Generally, Toyotas are remarkable for their long-lasting durability and reliability. But are all Toyota vehicles that reliable? What are the most reliable Toyota SUVs?
Toyota produces a wide range of SUVs – from compact models like the Rav4 to midsize and full-size models like the Highlander, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser models.
The most reliable Toyota SUV ever produced was the FJ Cruiser, but since its discontinuity, the latter models of Rav4, 4Runner, and Highlander have been proving to be very strong and reliable.
This article navigates across various Toyota SUV models and indicates the most reliable ones you should consider buying.
Toyota SUVs Reliability
The name Toyota is synonymous with reliability; the Japanese auto brand has established its name and has maintained being in the top 5 positions on any list mentioning the “most reliable” car brands to buy for over two decades now.
Models like the 4Runner and Land Cruiser are incredible off-roading SUVs capable of running over 400k miles with proper maintenance and a good driving habit. The Rav4 and Sequoia series are equally top-rated in terms of reliability.
The FJ Cruiser series has been discounted; during its production years, Toyota FJ Cruiser was the go-to SUV for off-roaders and adventurists. The compact SUV is incredibly strong and rigid – capable of driving through any path – including mountainous paths.
Most Reliable Toyota SUVs
1. 4Runner
Available Trims: SR5, TRD Sport, Trail Special Edition, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro.
Since its debut in 1983, the Toyota 4Runner has remained among the brand’s finest SUVs. The design has revolved across the many generations of the series.
Toyota 4Runners are rated at least 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal, which proves that they are highly reliable. Whether you’re buying a brand-new model or a used one, the 4Runner is a recommendable SUV.
All models of the 4Runner SUV are equipped with an all-wheel drive system, which delivers excellent performance on off-road and on-road terrains.
The Toyota 4Runner series is almost 40 years now, and no model has ever been criticized “so badly.” Another reason to consider 4Runners is the low maintenance cost – well, low maintenance cost is synonymous with Toyota cars.
Newer models of the 4Runner SUV offer a lot of space for passengers and cargo while also integrating many exciting handy in-car technologies expected of cars built in this modern time. Due to the high reliability of 4Runners, some people would still buy a used model with other 200k miles above $35,000.
One thing that knocks down the 4Runner SUV is fuel economy; the SUV is not so good at saving you some fuel while you drive. But in terms of performance and reliability, it’s a CHAMP.
See Also: Vehicles Similar to 4Runner
2. Rav4
Available Trims: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Hybrid SE, and Hybrid XSE.
If you’re observant, you will notice that more people are now going for crossover SUVs instead of typical sedans. Well, trends change over time as a new generation of car buyers comes on. The Toyota Rav4 is one of the highest-selling Toyota vehicles globally. It is a compact crossover SUV that can actually be taken off-road for adventures.
Older Rav4 models looked pretty close to the discontinued FJ Cruiser SUV, but in recent years, the Rav4 has transitioned to appear more like a “higher-end” Toyota Camry built as an SUV.
Rav4 was the mostly-sold Toyota vehicle in 2020; over 545,000 units were sold (430,000 units of the ICE models and 116,000 units of hybrid models) in the US alone.
Many people love the Rav4 SUV because of its incredible fuel efficiency – just like the Corolla. Also, the Rav4 takes home a high-reliability rating across auto rating platforms such as JD Power, RepairPal, and ConsumerReports.
It looks to be a decent option for new drivers looking to get a very reliable “all-rounder” vehicle without spending above their limited budget.
Based on the owners’ ratings and expert scores, the hybrid models of the Rav4 seem to offer better performance than the petrol-engine versions.
US News reviewers left the hybrid Rav4 with an 8.3 out of 10 overall scores and the regular model with an 8.1. The Rav4 SUV is packed with several new technologies, and it is cheap to maintain.
3. Highlander
Available Trims: LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, and Limited.
The Toyota Highlander has a long history of reliability and integrating cutting-edge features and technologies – not forgetting the sleek appearance and space for up to eight passengers with the provision of a third-row seat.
