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Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Used Midsized SUVs

These spacious, practical models have proven long-term reliability without the steep depreciation of a new SUV

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

A 3- to 5-year-old used SUV often looks and drives like a brand-new model, but at a fraction of the cost. That’s because new vehicles lose a massive chunk of their value to depreciation during the first few years of ownership.

Buying used lets you bypass that initial price drop without sacrificing modern features. Even better, because these models have spent a few years on the road, Consumer Reports has the real-world data to show you which ones are truly reliable.

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We’re able to do this because we use our exclusive survey data, which includes responses from owners of about 380,000 vehicles, to identify the most reliable SUVs, helping you 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.