10 Reliable Used Japanese SUVs That Are Surprisingly Affordable Today

Japanese SUVs are well-known for being reliable and easy to drive. Most of the brands from this island nation are also among the most affordable brands, with names like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan leading the charge. When you want a reliable used Japanese SUV that’s also affordable, it’s pretty easy to find what you want.

The reliability scores were sourced from J.D. Power, the fair purchase prices were sourced from Kelley Blue Book, and the ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs were sourced from CarEdge. The average yearly maintenance costs were sourced from RepairPal. General vehicle information and powertrain specifications were sourced from various automakers. This list is sorted by reliability scores from lowest to highest.

2018 Acura RDX

Reliability Score: 80/100 | Fair Purchase Price: $15,363–$21,491

Acura

The 2018 Acura RDX is one of the best value luxury compact SUVs available to you. It has strong acceleration and good fuel mileage from a standard V6 engine. The elevated rear seat provides generous legroom and a commanding view for rear-seat passengers.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

This Acura SUV has more features than competitors at a similar or much lower price. It also provides you with generous cargo capacity for the segment, which makes the RDX a useful small SUV for families to enjoy.

Reliability Factors

Average yearly maintenance costs: $497
Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $9,987
Total Recalls: 3

2017 Lexus NX 200t

Reliability Score: 82/100 | Fair Purchase Price: $15,584–$16,467

Lexus

If you want a used Japanese SUV with impeccable cabin construction and quality, the 2017 Lexus NX 200t is hard to beat. This small SUV also gives you a smooth and quiet engine, generous backseat room, and several high-end features.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

The sharp styling of this Lexus SUV allows it to be a sportier vehicle than what you find in most Lexus models starting in 2017. The NX makes it easy to enjoy the drive and can pull a small trailer to wherever you need to go.

Reliability Factors

Average yearly maintenance costs: $690
Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $7,474
Total Recalls: 0

2018 Honda CR-V

Reliability Score:83/100 | Fair Purchase Price: $15,745–$21,004

Honda

With a turbocharged engine that delivers a combination of thrift and zest, the 2018 Honda CR-V is an excellent choice. The CR-V has a roomy interior with a large cargo area for its class. This comfortable Japanese SUV could be an affordable and reliable choice for you.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

As you look around at this Honda SUV, you’ll find several thoughtful storage areas that can be great for you to have the right place or all of your stuff. The 2018 CR-V benefits from an overhauled suspension that reduces body roll in corners without compromising its compliant ride.

Reliability Factors

Average yearly maintenance costs: $251
Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $7,367
Total Recalls: 4

2020 Mazda CX-30

Reliability Score: 83/100 | Fair Purchase Price: $14,734–$17,887

Mazda

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is the smallest SUV in the brand’s lineup, but it’s larger than its predecessor. You’ll find an upscale interior design and build quality that defies its mainstream position in the market.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

Many advanced safety features come standard in this Mazda SUV, and it offers you the benefits of poised handling and a refined ride quality, making it a pleasure to drive and enjoy wherever you need to go.

Reliability Factors

Average yearly maintenance costs: $462
Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $7,600
Total Recalls: 3

2022 Mazda CX-5

Reliability Score: 84/100 | Fair Purchase Price: $21,062–$26,754

Mazda

The keen handling and steering built into the 2022 Mazda CX-5 makes it a lot of fun to drive. The Kodo design language and upscale cabin provide you with a premium experience at a mainstream price, making the CX-5 an excellent choice.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

This Mazda SUV has an optional turbocharged engine that gives more power and delivers more excitement on any road. Regardless of your powertrain choice, the CX-5 is quiet at highway speeds and versatile enough for a family of five.

Reliability Factors

Average yearly maintenance costs: $447
Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $7,698
Total Recalls: 0

2018 Toyota Highlander

Reliability Score: 84/100 | Fair Purchase Price: $20,792–$25,943

Toyota

If you need a bigger SUV than some of the compact models, the 2018 Toyota Highlander could be the affordable used Japanese SUV that makes a lot of sense for you. It comes with a full package of high-tech safety features to protect your family.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

The strong powertrain of this Toyota SUV delivers good fuel mileage for an SUV that has three rows of seats. The Highlander has good towing power, and it's quiet and politely composed on every road.

Reliability Factors

Average yearly maintenance costs: $477
Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $6,013
Total Recalls: 5

2016 Toyota RAV4

Reliability Score: 84/100 | Fair Purchase Price: $13,965–$17,806

2016 Toyota RAV4 – Driving Impression And Review

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 has a roomy interior for people and cargo; it also strikes a good balance between ride comfort and desirable handling. You’ll be impressed with the tech interface, which gives you the connection desired.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

This Toyota SUV receives updated styling for 2016, adding a sleeker front fascia, a new SE trim with sharper handling, LED headlights, and additional distinctive styling elements inside and out. The new Toyota Safety Sense package comes on some higher trims.

Reliability Factors

Average yearly maintenance costs: $429
Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $5,820
Total Recalls: 0

2020 Nissan Armada

Reliability Score: 85/100 | Fair Purchase Price: $22,225–$30,674

Nissan

The 2020 Nissan Armada has a massive and impressive V8 powertrain with excellent towing capacity to make it one of the most capable and versatile SUVs available to you. The high-quality interior is appealing, which makes this a good SUV for families.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

When driving this Nissan SUV at highway speeds, you’ll be amazed by how smooth and quiet the powertrain can be. There are many standard safety features included in the Armada to ensure you’ll be safe on every road trip you choose.

Reliability Factors

Average yearly maintenance costs: $550
Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $8,149
Total Recalls: 1

2017 Toyota 4Runner

Reliability Score: 85/100 | Fair Purchase Price: $24,736–$32,035

Toyota

If you want to drive a seriously impressive off-road SUV with old-school charm and excellent reliability scores, the 2017 Toyota 4Runner is the vehicle for you. The 4Runner makes its way onto trails that other SUVs can’t even think about tackling.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

This Toyota SUV can be found in various configurations to ensure you have the SUV with the equipment desired. The versatile cargo area and good towing capacity make the 4Runner an excellent vehicle to drive and enjoy on every trail.

Reliability Factors

Average yearly maintenance costs: $696
Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $5,983
Total Recalls: 5

2020 Lexus RX

Reliability Score: 87/100 | Fair Purchase Price: $31,582–$37,659

Lexus

The 2020 Lexus RX has an attractive cabin with top-quality materials and construction, making it one of the most reliable used Japanese SUVs you can find. It might be one of the most expensive on this list, but it’s still relatively affordable.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

You’ll enjoy excellent ride quality in this Lexus SUV that makes almost any road feel smooth and calm. There’s a full package of advanced safety features and a wide cargo bay that makes it easy to load luggage and groceries in the rear.