The most reliable budget-friendly SUVs that require minimal repairs

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, J.D. Power, and RepairPal. CarEdge was used to source data related to long-term maintenance costs. Models are ranked based on their starting MSRP.

Side profile shot of a 2024 Lexus RZ

10 luxury SUVs that are cheap to maintain and rarely need repairs

You don’t need deep pockets for premium comfort, thanks to low upkeep costs.

10

2025 Kia Soul

Starting MSRP: $20,490

Front 3/4 shot of a 2023 Kia Soul
Front 3/4 shot of a 2023 Kia Soul
Credit: Kia 

The Soul has always stood out as one of the quirkier options out there, with its boxy looks being pretty controversial. Despite what some might say, we think its looks are endearing. Not only is it one of the most affordable crossovers on the market, though its more like a raised hatchback, but it comes loaded with equipment, and it is impressively light on fuel.

Maintenance and reliability

  • Average annual maintenance costs: $437 (RepairPal)
  • Average 10-year maintenance costs: $7,396 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 0
  • Reliability score: 88/100

Not only is the Soul a cheap crossover to buy, but its long-term running costs are exceptionally low too. Both CarEdge and RepairPal estimate maintenance to be pretty affordable. The little subcompact SUV is also considered to be pretty reliable, so you shouldn’t have to expect to pay for repairs all that often anyway.

9

2026 Nissan Kicks

Starting MSRP: $22,430

Front 3/4 shot of a yellow 2025 Nissan Kicks parked with the ocean in the background. Credit: Nissan

Nissan’s cheapest SUV entered a new generation for the 2025 model year, with a sleeker more modern look and a much better list of equipment. Where the Kicks used to struggle to stand out, the new model is one of the better subcompact SUVs that you can buy. It is efficient and spacious, and when specced right, it also feels much more premium than you’d expect.

Maintenance and reliability

  • Average annual maintenance costs: N/A (RepairPal)
  • Average 10-year maintenance costs: $7,791 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 3
  • Reliability score: 82/100

The 2026 Kicks is an all-new model, which means that you should take the above data with a grain of salt. Nissan has, however, simplified a lot of the mechanics in the car, which should result in a more reliable, more affordable SUV, but only time will really tell. It should also be noted that the Japanese automaker has already issued three recalls for the 2025 model year.

8

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

Starting MSRP: $24,935

Head-on shot of a 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Credit: Toyota

Toyota has given their small crossover SUV a slight facelift for the 2026 model year, with an updated front fascia among other changes. They’ve also updated the standard tech on offer, trying to keep it competitive with its rivals in the subcompact segment. While it isn’t the most fun-inducing car on the road, its simplicity and efficiency mean that it is a fantastic family vehicle.

Maintenance and reliability

  • Average annual maintenance costs: N/A (RepairPal)
  • Average 10-year maintenance costs: $5,831 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 0
  • Reliability score: 82/100

Toyota is a brand that has built its entire reputation around reliability and low maintenance costs. The Corolla Cross certainly lives up to this legacy. Not only does it rank among the most reliable new cars on the road, but it’s maintenance costs are exceptionally low. CarEdge estimates the average SUV costs $2,335 more to maintain over ten years.

Side profile shot of a 2021 Lexus IS

You can get Lexus’ most reliable model for the price of a new Camry

Why settle for mainstream when you can get reliable luxury?

7

2026 Mazda CX-30

Starting MSRP: $25,975

Front 3/4 action shot of a 2020 Mazda CX-30 Credit: Mazda

If you’re looking for something spacious, there are maybe some slightly better options out there than the CX-30. However, if you’re looking for a practical and affordable car that is fun to drive, there are few better options out there. Mazda even offers a turbocharged model that delivers up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Its interior is also exceptional, with class above design and materials.

Maintenance and reliability

  • Average annual maintenance costs: N/A (RepairPal)
  • Average 10-year maintenance costs: $7,836 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 1
  • Reliability score: 80/100

Mazda’s subcompact SUV is a ton of fun to drive, but it is also impressively affordable to keep in good running order. Mazda is an automaker that also often gets overlooked when it comes to reliability, even though they regularly match the quality of other Japanese brands.

6

2026 Honda HR-V

Starting MSRP: $26,200

Front 3/4 shot of a 2026 Honda HR-V Credit: Honda

It may not look very different to last year’s model, but Honda has tweaked their smallest SUV quite a bit. Standard equipment has been bolstered quite a lot, with all models coming with upgraded tech and a better host of practical features. It delivers the same sleek yet simple style as the rest of Honda’s lineup, with a much more spacious interior than you’d think.

Maintenance and reliability

  • Average annual maintenance costs: $301 (RepairPal)
  • Average 10-year maintenance costs: $7,479 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 1
  • Reliability score: 83/100

Honda has a reputation for reliability that is almost as good as Toyota’s, and models like the little HR-V prove it. Maintenance costs on the small crossover are also lower than average by a pretty reasonable margin. Just be aware that if you grab a 2025 model year, Honda has issued a pretty important recall to do with its steering.

