American SUVs may not have the same reputation as their European or Japanese counterparts for dependability, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of options for reliable models with a badge from the United States. Among all SUV segments. From mainstream to luxury and from subcompacts to three-row behemoths, many American models still score high for expected reliability, and according to Consumer Reports, these are the 10 most reliable American SUVs for 2023.
Do note that Consumer Reports compiles its data based on a model’s overall reliability for the three newest model years (2020, 2021, and 2022) in which the SUV in question did not “change significantly” and has not been redesigned. The following models fit that bill, each receiving a score out of 100. And like much of the competition in the American automotive segment, the latest rankings show a heavyweight battle between Ford and General Motors, including their luxury divisions.
10 2023 Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevy Traverse is a mainstay in the midsize three-row SUV segment, which is hotter than ever and supremely competitive. The spacious Traverse is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6, it offers a competitive starting price of $35,915 with destination, a composed and quiet ride, and seating arrangements for either seven or eight passengers.
Consumer Reports gives the 2023 Traverse a reliability rating of 47 out of 100 points, which helps it to obtain a “CR Recommended” designation in the midsize, three-row SUV segment. It scored a very impressive 90/100 points on its road test, with a 3/5 score for predicted reliability rating and predicted owner satisfaction. CR says the Chevy outranks its rivals like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander for overall competency.
9 2023 Cadillac XT5
Cadillac’s 2023 XT5 also received a CR Recommended label, and it’s one of the top-ranking American luxury SUVs for reliability. The XT5 scored 48 points, putting it ahead of some popular luxury models like the Audi Q5, Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC60, and Mercedes-Benz GLB for reliability. It’s also, (spoiler alert) the only Cadillac model to land on the list of the top 10 overall dependable American SUVs for 2023.
The XT5’s cargo capacity, stylish looks, and overall comfort shine, and its base price of $45,540 with destination make it one of the more affordable luxury compact SUVs. It can be had with either a 235-horsepower turbo four or a V-6 cranking out 310 horsepower, it has plenty of standard connectivity, and ample cargo space. While its interior materials aren’t up to par against most of its rivals, it has proven itself to be dependable, according to CR.
8 2023 Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave was refreshed for the 2022 model year, though the changes were not drastic enough to keep it from CR’s reliability ratings. And as such, it is one of the top three-row midsize SUVs among American offerings. The Enclave scores 52 out of 100 points for reliability.
The Enclave doesn’t have the same luxe factor as many of its rivals, but that does equate to savings at the dealership. Its starting price of $46,195 with destination is about $10,000 less than a base Genesis GV80 or Volvo XC90. Even the top trim, the $58,865 Avenir that we have tested, is far cheaper than some European alternatives like the $66,195 BMW X5. And with its better-than-average reliability, those cost savings could be extended with fewer trips to an auto shop.
7 2023 Buick Envision
Another Buick model joins the list, and it shares many of the same qualities as its bigger brother, the Enclave. Its starting price of $34,745 is far less than what the Genesis GV60, Volvo XC60, or BMW X3 command, it sports stylish looks, and while it’s not the most upscale model, it is expected to be reliable with the model scoring 54 points out of 100 for 2023.
It’s not just Consumer Reports that put the Buick brand high in its reliability rankings. J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, which takes into consideration how 2020 model-year vehicles are performing with data from actual owners, places Buick as the top-scoring American brand of them all. Buick was ranked No. 4 out of all automakers included in the list. The American automaker was only beat out by Kia, Genesis, and Lexus.
6 2023 Buick Encore GX
Noticing a theme, yet? Another Buick earns a top-10 ranking for American SUVs according to Consumer Reports’ reliability data, and this time it’s the smallest offering of the brand’s crossover lineup, the Encore GX. The GX scores 55 out of 100 points, placing it only behind the Volvo XC40 and Lexus UX in the reliability rankings in its segment. It beat out another American entry, the Cadillac XT4, and European models like the Mini Cooper Countryman, Mercedes GLA, and BMW X1/X2.
The Encore straddles the line between luxury and mainstream with a handsome appearance and generous features with a low asking price compared to its more luxe rivals. It’s not the most thrilling model to drive with a 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter engine under the hood, but for comfortable commuting, it’s a solid little American SUV.
