10 AMERICAN SUVS THAT WILL LAST YOU A LIFETIME

With no shortage of SUVs on the market these days, there's an abundance of choice for one that can satisfy all of your needs. Over the years, SUVs have become more reliable cars as well as more durable. Many can now run for a very long time especially when they are properly cared for with regular maintenance. With the cost of living rising all the time, the life of a vehicle is as important as what it can offer you in the driving experience department.

Updated June 2023: American automakers have been at the forefront of the SUV industry for decades now. Since they know that the primary target market is families looking to get the most value out of their purchase, American automakers have been improving their SUV platform and introducing new ones with reliability as one of the top priorities. We've updated this list with the latest information about reliable American SUVs you can buy.

While there are plenty of European and Japanese SUVs that are long-lasting, there are lots of reliable American SUVs worth buying. Some may even argue that American SUVs are very underrated when compared to their counterparts. Offerings from the likes of Toyota, Honda, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Hyundai, and Volkswagen, to name but a few, all build SUVs in the United States, making the competition very intense. Nevertheless, it doesn't change the fact that there are lots of SUVs from American car manufacturers that can just keep on going.

The following are some of the most reliable American SUVs in recent years.

We used data from well-known sources like J.D. Power, CarComplaints, RepairPal, and CarEdge to find some of the most reliable American SUVs on the market.

2020 Chevrolet Suburban

Reliability Score: 83/100

The Chevrolet Suburban is the perfect family SUV that lasts for ages. It's a fine example of an American automobile company building something that has longevity. It's definitely among the top three-row SUVs on the market.

2020 Suburban Reliability

The 2020 model is one of the years that's the most reliable getting a reliability score of 83 from J.D. Power, which puts it in the 'great' category as well as an overall rating of 82. Edmunds gave it an expert rating of 7.1 out of 10 in their review claiming that 'it's still the go-to full-size SUV for people hauling, towing or both', praising the strong choice of V8 engines available. It's been around for decades and is as tough as old boots. In fact, in their study of longest-lasting vehicles, iSeeCars placed the Suburban third on its list of top 20 cars with the greatest potential lifespan, coming in at 265,732 miles.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $944 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,306 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls: 3

Worst Chevrolet Suburban Years To Buy Used: 2009 Chevrolet Suburban (Engine problems, worst model year according to CarComplaints.com)

2020 Lincoln Navigator

Reliability Score: 84/100

The Navigator is one beast of an SUV and is the largest offering from Lincoln. It’s got plenty of power that comes from a 3.5-liter 450-hp twin-turbocharged V6 that’s matted to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It may not be as popular as some of the best-selling SUVs like the Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V, Tesla Model Y, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Highlander, but the reliability of the Navigator makes it a long-lasting vehicle.

2020 Navigator Reliability

J.D. Power gave the 2020 model a rating of 84, making it great for reliability. The Lincoln Navigator also features on the Forbes list of 15 vehicles that last over 200,000 miles. Owners of the Navigator on Edmunds give it a rating of 3.5 stars out of a possible 5, with many owners giving it 5 out of 5 stars for reliability. Additionally, some owners on various sites record having Navigators in the region of 270,000 miles. Suffice it to say, the Lincoln Navigator is one very reliable luxury SUV.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,089 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $12,111 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls: 3

Worst Lincoln Navigator Years To Buy Used: 2016 Lincoln Navigator (low ratings on J.D. Power, Electrical problems)

Related: Here's What Makes The 2023 Honda CR-V The Perfect Family SUV

2014 GMC Yukon XL

Reliability Score: 82/100

GMC introduced the Yukon in 1992 and since then it has grown over 5 generations. Some might say that GMC has raised the bar in luxury family SUVs, especially as the Yukon is well known for its dependability among other things.

2014 Yukon XL Reliability

The 2014 Yukon is from the third generation and is one of the models that is well known for its longevity. It's so dependable that a recent iSeeCars study ranked it fifth out of 20 SUVs to have the greatest potential lifespan with a mileage of 252,360 miles. Vehicle History compliments this and states 'the GMC Yukon regularly lands on “longest-lasting vehicles,” lists, with many drivers surpassing 250,000 miles' as well as 'industry experts agree that owners can expect their GMC Yukon to last for at least 200,000 miles with regular maintenance'. The Yukon also appears on Forbes's list of top 15 vehicles that can exceed 300,000 miles.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $655 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,300 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls: 3

Worst GMC Yukon Years To Buy Used: 2015 GMC Yukon (67/100 reliability score on J.D. Power)

2013 Cadillac Escalade

Reliability Score: 86/100

Cadillac is well-known in the car world for producing cars that are reliable and durable. The Escalade is a large luxury SUV from Cadillac able to carry seven people in high-quality comfort. The 2013 model boasts a 6.2-liter V8 giving 403 HP and 417 lb-ft of torque.