5

2025 Mazda CX-5

Starting MSRP: $29,050

Front three-quarter view of a red 2025 Mazda CX-5 driving at night through a city. Credit: Mazda

The CX-5 has been Mazda’s bread and butter for years. Despite introducing the sleeker CX-50, the Japanese brand decided to keep the CX-5 around because it remained so popular. Much like the rest of Mazda’s lineup, this SUV manages to be more fun and engaging than just about anything else in this segment. Its interior is also fantastic. Next year Mazda will be introducing an all-new version of the CX-5.

Maintenance and reliability

  • Average annual maintenance costs: $447 (RepairPal)
  • Average 10-year maintenance costs: $7,906 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 0
  • Reliability score: 82/100

While it may be a little more expensive to maintain than some of the other SUVs on this list, the CX-5 is still cheaper to maintain than the average SUV over ten years. Once again, Mazda proves that they are on par with their Japanese rivals when it comes to reliability, with the compact SUV scoring well when it comes to build quality.

Front 3/4 shot of a 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring

10 Small Crossovers With Roomy Interiors And Affordable Running Costs

These small crossovers offer surprising interior space and low running costs, making them perfect for budget-conscious drivers who need practicality.

4

2026 Nissan Rogue

Starting MSRP: $29,090

Static front 3/4 shot of a silver 2024 Nissan Rogue. Credit: Nissan

The compact SUV segment is one of the most competitive segments in the automotive world right now. It can be hard to stand out in a sea of great rivals. However, Nissan keeps to its roots with the Rogue which works fantastically, delivering an upscale interior and a rugged-looking exterior. If you want a near-luxury SUV, the Rogue should definitely be on your list of potential choices.

Maintenance and reliability

  • Average annual maintenance costs: $467 (RepairPal)
  • Average 10-year maintenance costs: $7,987 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 1
  • Reliability score: 84/100

Both RepairPal and CarEdge estimate that the Rogue is one of the more affordable SUVs out there when it comes to maintenance costs. CarEdge also estimates that there is only a 22 percent chance that any single repair in the Rogue’s first ten years will cost more than $500.

3

2025 Toyota RAV4

Starting MSRP: $29,800

Static front 3/4 shot of a red 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV XSE parked outside of a modern building. Credit: Toyota

The RAV4 is the best-selling SUV in the United States, and has been for a number of years in a row. Toyota has found a fantastic level of success with this compact SUV thanks to its simple and affordable approach. Practicality and ease-of-use are put above all else in this crossover. If it is on your radar, it might be worth waiting for the long-anticipated next generation model slated for next year.

Maintenance and reliability

  • Average annual maintenance costs: $429 (RepairPal)
  • Average 10-year maintenance costs: $6,005 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 2
  • Reliability score: 77/100

If you’re looking for a compact SUV, with more space for the family, the RAV4 is easily one of the most affordable options there is. CarEdge estimates that there is a 16.6 percent chance that any repair in the first ten years will cost more than $500. Despite their reputation for quality, there are two recalls out for the 2025 RAV4, both to do with its infotainment and gauge cluster screens.

2

2026 Honda CR-V

Starting MSRP: $30,920

Dynamic front 3/4 shot of a gray 2026 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid driving in a city in the rain. Credit: Honda

Chasing the RAV4 closely in sales, the CR-V is another compact SUV that has found fantastic levels of success. In our opinion, it does everything that the RAV4 does and more. Not only is it spacious and packed with practical features, but it delivers a driving experience that is more refined and generally more enjoyable.

Maintenance and reliability

  • Average annual maintenance costs: $407 (RepairPal)
  • Average 10-year maintenance costs: $7,636 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 1
  • Reliability score: 83/100

The CR-V might be a little more expensive than the RAV4 when it comes to maintenance, but it is still well below the average for this segment. Honda also quite easily matches Toyota when it comes to reliability, with the CR-V actually scoring higher than the RAV4.

Dynamic front 3/4 shot of a silver 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 driving on a country road.

These Cars Have The Lowest Long Term Maintenance Costs

Tired of surprise repair bills? These cars are built to last and keep costs down, making them the smartest picks for long-term ownership.

1

Lexus UX

Starting MSRP: $38,035

Static front 3/4 shot of a blue 2026 Lexus UX Hybrid F-SPORT parked outside of a garage. Credit: Lexus

While the UX may be a little more expensive than some of the other cars on this list, it is the most affordable luxury crossover on the market, which we think earns it a spot. This little hybrid SUV is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something a little more premium, with all the tech and features you’d expect from a car with the Lexus badge. It is also among the most efficient hybrids on the market.

Maintenance and reliability

  • Average annual maintenance costs: N/A (RepairPal)
  • Average 10-year maintenance costs: $7,516 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 0
  • Reliability score: 80/100

Despite being a luxury SUV, the UX is impressively affordable to maintain. In fact, its estimated ten-year maintenance costs are lower than many of the other mainstream vehicles on this list. Lexus also has one of the best reputations out there for reliability, often actually pulling ahead of Toyota.

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