Most Reliable Used Full-Size SUVs — Ranked by Data
17 full-size suvs ranked on complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact, and issue diversity — each one normalized by sales volume. The 2023 Lexus GX tops our rankings with a score of 81/100.
Last updated: 2026-10-10
Most Reliable Used Full-Size SUVs Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexus GX | 2023 | 81/100 | Excellent | 0 | 1.6 | 4 | |
| 2 | Nissan Armada | 2022 | 75/100 | Good | 1 | 6.7 | 3.5 | |
| 3 | Dodge Durango | 2023 | 75/100 | Good | 2 | 3.9 | 3.5 | |
| 4 | Chevrolet Tahoe | 2019 | 74/100 | Good | 1 | 9.4 | 3.5 | |
| 5 | Tesla Model X | 2022 | 72/100 | Good | 0 | 0.0 | 2 | |
| 6 | Toyota Sequoia | 2022 | 72/100 | Good | 2 | 1.9 | 3.5 | |
| 7 | BMW X7 | 2022 | 72/100 | Good | 2 | 0.5 | 2.5 | |
| 8 | GMC Yukon | 2019 | 71/100 | Good | 2 | 12.7 | 3.5 | |
| 9 | Chevrolet Suburban | 2019 | 68/100 | Good | 2 | 11.7 | 3 | |
| 10 | Audi Q7 | 2022 | 67/100 | Good | 3 | 6.4 | 2.5 | |
| 11 | Audi Q8 | 2023 | 67/100 | Good | 3 | 1.5 | 2.5 | |
| 12 | Ford Expedition | 2023 | 67/100 | Good | 8 | 8.4 | 3 | |
| 13 | Cadillac Escalade | 2019 | 66/100 | Good | 1 | 14.4 | 2.5 | |
| 14 | Hyundai Palisade | 2022 | 65/100 | Good | 5 | 29.1 | 3.5 | |
| 15 | Lincoln Navigator | 2023 | 63/100 | Good | 8 | 2.8 | 2.5 | |
| 16 | Land Rover Defender 110 | 2022 | 59/100 | Mixed | 4 | 29.8 | 2 | |
| 17 | Jeep Wagoneer | 2023 | 59/100 | Mixed | 8 | 31.9 | 3 |
Score Comparison
Visual comparison of reliability scores. Longer bars indicate higher reliability.
Model Highlights
1. 2023 Lexus GX — 81/100
Brakes that let the vehicle creep forward at a stop and electrical faults that affect control are the main complaints on this full-size SUV. Even so, it holds up well and sits well above average among SUVs on the site. The 2023 is the year to favor. The 2018 and 2024 rate lowest, but neither is weak enough to avoid.
Best year: 2023 (score: 81/100, 0 recalls, 5 complaints). Average score across all years: 80/100.
2. 2022 Nissan Armada — 75/100
Reliability is good for a full-size SUV, and yearly repair costs run below the class average. The oldest years, 2018 and 2019, draw the most complaints, mostly random no-starts and dash warning lights. Transmission shudder and engine knocking are less common but costlier. Among years with a track record, 2024 is the pick.
Best year: 2022 (score: 75/100, 1 recalls, 8 complaints). Average score across all years: 73/100.
3. 2023 Dodge Durango — 75/100
Owners rate the Durango as a good used buy, and its repair costs run below the full-size SUV average. The 2024 is the year to favor, while 2018 and 2021 deserve caution. The biggest complaint is rear taillights that fill with water and fail, taking the plate lights and backup camera with them. Less often, the transmission drops into neutral while driving.
Best year: 2023 (score: 75/100, 2 recalls, 27 complaints). Average score across all years: 69/100.
4. 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe — 74/100
Reliability is good and close to average among SUVs on the site, though repairs run about $744 a year. Favor the 2024 and avoid the 2021, where valve lifters fail and the engine loses power without warning. Across all years, slipping transmissions and sudden engine power loss on the highway are the problems that matter most.
Best year: 2019 (score: 74/100, 1 recalls, 95 complaints). Average score across all years: 69/100.
5. 2022 Tesla Model X — 72/100
Reliability is mixed, and the Model X sits well below average among SUVs. Suspension and electrical complaints run through most years, from rear tires worn to the cords to screens that go blank while driving. The 2018 and 2023 years are the ones to avoid. The 2022 is the site's pick, while the newest years have had little time to collect complaints.
Best year: 2022 (score: 72/100, 0 recalls, 0 complaints). Average score across all years: 54/100.
Found Your Next Car? Check Its History
Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
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- Title History
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable used full-size suvs?
- Based on our data, the 2023 Lexus GX is the most reliable with a score of 81/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 5 owner complaints.
- How many full-size suvs did we analyze?
- We analyzed 17 models in this category. The average reliability score is 69/100.
- How are reliability scores calculated?
- Every 0–100 score blends complaint severity (35%), repair costs (30%), recall impact (20%), and issue diversity (15%). Complaints are weighted by component type — powertrain and safety issues count more than cosmetic ones — and normalized by sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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