The 9 Most Reliable Midsize SUVs You Can Buy
- - The 9 Most Reliable Midsize SUVs You Can Buy
Danielle GibsonFebruary 17, 2026 at 8:05 PM
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We understand that selecting a new car is a huge financial decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. That's why it's essential to research and do your homework to make the right car owner moves.
Drivers are spending an average of $936 per year on basic maintenance and repair costs, or about $4,680 during the first five years of ownership. Plus, buyers are looking at spending an average of $2,449 on fuel each year, or close to $12,245 over the course of five years, according to ConsumerAffairs.
It's important to keep factors like fuel economy and maintenance requirements top of mind when selecting a vehicle that is not only affordable but also costs less to own over time. Here's a look at nine midsize SUVs that show to be sound investment decisions when it comes to owning an SUV that'll cost you less in the long run.
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1. 2025 GMC Acadia
2025 gmc acadia
Courtesy of GMC
MSRP: $43,000 to $56,100
The 2025 GMC Acadia is a sleek midsize SUV that can seat up to eight passengers. One of the biggest financial perks when it comes to owning an Acadia is that it still holds 49% of its value after five years of ownership, which is above average for the segment. Another key benefit is that the Acadia averages 23 MPG combined, which means buyers can expect to pay about $2,009 in annual fuel costs, not too bad for a reliable midsize SUV.
In addition, the Acadia earns an iSeeCars overall score of 7.8 out of 10, with ratings of 7.7 for reliability, 7.6 for value retention, and 8.0 for safety. Beyond the numbers, the Acadia also ranks first in several comfort categories: most comfortable crossover SUVs, most comfortable SUVs with three rows, and most comfortable midsize SUVs.
Overall, the Acadia ranks well in the midsize SUV market, and the data indicates that owning an Acadia is a sound investment decision, given that the SUV will likely cost you less to own over time.
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2. 2025 Mazda CX-90
2025 mazda cx 90
Courtesy of Mazda
MSRP: $38,045 to $56,650
A stylish three-row SUV that blends performance with practicality, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 is a sound financial investment for anyone looking for an SUV that will cost less over time. One of the key financial benefits of owning a CX-90 is that it will only depreciate by about 53% during the first five years of ownership. Now, that's an amazing rate for the class.
Plus, the CX-90 is well-known for providing its occupants with an upscale interior and comfort to match. In fact, the CX-90 was even rated first of six in the best off-road 6-seater SUVs. Maybe even more impressively, the CX-90 earns a 10 out of 10 in its overall iSeeCars safety score. Thus, this CX-90's combination of long-term value and reliability makes it a strong choice in the SUV market.
3. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2025 jeep grand cherokee
Courtesy of Jeep
MSRP: $36,495 to $63,040
A versatile SUV renowned for its off-roading abilities, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee strikes a solid balance between rugged capabilities and upscale comfort. Plus, it's a sound vehicle investment. Averaging 22 MPG combined, Grand Cherokee owners can expect to pay about $10,500 for fuel over five years of ownership and around $3,512 in basic maintenance costs during the first five years of ownership.
Along with costing less over time, Grand Cherokee owners can also rest assured that they are buying an SUV that is backed by reliability and safety. The Grand Cherokee has earned an iSeeCars overall score of 8.0 out of 10, with ratings of 7.6 for reliability, 7.6 for value retention, and 8.8 for safety. This SUV was also named second out of 22 in the category of best American crossover SUVs and third out of 16 in the category of best midsize SUVs under $40k.
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4. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
2025 hyundai santa fe
Courtesy of Hyundai
MSRP: $34,200 to $48,550
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe seats six to seven passengers and was named first out of six in the category of 6-seater SUVs with the most legroom. The Santa Fe also earned an 8.1 out of 10 in its overall iSeeCars reliability score, earning a 7.7 in reliability, a 7.9 in value retention, and an impressive 8.7 in safety.
One way Santa Fe proves to cost less over time is through its lower-than-average maintenance costs. Santa Fe owners can expect to pay about $2,791 in ownership costs during the first five years, which is less than the industry average for rival SUV models by about $828.
Additionally, the Santa Fe offers solid gas mileage, averaging 23 MPG combined. This means owners can expect to pay around $9,625 for fuel over five years, or around $1,925 per year. At the end of the day, the Santa Fe's blend of long-term affordable ownership, safety, and overall performance ensures it will be a wise investment decision that won't drain your wallet over time.
