TOP 20 best SUVs

Car prices in the article have been adjusted to reflect the market situation. This article was revised in April 2022.

The operating conditions of Russian cars are unique. The cold climate is complemented by far from the best roads. That is why SUVs with high ground clearance and transmissions resistant to critical loads are in demand in the Russian Federation. It's good that automakers now offer a wide selection of such cars. Which SUV is better according to drivers? And what criteria should be paid attention to when buying such a car?

TOP 20 most reliable SUVs

First of all, it should be noted that the term "SUV" is not currently used by manufacturers. SUV, crossover and so-called short wheelbase SUV can also fall under this term. But they all share the following common criteria:

• four-wheel drive;
• high ground clearance;
• off-road optimized gearbox (with differential lock);
• powerful engine;
• reliability.

Cadillac Escalade

One of the most popular SUVs in the world. The 4th variant is now presented, which is also optimized for city driving. The advantages of these cars are:

• the most durable;
• advanced intelligent chassis balancing system (adapts to current road conditions);
• 6,2-liter engine (V8, 409 hp);
• premium build.

The only downside is the price. For the basic version, the manufacturer takes more than 9 million rubles.

There are plenty of SUVs out there with just as good performance but at a lower price.

Volvo XC60

Reliable and economical SUV. He became popular after appearing on Top Gear. And in March 2018, Volvo introduced an updated version of the XC60. There is also a diesel option. Exclusively for the European market, a hybrid version with a 407-horsepower engine was also released (it was not officially supplied to the Russian Federation).

Advantages:

• adjustable ground clearance;
• excellent sound insulation;
• turbocharger with intelligent gas distribution system;
• fully independent suspension.

The XC60 is considered the best SUV in its price range.

Among the shortcomings: too simple design, only an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive (because of this, it costs more). The price is from 7 million rubles.

Chevrolet Tahoe

It can be considered an inexpensive Escalade. The engines are identical, there is also a hydromechanical automatic transmission (super reliable at peak loads), independent suspension. Over the past few years, Chevrolet has significantly reduced the number of its cars officially sold in Russia, Tahoe continues to be heavily imported. Such is the demand for this model.

Another important advantage of this SUV is good equipment even in the basic version.

This includes:

• Cruise control;
• Zone climate control;
• LED headlights;
• advanced multimedia system.

The price starts from 7 million rubles.

Toyota RAV4

This is an affordable SUV from the Japanese automaker. Thanks to this, she became a bestseller in the Russian Federation. In its price category, no one can compete with him yet. For the basic configuration, they require 3,8 million rubles. In terms of its crossover capabilities, it is inferior to the Volvo XC60 and Chevrolet Tahoe. But in terms of reliability, this is a complete analogue. Model advantages:

• maneuverability (which is rare among crossovers);
• efficiency (less than 11 liters per 100 km in mixed mode);
• In the Russian Federation, they sell an adapted version of the car (with additional body protection against corrosion and a more rigid transmission).

Of the shortcomings, it can only be noted that the manufacturer in the RAV4 installs a transmission and engine developed in 2008. But they have stood the test of time!

Nissan Pathfinder

Four-wheel drive, frame structure, powerful engine, adaptive suspension - these are just the main advantages of Nissan. But all this only applies to Pathfinder 3rd generation. In the new generation, the manufacturer has focused on design and "smart" upgrade, nullifying all the previously available advantages of the model.

Pathfinder also has a fully independent suspension, there are quite a few engine options (including diesel ones).

Price: from 11 million rubles.

Toyota LC Prado

The most popular yet affordable Land Cruiser.

For the basic version, the manufacturer takes 6 million rubles. For the money, this is the most reliable and presentable SUV.

The most powerful engine, however, is the 6 hp V249 petrol. That is, the car will behave well on direct off-road, but for really extreme conditions this is not the best option.

There are also more expensive premium modifications. But there is no demand for them, because in terms of price they practically do not differ from the Chevrolet Tahoe, which initially belongs to the premium category.

Lexus LX570

This model is TOP in many criteria. It has the most modern filling (3 on-board computers that work independently of each other), an engine case made of aircraft-grade aluminum, a manually adjustable chassis, a system for intelligent adaptation to driving style, and so on. This is a full-fledged flagship in the world of cars, build quality for Lexus has always been in the first place.

He has no flaws. But the price is from 8 million rubles. Not many people can afford such a purchase.

