Buy These 11 Crossovers If You Want Long-Term Reliability
If you’re looking for a crossover that’ll stay dependable for decades, you’re in the right place. These 11 crossovers are known for their rock-solid reliability, low maintenance costs, and timeless performance. Perfect for drivers who want long-term value without constant trips to the repair shop.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is like the sensible friend who shows up on time and brings snacks. Around $30,000-ish to start, and the hybrid is worth a look at roughly $33,000 because it pulls 40+ mpg and just… works. It’s not fancy, the plastics are, uh, durable more than pretty, but the drivetrain is proven and the resale value is silly good. AWD is simple and tough, and you’ll find parts anywhere. If you want “buy it, service it, forget it,” this is your move.
Honda CR‑V
So the CR-V is the calm, competent one. Starts near $29,000 and gives you big space for the size, a super-easy cabin, and that Honda “we don’t break” energy. The CVT, I know, people side-eye CVTs, but Honda’s is one of the better ones long-term. Ride is comfy, visibility is great, and you’ll sell it in five years for more than you think. It’s not exciting, but I swear it’s the car I recommend to, like, everyone’s parents.
Subaru Forester
The Forester is the “I hike, but also have groceries” crossover. About $27,000 to start, standard AWD that’s legit in bad weather, and visibility that’s almost old-school—giant windows, easy seating position. Subarus had past engine drama ages ago, but current Forester reliability’s been solid. The power is… fine, not fast, but it’ll take you up a snowy hill without whining. If you live where it snows or you do dirt roads, this is a low-stress pick.
Mazda CX‑5
Not gonna lie, the CX-5 is the one that makes you smile a bit. Starts around $29,000, feels nicer inside than the price suggests, and it actually handles well. Like, “did they tune this for fun?” well. Mazda’s reliability track record lately has been strong—no weird drama, maintenance is normal. You give up a smidge of space versus CR-V, but you gain the “I enjoy driving” thing without sacrificing long-term peace of mind.
Toyota Highlander
Family-hauler mode. The Highlander starts near $39,000, and it’s the three-row that just keeps on trucking. The V6 (when you find one) is bulletproof; the newer four-cylinder/hybrid setups are efficient and still trustworthy. Third row is kid-sized, but the rest is comfy, quiet, and very “we’re going on vacation and nothing will break.” If you want the long game with three rows, this is it.
Honda Pilot
Pilot is the “we need space but also want Honda reliability” answer. Around $40,000-ish, smooth V6, easy-driving feel, and the new one finally looks a bit tougher. Not the flashiest interior, but layouts make sense, and it’s built to survive road-trip abuse. Maintenance costs are sane, and it doesn’t develop mystery rattles at 80k. Great for the “eight years, no drama” plan.
Lexus NX
If you want luxury that won’t punish you later, the NX is the safe bet. About $41,000 to start, but it’s Toyota bones with Lexus quiet. The hybrid variants sip fuel and just do their job. Interior is nicer than the mainstream stuff, obviously, and dealer service is usually spa-like. It’s not a corner-carver, but it’s calm, composed, and—big deal here—reliably reliable.
Acura RDX
The RDX is the “fun luxury” cousin. Starts near $42,000, punchy turbo, and SH-AWD that actually sends power where it helps. Honda engineering underneath means you’re not playing parts roulette. Interior’s premium without going full spaceship, and long-term costs tend to be friendlier than German rivals. If you want a little zest and still bank on dependability, this is your guy.
Mazda CX‑50
Think of the CX-50 as the outdoorsy CX-5. Around $31,000 to start, wider stance, a touch more rugged, and still Mazda-nice inside. Same solid reliability vibes, with better roof load and a bit more ground clearance for weekend trails. It drives like Mazda wanted you to enjoy your commute, which, honestly, I appreciate when traffic’s bleak. Feels built to last without feeling cheap.
Toyota Venza
The Venza is the “quiet hybrid cruiser” that nobody talks about enough. About $35,000, hybrid-only, and it’s essentially a Camry drivetrain wearing a sleek jacket. Super smooth, super quiet, great mileage, and almost zero drama long-term. Not a tow rig, not an off-roader—more of a glide-through-life crossover. If you want comfort and reliability over utility, this is kind of perfect.
Subaru Outback
Yeah, wagon-ish, but Subaru calls it a crossover, so we’re rolling with it. Starts around $29,000, tons of cargo room, comfy ride, and the AWD is truly confidence-boosting. If you skip the big turbo XT and stick to the standard engine, long-term reliability’s better. It’s road-trip friendly, camp-friendly, dog-friendly. The vibe is “take me anywhere, I’ll be fine,” and… it usually is.
