10 Reliable Used American SUVs You Wont Regret Buying
If you want to drive an SUV thats a little easier to have serviced than European models, you might consider a used American SUV to be your chariot. This means choosing from some of the most popular and recognizable names in the market, such as Jeep, GMC, Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge, to name a few. When you find an SUV from one of the American brands that is also reliable, youll have a great vehicle that you can trust and enjoy for many years.
Reliability ratings were sourced from J.D. Power, and average yearly maintenance costs were sourced from RepairPal, while estimated ten-year maintenance costs were sourced from CarEdge. General vehicle information and powertrain specifications were sourced from various automakers. This list is sorted by reliability rating from lowest to highest.
2015 GMC Acadia
Reliability Rating: 81/100
GMC
The 2015 GMC Acadia isnt todays Acadia. This model was much larger and more capable than what you see in 2024. The 2015 version is a large, comfortable model with an impressive cargo hold and tons of standard features.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 3.6-liter V6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 288 hp |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 16/23 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 5,200 pounds |
When youre searching for one of the most reliable used American SUVs, the Acadia can be an excellent choice. This impressive SUV could easily be the right choice, and it has a compliant ride quality, seating for eight people, and impressive crash test scores.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $558
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,081
- Total Recalls: 4
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability Rating: 81/100
Jeep
When you want to drive an off-road-focused SUV with a diverse engine lineup, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the right SUV. This impressive model could have an upscale interior and an impressive package of luxury and technology-oriented features.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 3.6-liter V6 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 290 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Driveline | 4WD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 18/25 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 7,200 pounds |
For 2016, Jeep introduced the High Altitude package for the Overland trim, and the Grand Cherokee SRT received a new gauge cluster and selectable performance modes. This impressive midsize SUV does a little of everything well, making it a fantastic vehicle for every driving need.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $600
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,872
- Total Recalls: 8
2018 Cadillac Escalade
Reliability Rating: 82/100
The 2018 Cadillac Escalade has a lot more going for it than most used American SUVs. This big and luxurious vehicle can tow a heavy trailer while providing you with the luxury features and materials you want to see inside the cabin.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 6.2-liter V8 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 420 hp |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft |
| Driveline | 4WD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 14/21 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 8,100 pounds |
The Escapade is the luxurious cousin to the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The difference youll find in the Escalade is that the Caddy brings you more of everything. Theres more power, bolder styling, and more standard features that make the Escalade the SUV you want to drive.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,007
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $13,358
- Total Recalls: 2
2017 Ford Edge
Reliability Rating: 83/100
Ford
If you want a two-row midsize SUV that has a little of everything, the 2017 Ford Edge is a good option. This is one of the most reliable used American SUVs, and it has a smooth ride thats much better than most of its competitors.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 245 hp |
| Torque | 275 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 20/27 mpg |
The Edge has been one of the best two-row midsize SUVs for many years, providing you with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. Check out the available tech and luxury features that are part of the mix in this enjoyable Ford SUV.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $530
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,193
- Total Recalls: 6
2019 Dodge Durango
Reliability Rating: 83/100
Stellantis
The Dodge Durango is the original crossover SUV, but it has many of the same qualities as full-size SUVs. The 2019 Dodge Durango has a spacious third-row seat, a large touchscreen, and the ability to tow a heavy trailer, making it a capable and useful SUV.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 5.7-liter V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 360 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 14/22 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 7,200 pounds |
The AWD system allows the Durango to handle off-road trails with ease while also making driving on the road in the rain better for you. Some 2019 models have the optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, which makes your music sound amazing.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $675
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,766
- Total Recalls: 3
2019 Ford Escape
Reliability Rating: 86/100
Ford
If you choose the Titanium trim, youll have an SUV with quick acceleration while driving the 2019 Ford Escape. The tech interface includes voice control and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. The steering and handling make this SUV feel more like a car.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 179 hp |
| Torque | 177 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 22/28 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds |
If you want a small crossover that blends performance and utility, this Ford SUV could be right for you. Enjoy the sporty handling, impressive fuel mileage, and decent towing capacity that make the Escape a great option for your driving needs.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $600
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,100
- Total Recalls: 2
2019 Buick Encore
Reliability Rating: 88/100
Buick
The subcompact crossover class has many relatively plain mainstream models, but the 2019 Buick Encore has the upscale build and qualities that make it better than most in this class. Youll be glad to have the equipment and features that give this little SUV an excellent drive.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 138 hp |
| Torque | 148 lb-ft |
| Driveline | FWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 26/31 mpg |
The Encore has a hushed cabin at highway speeds, generous standard tech, and safety features, and its easy to maneuver this SUV on any road. Even at the base model, the Encore comes equipped with features that include 18-inch wheels, roof rails, and a fold-flat front passenger seat, which opens up more cargo room.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $466
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,638
- Total Recalls: 2
2019 Buick Envision
Reliability Rating: 88/100
Buick
If you want the Buick SUV that sits in the middle of the brands lineup, the Envision is right for you. The 2019 model has a quiet cabin and is one of the most reliable used American SUVs you can drive. Check out the comfortable seats and smooth ride.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 197 hp |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft |
| Driveline | FWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 22/29 mpg |
The 2019 Buick Envision has a restyled front end with new taillights and a generous list of standard features for the price. This SUV fits perfectly in the middle of the Buick lineup as a roomy and enjoyable two-row SUV that has lots of room for your passengers and cargo.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $608
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,818
- Total Recalls: 8
2015 Chevrolet Traverse
Reliability Rating: 88/100
Chevrolet
If youre looking for a used SUV with three rows of seats and lots of room for your stuff, the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse could be the right choice. This impressive family-sized SUV has a compliant ride and seating for up to eight people to ride along together.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 3.6-liter V6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 281 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft |
| Driveline | FWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 17/24 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 5,200 pounds |
The Traverse has always been a fantastic midsize SUV thats done a marvelous job of checking off all the right boxes. When you need a reliable used SUV to carry your entire family, it's hard to beat the Traverse and what it brings to the table.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $656
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,123
- Total Recalls: 5
2017 Chevrolet Equinox
Reliability Rating: 89/100
GM
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is the most reliable American SUV from the previous decade. This compact SUV has lots of room in the rear seat, which slides and reclines for added comfort. You can have a V6 in this little SUV, but the four-cylinder powertrain is the more popular choice.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 182 hp |
| Torque | 172 lb-ft |
| Driveline | FWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 22/32 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
The 2017 model saw the LTZ trim renamed to Premier, while the LT model gained two additional options packages, the Midnight Package and the Sport Package. Look for these items when shopping for this Equinox.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $461
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,929
- Total Recalls: 2
