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Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Used Midsized SUVs

Sport-utility vehicles blend space, affordability, and performance, and used models are a significant value

2023 Acura MDX driving on a scenic road
2023 Acura MDX
Photo: Acura

A 3-year-old used sport-utility vehicle is likely to have many of the same features as a brand-new model—and even look very similar to it. But one thing it doesn’t come with is a price that’s as high. (Of course, 5-year-old used SUVs fall into this bucket, too.) That’s because the fundamentals of car pricing remain the same: New cars depreciate quickly during the first three to four years of ownership.

This makes used cars a great value. And because these SUVs have already been around for a few years, Consumer Reports can tell you whether or not a model is reliable.

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We’re able to do this because we utilize our exclusive survey data, which includes responses from owners on about 380,000 vehicles, to identify the most reliable SUVs, allowing you to make an informed choice.

The SUVs are listed in order of their reliability scores within their vehicle category. All key active safety systems, including forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW), are standard unless otherwise noted.

This article is available to CR members. If you need further assistance in determining the ideal SUV for your needs, consult our ratings and buying guide. If you’re looking for more information on which midsized SUVs to avoid, we’ve flagged some popular models that aren’t worth your time and money.

Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.


Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.