Unlike sedans, SUVs are usually tougher and bigger and can settle more challenging needs. For this reason, they have become more popular recently; thus, buying and maintaining an SUV typically costs more. If you need an SUV for your daily runs, you don’t have to rob a bank for that. We’ve highlighted some of the cheapest SUVs to maintain and repair.
Why SUVs?
You probably have faced challenging road conditions at least once in your driving experience. You can agree that you’d prefer an SUV to face that. Their stronger build and powerful engines are ideal for these situations.
SUVs offer bigger seating and luggage spaces. They have superb ground clearance and crash safety features. Some newer versions have luxurious interiors and impressive technology.
Also, it is common knowledge that SUVs have higher resale value. However, car insurance, maintenance, and repairs usually cost more for SUVs. This is because their bodies are generally harder and their engines more complex to work on. Thus, it would be best to consider repair and maintenance costs when buying an SUV.
Fuel economy, insurance, and registration costs also add to long-term costs. Despite the cost difference, we can’t neglect the unique abilities of SUVs in harsh conditions.
Cheapest SUVs to Maintain and Repair
SUVs are applicable in many use cases. For this reason, it is the preferred choice for buyers. However, the cost of buying, running, and maintaining an SUV makes it difficult for people to buy them.
If you want to take advantage of the fantastic features in SUVs due to long-term costs, you can find affordable older models with better fuel economy and low maintenance costs.
We have outlined some of the cheapest SUVs to maintain and repair below for you to pick from. While they are affordable to maintain, they’re still uncompromised in strength and reliability.
1. Toyota RAV4
Several polls have named the Toyota RAV4 the cheapest SUV to maintain and repair. With a RAV4, you get impressive fuel consumption for its engine strength. The 2016 model has two rows of 5 comfortable seats, powered by a 176-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine mated to a six-speed A/T. In addition, they come in either FWD or AWD transmission configuration.
The RAV4 is famous for its acceleration, excellent cargo space, and good air conditioning. Its average annual maintenance cost is at a maximum of $350 and its market value is currently between $14,000 and $17,500 in the U.S. This SUV has achieved satisfactory reliability and owner satisfaction ratings on several consumer reports platforms.
2. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is still one of the best-selling Honda SUVs in most parts of the world due to its impressive interior space. This vehicle has three seat rows and can comfortably house seven people without compromising cargo space. This big boy is driven by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing up to 250 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque.
Sadly, the Pilot is not famous for speed but for comfort and reliability. However, its climate control system and comfortable seating spaces make it an ideal luxury vehicle.
The current market price for a used 2015 Honda Pilot is around $16,500 for one in excellent condition. Routine maintenance expenses for the first five years will cost $400 annually.
3. Hyundai SantaFe
The Hyundai SantaFe is the only Korean on our list of the cheapest SUVs to maintain and repair. It sells for about $15,000, so you can easily get yourself a 2.4-liter GDI engine 2015 SantaFe. The engine produces up to 240 horsepower, with two rows of seats, the interior comfortably carrying five people.
Also, it has an outstanding reliability score and is famous for having good handling. Basic maintenance for your SantaFe for the first five years will cost you $430 each year in the U.S.
4. Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 exhibits unique driving dynamics and excellent fuel economy like the RAV4. It is one of the best subcompact SUVs in production. The 2019 model costs about $20,000 for a sound used if you don’t want to buy a new one. Maintaining it for the first ten years costs users about $370 yearly to keep it in perfect shape.
All CX-3s models are powered by a 2.0-liter non-turbo four-cylinder and can produce 148 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. It is famous for its good acceleration and stability in poor conditions. Its interior colors and textures are artistic. The car has quality and reliability ratings on user polls. Similarly, the Mazda CX 5 has almost the exact annual maintenance costs.
5. Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder takes off-road adventures to the next level. This is the most powerful car in our list of cheapest SUVs to maintain and repair. A 310-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 or the 266-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 powers this car. It has three rows of seats. Additionally, the last row can be folded for more luggage space. You can get a used 2011 version in good condition for about $7,500.
