Summary
- The Toyota Land Cruiser, Mazda CX-30, and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are among the most affordable SUVs to maintain, with average yearly maintenance costs ranging from $367 to $426.
- These SUVs offer reliability scores of 4/5, ensuring that repairs and maintenance will be minimal. They also have low long-term maintenance costs, making them an economical choice for conscious buyers.
- While some of these SUVs may lack certain features or have design flaws, their affordability and low maintenance costs make them attractive options for those looking to save money in the long run.
There is no contesting the fact that SUVs are dominating the market right now. Everyone wants to own one, and why not? They’re bigger, more practical, and modern ones don’t compromise fuel economy for their size, there’s a ton of reasons why these cars are so attractive.
However, something that rests on every new buyer’s mind when considering what car they’re going to go home in is the price of maintenance. It’s inevitable with big machines like cars that at some point repairs are going to be a necessity and picking something that isn’t going to bankrupt you every time it does is integral.
Luckily, manufacturers know this and there is a range of options for those who prioritize the cost of maintenance and upkeep. Not only are these cars reliable, but they’ll also keep repairs on the cheap side when something does go wrong. From brands with legendary reputations for reliability to new up-and-comers, here are the best SUVs you can buy if you’re a conscious buyer looking to save money in the long run.
Data was collected from RepairPal, CarEdge, and various automakers’ press releases to bring you this list of the 10 SUVs with the most affordable maintenance costs.
10 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser
Average Yearly Maintenance: $426
Over the years, the Toyota Land Cruiser has traditionally always been a full-sized SUV that mixes its legendary off-road prowess with a high-end luxury interior. The Land Cruiser was discontinued back in 2021 from North American markets but it’s back in 2024 as a mid-size SUV this time, doing battle with a whole new set of rivals.
Reliability
-
Reliability Score:
4/5 -
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs (First 5 Years):
$426 (CarEdge) -
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years:
$6,782 (CarEdge) -
Recalls:
0 -
Worst Land Cruiser Year To Buy Used:
2000 (Reliability issues and a ton of owner reported problems)
Any Land Cruiser year is going to provide you with exceptional off-road potential alongside a comfortable ride and tons of space. While its first five years of maintenance aren’t the most competitive on this list, it keeps its long-term costs incredibly low.
9 2023 Mazda CX-30
Average Yearly Maintenance: $381
Mazda has absolutely been killing it lately and the CX-30 is the perfect example of everything they are doing right. It’s handsomely styled, fitted with materials and finishes that are way above its price point, and is incredibly fun to drive, especially when you get the turbocharged models.
Reliability
-
Reliability Score:
4/5 -
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs (First 5 Years):
$381 (CarEdge) -
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years:
$7,249 (CarEdge) -
Recalls:
1 -
Worst CX-30 Year To Buy Used:
2021 (Oil loss is an issue on this model)
The Mazda CX-30 comes in at an affordable price point, comes with a ton of standard features, and will save you in the long run by being reliable and cheap to maintain. It may not be the largest SUV in its class, but if you’re an enthusiast looking for something practical, the CX-30 has a great personality on the road.
8 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Average Yearly Maintenance: $378
If you’re looking for a practical SUV with a quiet cabin and an unoffensive ride then the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the car for you. This compact SUV doesn’t cost a lot to buy and costs even less to own, with repair and maintenance costs remaining delightfully low.
Reliability
-
Reliability Score:
4/5 -
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs (First 5 Years):
$378 (CarEdge) -
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years:
$7,181 (CarEdge) -
Recalls:
0 -
Worst Eclipse Cross Year To Buy Used:
2018 (A number of owners report faulty electrical systems)
The Eclipse Cross has a distinctive style that sets it apart from other SUVs. While competitors may offer more features, particularly when comparing the base model Eclipse Cross which is particularly sparce, Mitsubishi have maximised cargo space and offer a generous warranty to draw you in.
7 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Average Yearly Maintenance: $370
Mitsubishi earns itself another spot on the list with its Outlander Sport. However, while this car shines in terms of its warranties and maintenance costs, it really falls flat in other areas. At least it looks good, though, with a design that is eye-catching and sportier than even its best powertrain.
Reliability
-
Reliability Score:
4/5 -
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs (First 5 Years):
$370 (CarEdge) -
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years:
$7,098 (CarEdge) -
Recalls:
0 -
Worst Outlander Sport Year To Buy Used:
2015 (Tons of owners report high levels of corrosion)
Despite having the word sport in its name, the Outlander Sport exhibits nothing that is remotely sporty or exciting. Its powertrains are incredibly dull and deliver rather depressing performance and the worst part is that their fuel economy is just as mediocre. The only saving grace of this car is that its cheap to buy and cheap to maintain.
6 2023 Honda HR-V
Average Yearly Maintenance: $368
The powertrain in the Honda HR-V isn’t exactly exciting, but it doesn’t have to be. The HRV was redesigned for the 2023 model and Honda has managed to develop its subcompact SUV into an excellent option for those looking for a high-value, practical car.
