Published: July 24th, 2013
The crossover and SUV segment is one of industry’s fastest growing, and if you’re in the market for one, chances are you’ll want to know which ones are the most reliable out there. J.D. Power has compiled data collected from surveying thousands of vehicle owners to determine this year’s list of most reliable new crossovers and SUVs not in the luxury segment. Here they are listed in alphabetical order.
The Buick Encore is priced competitively, starting from $24,200 with comfortable seating for five and modern, sleek styling. Under the hood is a fuel-efficient, 1.4-liter Ecotec powerplant with 138 horsepower. Just how fuel efficient is the Buick Encore? It offers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. An upscale compact crossover, the Encore provides luxury and technology at an affordable price.
SEE ALSO: 2013 Buick Encore Review
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a mid-size SUV that may not be in everyone’s budget with a starting price of $40,405. Fuel efficiency isn’t great either, with 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, but what it does offer is possible nine-passenger seating and a ton of room. Maximum cargo space is rated at 108.9 cubic feet while the Tahoe has a maximum towing capability of 8,500 cubic feet. Powered by a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine, the Tahoe offers 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque.
Redesigned for the 2013 model year, the Honda CR-V starts at $22,795 and offers a ton of value for its price. It’s powered by a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque while achieving 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with a five-speed automatic transmission in two-wheel drive.
SEE ALSO: Five-Point Inspection: 2013 Honda CR-V LX
Powered by a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder with 192 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, the Honda Crosstour starts from $27,230 and offers crossover space and functionality while driving like a traditional sedan. Those looking for more power can opt for the 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. With the four-cylinder engine, drivers can expect 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway while V6 owners will sacrifice a tad with 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway.
The Murano crossover from Nissan is powered by the Japanese automaker’s popular 3.5-liter V6 engine with 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque with a starting price of $28,440. It has an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway thanks to its continuously variable transmission (CVT).
SEE ALSO: 2013 Nissan Murano Review
If you’re shopping for a reliable crossover or SUV, you may want to schedule some time out to visit a local Toyota dealership. With four cars on the list from the Japanese automaker, it’s no surprise why Toyota’s known for its dependability. The larger 4Runner is priced from $31,490 offering plenty of space and room for five passengers while maintaining a respectable 17-mpg city, 22-mpg highway rating. The 4Runner is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Toyota 4Runner Adds Rugged Styling, Refined Interior
With its unique styling, the FJ Cruiser has grown to have a cult following. Known for its off-road capabilities, the SUV is priced to sell at $27,030 with a 4.0-liter V6 engine under the hood with 260 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy isn’t its strongest point with 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, but it’s still better than some of its competitors in the segment.
Toyota’s compact crossover got a new look for the 2013 model year and with it is an attractive price of $23,300. Quite fuel efficient with 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, the RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Mazda CX-5 vs 2013 Toyota RAV4
Last on the list is the 2013 Venza, a mid-size crossover SUV with a stylish figure. Its starting MSRP is $27,850 and the Japanese automaker gave the model significant updates for the 2013 model year.
SEE ALSO: 2013 Toyota Venza Review – Video
Two engine choices are available: a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque and a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder offers 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway while the V6 is EPA-estimated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
