the used luxury car The market is full of the good, the bad and the ugly. When choosing a used luxury SUV, we want a reliable ride with performance and style to match. We certainly don’t want to buy a luxury SUV that spends more time at the mechanic than on the road. For one thing, some can bankrupt you through maintenance and repairs. On the other hand, there are some excellent options that offer reliability.
When looking at the reliability of a used luxury SUV, JD Power and Consumer Reports evaluate rides based on criteria such as reliability. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes a vehicle’s recall history. After all, it can be a long haul to find a reliable used luxury SUV that fits your lifestyle. Let’s take a look at some of the most reliable luxury SUVs to buy used and the ones to stay away from.
10 Reliable: 2019 Porsche Macan
We’re in love with our favorite features of the 2023 Porsche Macan T. However, a used Macan SUV may be a more affordable option. The 2019 Porsche Macan combines sportiness, performance and comfort to produce a charming luxury SUV. A 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 powers this Macan, delivering 348 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. It offers a 10.9-inch touchscreen, an upgrade from other model years. This five-seater luxury SUV may not be as spacious as other SUVs, but it offers performance and acceleration.
According to NHTSA, there were no recalls of the 2019 Porsche Macan SUV, with minimal complaints. Porsche reports that the 2019 Porsche can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and reach a top track speed of 157 mph. Consumer Reports suggests that the average price of a used 2019 Porsche Macan is $36,975 – $46,125.
9 Stay away: 2019 Volvo XC90
The 2019 Volvo XC90 comes in several variants such as the T5 Momentum and the T6 Momentum among others. This SUV has capacity for seven seats. A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine powers the T5 version, which delivers 250 horsepower. However, the 2019 Volvo XC90 had its own problems.
According to NHTSA, the 2019 Volvo XC90 has been recalled five times for issues such as the electrical system. JDPower rates the 2019 Volvo XC90 69/100 for quality and reliability. According to Consumer Reports, owners identified numerous in different versions.
8 Reliable: 2009 Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne evolved over the years. The 2003 Porsche Cayenne S was Porsche’s first all-terrain vehicle. Its 540 liters of luggage was attractive. The 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS gave us the sporty option we liked. When choosing a used Porsche Cayenne, the 2004 and 2011 model years can present problems. However, models of years such as the Porsche Cayenne 2009 of the fair very well.
The Cayenne GTS flaunts a sporty look. The 21-inch alloy wheels are a welcome feature. The Cayenne GTS’ 4.8-liter V8 engine delivers 405 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. JD Power rates the 2009 Porsche Cayenne 84/100. According to Consumer Report, the average price buyers pay for a 2009 Porsche Cayenne is $7,350 to $13,325.
7 Stay away: 2014 Infiniti QX60
The 2014 Infiniti QX60 is a three-row, seven-seat SUV. It offers the attractions we love, including heated seats, a power moonroof, and a dual-screen entertainment system. A 3.5 liter V6 engine powers this ride. It offers 265 horsepower. However, there are problems.
JD Power rates the quality and reliability of the 2014 Infinity QX60 at 66/100. NHTSA records 8 recalls. The problems included the airbags and the electrical system. Service brake problems and loss of drive power were other issues. The 2014 Infiniti QX60 may have some attractive features. However, there are other better options available.
6 Reliable: 2016 Lexus RX 350
The Lexus RX 350 witnessed a major redesign in 2016, with new exterior styling and a refreshed interior. A 3.5-liter V6 powers the 2016 Lexus RX 350, making 295 horsepower. It includes the 12.3-inch screen and the Mark Levinson Premium 15-speaker audio system. As for the exterior, the grille stands out. Its angular design distinguishes this RX 350.
JD Power rates the 2016 Lexus RX in quality and reliability as 84/100. JD Power ranks them second in the premium mid-size SUV segment. According to NHTSA, there were three recalls for the 2016 Lexus RX 350. Two of those recalls were related to airbags. However, the 2016 Lexus RX 350 is known for its reliability and smooth ride.
5 Walk away: 2015 GMC Yukon
The 2015 GMC Yukon saw a redesign, which ultimately affected its reliability rating. A 5.3-liter V8 engine powers this SUV, which delivers 355 horsepower. This trip has nine seats. The front seat is comfortable. However, the third-row seats will suit children but are not as welcoming for adults.
JD Power rates the quality and reliability of the 2015 GMC Yukon at 67/100, a significant drop from the previous model year. At the same time, NHTSA has 10 recalls for this SUV, related to overheating exhaust components, problems with the transmission oil cooler line and problems with the airbags.
4 Reliable: 2017 BMW X6
The 2009 BMW X6 xDrive can be a great value. The 2017 BMW X6 rates for reliability. The 2017 BMW X6 offers a variety of engine options, including the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine. It looks elegant with elegance inside to match. This X6 has five seats. Total cargo space is just 26.6 cubic feet. However, this SUV handles well.
The 2017 BMW X6 scores well with an overall score of 83/100 from JD Power. They place this ride as #1 in the premium mid-size SUV segment. There were only two recalls with minimal complaints, according to NHTSA. According to Consumer Reports, the average price of a used 2017 BMW X6 is $28,350 – $40,375.
3 Stay away – 2014 Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango has several engine options, including the more powerful 360 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The “split-cress” grille was a redesigned feature. It has capacity for seven passengers. It also included a 7-inch screen. However, the 2014 Dodge Durango is one of those third-generation Dodge Durango model years to avoid.
JD Power rated the quality and reliability of the 2014 Dodge Durango with a score of 73/100. NHTSA records 11 recalls made on the 2014 Dodge Durango with problems related to the electrical system, among other things.
2 Reliable: 2012 Lexus GX 460
The 2012 Lexus GX 460 offers a pleasant ride with the reliability to match. A 4.6 liter V8 engine powers this SUV. It delivers 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. It has capacity for seven people and offers a comfortable interior. This GX 460 features ventilated and heated front seats, a 4.2-inch screen, and a power sunroof, among other things. This ride offers 92 cubic feet of cargo space.
Reliability has not been sacrificed. JD Power rates the quality and reliability of the 2012 Lexus GX with an excellent score of 89/100, ranking it #1 in the premium midsize SUV segment. According to NHTSA, there were only three recalls for this model year GX460. These recalls relate to problems related to the airbags. Consumer Reports suggests the average used price for a 2012 Lexus GX is $18,750 to $19,425.
1 Step away: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 208 horsepower. This SUV has five seats. The interior offers a comfortable ride. However, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA suffers when it comes to reliability. For example, JD Power gives this ride a score of 70/100 for quality and reliability. NHTSA points to five recalls that have been conducted, with problems related to the fuel system and the electrical system, among other things.
When it comes to buying a used luxury SUV, a car’s reliability is important in the decision-making process. There are some luxury SUVs you should never buy used. However, there are some luxury used SUVs that are worth every penny. It’s definitely worth understanding how reliable your next ride will be.