Warranty Direct has revealed the most and least dependable 4x4s and SUVs.
Honda’s HR-V (1998-2006) performed best, with only three in 100 recording a fault in the last 12 months, followed by Suzuki’s Grand Vitara (2005 onwards).
In stark contrast, Land Rover’s Range Rover (2002-onwards) was shown to be the most break down prone off-roader – two thirds of its reported faults were suspension or electrical hiccups – behind the Jeep Grand Cherokee (1999-2005) and Volkswagen’s Touareg (2003 onwards).
The study of nearly 16,000 three- to eight-year-old 4x4s and SUVs revealed the market segment to have some of the most expensive to run vehicles on Warranty Direct’s books.
Nevertheless, with another harsh winter predicted, there’s no better type of vehicle to tackle the snow and ice.
Predictably, the top-10 is dominated by Japanese and Korean manufacturers, but Land Rover’s Freelander (2006 onwards) breaks their stranglehold, with only one in five breaking down annually and a modest average repair cost.
As used 4x4 prices rise prior to the inevitable cold snap, buyers are advised to seize the moment.
Top 10 rated 4x4/SUVs
(A lower Reliability Index rating means the vehicle is more reliable and less expensive to run)
- Honda HR-V
- Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Honda CR-V
- Subaru Forester
- Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin
- Kia Sportage
- Land Rover Freelander
- Nissan X-Trail
- Kia Sorento
- Hyundai Santa Fe
Warranty Direct’s Duncan McClure Fisher said: “Modern 4x4s are a far cry from the noisy and uncomfortable off-roaders of the past. They are fairly expensive to run but our study shows that there’s a handful of incredibly reliable 4x4s which won’t break the bank.
“A four-wheel-drive vehicle is most definitely the transport of choice for any motorist during our cold months, particularly judging by our last few winters.”
Bottom 5 rated 4x4/SUVs
(A higher Reliability Index rating means the vehicle is less reliable and more expensive to run)
- Land Rover Range Rover
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Volkswagen Touareg
- BMW X5
- Volvo XC90
In contrast to the top 10, none of the bottom 5 rated 4x4s hail from the East, instead they originate from Europe or America.
Simon Smith - 15/03/2013 19:55
On my last trip to the far North of Scotland I only saw one make of car broken down by the side of the road, all the way from Worcestershire to Applecross and back. It was the Range Rover. Your study seems both informative and accurate. Thank you!