Back to the school run? Warrantywise gives top marks to the Honda CR-V as the most reliable used SUV.

• Leading extended car warranty provider Warrantywise has released new data highlighting the top ten most reliable used SUVs
• Utilising its tried and tested Reliability Index, the Honda CR-V comes out on top with an overall score of 85/100
• With the school run in full swing, there’s been a notable shift in consumer preference for SUVs, driven by features like elevated driving positions, spacious interiors and additional space for family lif
• SUV sales in the UK are on the rise, far outpacing the traditional ‘family’ vehicle; the estate car
• The top ten list further includes the Mitsubishi Outlander, Dacia Duster, Kia Sportage, Ford EcoSport, Renault Captur, Hyundai ix35, Nissan Juke, BMW X3 and the Hyundai Tucson
• With increased vehicle demands during the school term, families are advised to prioritise reliability and comprehensive warranties to avoid unexpected repair costs

The Honda CR-V is ranked as the most reliable used SUV as of 1 August 2024 (using data from 2021-24) according to the leading UK used car warranty provider, Warrantywise.

As families across the UK get back into the rhythm of school life and everything it brings, having a reliable school-run vehicle is a top priority. Educating households on the most reliable vehicles available, Warrantywise, the UK’s leading extended car warranty provider, has named the Honda CR-V as the most reliable ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ (SUV) on the market, according to its leading Reliability Index.

With the nationwide back-to-school season in full swing, vehicle usage has surged, with daily school runs, extracurricular activities, and weekend family trips placing significant demands on cars. In recent years, the choice of vehicle for many UK families has steadily shifted from the traditional estate car to the increasingly popular SUV. This change has been driven by the SUV’s elevated driving position, spacious interiors, and the availability of four-wheel drive options, making them especially appealing for family life. Reflecting this trend, SUV sales in the UK are projected to generate £15.3 billion in revenue by 20241, significantly outpacing estate car registrations, which have dwindled to just 110,000 in 20232, underscoring the clear dominance of SUVs in the market.

Warrantywise’s latest Reliability Index data highlights the top ten most reliable SUVs based on a range of criteria, including repair costs, frequency of repairs, and overall reliability scores. Leading the pack with an overall score of 85/100 is the Honda CR-V, which stands out for its consistent performance and low maintenance costs, making it a top choice for families looking to minimise the risk of unexpected repairs. Closely following are the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Dacia Duster, with scores of 81/100 and 79/100 respectively, both proving robust and dependable, offering a balance of performance and cost-effectiveness that appeal to budget-conscious families.

The rest of the top ten is made up of a diverse mix of vehicles, with the Kia Sportage in fourth place with a score of 78/100, and the Ford EcoSport in fifth with a score of 77/100. The Renault Captur comes in sixth with an overall score of 75/100, and in joint seventh, with a score of 72/100, are the Hyundai ix35 and the Nissan Juke. Finally, the BMW X3 and the Hyundai Tucson tie for ninth place, both scoring a respectable 71/100.

Antony Diggins, Managing Director of Warrantywise, said: “As children up and down the country return to school, we see added pressure on family vehicles, meaning having a trusted family wagon is more important than ever. Demands on budgets for new uniforms, books and even activities will create a new set of cost-of-living concerns, and the last thing families need is for their cars to need costly repairs during this time. This is why we have put a spotlight on the most reliable used SUVs for sale in the UK, to help households make a wise choice for their next family car.

“The Honda CR-V’s top ranking [in the Reliability Index] confirms its reputation as a dependable and trustworthy choice. In a time when families need their vehicles to be as reliable as possible, especially with the increasing demands of daily life, having a car that consistently performs without unexpected breakdowns is invaluable. At Warrantywise, our goal is to provide families with the peace of mind that comes from having an extended warranty plan.”

The 10 most reliable SUVs 2024 by overall score

Here are the top 10 most reliable used SUVs for 2024 according to our Reliability Index data. Each vehicle has been given a reliability rating out of 100, along with key insights, including average repair costs, the most expensive repair requests, and the average age at which repairs are needed.

The Honda CR-V leads with a top score of 85, followed by the Mitsubishi Outlander at 81. Dacia Duster comes third with 79, while Kia Sportage and Ford Ecosport score 78 and 77 respectively. Renault Captur achieves 75, with Hyundai ix35 and Nissan Juke tied at 72. BMW X3 and Hyundai Tucson round out the list, both scoring 71.

Reliability is always a key concern for families, especially during the busy school term. However, even the most reliable vehicles can encounter unexpected issues, with Warrantywise’s data revealing that the most expensive repair reported was for a Mitsubishi Outlander, with an engine repair costing over £14,000. This highlights that regardless of whether a vehicle is large or small, having a warranty in place provides peace of mind.

Now that schools are back in session, the demand for reliable and robust vehicles is higher than ever. Warrantywise’s latest findings provide invaluable insights for consumers, helping them make informed decisions when selecting a vehicle that will support their busy lives without compromising on dependability. While SUVs are growing in popularity, families should seek advice from Warrantywise’s Reliability Index when buying their next vehicle. The data includes hatchbacks, crossovers and estate cars among many other major categories.

Warrantywise is the UK’s leading provider of extended car warranties, offering over 20 years of experience in delivering comprehensive and transparent warranty plans. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, Warrantywise ensures peace of mind for drivers across the UK by protecting them against unexpected repair costs.

Disclaimers:

* Rank is measured by repair request frequency, average vehicle age at the time of fault, average mileage, and average labour time, from 1 August 2021 – 1 August 2024, and includes vehicles between three and ten years old where there are a minimum of 250 cars on cover.

** Average repair costs collated over a period between 1 August 2021 – 1 August 2024. Since the sample was selected, Warrantywise has seen a significant rise in the price of labour and parts, which will impact future repair costs.

*** All data used is from Warrantywise’s proprietary internal research.

**** Warrantywise believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.

Source of data:

1 SUVS, UK, Statista

2 ‘Are Estate models back in fashion? Not exactly’, Motor1