Buying an SUV is easy, but living with it for five, seven, or even ten years is the real test. That is where reliability steps in, quietly deciding whether your car feels like a trusted partner or an expensive habit. For 2026 shoppers looking at American SUVs, this matters more than ever. Modern vehicles are packed with tech, turbochargers, sensors, and software, and while all of that can be useful, it also means more things that can go wrong if the basics are not solid.
That is why this list leans on J.D. Power’s 2025 ratings, which are based on real owners reporting real problems. The SUVs below have proven that they can handle everyday life with fewer complaints than most. These aren’t first-week impressions. These are lived-with cars that have hauled kids, groceries, luggage, and stress through everyday life. In other words, they are the American SUVs that quietly keep their promises long after the new-car smell fades.
The Most Comfortable SUVs For Long Road Trips In 2026
These select SUVs are built to make extended weekends as easy as possible.
2026 Buick Enclave
J.D. Power Score: 78
The Buick Enclave is a big, comfortable SUV that feels like a rolling living room. Its 78 reliability score shows that, despite its size and features, it has managed to stay fairly trouble-free for many owners. That is not always easy for a large three-row SUV. The Enclave’s strength is how smoothly everything works together. The engine, transmission, and suspension are tuned for comfort rather than stress, and this gentle approach often leads to better long-term durability.
Inside, the materials feel high-quality and hold up well to family life. The Enclave is also a vehicle people tend to keep for a long time, which says a lot. Owners like how it just settles into their lives between long trips, school runs, and grocery hauls, making all of it feel easy.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $720 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,238 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 28
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2026 Ford Explorer
J.D. Power Score: 79
The Ford Explorer has been around for decades, and that history shows in its reliability score of 79. This is a model that has had time to grow up. The current version feels refined, solid, and well-sorted. The Explorer does a lot of things well. It can haul families, handle highway miles, and even do a bit of towing.
What makes it reliable is that its major components are proven. The engine and transmission have been tuned to handle daily stress without complaint. Inside, the Explorer offers plenty of room and tech, but it does not feel fragile. Buttons, screens, and seats all feel designed to survive years of use. Owners often mention that it feels sturdy, which matches its reliability score.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $732 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,730 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 128
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2026 Chevrolet Tahoe
J.D. Power Score: 83
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a giant among SUVs, and its 83 reliability score shows that it wears its size well. This is a vehicle built to do big jobs. Long road trips, towing, and carrying heavy loads are part of its daily routine. Reliability matters even more when you are dealing with something this large.
The Tahoe’s truck-based platform is a big reason for its durability. It is built tough, with strong components that are designed to last. The engine and transmission are proven and have been refined over many years. Inside, the Tahoe feels solid and comfortable. Even after years of use, it tends to hold together well. People buy these to keep them for a long time, and the reliability score suggests that it is a good idea.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $744 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,966 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 79
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2026 Buick Envista
J.D. Power Score: 83
The Buick Envista is one of those SUVs that doesn’t shout for attention, yet quietly wins people over. It looks modern and sleek, but its real charm shows up after months of ownership. This compact crossover simply keeps going without throwing many surprises at its owners. This tends to matter because the Envista is the kind of vehicle people will use every day for school runs, office commutes, grocery trips, and weekend getaways.
What helps the Envista’s dependability is its simple and proven mechanical setup. It is not overloaded with complicated tech that might age poorly. The interior feels well put together with materials that hold up to daily wear. You also get a calm driving experience that doesn’t stress the engine or transmission, which plays a big role in long-term reliability.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,768 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 5
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The Most Reliable Plug-In Luxury SUVs
The Volvo XC60 sets the gold standard for plug-in luxury SUV reliability, with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q5 close behind.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
J.D. Power Score: 83
The Chevrolet Trax may be small, but it has built a strong reputation. It is simple, light, and easy to own, which often leads to fewer problems over time. The Trax is especially popular with first-time buyers and city drivers. Its engine is not overworked, and the whole vehicle feels designed for calm, everyday use. That means less stress on the mechanical parts and fewer surprises down the road.