Ssangyong kyron

For relatively little money (1,3 million rubles), a full-fledged SUV with an extremely durable frame structure is offered. It has four-wheel drive, but only the front wheels can be used (practice shows that the cross-country ability does not fall from this, but fuel consumption, as a rule, decreases). The basic configuration already provides:

• power steering;
• external side mirrors with electric adjustment;
• heated mirrors and rear window;
• front airbags.

Fuel consumption in combined mode is 11,8 liters per 100 kilometers. Engine: 2-liter turbodiesel (150 hp).

Among the shortcomings: poor dynamic performance (acceleration to 100 km / h in just 12 seconds), the rear platform is uneven with the seats folded down.

But this is more than offset by the low price.

Toyota Fortuner

One of the 5 most reliable SUVs according to Moody's. There are versions with a turbodiesel and a gasoline engine. The first is very popular, as it has a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine displacement is 2,8 liters (177 horsepower). Advantages:

• Cross-country ability (all-wheel drive);
• good visibility from the driver's seat;
• The housing is adapted to Russian operating conditions (increased corrosion resistance).

Of the shortcomings, motorists mention only an overly stiff suspension. The basic package also does not include a navigation system.

The average price in the salons is 7,7 million rubles.

3 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Not the most reliable SUV for Russia, but the most desirable for most motorists. In the third generation, the model became a full-fledged frame crossover (the previous ones did not). The designers slightly changed the look (bringing it in line with the signature X-shaped front of the "Dynamic Shield"). The base version has side steps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated mirrors, heated front seats, media remote control (both front and rear), 18-inch wheels. Engine: 2,4-liter turbodiesel (249 hp). Advantages:

• Dynamic and agile (emphasis on sporting features);
• Four-wheel drive, automatic transmission (6-speed);
• ground clearance is only 220 millimeters.

As disadvantages, the owners name only poor paintwork and poor visibility from the driver's seat (compared to other SUVs).

However, it is possible to change the standard seats (within the basic configuration). The average cost in the salons is 5 million rubles.

Ford Explorer

The recently introduced seven-seater XLT generation sedan will appear in Russia at the end of 2021. But in American countries, it has already become a bestseller. The average price in salons (in rubles) is 4 million rubles. This price includes:

• electrically heated windshield;
• Audio system with 9 speakers;
• Multimedia system SYNC with 8-inch display (touch control);
• Voice control (with support for the Russian language).

Engine - 3,5-liter gasoline ("aspirated"), 249 hp. Four-wheel drive, 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption in mixed mode is about 7,2 liters (in practice - 8,6 liters). Ground clearance is 211 millimeters.

Disadvantages: light weight in the basic configuration.

Jeep Wrangler 4

Which SUV is the most manageable? All-wheel drive jeeps have always been the flagships in this direction. And most importantly, they are universal.

Excellent handling is maintained both on snow and off-road or sand.

The design is based on the frame, but the overall weight has been reduced by 90 kilograms compared to the previous generation. The doors (including the fifth door) are made of aluminum and magnesium alloy.

The Wrangler is offered with 3 roof options: soft, medium and hard. The latest version costs 8 million rubles in the Russian Federation. Engine - turbocharged 2-liter (272 hp). Transmission is an eight-speed automatic. Fuel consumption in mixed mode is 11,4 liters per 100 km.

Disadvantages: windshield tilted (too vertical), which makes it not resistant to dynamic loads (cracks quickly appear due to stone impacts).

I

The SUV rating was included due to the fact that more than 2020 such vehicles were sold in Russia in 3. And this is at a price of 000 million rubles! But it is popular not only because of its "sovereignty".

First of all, this model surprises with its advanced electronics.

Standard equipment includes front/rear cameras, automatic pedestrian and obstacle detection, as well as intelligent cruise control and blind spot monitoring with maneuver alerts. It is complemented by a luxurious leather interior and designer exterior. The engine is a 5,6-liter (V8) with 400 horsepower. A seven-speed automatic transmission accelerates the car to 100 km / h in 6,7 seconds. The only downside is the price, despite being an Infinity.

Land Rover Sport

This is the most reliable SUV for Russia, and the most "sporty" (after Pajero). For a basic full package, they demand 14 million rubles. For this money, the buyer receives:

• leather interior;
• 250-watt audio system;
• dual-zone climate control;
• heated front seats;
• side mirrors and windows with electric drive and heating;
• 19" alloy wheels (spoked);
• premium LED headlights (manually adjusted at the factory).

