The 10 Most Overlooked Japanese SUVs That Will Last a Lifetime
When you think of Japanese SUVs that could last a lifetime, two brands typically come to mind: Honda and Toyota. While these are the most common brands with the most popular vehicles, this leaves out many impressive and enjoyable SUVs that could last a long time. Some of the most overlooked Japanese SUVs will last a lifetime and broaden your scope beyond the two most popular brands.
The reliability ratings were sourced from J.D. Power. The 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 J.D. Power’s quality and reliability scores from lowest to highest.
Mazda CX-90
Reliability Rating: 75/100
Mazda
The Mazda CX-90 replaces the old three-row Mazda CX-9 in the lineup by adding a vehicle with a new style, impressive powertrains, and a roomier cabin than the previous model. One of the most important additions to this SUV is the PHEV setup.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder PHEV |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 323 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 25 MPG Combined (26 Miles All-Electric Range) |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds |
This Mazda SUV can easily last a lifetime as one of the most reliable vehicles in the class. It has quick acceleration, sporty handling, and a comfortable ride quality that makes it a good choice whether you’re leaving during your daily commute or want to take the family on a road trip.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $539
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,778
- Total Recalls: 0
Infiniti QX50
Reliability Rating: 77/100
Infiniti
If you’re looking for one of the most affordable luxury SUVs available to you, the Infiniti QX50 is a great option. This SUV has a generous list of standard features, a roomy cabin with high-quality materials, and plenty of cargo space to make this SUV luxurious and practical.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Horsepower | 268 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft |
| Driveline | FWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 23/29 mpg |
You’ll be pleased with the quiet ride at highway speeds when you get behind the wheel of this Infiniti SUV, giving you the feeling you want on the road. The QX50 can be your oasis of serenity on your way home after a long day at work.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $608
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $11,081
- Total Recalls: 1
Acura RDX
Reliability Rating: 78/100
Acura
Maybe the Acura RDX is cheating a bit since Acura is the luxury brand of Honda, but the small and enjoyable RDX is often overlooked. It shouldn’t be; this little SUV is comfortable, packed with luxurious features, and offers the desired tech package for a modern driving experience.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 272 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 21/27 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
The appealing blend of style, comfort, and utility make this Acura SUV an easy choice, especially among overlooked Japanese SUVs that will last a lifetime. The drive is made better with the use of the torque-vectoring AWD system, which makes carving up the curves in this SUV a pure delight.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $497
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $9,987
- Total Recalls: 0
Mazda CX-30
Reliability Rating: 79/100
Mazda
When it comes to good things coming in small packages, the Mazda CX-30 fits this description perfectly. This little Mazda is great for city dwellers looking for a small SUV with premium qualities and plenty of pep in its step.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 191 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 26/33 mpg |
The sporty handling characteristics of this Mazda SUV can be enjoyed on the highway and spice up any driving experience. The thrilling feeling of carving up some curves in the CX-30 is matched only by the style and quality found in its cabin.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $462
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,600
- Total Recalls: 1
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Reliability Rating: 80/100
Mitsubishi
The small but mighty Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is an often overlooked Japanese SUV. It can last a lifetime and be a great crossover SUV to drive for many years. This little SUV fits in the middle of the brand’s SUV lineup, giving you an easy and affordable choice for your driving needs.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Horsepower | 152 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 25/28 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
Mitsubishi packs in the qualities and features, giving the Eclipse Cross a long list of standard features to make it easy to enjoy driving. The addition of standard AWD helps make it an SUV that handles tough weather more easily than most SUVs on the road.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $510
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,470
- Total Recalls: 0
Nissan Kicks
Reliability Rating: 82/100
Nissan
If you want to drive a subcompact crossover SUV that could last a lifetime, the Nissan Kicks should be on your list. This small, practical, and inexpensive SUV is excellent on city streets and gives you the cargo space and versatility desired when you need to carry larger items.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Horsepower | 122 hp |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft |
| Driveline | FWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 31/36 mpg |
You’ll find plenty of driver-assist tech in the Kicks, giving you an excellent package of features and safety items to keep you out of trouble. The impressive fuel mileage makes this affordable SUV even more budget-friendly while on the road.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $500
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,569
- Total Recalls: 1
Subaru Forester
Reliability Rating: 83/100
Guillaume Fournier | TopSpeed
When it comes to overlooked Japanese SUVs, the Subaru Forester might not fit the description perfectly. Still, this relatively popular Subaru pales in comparison to the competition from Toyota and Honda. The Forester is made to last a lifetime, giving you the desired longevity in your SUV.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Horsepower | 182 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 26/33 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
If you want an SUV with an excellent off-road system, this Subaru model could be right for you. The standard Symmetrical AWD system makes it easy to enjoy the drive on the roads and trails when you take the Forester home from the dealership.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $632
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $8,337
- Total Recalls: 2
Mitsubishi Outlander
Reliability Rating: 84/100
Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the most overlooked Japanese SUVs, and it can last a lifetime, but it has a hidden secret that should make it a top choice for many drivers. It is one of the smallest SUVs on the market, with three rows of seats, which makes it versatile and useful.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Horsepower | 181 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft |
| Driveline | FWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 24/31 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds |
In addition to extra seating for short rides across town, this Mitsubishi SUV comes with a ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which adds to its value. The Outlander is affordable, packed with technology, and drives well on any road.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $519
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,519
- Total Recalls: 0
Subaru Ascent
Reliability Rating: 84/100
Subaru
If you’ve got a growing family and need an SUV that can carry all of them, the Subaru Ascent is a good choice. This SUV has three rows of comfortable seats and enough power to haul a medium-sized trailer to your next destination.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Horsepower | 260 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 19/25 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 pounds |
Subaru packs in the quality with the Ascent, giving you high-quality materials in every area, generous ground clearance for off-roading, and standard AWD that makes it easy to take your family to a wonderful wilderness destination.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $617
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $8,472
- Total Recalls: 0
Nissan Murano
Reliability Rating: 86/100
Nissan
Most midsize SUVs come with three rows of seats, but not the Nissan Murano. That causes this SUV to be overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. The Murano continues to be one of the most attractive small midsize SUVs on the market, making it an excellent option.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Horsepower | 260 hp |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 20/28 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
The Murano can last a long time and could be the Nissan SUV that you will love to drive for many years. It fits between the Rogue and Pathfinder, giving you good cargo room, comfortable seats across two rows, and enjoyable driving dynamics wherever you go.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $507
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,810
- Total Recalls: 1