Reliability
-
Reliability Score:
5/5 -
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs (First 5 Years):
$368 (CarEdge) -
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years:
$6,983 (CarEdge) -
Recalls:
0 -
Worst HR-V Year To Buy Used:
2016 (Lots of instance where the powertrain simply fails)
Honda has a reputation for reliability and for good reason; the HR-V lives up to this reputation in every way. This is a car that will last you ages and cost you very little to repair. The 2023 model also now improves on its looks and its platform making it much more desirable than previous iterations meaning that we’d suggest nabbing the newest generation if you can.
5 2023 Toyota Sequoia
Average Yearly Maintenance: $367
Toyota’s full-size Sequoia SUV has been rather hit or miss over its life span. Some model years just don’t live up to the practicality and the power that rivals in its class can offer. However, there are some good options for those looking for good value, including the newest generation of Sequoia.
Reliability
-
Reliability Score:
3.5/5 -
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs (First 5 Years):
$367 (CarEdge) -
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years:
$6,202 (CarEdge) -
Recalls:
1 -
Worst Sequoia Year To Buy Used:
2002 (These cars had a lot of problems when they came out and are definitely not standing the test of time)
One thing that Toyota has always been able to say is that their cars are incredibly reliable and cheap to keep running; this is particularly true of the Sequoia if you look at its maintenance costs in the long-term. The Sequoia is hard to recommend though unless you can afford the 2023 model as most older models lose out to better-equipped rivals.
4 2023 Toyota 4Runner
Average Yearly Maintenance: $330
If you’re looking for an SUV that is packed with the latest tech or has a modern cabin filled with comforts, the 4Runner is not for you. However, if you’re looking for an SUV with an off-road pedigree that is nearly incomparable, then the 4Runner will live up to all your hopes and dreams.
Reliability
-
Reliability Score:
4/5 -
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs (First 5 Years):
$330 (CarEdge) -
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years:
$5,825 (CarEdge) -
Recalls:
0 -
Worst 4Runner Year To Buy Used:
2005 (Head gasket issues along with a plethora of other complaints)
When you’re off-roading, the last thing you want is to be in a car that is unreliable and with the Toyota 4Runner you won’t have to worry about that. However, you’ll have to do without a lot of comforts as the 4Runner has always felt like it’s a generation behind every other SUV on the market.
3 2023 Toyota Highlander
Average Yearly Maintenance: $325
The contrast between the Toyota 4Runner and its Highlander cousin is incredibly stark. The Highlander is packed with tons of standard tech and its interior is surprisingly high-end for the price point that this three-row SUV enters the market at.
Reliability
-
Reliability Score:
4/5 -
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs (First 5 Years):
$325 (CarEdge) -
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years:
$5,771 (CarEdge) -
Recalls:
1 -
Worst Highlander Year To Buy Used:
2008 (Almost 600 owner complaints on the NHTSA website along with recalls for numerous electrical failures)
The difference between Lexus and Toyota has become harder and harder to make out. The Highlander proves this with its high-quality interior and standard features. Just don’t look too far back through its history as this standard has only been set in relatively recent times.
2 2023 Toyota RAV4
Average Yearly Maintenance: $301
In terms of value for money in the small SUV segment, the RAV4 has always been hard to beat. Its practicality and affordability have always been its bread and butter, able to survive an off-road adventure at a price that most new buyers can easily afford.
Reliability
-
Reliability Score:
4/5 -
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs (First 5 Years):
$301 (CarEdge) -
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years:
$5,531 (CarEdge) -
Recalls:
1 -
Worst RAV4 Year To Buy Used:
2019 (Transmission problems are common on this model year)
The RAV4 has a reputation that is known around the world. These smalls SUVs have been great sellers for Toyota worldwide thanks to their rugged can-do attitude and the fact that they’re so easy on the wallet, both upfront and in the long run.
1 2022 Toyota C-HR
Average Yearly Maintenance: $290
Toyota’s subcompact SUV offering was the C-HR up until its recent discontinuation. If you wanted to move a step up from a hatchback in terms of size and wanted to spend as little as possible doing it, the Toyota CH-R was a great option for buyers. However, there’s a reason it was discontinued.
Reliability
-
Reliability Score:
4/5 -
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs (First 5 Years):
$290 (CarEdge) -
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years:
$5,425 (CarEdge) -
Recalls:
0 -
Worst C-HR Year To Buy Used:
2018 (Many complaints regarding transmission issues)
The C-HR crossover is incredibly cheap to buy and maintain and will cost you very little over the course of its lifetime. However, it’s cramped, slow, and boring. Quite simply, there are better choices in its class and better choices even within the Toyota line-up.
Source
https://www.topspeed.com/best-suvs-with-affordable-maintenance-costs/
