The 9 Most Reliable Midsize SUVs You Can Buy And Keep Past 200,000 Miles
Consumer Reports’ 2026 reliability data exposes a stark split in the midsize SUV market. Toyota, Subaru, and Lexus dominate with proven incremental designs, while aggressive redesigns by Mazda and several GM nameplates caused significant reliability declines. JD Power’s 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study shows plug-in hybrids average 281 problems per 100 vehicles—83 more than conventional gasoline vehicles. An iSeeCars study analyzing over 400 million vehicles found that Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura are among the top brands with above-average predicted chances of reaching 250,000 miles. iSeeCars longevity data confirms the Toyota Highlander, Honda CR-V, and Acura MDX frequently last past 200,000 miles.
1. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid earns above-average predicted reliability by building hybrid powertrains on established platforms with proven manufacturing processes. The strategy delivers impressive fuel economy while supporting strong resale value over five years of ownership. Toyota prioritizes stability over flashy innovation, refining proven architectures across multiple generations before introducing simultaneous major changes. This conservative approach vindicates itself through decades of reliability leadership. The Highlander Hybrid also ranks among the top SUVs most likely to reach 200,000 miles in iSeeCars’ longevity data.
2. Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano earned most dependable midsize SUV designation for the second consecutive year in JD Power’s 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study. Surveying original owners across 184 specific problem areas, the study validates Nissan’s platform strategy prioritizing evolution over revolution. The Murano occupies the sweet spot between compact crossovers and three-row flagships, avoiding excessive feature clustering while maintaining practical family functionality.
3. Honda Passport
The Honda Passport is a midsize two-row SUV that Consumer Reports expects to be much more reliable than the average new car for 2026. Powered by Honda’s proven 3.5-liter V6—the same engine family found in the Pilot and Ridgeline, both of which appear on longevity lists for reaching 200,000 miles—the Passport delivers rugged capability without hybrid complexity. Honda ranks as the third longest-lasting brand—and the second longest-lasting automaker—behind Toyota in iSeeCars’ brand longevity data, and the Passport earned top-tier IIHS safety ratings, combining long-term durability with occupant protection for families planning extended ownership.
4. Lexus RX
Lexus secured the top reliability position among premium brands in JD Power’s 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study, marking its fourth consecutive year in that position. This establishes generational consistency that justifies premium pricing. The RX shares Toyota’s incremental redesign philosophy, spreading innovation across generations rather than clustering untested technologies. This approach builds customer confidence and resale value advantages, demonstrating that reliability leadership compounds over time when aligned with actual engineering maturity.
5. Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent carries no recalls for the 2026 model year and features a turbocharged engine architecture proven reliable across Subaru’s lineup. While showing only average reliability compared to Subaru’s top performers like the Crosstrek, the Ascent demonstrates platform stability enabling reliable component integration even as engines evolve. Subaru ranks second overall in Consumer Reports’ brand reliability rankings behind Toyota and ahead of Lexus.
6. Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
The second-generation Palisade arrives ahead of Kia Telluride’s redesign, producing 329 horsepower with improved reliability over the previous generation. Hyundai’s comprehensive warranty coverage mitigates concerns about hybrid complexity, though buyers should recognize battery systems introduce additional failure points. RepairPal ratings confirm the Palisade represents solid value in the midsize segment for families prioritizing space and warranty protection.
7. Kia Sorento Hybrid
Kia’s Sorento hybrid introduces battery complexity but has proven solid with Kia’s industry-leading warranty coverage providing financial protection against potential failures. The platform benefits from Kia’s corporate relationship with Hyundai, sharing engineering resources while maintaining distinct styling. Consumer Reports data suggests Kia’s warranty commitment addresses reliability concerns that accompany hybrid powertrain adoption in competitive segments.
8. Acura MDX
The Acura MDX delivers average reliability with performance dynamics in the Type-S variant appealing to driving enthusiasts seeking Honda’s engineering reputation. While not matching Toyota or Lexus in predicted reliability scores, the MDX represents Honda’s luxury positioning with proven V6 powertrains. The platform avoids the plug-in hybrid complexity plaguing competitors, maintaining mechanical simplicity that supports long-term ownership viability. The MDX also appears on iSeeCars’ list of longest-lasting SUVs, with a higher-than-average predicted chance of reaching 250,000 miles.
9. Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander earned above-average predicted reliability from Consumer Reports for 2026, ranking as the top midsize SUV in CR’s annual vehicle recommendations with a score of 88 for the hybrid version. Consumer Reports named it the best midsize SUV of 2026, combining three-row seating capacity with Toyota’s proven powertrain architecture. The Grand Highlander shares the Highlander’s incremental engineering philosophy while offering expanded interior space, demonstrating how platform evolution on stable foundations delivers reliable family transportation without compromising capability.
Sources:
“2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).” J.D. Power, 11 Feb 2026.
“Longest Lasting Cars: Vehicles Likely To Hit 250,000 Miles Per New Study.” Forbes (summarizing iSeeCars.com Longest-Lasting Cars study), 13 Aug 2024.
“The iSeeCars Longest-Lasting Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Minivans.” iSeeCars, 6 Oct 2025.
“Toyota Grand Highlander Ranked Top SUV by Consumer Reports.” USA Today, 11 Feb 2026.
