The SUV’s popularity among mainstream buyers may have planted its roots in the US, but its popularity among consumers has spread worldwide. As such, there are now SUV options from almost every major automaker in the world. Many of them arrive in the US via a transatlantic voyage, or at least from a company based in Europe. European SUVs tend to cost more than their American counterparts, so buyers want to make sure their extra dollars for a German, British, Italian, or Swedish SUV won’t cost them more at the dealership and more in repairs. due to reliability issues. .
Consumer Reports ranks most new models for predicted reliability, and according to the publication, these are the most reliable new European SUVs available for sale here in the US. It should be noted that CR has not given a predicted reliability score for all European SUVs, but most have been given a rank. These ratings are based on the reliability of previous model years, which give an indication of how the 2023 models are expected to perform in terms of reliability.
10 Audi Q5
Gray Audi Q5 on the road
The Audi Q5 mid-size SUV has been in production since the 2008 model year and arrives in 2023 in its second generation introduced for the 2017 model year. The 2023 Q5 is available in either a traditional body style or a fastback coupe-SUV iteration called the Q5 Sportback. With respectable performance, style and quality, the Q5 is a popular choice among American buyers and is also one of the most reliable among European SUVs.
The Q5 receives a reliability score of 46 out of 100, which doesn’t sound impressive, but makes it the 10th most reliable European SUV rated by Consumer Reports. CR notes that the Q5 is expected to have “about average reliability” among new cars. With its score, the Q5 beats some rivals such as the Volvo XC40 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB Class.
9 Volkswagen Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport
An atlas on a desert road
We’ve combined the VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport on our list, as both models earned a predicted reliability score of 46 points and both ride on the same platform. The Atlas is the largest SUV in VW’s lineup with the Cross Sport sitting a little lower, having a steeper liftgate and about five inches less overall length. Most notably, the Atlas can fit up to seven passengers, while the Cross Sport is strictly a five-seater.
In any case, the Atlas is expected to have average reliability among new cars. CR also gives both models their “CR Recommended” designation for the segments in which they compete. Both offer roomy cabins, a long list of standard features and respectable powertrains.
8 Porsche Macan
A 3/4 front studio shot of a Porsche Macan
Porsche wasn’t the first brand to create a performance-oriented SUV, but the Cayenne served as a predecessor for Mercedes, Audi, BMW and others to join the sporty SUV segment. The Cayenne didn’t make CR’s predicted top-10 reliability score, but its little sibling, the Macan, ranks No. 8 with a score of 50/100 points.
Those looking for a sporty SUV will certainly be pleased with the Macan, as it’s offered with a range of brilliant powertrains, including the 434bhp GTS version, Porsche-branded sportiness and practicality and luxury expected from a top. – Mid-level SUV. The 2023 Macan starts at $58,950 with destination and tops out at $84,350 for the Macan GTS.
7 BMW X1/X2
The 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i in San Remo Metallic Green driving down a city street.
BMW makes its first entry on our list with its smallest offerings, the X1, and its speedy sibling, the X2. The X1 has been completely revised for 2023 with added dimensions that improve its cabin space and a sharp new look that highlights its exterior. Of course, the appearance of the coupe-SUV X2 is even more striking. It’s also livelier with a new turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 241 horsepower paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive.
The X1/X2 scored 50 points each for predicted reliability, putting them ahead of the Cadillac XT4, Jaguar E-Pace and Mercedes-Benz GLA Class. But for those who value reliability in their European compact SUVs, BMWs are bested for expected reliability in their segment.
6 Audi Q3
A 2023 Audi Q3 is driving on a road
Another Audi joins the list and, like the BMW X1, it’s another small SUV that excels at looking stylish and driving: the Q3. The Q3 scored slightly ahead of the BMW X1/X2 with a predicted reliability score of 53 points out of 100. Those wanting a higher rating can consider previous models. The 2016, 2018 and 2020 models scored better than average among all new cars for reliability.
