
Probability of a major repair in the tenth year is 21.93%.