Engine - 2 liters (300 horsepower), gearbox - automatic with manual shift. Fuel consumption is 9 liters per 100 km in mixed mode.

There are no disadvantages.

Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class

In European countries, it is not in demand at all. But in terms of cross-country ability and maneuverability, it is not inferior to Jeep SUVs. In the Russian Federation, it is found on the roads quite often.

The price is 45 million rubles.

The engine is a 4-liter turbo with 585 horsepower. 9-speed automatic transmission, fuel consumption - 17 liters per 100 kilometers.

Why is it so expensive? Because it's a premium car. And for this money the buyer receives:

• fully independent suspension (both front and rear);
• black leather interior;
• power supply for the front row of seats;
• front, side and rear airbags;
• 3-zone climate control;
• sports gearbox (with special brake calipers).

And all this is complemented by an extended manufacturer's warranty (3 years).

Great Wall New H3

And this is the most reliable SUV for Russia, which is made in China. It is classified as a mid-size frameless design. The engine is a 2-liter ("aspirated"), with a capacity of only 119 horsepower. Gearbox - 6-speed manual, fuel consumption - up to 8,7 liters in combined mode. The main advantage of the model is the price. Without discounts in car dealerships, it will cost 1 million rubles. Additional benefits:

• Simplicity and low cost of maintenance;
• The declared engine resource is 400 km;
• High-quality plastic in the cabin (visually it looks like carbon fiber, although it is not).

But there are also enough shortcomings: Bad dynamic characteristics; Small trunk (with bumps if you fold the rear row of seats); The body is not the most reliable.

But for the money, the new H3 is the best SUV for Russian roads.

DW Hower H5

Many drivers argue that it is better to buy the Hower H5, and not the Great Wall New H3. It costs a little more (1,5 million rubles). But it already has a 2-liter turbo engine (150 hp), all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission. And the fuel consumption is similar - up to 8,7 liters per 100 kilometers. In general, this is a completely flawless new H3, otherwise it is a complete analogue. Additional benefits:

• Bosch anti-theft system included as standard;
• reliable (engine resource 450 km);
• inexpensive to maintain;
• high ground clearance (240 millimeters).

Cons: Poor soundproofing.

Nissan xterra

In Japan, it is the SUV of choice for the "working class". Not officially imported into the Russian Federation, the range was introduced in 2003. There is a minimum of electronics, the focus is on the frame and the power unit. 3,3 liter (V6) engine with 180 horsepower. Gearbox - mechanical, there is a rear differential lock. It is one of the cheapest used SUVs. The average cost is 2,2 million rubles.

Subaru Outback

According to several Russian publications, it takes 1st place in the TOP of the most reliable SUVs precisely because of the gearbox. Perhaps the 45 to 55 axle load divider (in the BT version) is to blame. The 2,4 liter (turbocharged) engine produces 264 horsepower. Fuel consumption is 9,2 liters per 100 kilometers. Transmission - automatic transmission. Advantages: dynamic steering, "sport" mode, a spacious interior and a roomy "extended" trunk. Disadvantages: not suitable for fast driving on snowy roads. Average price: 6,8 million rubles.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Their first generation appeared back in 1992.

But these are the most reliable SUVs in the world, and they are unshakable.

The third version has a full frame body. Three engine options:

• 3-liter turbo (247 hp);
• 3,6-liter diesel engine (286 hp);
• 6,4-liter turbo (468 hp).

All versions have an 8-speed automatic transmission with increased reliability. Price for the basic configuration: 6 million rubles. Fully independent suspension, heated front seats and side mirrors. For 220 rubles, it can be equipped with blind spot sensors and cameras (rear, front). Disadvantages: only the price, but the jeep is a priori not cheap.

Which to choose

Summarizing all the information, the conclusions are as follows:

• The Mercedes AMG is the off-road choice for those who can afford it;
• DW Hower H5 - the best of the budget category;
• Toyota RAV4 - for the average budget;
• Mitsubishi Pajero - for fans of "sporty" crossovers;
• JeepGrand Cherokee - for those who care about off-road capabilities and reliability.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the presented rating of SUVs in terms of quality for their price categories refers to cars that are most often bought in the Russian Federation. But which one to choose - everyone decides for himself, based on the available budget and the required functionality. And there are quite a few options in the consumer market.