What Large SUV Has the Least Amount of Problems?
The best vehicles are not only known for their excellent ride but a combination of comfort and reliability.
Today we check on the reliability reviews of full-sized SUVs.
You do not have to spend hard-earned cash paying for a vehicle that will sink more money paying for hefty repairs.
We are here to save you the pain of such a scenario.
What Large SUV Has the Least Amount of Problems?
The GMC Yukon, Chevy Suburban, Nissan Armada, LandCruiser, and the Lexus LX570 are our top picks for the least problematic large SUVs, but even some that are considered less reliable have some features worth taking into account (like safety).
The list of SUVs reviewed combines both the best and worst bunch of full-sized SUVs you can buy.
We present to you the bad, good, and ugly side of these giant family haulers on reliability to equip you with priced information before making a purchase.
Read on and see the most reliable and worst large SUV to own.
GMC Yukon
It made its debut entry into the US market in 1992 and had earned an MSRP of $50,000, making it a popular full-size SUV in America.
The vehicle takes over 200,000 miles, depending on how well you maintain it, translating to 13.5 years of ownership.
Longevity is dependent on adhering to regular maintenance and good driving skills.
Here are the common problems of the GMC Yukon and what to look for before making a purchase.
Avoid the 2015 model though!
2015 is considered the worst year for the Yukon as it received the most significant number of complaints.
If you decide to buy a 2015 GMC Yukon, you will likely experience tail lights problems, forcing owners to replace them at 60,000 miles.
Making the replacement will cost you $760, and it might not entirely solve the light problems of the vehicle.
Besides, the 2015 GMC Yukon comes with an A/C problem.
The heater starts failing at 60,000 miles and will cost you over $1,000 to fix.
Thus, if you want to buy a used Yukon, keep off the 2015 model, and you will save yourself lots of pain and cash in repairs.
Chevy Suburban
Here is one of the oldest SUVs in America as its production began in 1935.
However, navigating through some recent models of the Chevy Suburban can be a daunting task if you are lucky.
We can help you avoid the painful experience of owning the wrong Suburban.
Keep off 1999, 2001-2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014, and 2016 models.
Avoid these models of the Chevy Suburban as they come with alarming problems touching on both transmission and engine failure, oil consumption, and malfunctioning speedometer.
The 2007 and 2009 models are the worst of all as they can break down without cause.
If you want a full-size SUV that is easy to maintain, steer clear of the indicated models of the Chevrolet Suburban.
However, you can choose other models of the Chevy Suburban and enjoy outstanding on-road and off-road performance.
1985-1998 models are some of the most reliable models, even running for over 200,000 miles.
Nonetheless, you must take care of your Chevy suburban by adhering to all maintenance schedules to keep your SUV on the road for a long time.
Cadillac Escalade
It is one of the most iconic and lavish full-size SUVs in American history.
Having featured in many movies and being driven by celebrities, many people envy the Cadillac Escalade and desire to own one.
It is essential to note that the SUV is quite expensive, considering it comes with three seat rows.
However, you can count on it to serve you well and cause heads to turn whenever you show up for an event or just town cruising.
Without beating around the bush, the Cadillac Escalade is not one of the most reliable SUVs in the market.
According to various consumer reports, older models perform very poorly, with some receiving two stars out of five in reliability ratings.
Thus, if you stick to the said reliability score, you are likely to avoid buying the Cadillac Escalade.
Although the Escalade is a pretty thirsty car, regular servicing, and good driving skills, especially when off-roading, will keep the car on the road for a long time.
Besides, have your trusted mechanic inspect the SUV before purchasing since some have rust problems, which are hidden beneath the bonnet.
From 2017 to date, the Cadillac Escalade has improved the various reliability reviews, meaning the said models are less likely to disappoint.
While some models have received disappointing reviews, new models are promising; you need to be faithful in service as they can be expensive to restore when broken.
Lincoln Navigator
Although the Lincoln is regarded as a hulking SUV, it has more to offer.
It boasts spacious interiors, luxurious amenities, and a comfy ride.
