The Most Dependable Luxury SUVs to Buy in 2025
Investing in a luxury SUV is a significant financial commitment, especially with the rising cost of vehicles. Considering the investment, choosing a reliable SUV is essential to avoid frequent trips to the mechanic. While luxury brands haven’t always been synonymous with dependability, increasingly complex technology and sophisticated features can lead to maintenance challenges. However, several brands excel at offering high-end performance, comfort, and build quality. This article explores ten of the top luxury SUVs on the market known for their reliability and how they stand out from the competition, including their expected maintenance costs and which model years to potentially avoid.
We’ve gathered data on vehicle reliability, maintenance expenses, and pricing from sources like TopSpeed, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports to provide you with the most current and accurate information. Please note that the following models are ranked from least to most reliable.
10. 2024 Audi Q3
Audi Front 3/4 shot of a 2019 Audi Q3
The Q3, Audi’s most affordable crossover, is surprisingly reliable. It incorporates technology and features from more expensive models, offering excellent value. Audi will continue selling the current model through 2025.
- Reliability: Audi’s overall reliability is mid-range, but the Q3 is an exception, with few owner complaints. It also has relatively affordable maintenance and repair costs.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $915 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost Over 10 Years: $12,313 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 1
- Worst Q3 Year To Buy Used: 2020
9. 2025 Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac, Escalade front 3/4 shot
The Escalade is an iconic luxury SUV, and the 2025 model features numerous updates. It maintains its reputation for reliability, largely due to its proven mechanical components.
- Reliability: The Escalade is loaded with features, yet remains reliable, thanks in part to its dependable engines. Maintenance costs are also lower than those of comparable luxury SUVs.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,007 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost Over 10 Years: $13,358 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 0
- Worst Escalade Year To Buy Used: 2007
8. 2025 Acura MDX
Acura Front 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Acura MDX
The MDX is often overlooked in the mid-size segment, but it offers a spacious and comfortable experience with enjoyable driving dynamics. It represents a great value.
- Reliability: While Acura’s reliability isn’t always top-tier, the MDX excels, with few major issues reported by owners. It is also particularly affordable to maintain for a luxury SUV.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $571 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost Over 10 Years: $10,160 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 2
- Worst MDX Year To Buy Used: 2016
7. 2025 Porsche Macan
Porsche Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Porsche Macan
Porsche is renowned for performance, and its SUVs reflect this reputation. The Macan redefined expectations for performance crossovers, offering outstanding sporty driving dynamics.
- Reliability: Despite its performance focus, Porsche has an excellent reliability reputation, which is fortunate, because owning and maintaining a Porsche can be expensive.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,265 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost Over 10 Years: $20,869 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 1
- Worst Macan Year To Buy Used: 2017
6. 2024 BMW X3
BMW Front 3/4 shot of a 2022 BMW X3
The X3 combines utility, comfort, and performance. It offers great driving dynamics and a premium cabin loaded with advanced technology.
- Reliability: BMW is one of the more reliable luxury brands. The X3 is a prime example of its capabilities, though it has experienced a number of recalls.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,034 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost Over 10 Years: $18,408 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 5
- Worst X3 Year To Buy Used: 2013
5. 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Alfa Romeo Front 3/4 action shot of a 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
The Stelvio stands out for its style and class, excelling in the competitive compact luxury SUV segment. Its thrilling driving experience makes it a crossover for enthusiasts.
- Reliability: Despite Alfa Romeo’s reputation, the Stelvio is an exception, exceeding expectations. The lack of detailed maintenance cost data is likely due to the car brand’s rep for higher costs.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost Over 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 1
- Worst Stelvio Year To Buy Used: 2018
4. 2025 Lexus UX Hybrid
Lexus Front 3/4 shot of a 2019 Lexus UX
The UX offers a balance of luxury and affordability. As Lexus’s most affordable crossover, it delivers value with the ride quality expected from the brand, plus plenty of features for comfortable daily commutes.
- Reliability: Lexus is one of the most reliable automakers, even surpassing its parent company, Toyota. The UX has a solid reputation.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost Over 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 0
- Worst UX Year To Buy Used: 2020
3. 2025 BMW X4
BMW Front 3/4 shot of a 2022 BMW X4
If you like the X3’s features but want something sportier, the X4 has a sleek roofline and striking silhouette. It delivers impressive performance for a large SUV.
- Reliability: Sharing many components with the X3, the X4 also makes this list. While it’s more expensive upfront, maintenance and repair costs should be comparable.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $988 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost Over 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 1
- Worst X4 Year To Buy Used: 2014
2. 2025 Cadillac XT5
Cadillac Front 3/4 shot of a 2020 Cadillac XT5
The XT5 uses solid components from the GM portfolio, including its turbo-four and V-6 engines. Its proven reliability helps keep maintenance costs relatively affordable.
- Reliability: The XT5 offers reliability. It makes use of solid components used throughout the GM portfolio, including its turbo-four and V-6 engines. This also helps to keep maintenance costs in an affordable range.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $305 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost Over 10 Years: $9,657 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 1
- Worst XT5 Year To Buy Used: 2017
1. 2025 Infiniti QX80
Infiniti Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Infiniti QX80
The 2025 QX80 represents the start of a new generation. Its spacious, sporty, and comfortable design is a sign of good things to come. Historically, maintenance has been fairly affordable.
- Reliability: If the QX80 lives up to its predecessors, it should bolster the value of this luxury SUV. Historically, maintenance has also been fairly affordable.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $718 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost Over 10 Years: $11,864 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 2
- Worst QX80 Year To Buy Used: 2014