5 2023 Ford Edge
The Blue Oval makes its mark on the top 10 most reliable American SUVs with its midsized offering, the Edge. The two-row SUV scored 62 out of 100 points, making it the highest-rated SUV from Ford for this year and in the mid-pack overall for two-row midsize SUVs.
The 2023 Edge starts just under $40,000 and comes standard with a turbo four-cylinder delivering 250 horsepower, though the more gutsy Edge ST is offered with a 2.7-liter, twin-turbo V-6 cranking out a healthy 335 horsepower that will zip it from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Though it's not quite as overall solid as some of its foreign competition, the Edge delivers a spacious interior and ample tech. The Edge ranked well for American SUVs, but one of its direct rivals from GM scored higher.
4 2023 Chevrolet Blazer
The American model to, well, edge the Edge for dependability among midsize, two-row SUVs is Chevy’s handsomely styled 2023 Blazer. The Blazer earned 64 out of 100 points for reliability, trailing only the Honda Passport in its class for models rated by Consumer Reports. Not only does the Blazer rank high in reliability, but CR also praises the model as “comfortable, quiet, and roomy.”
The Blazer is available in five trims starting at under $37,000. The base engine is a turbo 2.0-liter offering 228 horsepower with an optional V-6 delivering 308 ponies. The Blazer offers a respectable 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and no matter the trim, it is stylish throughout.
3 2023 Lincoln Nautilus
Ford may only have one of its models on this list, but its Lincoln luxury division holds (another spoiler alert) two of the top three spots. The Nautilus, which is the luxury equivalent of the Ford Edge, earns 73 out of 100 possible points, making it the highest-scoring non-Lexus in its luxury, two-row SUV segment. Its score puts it ahead of popular rivals like the Acura MDX, BMW X5, and the also-American GMC Acadia.
CR gives the Nautilus its “recommended” label due to the model’s “swanky” interior, planted ride quality when cruising, composed demeanor when driven with gusto, and its sprightly optional 335-horsepower V-6. CR’s review of the 2023 Nautilus states simply, “It doesn’t take more than a quarter mile to realize this isn’t your grandmother’s Lincoln.”
2 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Chevy caused a bit of a stink when it used the Trailblazer name its subcompact crossover, but the model has remained a mainstay as one of two tiny SUVs in the bowtie brand’s lineup since the 2021 model year (at least in the U.S.). In our review of the Trailblazer, we found that it is surprisingly spacious for its small footprint, wears attractive styling, and is well equipped.
It’s certainly more attuned for cruising than corner carving with two three-cylinder engines available, but it is fairly economical. With a starting price of $23,395 with destination, it’s not the cheapest subcompact crossover available, but it is likely to save buyers on repair costs with its high-reliability ranking.
The 2023 Trailblazer earns 76 out of 100 points for reliability, beating out the Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, and Hyundai Kona, some of its main rivals. Only the Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru Crosstrek scored higher for reliability among subcompact SUVs, making the Trailblazer the highest-scoring non-luxury American SUV of 2023.
1 2023 Lincoln Corsair
According to Consumer Reports, there is no other reliable American SUV than the Lincoln Corsair. The Corsair earned a perfect 5/5 rating for predicted reliability, and overall, the model scored 82 out of 100 possible points. Among compact luxury SUVs, it is only beaten out the by Lexus NX Hybrid and the all-electric Kia EV6 (which we contend doesn’t really qualify as a luxury offering, though it certainly is a great EV). The high scores for the Nautilus and Corsair helped Lincoln to be named Consumer Reports’ most reliable American automaker of 2023.
The Corsair, which rides on the same underpinnings as the Ford Escape, also earned high marks in CR’s review. The publication noted the Lincoln “fulfills on the premium promise, delivering refinement throughout” with its luxe cabin, supple ride quality and its sprightly powertrain. The 2023 Corsair comes standard with a 250-horsepower turbo-four, and a plug-in hybrid is available ramping up the output to 266 horsepower. The Corsair starts at just over $40,000, making it a more affordable option in the luxury small SUV segment.