Toyota Highlander is a decent option to buy – whether you’re going for a brand new one or a used option.
Highlanders are equipped with a V6 engine, mostly, and produce around 290 to 380 horsepower. Also, the SUV may come with a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive powertrain.
The features packed into Toyota Highlanders make them stand out among other SUVs in the class. You’re getting a “luxury standard” SUV at the price of a regular one. Well, the Highlander is not classified as a luxury SUV anyways – it just has most features available on luxury SUVs.
In terms of performance, the Toyota Highlander beats the Land Cruiser series in fuel economy, and yeah, you can take a Highlander off-road – the powertrain is pretty sturdy and adventure-ready.
Across auto rating websites, the Highlander manages to score above average for all models ever produced. It comes standard with a suite of driver assistance features such as steering assist, lane departure alert, etc.
More so, the Highlander is one of the “longest-kept” Toyota cars, which means that a majority of Highlander owners do not feel like selling it off, while some had theirs for over 15 years before listing it for sale – that’s impressive to know, right?
The Toyota Highlander has pretty much in common with its sibling in the brand’s luxury division, the Lexus RX series.
Furthermore, just like the Rav4, Toyota Highlander has a hybrid model that seems to the taking over the stage at a fast pace. The Highlander is the best deal for anyone looking for a “less-rugged” SUV that delivers almost the same performance and feeling as a rugged SUV.
4. Toyota Sequoia
Available Trims: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and the flagship Capstone luxury-oriented trim.
The Toyota Sequoia is one of the top-ranking full-size SUVs in the United States. It is not only a reliable ride but comes with a suite of utilities, technologies, and features that makes it an overall impressive SUV to own.
Toyota Sequoia shares the same platform with the infamous Toyota Tundra pickup truck and typically comes equipped with a powerful V8 engine.
Of course, the Toyota Sequoia is an SUV to take through any terrain – on or off-road – as it proves to be extremely durable among all Toyota SUV offerings. With the Toyota Sequoia, you’re getting an SUV capable of outputting at least 350 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque – with a towing capacity of up to 7,400 pounds.
One of the most impressive reasons many people choose this SUV is due to the so much room it offers for passengers and cargo.
More so, the Toyota Sequoia is known to hold its value for many years. However, up until the 2021 model year, Sequoias were considered to be a ride placed in between the 4Runner and the premium Land Cruiser in the Toyota SUV lineup.
Well, Toyota Sequoia comes standard with a lot of safety and driver-assistance technologies; it is a simply a premium SUV you can consider to rival most “luxury” SUVs of its caliber. The latest generation of Sequoias are sold in five trim levels and have a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds – talk of an impressive full-size SUV!
5. Land Cruiser
Available Trims: Base model and Heritage Edition.
Land Cruiser, the epic of Toyota SUV lineups. The Toyota Land Cruiser is practically the “most-respected” SUV series in Toyota lineups, not basically because it is the oldest, but because it is very powerful and delivers incredible on-road and off-road performance.
Toyota Land Cruiser debuted in 1951 and has remained a top shot in the full-size SUV category.
The Land Cruiser shares a lot of similarities with the 4Runner, but it’s bigger in size and offers more features. Being the longest-running Toyota vehicle series, over 10 million units of the Land Cruiser SUV have been sold globally.
The wide acceptance and popularity of the Toyota Land Cruiser isn’t unrelated to its incredible record of reliability and longevity.
All models of the Land Cruiser are built standard with all-wheel drive powertrains. Toyota Land Cruiser is sold in many markets worldwide, but it is currently getting replaced – in the North American market specifically – with Lexus LX models.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is mostly used for heavy-duty applications or for conveying dignitaries; it is a three-row, seven-seater SUV like the Highland, but of course, it has much more space and features.
Summary
These five series are the most reliable Toyota SUV lines to consider when buying a new Toyota SUV. Of course, they have a few “unrecommendable” model years for each of these SUV lines, but generally, they are very durable and notable for lasting over 300,000 miles or two decades.
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