Lincoln Navigator does not compromise on any aspect of its functioning, and you can expect it to cover the distance without any major repairs.
When it comes to the reliability of the Lincoln Navigator, you will get mixed ratings.
If you neglect the Navigator, expect to have the most problematic SUV in history, and regular maintenance assures you the best of vehicles.
When buying a used Lincoln Navigator, check for the servicing history to avoid making a wrong purchase.
Thus, we can consider the Navigator to have moderate reliability depending on how well you care for the vehicle.
So what is the meaning of the mixed reliability ratings? Well, that is an indicator that the Lincoln is a reliable SUV when serviced regularly. Always be ahead of its servicing schedule, and you do not have a reason to get worried about the Navigator.
The next question you are probably about to ask is whether the Lincoln Navigator is expensive to maintain.
It is not that expensive unless you neglect it, and you have to replace some significant components.
It will cost you an average of $1,089 annually to keep the Lincoln Navigator on the road.
Nissan Armada
The Armada is a large SUV in the Nissan family, boasting a third-row seat and massive cargo space.
Besides, it is packed with some stunning features, making it an ideal family car.
However, it is essential to check if the Nissan Armada carries the same reliability as other flagship vehicles offered by Nissan.
In 2020, Nissan Armada was reintroduced in the US market, and it has people talking about it.
Already it has received some decent scores from both experts and consumers.
When you compare the Nissan Armada to other vehicles in its class, it is a decent choice to make, especially if you are likely to take the SUV for off-roading.
However, it is not equipped with some of the best technologies or stunning knobs.
But you can be sure the Nissan Armada will outshine its competitors on the reliability score.
It ranks above 3.7, making it a better choice for family use.
Besides, you can quickly repair the SUV from home as it is not equipped with complicated gadgets and technology.
Toyota Land Cruiser
You cannot deny the Toyota Land Cruiser is an iconic SUV in size, performance, and reliability.
However, it is not perfect and comes with a few underlying problems.
Here are some common Land Cruiser problems you are likely to encounter.
Although some regard the Land Cruiser as a reliable and capable 4*4, some consider it too agricultural compared to the Range Rover and Land Rover Discovery.
It is pretty basic and annoying to some users who fancy sophisticated vehicles.
However, various consumer reports give the land cruiser a reliability score of four stars out of five.
Such a score is the envy of most of its competitors, and it is hard to get close to it.
Thus, we can comfortably say the Land Cruiser is a reliable large-size SUV to buy.
The score is based on user experiences and the general condition of the vehicle after years of use.
Some owners have achieved up to 400,000 miles on their diesel Land Cruisers with petrol engines boasting of higher figures.
If you observe regular maintenance schedules, expect the SUV to last for decades without any major repairs.
We can undoubtedly say this is one of the most reliable large SUVs to buy in the market today.
Lexus LX570
It is regarded as an off-road champion as it has its origin from the Toyota family.
However, it is tough to recommend it as some consumers often complain of failed electrical issues and gadgets.
Besides, it feels old and hardly compares to the Range Rover on matters of gadgets and technology.
It comes with only one engine option, a naturally aspirated 5.7 V8 fitted to an eight-speed gear transmission.
Unless neglected, expect no major issues with the engine.
For this reason, most consumers give the Lexus LX570 the benefit of the doubt when you compare it to the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS.
However, the engine is quite thirsty if you have a heavy foot.
Besides, the SUV does not have a history of recalls and comes with a solid warranty.
Thus, if you settle for the Lexus LX570 as your choice SUV, check its service history, and you are assured of a reliable and solid car for years to come.
Best Large SUVs
Finally, you have information on some of the most common SUVs in the market today.
Thus, you do not have to make the painful decision of buying junk.
Besides, always request a test drive and subject the large SUV of your choice to different driving conditions to feel its suspension and engine condition.
Remember to ask for servicing history when inspecting any large SUV and check for any signs of neglect.
When any large SUVs get neglected, they can be expensive to restore something you do not want to experience.
Also, remember to tag your mechanic to get professional advice before settling on what to buy.