Most Dependable Mid - Size SUV ?

[BLND1]

VW Atlas here 2021 2.0T.

It’s been kinda sorta reliable. Leaking coolant hose, intake valve actuator failure, notorious noise brake issues and a model-wide infotainment disaster.

I bought an extended warranty for a reason. Otherwise it’s a great kid schlepper.

 

[Oldwolf]

Rav4 or Highlander hybrids for me.

 

[IveBeenRued]

Another vote for RAV4 Hybrid or Highlander Hybrid. My 2020 RAV4 Hybrid fit three adults, luggage, and a small cooler for a 5500 mile road trip for me. It was very comfortable, averaged 38 MPG (despite high speeds and mountains), and I could still see out the back window even with all the luggage. I’m nearing 97K miles with zero issues. I just checked the brakes and I can go another 200-300K on the pads at the current wear rates.

 

[GenSan]

We've had a 2012 Highlander Hybrid Limited and put 150k on it before I traded it in for a 2021 HH Platinum. The only problem encountered with the 2012 was a driver side lock actuator motor. The 2021 made it to 125k miles before a deer decided to end it's life on I-39 while I was driving 80MPH. No mechanical nor electrical problems on the 2021. Both vehicles were safe, practical, and efficient as family haulers.

If you want body on frame dependable mid-sized SUV and not a cross-over, than the 4runner and Lexus GX enter the chat room. I own both as well.

 

[GR_CoB]

I vote for Toyota Highlander Hybrid, or Lexus GX460. Plenty of well priced options in Certified Pre-owned market too.

My mom's 2012 Highlander Hybrid crossed 200k miles on only oil changes, tires, wiper blades, etc. The only actual repair it needed is when driver's window got off track due to a factory defect with one of two bolts that hold that window. Apparently a common issue with that generation Highlander, ours happened at around ~190k miles.
Suspension is still good, but my dad wants to refresh it soon for peace of mind, and aims for another 150-200k miles or more.
Between 5k OCIs the oil still drains out cleaner than average.
It gets 26MPG both city and highway, and in heavy downtown traffic has no issues crawling around in EV only mode.
When buying it the options were that 2012 Highlander Hybrid or 2015 RAV4 Hybrid. After test driving both my parents choose the better ride quality and extra power of the Highlander over the extra MPG of RAV4. The ride was too harsh on RAV4, and extra row of seats in Highlander was a good bonus.

 

[lovcom]

In 2025, why would anyone not buy a Hybrid only? They accelerate faster than their gas-only counterparts, and Toyota's are the most reliable, and the MPG cannot be denied. Who still buys gas-only in 2025?! I find it odd that anyone would buy a VW/Nissan/Korean brands...the answer here is very simple.

 

[GR_CoB]

I vote for Toyota Highlander Hybrid, or Lexus GX460. Plenty of well priced options in Certified Pre-owned market too.

My mom's 2012 Highlander Hybrid crossed 200k miles on only oil changes, tires, wiper blades, etc. The only actual repair it needed is when driver's window got off track due to a factory defect with one of two bolts that hold that window. Apparently a common issue with that generation Highlander, ours happened at around ~190k miles.
Suspension is still good, but my dad wants to refresh it soon for peace of mind, and aims for another 150-200k miles or more.
Between 5k OCIs the oil still drains out cleaner than average.
It gets 26MPG both city and highway, and in heavy downtown traffic has no issues crawling around in EV only mode.
When buying it the options were that 2012 Highlander Hybrid or 2015 RAV4 Hybrid. After test driving both my parents choose the better ride quality and extra power of the Highlander over the extra MPG of RAV4. The ride was too harsh on RAV4, and extra row of seats in Highlander was a good bonus.

Update on this.

Shortly after posting the Highlander developed brake issues, limp mode, and P1391 code. Issue is very common on all Toyota Hybrids with higher miles: Internal brake fluid Leak. Fix required a new master cylinder and ABS accumulator (brake booster, but for hybrids). All-in cost was ~$3k through a friend, or $5k at the dealership. Sucks, but still cheaper than buying another vehicle. Runs drives and stops great again now. Suspension may need a refresh now at ~220k miles. We had this SUV since 150k miles, but brake pads and rotors are still close to like-new condition. No idea when previous owner had them replaced, but they barely worn after 70k miles in our ownership. Hybrid braking regeneration obviously helped here.


Before repairing the Highlander we heavily considered replacing it, but after two months couldn't find a suitable replacement that made sense. Don't want monthly payments. But all vehicles in our price range were just worse than the Highlander, often by a lot. So now the 2012 Highlander Hybrid is fixed and keeps rolling on. Original hybrid batteries are still healthy and still consistently deliver 24-26MPG regardless of speed or driving style. We'll check the used car market again once it hits 300k miles.