The interior is basic but solid, with controls that are easy to understand and use. Because it avoids complicated features, the Trax tends to age well. Owners don’t have to worry about fancy systems breaking or becoming outdated. It just keeps going.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $488 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,000 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 10
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
J.D. Power Score: 84
The Chevrolet Traverse is one of those SUVs that feels like it was designed for real life. It carries people, luggage, and groceries without making a fuss. That kind of daily workload is a serious test of durability. The Traverse uses a tried-and-tested engine and transmission setup that has been around for a while. That usually means the bugs have been worked out.
The Traverse is not chasing the latest trends, which actually works in its favor when it comes to reliability. The ride is smooth, and the engine is not constantly pushed hard, which helps everything last longer. Inside, there is plenty of space and a layout that makes sense. Kids, pets, and road trips are all part of its world.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $656 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,567 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 31
2026 Chevrolet Blazer
J.D. Power Score: 84
The Chevrolet Blazer looks sporty, but underneath it is a very sensible midsize SUV. Its 84 reliability score shows that owners have had a fairly smooth experience with it over time. That matters because midsize SUVs often carry a lot of responsibility, from family road trips to everyday commuting.
The Blazer’s strength lies in its balanced nature. It offers enough power to feel confident on the highway, but not so much that it puts extra strain on the drivetrain. The ride is comfortable and stable, which helps reduce wear on suspension parts. Inside, the layout is straightforward, and most of the tech works without fuss. People who own a Blazer often mention that it feels well-built. Doors close with a solid feel, and the interior materials hold up well. That kind of build quality usually translates into better long-term durability.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $431 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,390 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 33
2026 Buick Encore GX
J.D. Power Score: 85
The Buick Encore GX lives in that sweet spot between small and comfortable. It is easy to park, easy to drive, and still feels grown-up inside. Its 85 reliability score shows that this little SUV is more than just a pretty face. One reason the Encore GX does well is its calm, relaxed nature. It is not built to be sporty or edgy. Instead, it focuses on smooth driving, good visibility, and a quiet cabin. That puts less stress on its mechanical parts and leads to fewer long-term issues.
The engine and transmission are tuned for efficiency and durability rather than excitement. Inside, the Encore’s design is clean and not overly complex. Fewer complicated features often mean fewer things to break. Owners appreciate how easy it is to live with, especially on long drives and busy weekdays.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,840 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 3
Forget SUVs — These Performance Wagons Do Everything Better
Overlooked as families clamor for SUVs, modern wagons mirror core SUV strengths and, as these examples show, often add performance and efficiency.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
J.D. Power Score: 85
The Ford Bronco Sport brings a bit of adventure to the reliability conversation. Scoring 85 according to J.D. Power, it proves that you can have rugged style without giving up dependability. This SUV is built for people who like the idea of dirt roads and weekend trips but still need something reliable for daily driving.
What helps the Bronco Sport is its solid build and straightforward mechanical setup. It is not overloaded with complex systems that can cause trouble later. The suspension and drivetrain are designed to handle rougher conditions, which often means they are more durable in everyday use too. Inside, the cabin feels tough and ready for action, but still comfortable. Owners like that it can handle messy, active lifestyles without falling apart.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,434 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 26
2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
J.D. Power Score: 86
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer wears a slightly adventurous name, but its biggest strength is its sense of practicality. With a score of 86, it shows that this small SUV has earned the trust of its owners. It is light, easy to drive, and doesn’t try to be more complicated than it needs to be. That simplicity is one of the reasons it holds up well over time. The TrailBlazer is especially popular with city drivers who want something higher than a sedan but not as bulky as a full-size SUV.
The engine and transmission are tuned for smoothness rather than aggression, which usually leads to less wear and tear. Inside the TrailBlazer everything feels practical and sturdy. Buttons, screens, and switches are easy to use and don’t feel flimsy. Over the years, owners have reported fewer annoying problems than many rivals in this segment. That means fewer trips to the service center and fewer headaches.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $520 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,077 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 29