Toyota RAV4 crowned most reliable SUV by Warranty Solutions Group

Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) has unveiled its latest reliability data for the UK's top-selling SUVs, with findings based on over 4,000 repair claims made over the past year across 18 popular models.

Overall, SUV sales have grown significantly in recent years. Vehicle data from 2023 shows a 24% increase from 2022, with growth across every segment. 

The results highlight both the best and worst-performing SUVs in terms of reliability, with Toyota's RAV4 securing the title of most reliable SUV.

Top 3 Most Reliable SUVs

Toyota RAV4 - With a claim rate of just 5.36%, the RAV4 tops the list, reaffirming its reputation for reliability. The most common repair claims for the RAV4 were:

• Gearbox replacements: averaging £1,037.67
• EGR valves: £274.81
• Alternators: £289.38.

Ford Puma - Coming in second with a claim rate of 6.56%, the Ford Puma has proven itself to be a reliable small crossover. The top issues reported were:

• Electric motors: £1,506.00
• Air conditioning condensers: £530.43
• O2 sensors: £155.25

Kia Sportage - The Kia Sportage ranked third with a 7.09% claim rate. Common repairs included:

• Gearbox synchro: £652.22
• Alternator: £335.22
• Starter motor/solenoid: £334.77

SUVs with the Highest Claim Rates

At the other end of the spectrum, the least reliable SUVs in the study were the Land Rover Discovery, Volvo XC60, and Range Rover Evoque.

Land Rover Discovery had the highest claim rate at 17.67%, with frequent claims for:

• Diesel particulate filters: £1,311.53
• Nox sensors: £738.48
• Batteries: £348.59

WSG data also shows that the most common faults on SUVs aged 5-7 years old were batteries averaging repair costs of £171,76, central locking solenoids & switches (190.32), alternators (£289.40) and ABS wheel speed sensors (£141.55).

WSG’s operations director Martin Binnee noted the growing importance of electrical and electronic systems: “Large SUVs are roomy, luxuriously appointed and supremely comfortable, and the best ones are highly dependable. 

"However, electrical and electronic systems continue to be the most problematic, making up almost a quarter (24%) of all SUV warranty claims paid by us between August 2023 and August 2024. This is due to the increasing amount of these components and the added reliance on them.”