Luxury vehicles play a big role in pushing the average new-car transaction price higher—an average that now sits above the $50,000 mark ($50,080 in September 2025, to be precise)—with SUVs also lifting the price-point center of gravity higher, due to their being heavily in demand. And with buyers gravitating toward sure-footed year-round motoring, and higher seating positions to level the congested-traffic playing field, it’s becoming harder and harder to find a luxury vehicle that sits beneath that threshold.
But fret not. Hidden among the headline-grabbing price tags are luxury-branded SUVs that many shoppers assume are out of reach simply because of the badge on the grille. And for buyers who assume that a lower price means cheaper quality, we present these attainable models with noteworthy Quality & Reliability ratings in J.D. Power ownership surveys, proving that you can reduce your cash-outlay in the showroom and in the service department.
The models in this list have been extensively researched to ensure the most accurate information possible as of the time of publishing. Models are listed in ascending order from least to most reliable.
2026 Mini Cooper Countryman
Reliability Score: 78/100
The 2026 Mini Cooper Countryman has deep roots as the first and most spacious vehicle in the Mini lineup. With a base MSRP below $45,000, you get a not-so-mini Mini that is “properly large, fitting in the compact category of SUVs rather than the subcompact one where Mini slots it.” And as you would expect from BMW-built vehicles, the Countryman returns solid overall ownership scores—scoring especially high in Driving Experience (95/100).
Punch the accelerator pedal, and this four-cylinder is surprisingly strong in the low ends of the powerband, providing a good amount of torque, getting this bred box going quickly.
– William Clavey for TopSpeed
Mini Cooper Countryman Reliability
Mostly unchanged since it was remade for 2024, the Mini Cooper Countryman is somewhat of a mixed bag in reliability, with RepairPal giving it 3.5 stars out of five, and estimating its average yearly maintenance and repair cost at around $900 (which it rates as above average for the subcompact SUV segment). Meanwhile, CarEdge estimates that over the first 10 years of ownership, owners should expect about $8,000 in maintenance, with a better-than-average 22.65 percent chance of a major repair.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $880 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,073 (CarEdge)
- 2026 Recalls: 2
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2016
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Reliability Score: 78/100
The Mercedes‑Benz GLA is aimed at giving buyers entry into the three-pointed-star world without the price and bulk of a full-size SUV, such as the larger, established E-Class (which began life as the M-Class) and the even larger and more established (G and GLs). Priced from $41,550, the GLA delivers a Mercedes-traditional premium interior with modern tech. Based on the latest owner surveys from J.D. Power, it’s solid, but average in reliability.
Everything looks like a million bucks in there, mostly due to the presence of brushed aluminum around the three circular air vents, the steering wheel and the dashboard. But also, thanks to ambient lighting at night, which truly helps this cabin pop.
– William Clavey for TopSpeed
Mercedes-Benz GLA Reliability
Over the long haul, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is borderline average. According to RepairPal, the yearly repair average hovers close to $1,000, giving it an average rating of three stars and placing it close to the bottom in the 32-model segment. CarEdge places its 10-year ownership costs at nearly $15,000, which is about 16 percent higher than average for the segment, while foreseeing a 44.1 percent chance of the vehicle requiring a major repair in that timeframe.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $987 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $14,847 (CarEdge)
- 2026 Recalls: 0
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2016
2026 Tesla Model Y
Reliability Score: 78/100
The updated 2026 Tesla Model Y marks the latest evolution of a worldwide best-selling EV that first hit the streets in 2020. Squeaking in under the $40,000 mark, it features all the modernity of EV technology, with the minimalist presentation of a modern luxury brand. J.D. Power ownership surveys place the Model Y on the cusp of greatness, with high marks for “Driving Experience” (87/100), and a Resale rating of 80/100, leading to an Overall rating of 81.