The 2023 Q3 is offered in four trims starting at $37,995, and is mostly unchanged from the 2022 model. Regardless of trim, the Q3 is motivated by a turbocharged four-cylinder with “40” models developing 184 horsepower and “45” iterations pumping out 228 ponies. Among European “entry-level” SUVs, Consumer Reports ranks the Q3 above the Mercedes GLA, Volvo XC40 and Jaguar E-Pace in its overall score, which includes road test scores, predicted reliability and other factors.
5 Mini Cooper Countryman
Three-quarter front view of the 2023 Mini Countryman
The Mini Cooper Countryman may look more like a hatchback or small wagon from the outside, but on the spec sheet, it fits the bill for a subcompact SUV. And for those who appreciate the Mini’s retro-inspired styling, it’s perhaps the most stylish in its segment, while offering noticeably more practicality than the standard Cooper. The 2023 model is available in several customizable trims and can be had with front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of turbocharged engines.
The Countryman, spoiler alert, is the only British model (at least once it was English) on our list. It earns a predicted reliability rating of 55 out of 100, besting the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 in the subcompact SUV class.
4 Audi Q7
Dynamic black Audi Q7 2023 on the road “travelling in motion”.
Audi’s smallest SUV is one of its largest, the Q7, which ranks slightly higher for expected reliability. The three-row Audi SUV offers the luxurious cabin expected of its brand with surprising agility despite its large footprint. The 2023 Q7 is powered by either a 261-horsepower turbo V-6 or a 335-horsepower turbo V-6. It’s not the roomiest three-row luxury SUV available, but it can still accommodate kids in the back seats and offers up to 15 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row.
The Q7 received a reliability score of 56 points, placing it in the top third of CR’s list of comparable models. It bests other three-row luxury SUVs like the Genesis GV80, Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. Among luxury midsize SUVs, CR ranks the Q7 No. 5 out of 21 models overall.
3 BMW X7
Front 3/4 view of parked green BMW X7 M60i.
The BMW X7 is another reliable European three-row SUV option that slightly beats the Q7 for predicted reliability with a score of 57 points. The 2023 X7, which starts at $78,845 with destination, is offered in two standard models, the xDrive40i and the M60i. There’s also the ultra-luxe, super-fast Alpina version.
The xDrive40i delivers 375 horsepower from a V-6, and the M60i’s V-8, paired with a mild hybrid system, delivers a whopping 523 ponies. In any iteration, the X7 offers a serene ride, a luxurious cabin, remarkable power and room for the whole family. It is equipped with features such as a 14.9-inch touchscreen, interior interior lighting and a whole host of additional amenities.
2 Volvo XC40
Three-quarter front view of the 2022 Volvo XC40
Among Volvo SUVs for sale, the most reliable according to Consumer Reports is the smallest, the Volvo XC40. It earned a reliability rating of 57 points, placing it second among entry-level luxury SUVs behind only the Lexus UX. The XC40 rating continues Volvo’s positive placement in CR’s reliability verdicts. As of 2019, the model has been rated average or above average for all new car reliability.
It should be noted that the XC40 is also available in two fully electric versions, the XC40 Recharge and the C40, which is the fastback version of the electric XC40. The internal-combustion XC40 ranks highest among its competitors for predicted reliability and earns “CR Recommended” status, but the publication rates the X1, Q3 and Cooper Countryman higher overall scores that also take into account account for driving dynamics and other factors.
1 BMW X3
BMW X3/X4 M competition group photo
The BMW X3 is the most reliable new European SUV according to Consumer Reports, with a score of 60/100 points for expected reliability. And if you notice a theme of the BMW models on the list, it’s no coincidence. BMW was named the third most trusted automaker of all in Consumer Report’s most recent list of most trusted car brands, with the German marque taking the top spot overall.
Not all brands were included in the list: Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mini and Porsche were the European brands excluded from the list because CR did not have adequate data. However, BMW trailed only Toyota and Lexus for expected brand reliability.
BMW’s SUV score leader is the X3, its compact crossover that offers brilliant performance, a luxurious interior, respectable practicality and surprising fuel efficiency. The 2023 X3 is offered in three trims starting at $47,195 and is equipped with either a turbo-four or a 382-horsepower six-cylinder.
