Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Most Reliable 5-Year-Old Midsized SUVs

Consumer Reports' survey data shows that these models hit the used-car sweet spot

2021 Buick Enclave driving on an urban highway.
2021 Buick Enclave
Photo: Buick

Many shoppers choose a midsized SUV because they want a high seating position, all-wheel drive for winter traction, and generous cabin and cargo space. But purchasing a new SUV can be an expensive proposition. Choosing a reliable used version is an excellent way to save money, especially when considering 5-year-old models, from the 2021 model year, which have already taken their biggest depreciation hit.

There’s always some risk when buying a used SUV, so smart shoppers focus on models that hold up well over time. Based on our exclusive Auto Surveys of Consumer Reports members, we’ve identified the most reliable 2021 midsized SUVs. Every vehicle on this list performed well in our original comprehensive road tests when new, and they have above- and well-above-average reliability in our latest survey.

MORE ON SUVs

The one caveat is that five years ago, some advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features, such as forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW), were not commonly standard. That means you may have to do extra research to find a vehicle with those options. We’ve identified which features are standard and which are optional. The SUVs are listed alphabetically by brand.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, this article and the list below are already available to you. But if you haven’t signed up, click below and become a member to access the list and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.

Sign up for CR’s Cars email newsletter to be notified when we post our latest road tests.

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.