Starting to look at non - luxury , mid - size SUV’s from manufactures outside of Hyundai / Kia which are known to be dependable (especially engines and drive trains) . I’ll probably go with a hybrid engine as well . On my short list to date are the Toyota Highlander and possibly the Mazda CX-5 / CX-9 (wish there was a CX- 7 size ). Your opinions snd experiences based on the above criteria ?
Most Dependable Mid - Size SUV ?
- Thread starter ChrisD46
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Mazda's 2.5 SkyActiv NA and 6speed auto are well known for durability. The CX-5 and CX-50 both come equipped with that drivetrain. I bought a 24 CX-50 Turbo, and it's now got 25k miles on it. No regrets.
Are you looking for a midsize 2 row or 3 row?
Are you looking to buy new or preowned?
Keep in mind that your question refers to midsized not compact.
Vehicles are getting larger(in their segment) these days and the compact SUV's are getting quite large, often confusing customers to the segment that they play in.
Mazda doesn't currently have a hybrid yet however their driving dynamics, quality, materials, coachwork are really good with good reliability as well. Can't go wrong with Mazda. I just think that Mazda suffers a bit in fuel economy but they're competitive in the gas only segment.
Toyota's are more about reliability and less so in those other areas. Toyota's are kind of boring and just there. They too have good quality(I find Honda & Mazda to be better) but I find Toyota's to be Ho-hum. But they get the job done!
The Mazda CX-5/50 are in the compact SUV segment whereas the the CX-70/90(2/3 row) are in the midsize segment.
Same with the, e.g., Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 which are considered compact.
Whereas the Honda Passport/Pilot(2/3 row) and Toyota Crown Insignia & Highlander(2 & 3 row) are midsize.
According to Consumer Reports, Toyota/Lexus are most likely to be your best bet for reliability(even though Toyota is experiencing issues) and their hybrid vehicles takes that reliability up a notch.
Are you looking to buy new or preowned?
Keep in mind that your question refers to midsized not compact.
Vehicles are getting larger(in their segment) these days and the compact SUV's are getting quite large, often confusing customers to the segment that they play in.
Mazda doesn't currently have a hybrid yet however their driving dynamics, quality, materials, coachwork are really good with good reliability as well. Can't go wrong with Mazda. I just think that Mazda suffers a bit in fuel economy but they're competitive in the gas only segment.
Toyota's are more about reliability and less so in those other areas. Toyota's are kind of boring and just there. They too have good quality(I find Honda & Mazda to be better) but I find Toyota's to be Ho-hum. But they get the job done!
The Mazda CX-5/50 are in the compact SUV segment whereas the the CX-70/90(2/3 row) are in the midsize segment.
Same with the, e.g., Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 which are considered compact.
Whereas the Honda Passport/Pilot(2/3 row) and Toyota Crown Insignia & Highlander(2 & 3 row) are midsize.
According to Consumer Reports, Toyota/Lexus are most likely to be your best bet for reliability(even though Toyota is experiencing issues) and their hybrid vehicles takes that reliability up a notch.
Your asking an impossible question since your buying a new car and so there isn't enough history. For example Toyota has long had a reputation of reliability - except the current Highlander has the T24A-FTS engine, which is the same engine as the Tacoma which everyone is complaining about 
Mazda 2.5 has had class actions with coolant leaks and valve stem seals. Given its been around since 2016 one would think they have those all fixed, but again, were all inferring.
Of course, many owners of these vehicles have never seen these problems either.
Those two are probably as good of choices as you can make, but as with any newer platform, you pays your money and takes your pick.
Mazda 2.5 has had class actions with coolant leaks and valve stem seals. Given its been around since 2016 one would think they have those all fixed, but again, were all inferring.
Of course, many owners of these vehicles have never seen these problems either.
Those two are probably as good of choices as you can make, but as with any newer platform, you pays your money and takes your pick.
wemay
Site Donor 2023
Our '22 Palisade has been wonderful. Going on 4yrs now. One recall for the tow hitch and not a single other issue or complaint.
We've had our VW Tiguan for 4 years and nary a hiccup except a battery replacement last month. Classified as a compact, but room more like a midsize. All US models have a 3rd row, but it's kinda small. No hybrid drivetrain, but a decent 2.0 turbo gas engine. Dependable? Our's is as the day is long. But, VW. So could be a crapshoot. If I were to look outside something Wolfsburg-ish, I would head to my local Mazda dealer and poke around.
Honda Pilot is left out of your list.
It's not a small vehicle....
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
I’d probably get the hybrid decision made bcs that will probably drive you to one make …
Your leaning towards a hybrid may rule out Honda, but if the Pilot is too big check out its baby brother the Passport.
Not sure what size category the Chevy Traverse falls into but it's smaller than my Suburban. We bought a new Traverse in 2021. Car has been fantastic. I had one small issue with one of the headlights but I have it sorted now.
Is the 4 cylinder they use now reliable? Its been around for a while at least. The V6 in the earlier ones was absolutely abysmal.
Ours is a V6. It's been trouble free.
Cayenne
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Correkt.
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Mazda CX-5 without cylinder deactivation, Toyota RAV4, Honda Pilot/Passport with VCM muzzler and with 30k transmission fluid changes.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Hard to say. I believe it's an all new engine. I've read that this 2.5T is from the 2.7T family. They went from a 9 to an 8spd transmission as well. Over on a Traverse forum I frequent, there's 2 instances of owners getting a "cold start misfire" MIL that supposedly dealers and GM cannot yet figure out. No noticeable issues other than the CEL on.
If you poke around, the 2018-2023 Traverse has shown to be pretty darn reliable. Some 2018-19's had torque converter shudder issues requiring TC replacement, but that was hit/miss.
Ours 2021 LS AWD has been fantastic. Bought it used with ~32K miles. Currently at 45K.