The Pathfinder is known for its 4WD mode, ample interior space, and insane acceleration. It is reliable, with an essential maintenance cost of around $507 annually. This is your perfect choice if you need a dedicated off-roader for your trip.
6. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a perfect family trip vehicle. It is driven by a 3.0-liter V6 engine for the GT trim, producing up to 224 horsepower. However, other versions are not so remarkable for an SUV. A sound pre-loved 2014 model will cost between $7,000-$12,000 in today’s market. The average maintenance and repair cost is about $599 annually. It offers good head and leg space, with satisfactory luggage space.
The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes with standard safety features such as antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, hill start assist, side-impact airbags for front occupants, side curtain airbags, and a driver-side knee airbag. This SUV is famous for its amazing suspension.
7. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice for an affordable, easy-to-maintain, reliable SUV. It comes with a seven-seater capacity and and three seat-rows. The SUV works with either a gasoline engine or a hybrid system.
The 2011 Highlander, for instance, boasts a maximum output of 270 hp, and its hybrid version can achieve the same output thanks to its 3.3-liter V6 engine and two electric motors. If you’re comfortable buying a used one, you’ll be pleased to know that a 2011 Highlander can be yours for anywhere between $11,000 and $15,000.
For maintenance, a brand-new 2011 model had an estimated annual cost of $324 for the first five years of operation, while a 10-year ownership period would require an average of $577 per year. But don’t worry; the Highlander has an impressive reliability score from consumer reports, so you can rest assured that it won’t disappoint you. Despite its size, its unique fuel economy makes it a practical choice for families on the go.
8. BMW X3
BMW is the least expected brand to appear on the list of cheapest SUVs to maintain and repair. However, BMW offers free maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles to the average lease customer. BMW cars usually have impressive engines and luxurious interiors for an exciting driving experience. The BMW X3 line is one of the best SUVs manufactured; it offers impressive power and quick acceleration.
Our favored version is the 2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i trim. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower. For an SUV that comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the X3 has an impressive fuel economy. Car reviews suggest the ‘beemer’ is reliable for harsh road conditions. Apparently, the X3 xDrive28i costs $20,000 at most in the US. In addition, it costs under $500 for maintenance over the first five years following the free maintenance offer.
9. Honda CRV
The 2014 Honda CR-V is a top-performing five-seater compact SUV with a powerful 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine generating 185 hp. With its five-speed A/T in either 2WD or AWD configuration, this vehicle is a force to be reckoned with. As of March 2023, the used 2014 Honda CR-V is around $11,000 and $16,000, depending on the trim level and vehicle condition.
The 2014 Honda CR-V’s estimated annual maintenance cost for the first five years was $385. Over a 10-year ownership period, the Honda CR-V’s maintenance cost rises to $715 annually, but it’s worth every penny. Power’s quality and reliability category makes it a highly reliable and trustworthy vehicle that you can depend on. Its impressive cargo space and transmission smoothness make it a popular choice among buyers.
10. Toyota 4Runner
The 2010 4Runner is part of the fifth-generation model that debuted in 2009. It featured a 2.7-liter inline-four or a potent 4.0-liter V6 that put down 157-270 hp. A used 2010 4Runner costs between $14,000 to $20,000 and is among the cheapest SUVs to maintain. The 4Runner will cost you about $482 yearly in maintenance costs for the first ten years.
The 4Runner is among the most durable Toyota models. Owners love its decent fuel economy and incredible off-road capabilities. For such reasons, the 2014 4Runner has a good rating on many car review platforms.
Let’s wrap it up…
In summary, SUVs are undoubtedly versatile vehicles that cater to a wide range of use cases, which makes them a popular choice among buyers. Moreover, the perceived high cost of purchasing, running, and maintaining an SUV often deters potential buyers from investing.
The solution is to get older models that offer better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs without compromising strength and reliability. The vehicles listed above are cheaper to maintain and repair but do not lack the usual SUV strength and flare. Therefore giving you an informed purchase choice.