2013 Escalade Reliability

It received the award of 2013 J.D. Power Quality Award with a score of 86 for quality and reliability. Owners on Kelly Blue Book gave it an overall rating of 4.3 stars out of a possible 5, with 4.5 out of 5 for reliability. Similarly, on Edmunds, owners express attitudes of the Escalade being a most satisfying full-size SUV and give it 4.4 stars out of 5, many of which gave it a perfect score for reliability. Also in the iSeeCars study, the Escalade ranked 13th place out of 20 in the Greatest Potential Lifespan SUVs section with 224,782 miles. One position above the Lincoln Navigator which is well-known for lasting a long time.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,094 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $12,933 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls: 4

Worst Cadillac Escalade Years To Buy Used: 2015 Cadillac Escalade (Engine problems, 60/100 J.D. Power reliability score)

Related: 15 Things You Should Know About The 2021 Cadillac Escalade

2021 Dodge Durango

Reliability Score: 81/100

Dodge is a name that's mostly associated with high-powered muscle cars like the Dodge Charger or Dodge Challenger as well as pickups like the Dodge Ram 1500. It isn't really well known in the SUV market. However, with that said, some might call the Dodge Durango a muscle car in disguise and is Dodge's entry into the SUV segment.

2021 Durango Reliability

The Durango has been around since the late 1990s and has spanned over three generations, proving to be a very reliable SUV. J.D. Power gave the 2021 model a score of 81 for reliability, putting it in the 'great' category. Owners on Vehicle History have also reported the Durango to last some 250,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Alongside this, many owners on Edmunds give the 2021 Dodge Durango 5 out of 5 stars for reliability, calling it their 'favorite vehicle' and an 'awesome SUV'. This is one American SUV that has staying power.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $675 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,360 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls: 6

Worst Dodge Durango Years To Buy Used: 2014 Dodge Durango (Engine problems, transmission problems)

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

Reliability Score: 82/100

Chevrolet consistently makes very durable cars of high quality, and the Tahoe is no exception. The Tahoe has been around since the early '90s and is still as popular as ever. Like its bigger brother, the Chevrolet Suburban, the Chevy Tahoe is good for road trips and is well-known for its longevity.

2018 Tahoe Reliability

J.D. Power gives an overall rating of 83 for the 2018 Tahoe with a reliability rating of 82. U.S. News ranked it second place in their 2018 Affordable Large SUVs category, only narrowly beaten by the Ford Expedition. Additionally, the Chevrolet Tahoe takes the fifth position out of twenty in iSeeCars study of longest-lasting SUVs, with a potential lifespan of 250,338 miles. Only some 2,000 miles short of the highly reliable GMC Yukon XL which occupies fourth place on the list. When you need an SUV that you can depend on for a long time, the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe is a very good option.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $574 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,302 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls: 3

Worst Chevrolet Tahoe Years To Buy Used: 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe (AC problems, interior accessories problems, poor reliability ratings on J.D. Power )

2016 Ford Expedition

Reliability Score: 79/100

Ford has a big reputation for building some of the best full-size American SUVs. They build some of the most long-lasting vehicles and the 2016 Expedition is one such example of this.

2016 Expedition Reliability

The 2016 Expedition got a 79 reliability rating from J.D.Power which is right at the top end of the average scale for J.D. Power. However, it comes in seventh place on the iSeeCars study with a potential lifespan of 244,682 miles. Speaking to Ford Authority, iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer talked about the list as being a 'list of highly-durable vehicles' and that 'most of these cars are still in use and going strong'. Edmunds' review of the 2016 Ford Expedition also gave it a 4 out of 5 stars rating. In other words, the Ford Expedition, when given the proper care and attention, can last for way more than a quarter of a million miles.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $618 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,443 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls: 2

Worst Ford Expedition Years To Buy Used: 2004 Ford Expedition (Engine problems, worst model year according to CarComplaints.com)

Related: Here's Why The 2020 Ford Expedition Is The Best Full-Size American SUV

2022 Lincoln Aviator

Reliability Score: 81/100

The Lincoln Aviator is smaller than its brother the Navigator, but some might say the Aviator is the best among Lincoln SUVs. It is a midsize luxury SUV that gets Its power from a 3.0-liter V6 engine which kicks out 400 hp and partners with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It's a robust piece of engineering that's built to last.

