10. Porsche Macan
Yes, we were a bit surprised to see the sporty compact Porsche Macan make it to this list, but it did so with above average reliability ratings from both Consumer Reports and JD Power. Here’s what to drive if you really want a 911, but just can’t live with it as a daily driver.
9. Lexus RX
The midsize Lexus RX was the first midsize luxury crossover and it’s never waned in popularity. A stretched three-row “L” model is new for 2018. The RX is rated above average for reliability from Consumer Reports, and receives an average score in that regard from JD Power’s surveys.
8. Lexus NX
The compact Lexus NX is more flamboyantly styled than most small crossovers, and while it gets an above average ranking for reliability from Consumer Reports, it’s top-rated in the latest JD Power dependability survey.
7. Buick Encore
The subcompact Buick Encore is built in South Korea and is arguably the most sophisticated small SUV for the money, though it lacks the brand cachet of the other models on our list. It’s is, however, Consumer Reports highest-rated model for reliability among luxury SUVS, being the only one to earn a full five out of five score in that regard.
5. BMW X3
Think of the compact BMW X3 as the crossover SUV alternative to the venerable 3 Series sport sedan; while we’d still rather take the latter out for a spin through winding mountain roads, the X3 is no slouch in the handling department, either. It receives an above-average rating for reliability from Consumer Reports, and an average overall score from JD Power, but with an above average ranking for powertrain durability, which is where the proverbial rubber meets the road in terms of potential repair costs.
4. BMW X1
Another sporty choice than may just be too small for many luxury SUV intenders, the subcompact BMW X1 is nonetheless a more-practical – and did we mention sporty – alternative to an entry-level upscale sedan. It’s rated above average for dependability by both JD Power and Consumer Reports.
3. Audi Q5
The top seller in the luxury brand’s lineup, the compact Audi Q5 was redesigned for 2018 with a fresh look inside and out, and a reasonably sporty, yet still plenty sophisticated, demeanor. Consumer Reports pegs it as being above average for durability, with an average powertrain dependability ranking from JD Power.
2. Audi Q3
The Subcompact Audi Q3 is the crossover SUV equivalent of the A3 sedan, and is every bit as entertaining to drive, but with added headroom, ground clearance, and cargo space. At that it may be too tight a fit on the inside for many shoppers in the luxury market. Still, it’s rated above average for reliability by Consumer Reports and gets top marks in that regard from JD Power.
1. Acura RDX
Successfully treading the line between luxurious and sporty, the compact Acura RDX is the division’s best-selling model, and sales are up despite a new model coming for 2019. It’s rated above average for reliability in Consumer Reports’ subscriber surveys, though it comes up as just average in JD Power’s 2018 Vehicle Dependability Study.
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