5. 2025 Toyota 4Runner
2025 toyota 4runner
Courtesy of Toyota
MSRP: $40,770 to $57,400
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner ranks first out of 32 rivals in the category of most reliable SUVs. The 4Runner further proves to be a wise investment decision, given that its maintenance costs average $2,097 over the first five years. Additionally, the data suggests that there is only a 17% chance that this SUV will require a major repair within its first five years, which is 8% lower than its rivals in the segment.
This off-roading icon seats five passengers and was even named first among 55 rivals in the category of 5-seater SUVs with the best resale value, as well as first out of 32 in the category of midsize SUVs with the best resale value. In addition, the 4Runner was given an overall iSeeCars score of 8.1 out of 10, earning an 8.3 in reliability, an impressive 9.1 in value retention, and a 7.0 in safety.
6. 2025 Honda Pilot
2025 honda pilot
Courtesy of Honda
MSRP: $40,200 to $54,580
Owning a Pilot makes financial sense for anyone looking for an SUV that will cost less over time. For one, its first five-year maintenance costs average out to be about $2,548. In addition, the Honda Pilot holds 52% of its value after five years, which is pretty solid for the segment.
The Honda Pilot has also earned an impressive overall iSeeCars score of 8.3. The SUV was given an 8.0 in reliability, a 7.9 in value retention, and an impressive 9.0 in safety. Add in its roomy three-row interior and that strong safety record, and the Pilot remains one of the most dependable long-term investments among midsize SUVs.
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7. 2025 Ford Explorer
2025 ford explorer
Courtesy of Ford
MSRP: $40,050 to $56,770
When it comes to holding value, the 2025 Ford Explorer is worth its weight in gold. The SUV earned the top spot among 22 rivals in the category of best American crossover SUVs. The Explorer also received an exceptional overall iSeeCars rating of 8.4 out of 10, earning a 7.5 in reliability, a 7.6 in value retention, and an impressive 10 out of 10 in safety.
The Explorer also averages 22 MPG combined, which means drivers can expect to pay approximately $1,925 in fuel costs per year. In addition, owners can expect to pay around $3,105 in maintenance costs during the first five years of ownership. Thus, with its strong safety record and competitive cost of ownership, the Explorer is a wise investment choice with practicality top of mind.
8. 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
2025 nissan pathfinder
Courtesy of Nissan
MSRP: $36,400 to $50,640
This spacious SUV has the ability to seat seven to eight passengers and has also earned superior ratings, being named first out of 67 rivals in two different categories: Best Family Crossover SUVs and Safest Crossover SUVs. The Pathfinder also earned an exceptional overall iSeeCars rating of 8.4 out of 10, earning a solid 7.7 in reliability, a 7.4 in value retention, and an impressive 10 out of 10 in safety.
Buyers can expect to pay around $2,619 in maintenance and repair costs during the first five years of ownership. Looking at fuel economy, the Pathfinder averages 23 MPG combined, which means owners can expect to pay about $2,009 per year.
9. 2025 Toyota Highlander
2025 toyota highlander
Courtesy of Toyota
MSRP: $39,820 to $52,225
Buyers can expect to pay around $2,048 in basic maintenance and repairs during the first five years of ownership. The Highlander also carries only a 17% chance of requiring major repairs within the first five years of ownership, which is 8% lower than similar SUVs in the segment.
Another financial benefit of the Highlander is that data indicates that the Highlander will only depreciate by about 41% after five years, which is exceptional for the class.
This SUV averages an impressive 31 MPG combined on hybrid trims, meaning owners can expect to pay about $1,320 per year. If this isn't enough to persuade you, the Highlander has also received some pretty impressive ratings. The Toyota Highlander earned an overall 8.5 out of 10 iSeeCars score, earning an 8.1 in reliability, 8.3 in value retention, and 9.0 in safety.
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Bottom line
Finding that perfect midsize SUV that will cost you less over time is absolutely possible. However, with the average new SUV depreciating by about 48.9% after the first five years, it's essential to dive into additional factors like fuel costs and average maintenance requirements when doing your homework to find the right SUV that's both reliable and makes sense for your budget.
So, don't be afraid to crunch the numbers, weigh your options, and take all the time you need to ensure you're making the smartest investment decision possible with your next SUV purchase. While you're at it, it might be worth exploring ways to save on car insurance to keep even more cash in your wallet.
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