Most Dependable Mid - Size SUV ?

If you are buying new, probably going with something that is in its 4-5th year of production and has simplest and "oldest" drivetrain that has been trouble free so far.
NA inline 4's should be less costly to fix as well if you are going for 10+ years. Transverse V6's aren't what I want to work on anyways.
 
My cousin gets one every three years (drives allot) and on 3rd - Zero issues … (first with I4 now) …
I asked this question here, and the responses I got. I decided to stay away. Only going on collective thought - how could that possibly be wrong :ROFLMAO: :p

 
I asked this question here, and the responses I got. I decided to stay away. Only going on collective thought - how could that possibly be wrong :ROFLMAO: :p

Sister just bought a 2024 Enclave based on a friend’s 6 year old Enclave being perfect … DiL has 2018 XT5 … no issues …
(3.6L) … Wife’s best friend has 2020 XT4 … no issues …
(that’s a 4 banger) …
Plenty of them at work … I think after the early chain problems got sorted they have done Ok …
Anyway read the thread - reminded me why I don’t come here for car buying advice …
 
Sister just bought a 2024 Enclave based on a friend’s 6 year old Enclave being perfect … DiL has 2018 XT5 … no issues …
(3.6L) … Wife’s best friend has 2020 XT4 … no issues …
(that’s a 4 banger) …
Plenty of them at work … I think after the early chain problems got sorted they have done Ok …
Anyway read the thread - reminded me why I don’t come here for car buying advice …
Any idea on the timing chain improvement year. I am in the "old and cheap" category of car shopping now.
 
Any idea on the timing chain improvement year. I am in the "old and cheap" category of car shopping now.

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I purposely am looking elsewhere than Hyundai / Kia SUV’s , so only American and Japanese SUV’s are in play for consideration . I also prefer a traditional SUV which sits up higher (no new lower sitting SUV’s for me) . Other than reliability , sits up high and has room enough for my wife , German Shepard , luggage , dog necessities and me - then I’m pretty much good .
 
The new 6th gen version has yet to even go on sale.

The 5th gen that is currently still for sale, is without question the most reliable mid-size SUV.
That may be, but it’s really old and has comparatively poor driving characteristics, power to weight, comfort, fuel economy, and space. Unless you need body-on-frame, there are better options.

Given the context of OPs question, they would likely be better served by a crossover. If they were going to do off-roading or lots of towing, then I’d be more inclined towards the 4Runner.
 
That may be, but it’s really old and has comparatively poor driving characteristics, power to weight, comfort, fuel economy, and space. Unless you need body-on-frame, there are better options.

Given the context of OPs question, they would likely be better served by a crossover. If they were going to do off-roading or lots of towing, then I’d be more inclined towards the 4Runner.
The title of the thread states "Most dependable mid-size SUV".

Then he clarifies his wants with this:
I purposely am looking elsewhere than Hyundai / Kia SUV’s , so only American and Japanese SUV’s are in play for consideration . I also prefer a traditional SUV which sits up higher (no new lower sitting SUV’s for me) . Other than reliability , sits up high and has room enough for my wife , German Shepard , luggage , dog necessities and me - then I’m pretty much good .

Old the 5th gen 4Runner may be, but no one can seriously argue it's dependability and reliability. It also pretty much perfectly fits his stated wants and desires. Besides also having the rear roll-down window which dogs love.
 
The title of the thread states "Most dependable mid-size SUV".

Then he clarifies his wants with this:


Old the 5th gen 4Runner may be, but no one can seriously argue it's dependability and reliability. It also pretty much perfectly fits his stated wants and desires. Besides also having the rear roll-down window which dogs love.
There’s really no logical reason to live with all the downsides of an ancient body on frame platform when a RAV4 or Highlander is superior in every way except off road.

If you like the 4Runner, it’s a good suv. People who need their specific capabilities should buy them.
 
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.
I feel like I saw an ad just this week or very recent that Mazda is offering hybrid powertrain for the cx5 or 50 (or both?).
 

What complicates this is there is a bunch of different GM 3.6's. As an example, the Traverse uses the LFY version, where the GMC Acadia uses the LGX. They are totally different designs. With the 2017 and older Traverse, 2015-17 are pretty well sorted. The 2017 and older are tough on rear a/c lines and fuse box corrosion in the rust belt. IMO, I believe the majority of the problem with 3.6 timing chains is poor maintenance. People tend to treat'em like minvans and rarely check the oil level or change oil.
 
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.

CX-5 non turbo engine and non CVT transmission is ultra reliable. (y)
 
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