Tesla Model Y Reliability
Because it’s a fairly young model, the reliability picture for the Tesla Model Y is mixed. RepairPal hasn’t been able to draw an average ranking and repair/maintenance estimate, but cautions that EVs tend to trend higher in costs due to the level of technology. On the other hand, CarEdge projects just shy of $4,000 outlays for maintenance over 10 years, which is less than half the market average. It also pegs the chance of a major repair at 18.8 percent (about 20 percent better than average).
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $3,978 (CarEdge)
- 2026 Recalls: 5
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2020
2025 Lexus UX 300h
Reliability Score: 80/100
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h is the lowest-priced crossover/SUV in today’s luxury marketplace, and grants access to Lexus brand luxury, which is one of the most respected in the industry for its quality and cachet. Starting at $36,740, it delivers a well-appointed cabin and hybrid efficiency from a newly updated system. J.D. Power’s consumer ratings put it in the “Average” category, but its 79 percent Overall rating is skewed upward by a “Great” 85/100 rating for Dealership Experience.
Lexus UX 300h Reliability
On the practical side, the Lexus UX 300h delivers reliability and reasonable long-term costs, with RepairPal rating it four out of five stars (on its Lexus pedigree, which ranks seventh in luxury brands), and expected to slot in with the Lexus annual maintenance average of around $550. CarEdge, meanwhile, estimates the 10-year upkeep cost at about $7,500 (roughly 40 percent lower than other luxury SUVs), with a 21.1 percent chance of a major repair.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $551 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,556 (CarEdge)
- 2026 Recalls: 0
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2019
2026 Genesis GV70
Reliability Score: 81/100
Genesis was conceived as a luxury Hyundai alternative to often-unattainable German luxury vehicles, and the GV70 competes in the midsize SUV sub-segment. Sneaking in just under the $50,000 threshold, the 2026 Genesis GV70 is priced below competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, but offers the same level of refined cabin and premium feel. It scores a high “Average” in Quality & Reliability, but a “Fair” Dealership Experience rank makes it just average Overall.
Because Genesis offers way more amenities and is far more luxurious on the inside than any of its competition, it’s just an amazing all-rounder.
– Chris Chin for TopSpeed
Genesis GV70 Reliability
Refreshed for 2026, the Genesis GV70 is just in its first generation, so there isn’t a large enough data sample to gauge long-term reliability. CarEdge pegs its long-term costs at just over $9,500 over its first 10 years, which is about 24 percent lower than the luxury SUV average, while estimating its chance of major repairs at 26.6 percent (about 12 percent lower than rivals). RepairPal hasn’t yet rated its reliability and repair/maintenance costs.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,511 (CarEdge)
- 2026 Recalls: 1
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2022
2025 Infiniti QX50
Reliability Score: 81/100
The Infiniti QX50 started life as the Infiniti EX35 in 2008 to stretch Infiniti’s reach in the burgeoning compact luxury SUV segment, but will soon ride off into the sunset as Infiniti prepares for sportier utilities. With a starting MSRP of $43,000, the 2025 Infiniti QX50 offers a well-appointed cabin, standard AWD, and a turbo engine that helps it deliver a pleasing balance of performance and everyday usability. It earns a respectable 78/100 Overall in the J.D. Power ratings, with a solid 84 percent on Dealership Experience.
Infiniti QX50 Reliability
On the reliability and ownership-cost front, the Infiniti QX50 presents an impressive $608 yearly average for maintenance and repairs, and a 3.5-star rating, based on Infiniti’s reputation, putting it dead center among the segment’s 32 entries. Over 10 years, CarEdge projects ownership costs of about $11,500, which is marginally better than the average for luxury SUVs. Its chances of requiring a major repair in that time are pegged at about 33 percent, which is just about 5.3 percent better than its rivals.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $608 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $11,486 (CarEdge)
- 2025 Recalls: 0
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2019
2026 Lincoln Corsair
Reliability Score: 83/100
As the replacement for the MKC crossover in 2020, the often-overlooked Lincoln Corsair set out to deliver traditional comfort and upscale refinement at a relatively modest premium SUV price (for 2026, it starts at $39,985), although Lincoln never had tremendous success with its smaller SUVs. It’s well-appointed and suitably powered, but it keeps AWD optional (which many of its rivals don’t). Although its overall J.D. Power score is an Average 78/100, it tips the scales with a Great Quality & Reliability rating.