2022 Aviator Reliability

J.D.Power gave the 2022 Aviator an overall rating of 80, with a reliability rating of 81. Furthermore, Edmunds gave it an expert rating of 7.7 out of 10, with multiple owners giving it 5 out of 5 stars for reliability. According to various sources the average lifespan of a Lincoln Aviator is around 250,000 miles, and with regular scheduled maintenance, it can last a lot longer.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $626 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $11,691 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls: 7

Worst Lincoln Aviator Years To Buy Used: 2020 Lincoln Aviator (interior accessories problems, electrical problems)

2017 Buick Enclave

Reliability Score: 86/100

Buick has decided to focus all its efforts on making some cool SUVs, and the strategy seems to be working. The Enclave is just one of the range of SUVs Buick offers. It's a premium midsize SUV that offers plenty of room with lots of luxury with the added bonus of lasting a long time.

2017 Enclave Reliability

Buick is one of the few American brands with a reputation for quality and longevity, and the 2017 Enclave shows that. For example, Engine Patrol reports that a well-maintained Enclave can last well over 250,000 miles. In their review of the 2017 Enclave, U.S. News ranked it 4th in the 2017 Affordable Midsize SUVs category, giving it a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Also, J.D. Power gave it a reliability rating of 86, with an overall rating of 84. In its class, some might argue that the Buick Enclave is one of the best premium SUVs on the market.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $648 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,660 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls: 3

Worst Buick Enclave Years To Buy Used: 2008 Buick Enclave (transmission problems, steering problems, engine problems)

2015 Ford Escape

Reliability Score: 83/100

The Ford Escape has been on the market since 2000 and is a compact SUV, and being a Ford, it is highly dependable. The Escape is one of the smallest SUVs on the market today, but it does everything so well that it's hard to notice its small size. In many ways the Ford Escape rivals the Honda CR-V and some might say it's even better. Either way, there is no doubt that the 2015 Ford Escape is a car that's got the legs to keep going for a long time.

2015 Escape Reliability

One big plus of owning a Ford Escape is its reliability. For instance, Vehicle History noted in their review of the 2015 model that it 'scores well across the board in reliability and should have no problem lasting a long time'. They go on to say that many owners have recorded over 250,000 miles without having any major issues. This echoes in its reliability rating from J.D. Power of 83, putting it in the 'great' category.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $576 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,721 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls:

Worst Ford Escape Years To Buy Used: 2013 Ford Escape (engine problems, transmission problems, 68/100 J.D. Power reliability score)

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Reliability Score: 86/100

The Equinox has achieved great success since its 2005 debut. The third-generation Equinox debuted in 2018, and it's arguable the best. It has a modern design, plenty of room inside, an affordable price tag, and is pretty dependable.

2019 Equinox Reliability

The Equinox is not only one of the cheapest SUVs to buy, it's also cheap to own. The 2019 Equinox had a J.D. Power reliability score of 86, making it one of the most reliable Chevys out there.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $605 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,616 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls: 4

Worst Chevrolet Equinox Years To Buy Used: 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (engine problems, worst model year according to CarComplaints.com)

2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reliability Score: 81/100

The first thing that comes to most gearheads' minds when they hear the word 'Jeep' is an SUV. Jeep has made a name for itself over the years as one of the leaders in the SUV market thanks to models like the Cherokee and this icon — the Wrangler. The Wrangler has been one of the best off-road SUvs for decades, and it's not slowing down.

2020 Wrangler Reliability

The Chrysler corporation hasn't had a great track record when it comes to reliability. However, the company and its subsidiaries have been improving in recent years, and the 2020 Wrangler shows that perfect with its excellent reliability ratings on J.D. Power.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $694 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,397 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls: 0

Worst Jeep Wrangler Years To Buy Used: 2012 Jeep Wrangler (electrical problems, engine problems, worst year according to CarComplaints.com)

RELATED: These Are The 10 Best Jeep Wrangler Models Ever Produced

2019 GMC Terrain

Reliability Score: 84/100

The Terrain has had a superb run since its debut in 2010 to replace the Pontiac Torrent in GM's SUV lineup. We particularly love the second-generation version that debuted in 2018 and wowed gearheads with its much-improved design, roomy interior, and performance.

2019 Terrain Reliability

Buyers of the 2019 Terrain had to choose between four turbocharged four-cylinder engines, all powerful and reliable. RepairPal estimates that the Terrain costs just $558 to maintain annually, which is much lower than the average for SUVs.

Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $558 (RepairPal)

Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,706 (CarEdge)

Total Recalls: 3

Worst GMC Terrain Years To Buy Used: 2011 GMC Terrain (engine problems, transmission problems, worst model year according to CarComplaints.com)

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