Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Reliability is one of the main reasons buyers cross-shop the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester in the first place, since all three have built reputations for going the distance. That shared strength makes separating them harder than usual, because none of them are a poor choice.The available data does establish an order, though, drawing on predicted-reliability scores, repair-cost figures, segment rankings, and the simple question of how proven each current model is. Measured across those, the Forester comes out on top, with the CR-V close behind and the RAV4, freshly redesigned for 2026, carrying the most uncertainty for now.2026 Toyota RAV4ToyotaPredicted reliability scoresThe numbers put the three within a narrow band, but with a consistent pattern. On predicted reliability, the CR-V scores 83 out of 100 and the Forester 81, both of which fall in the "Great" range, while the RAV4 sits at 77, in the "Average" band. On that single measure, the CR-V edges the Forester by a couple of points, and both clear the RAV4 by a margin that is small but real. A few points on a predicted scale is not decisive on its own, which is why the broader picture matters.2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport HybridHondaThat broader picture favors the Forester. In segment reliability rankings, the Forester places first among compact SUVs, ahead of the CR-V in third, and the RAV4 well down the order. Subaru also ranks as the most reliable brand overall, while Honda sits in the top five and Toyota, despite its bulletproof reputation, has slipped somewhat in recent brand-level results. The Forester's combination of a top segment ranking and the strongest brand-level record is what gives it the overall edge, even though the CR-V matches or beats it on the predicted-reliability figure.2026 Subaru Forester Adventure Style PackageSubaruRepair costsOn running costs, the CR-V holds the advantage. Its average annual repair cost is about $407, a touch lower than the RAV4's $429, and it carries a 4.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating that places it near the top of the compact SUV class, with the RAV4 a step behind at 4.0. The CR-V also shows a lower probability of a severe, expensive repair, which is the figure that separates a minor annoyance from a major bill. The Forester rates strongly here as well, sitting among the segment leaders without quite matching the CR-V's repair-cost figure.2026 Honda CR-V with Thule accessoriesHondaAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat goes wrong with eachEach model has documented trouble spots worth understanding. The RAV4's recent gas versions saw an eight-speed automatic that could hesitate or shift roughly on 2019 to 2021 models, and earlier examples had a fuel pump recall and a fuel-tank design that made filling difficult, along with some coolant bypass valve complaints. Its hybrid system, now standard, has an excellent durability record across millions of vehicles, but the all-new 2026 redesign carries first-year unknowns since it runs different technology than the truck that earned the reputation, and first-year redesigns historically show more early issues.2026 Honda CR-V TrailSportThe CR-V's signature issue is its non-hybrid 1.5-liter turbo engine, which has a documented history of oil dilution in cold-climate short-trip driving, most severe on 2017 and 2018 models and addressed with warranty extensions, though the current generation draws fewer complaints and the hybrid sidesteps the turbo entirely. Beyond that its problem list is short, which underpins its low repair costs.2026 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWDToyotaThe Forester's boxer engine is turbo-free and simple, but Subarus carry their own history: older naturally aspirated engines were prone to head gasket failures and, on 2014 to 2015 models, excessive oil consumption, while earlier continuously variable transmissions could shudder. More recent Foresters have drawn complaints about windshields cracking easily, which is costly to fix because of the camera recalibration involved, plus some battery drain and climate-control-valve issues on 2019 to 2021 cars. The current generation has resolved most of the major mechanical concerns, which is why the Forester still rates among the segment's best, but these are the items to check on a used example.2026 Subaru ForesterSubaruSo which one is the most reliable?The Subaru Forester. It is the only one of the three that holds the top spot in its segment rankings while also belonging to the brand rated most reliable overall, and its simple, naturally aspirated boxer engine avoids the turbo complications that shadow the non-hybrid CR-V. That combination of a class-leading segment ranking, a strong brand record, and uncomplicated mechanicals gives it the most complete reliability case of the three. The gap between the RAV4 and CR-V is genuinely narrow. The CR-V is the better pick for buyers who want lower repair costs, a smaller chance of a major bill, and a proven sixth-generation platform with a turbo-free hybrid setup. The RAV4 still has Toyota's strong reliability record behind it, but as a first-year redesign, it carries more unknowns right now.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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