11 SUVs Every Smart Buyer Chooses for Low Maintenance

Let’s be real nobody wants to spend weekends at the service center. These SUVs are the ones smart buyers keep coming back to, year after year, because they just work. No drama, no sky-high repair bills, just solid, dependable rides built to last. If low maintenance is your top priority, this list is your cheat sheet.

Honda CR-V

Okay, so, starting with the Honda CR-V like, no surprises here, honestly. It’s kinda the go-to for anyone who wants reliability without (too much) compromise. You get, like, decent space, Honda Sensing safety stuff is standard, and the hybrid version? Man, up to 35 mpg real world, which is… not bad for an SUV, right? Sure, it’s not exactly fun in a sporty way, but you know what? It’s a long-term keeper, parts are everywhere, maintenance is straightforward, and, like, if you just want to drive and not think about it? CR-V, no doubt. Price-wise, you’re looking at, uhm, mid-30s for a new one, maybe more for the hybrid, but honestly, you’ll probably get that money back in gas savings and peace of mind[1][3][5].

Toyota RAV4

So, RAV4, right? I mean, it’s pretty much the Honda’s main rival, and honestly? It’s just as solid. The new ones are all hybrid, which is kinda cool, fuel economy is great, tech is good, cargo space like, yeah, it’s roomy. Not gonna lie, the ride’s not the smoothest, some rivals feel more planted, but, uh, for reliability and resale? Hard to beat. Price’s like $32k and up, which, I mean, it’s not cheap, but you’re getting a car that people keep for 10 years, easy[2][4].

Kia Sportage Hybrid

Now, Kia Sportage Hybrid, this one’s a sleeper. I mean, Kia’s come a long way. The hybrid gets, like, 35–42 mpg, depending on how you drive, ride’s actually pretty nice, interior’s huge, cargo space is legit. Honestly, I kinda dig the styling too it’s a little funkier than the Toyota or Honda. And the price? $30k to $40k, which, uhm, is not bad for what you get. Maintenance? Kia’s got that long warranty, so, like, you’re covered there, but honestly, I think the reliability’s better than people expect[2][4].

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid you know, basically the Kia’s cousin. Honestly, I think it’s a bit underrated. Edmunds gives it an 8.7/10, which, I mean, that’s solid. MPG’s like 35–38, and the tech is sweet. It’s quiet, comfy, and, uh, the price is mid-30s to low 40s, so, yeah, not the cheapest, but, like, you get a lot. If you care about style, this one’s a bit more mainstream, but honestly? It’s a good pick if you want low fuss and decent resale[2].

Acura RDX

So, Acura RDX, this is the “I want luxury but not drama” pick. Basically a Honda with nicer stuff, right? Maintenance is still pretty reasonable for a luxury SUV, and, like, you get a lot of features for the money. Not gonna lie, it’s not cheap think $46k and up but if you want something a little extra without worrying about constant repairs, this is a smart move. Honda DNA means it’s built to last, and, uh, you can probably skip the maintenance horror stories you hear from some Euro brands

Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander, for when you need three rows and, like, actually want to keep the car for more than a few years. It’s a bit of a mom-mobile, sure, but it’s also, like, rock solid. Toyota’s been making these forever, and people just… keep them. Maintenance is straightforward, ride’s comfy, tech is good, and, honestly, resale’s great. Price? Oh man, you’re looking at $40k and up, so, yeah, it’s a chunk, but if you’re hauling kids, gear, whatever, and just want to drive without surprises? Hard to argue with this one[3].

Honda HR-V

Honda HR-V basically the CR-V’s little sibling, and, like, honestly? Just as reliable. It’s smaller, so, you know, if you don’t need that much space, this is actually a super-smart pick. Owners report, like, 150,000 to 200,000 miles with barely a hiccup, and the fuel economy is great—up to 34 mpg highway. Price is probably like $25–30k, so, uh, it’s budget-friendly, insurance is cheap, and, honestly, it’s just easy to live with. It’s not gonna wow you with power, but for daily stuff, it’s a winner[5].

Mazda CX-5

Okay, Mazda CX-5 this one’s like the “I want something a little sportier but still, you know, not a headache.” Handling is way better than most SUVs here, and, uh, the interior is actually kinda nice. Reliability is good, not Honda/Toyota good, but close, and maintenance is reasonable. Price’s around $30k, maybe a bit more if you go for the turbo. I mean, if you care about driving feel and want a crossover that doesn’t feel like a toaster, CX-5 is a cool move[6].

Mazda CX-50

Mazda CX-50 is, like, almost like a tougher CX-5? If that makes sense. Same Mazda goodness, but it looks a bit more rugged, and, honestly, the tech is pretty solid. Price is probably, like, low 30s, and, uh, Mazda’s are known for being dependable and not crazy expensive to own. If you want something a little different but still super reliable, this is a strong dark horse[6].

Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota Land Cruiser oh man, this is, like, the “I want to drive this thing across the Sahara and back without a second thought” pick. It’s legendary for reliability, built like a tank, and people really do get 300,000-plus miles out of these. The new one’s still got that DNA, and, like, every safety feature you can think of is standard. Price? Oh boy, you’re probably looking at $55k–$60k, so, uh, this is not cheap, but, you know, if you want an SUV you can literally pass on to your kids, this is it[3].

Chevrolet Trax

Chevrolet Trax this is the budget pick. Honestly, it’s not luxury, not super roomy, but, like, it’s dirt cheap to buy and dirt cheap to run. Price? Like, $21k to $25k, which is… yeah, it’s a steal. Reliability is decent, you’re not gonna get the bulletproof feel of a Honda, but, uh, for a cheap, simple SUV with low maintenance costs and solid safety ratings, this is actually a pretty smart, no-frills choice.