Inside, the Corsair’s cabin is elegant and well-built, with plenty of premium, if not quite opulent, materials.
– Craig Cole for TopSpeed
Lincoln Corsair Reliability
Another of the relative newcomers in the compact luxury SUV segment, there isn’t a lot of reliability data on the Lincoln Corsair from which to draw. The Lincoln brand gets a three-star rating from RepairPal, with the brand’s annual repair bill estimated at $879. CarEdge estimates the Lincoln Corsair’s 10-year maintenance cost to reach almost $12,000, though that still makes it cheaper to repair than the luxury SUV market average. However, it is saddled with a 34.5 percent chance of a major repair.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $11,886 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2020
2026 Lexus NX 350
Reliability Score: 85/100
The Lexus NX (available in hybrid and regular ICE versions) marks the start of the compact luxury SUV’s second decade by building on upscale comfort that belies its modest starting price. Starting at just under $45,000, the NX 350 slots in between the venerable RX and the sub-compact UX. According to owner-survey data from J.D. Power, the Lexus NX ranks among the best, scoring 83/100 Overall, on the strength of its Quality & Reliability and Dealership Experience scores (both 85), and Experience and Resale ratings (both 81/100).
Lexus NX 350 Reliability
One of the best luxury SUVs for reliability, the Lexus NX 350 remains economical compared to its peers. According to CarEdge, 10-year maintenance and repair costs are estimated at about $7,700, about a third lower than the luxury-SUV average. The site also predicts a 21 percent probability of major repairs over that timeframe. RepairPal doesn’t really have a grasp on specific Lexus MX models, though it falls in line with the general Lexus four-star rating and $551 yearly repair cost.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $551 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,712 (CarEdge)
- 2026 Recalls: 0
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2015
2026 Acura RDX
Reliability Score: 85/100
The Acura RDX traces its roots back to the early 2010s, when it was introduced as Acura’s compact-luxury SUV offering, combining sporty performance, premium features, and everyday practicality in typical Acura fashion. Its impressive Quality & Reliability rating, combined with an equally impressive Dealership Experience score (83/100), pushes its overall J.D. Power Overall score to 81/100, one of the best in its segment.
Acura RDX Reliability
When it comes to ownership costs, the Acura RDX shines among compact luxury SUVs with an impressive estimated annual repair/maintenance cost of about $500, according to RepairPal, in keeping with the four-star rating accorded to Acura, which ranks it second among all car brands. Over 10 years of ownership, CarEdge estimates maintenance and repairs will run slightly lower than the luxury SUV average of $12,453, with a 30 percent chance of a major repair.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $497 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $10,295 (CarEdge)
- 2026 Recalls: 0
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2019
2025 Audi Q3
Reliability Score: 86/100
Although you may not know it, the Audi Q3 is the gateway to, and one of the better SUVs in, the Audi lineup, offering the performance, ruggedness, and Teutonic luxury of Audi without the escalating price of the brand’s larger luxury SUVs. Readily affordable with its base MSRP of $39,800, you get the revered Quattro AWD, VW’s tried-and-true 2.0T engine and a J.D. Power reliability score that’s best in class. Its overall rating of 81/100 is brought down by sub-80-percent ratings in Resale and Driving, and Dealership experience.
Audi Q3 Reliability
According to RepairPal, the Audi Q3 is expected to cost, on average, about $900 for annual repairs, which is within the general average of $859 for Audi, a brand that has just an average reputation for reliability (netting just three stars out of five) and ranks just 28th out of all 32 brands. CarEdge pegs repair costs for the Q3 at slightly above the average for all luxury SUVs, with a 37.4 percent chance of a major repair over those years (slightly better than the average for luxury SUVs).
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $915 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $12,641 (CarEdge)
- 2025 Recalls: 1
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2019