These Are the Most Reliable 3-Row SUVs You Can Buy Used

For families in need of space, luxury and versatility, the three-row SUV is unbeatable. The target market is broad, and ranges from families who require the space to haul a soccer team's worth of kids to active sorts who enjoy embarking on road trips with tons of gear. But the one thing that is essential in this type of vehicle is bullet-proof reliability.

Breaking down miles from home or when transporting teenagers to their school trip is not just an annoyance, it is a deal-breaker. To minimize the chances of getting stranded on the side of the road, or shelling out hundreds of dollars in repairs every few months, we consulted the latest reliability info from Consumer Reports to see which 3-row SUVs have proven to be the most reliable.

Consumer Reports gathers its reliability data by sending comprehensive annual surveys to its hundreds of thousands of members, asking them to report any serious problems they have experienced with their vehicles. This provides unbiased real-world data, and to help establish a pattern of reliability we chose to focus on 2021 model year vehicles which have had longer to prove their hardiness. The following five models - specifically focusing on the 2021 MY - are the most reliable 3-row SUVs currently on the used market.

1. Lexus GX 460

• Reliability Score: 100/100
• Production Dates: 2010 – 2023 (Second Generation)
• Most Reliable Trim: Luxury
• Average 5-Year-Old Price: $39,000

The second-generation Lexus GX 460 was in production for 13 years, and while it isn't nearly as cutting-edge as the latest Lexus offerings, it has certainly proven itself to be one of the most reliable vehicles of any type. Its enviable reputation stems from its old-school, truck-based body-on-frame construction and an over-engineered naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine that prioritizes longevity over modern complexity. Many rivals use turbocharged engines, including the current generation GX, and while they deliver impressive performance, only time will tell if they can match the V8's durability.

Owners love the vault-like quietness of the cabin and the exceptional off-road capability. And while the GX is undeniably hardy, owners did complain about the prodigious fuel thirst which can push up running costs.

2. Toyota Highlander

• Reliability Score: 86/100
• Production Dates: 2020 – Present (Fourth Generation)
• Most Reliable Trim: XLE
• Average 5-Year-Old Price: $32,500

The Toyota Highlander has been a perennial favorite for families who want a stress-free ownership experience. Consumer Reports data highlights its smooth ride and high-quality interior materials which stand up to years of hard use. The 2021 model year benefited from being the second year of its redesign, meaning Toyota had ironed out most early production kinks.

Its appeal is bolstered by a solid 3.5-liter V6 which provides strong performance, and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid which delivers great fuel economy figures. Both engines are known for their reliability, and owners also praised its safety features and strong resale value. However, many note that the third row is very cramped for adults and the infotainment system can feel dated compared to newer competitors.

3. Mazda CX-9

• Reliability Score: 80/100
• Production Dates: 2016 – 2023
• Most Reliable Trim: Grand Touring
• Average 5-Year-Old Price: $27,500

Mazda recently displaced many luxury brands to become a top-tier manufacturer for reliability based on CR surveys. The CX-9 stands out for its athletic handling and good value. Its reliability is rooted in a well-engineered 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission that avoids the issues common in some Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) found in other SUVs.

Owners frequently mention the high quality cabin materials as a highlight. The primary drawbacks cited are the limited cargo space behind the third row and a tight rear seat compared to more traditionally styled (boxier) competitors. Unfortunately, production ended for this model in 2023, but there are plenty still around at prices that should please families on a tight budget.

4. Kia Telluride

• Reliability Score: 79/100
• Production Dates: 2020 – 2025
• Most Reliable Trim: EX
• Average 5-Year-Old Price: $25,500

Since its debut, the Kia Telluride has taken the market by storm, often topping comparative road test scores. The secret to its success is that it provides a massive amount of interior space and a premium feel at a mainstream price point. But unlike some of its rivals, it has also proven to be very robust over the longer term. The powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine has shown few mechanical issues, and the rest of the package seems pleasingly durable, too.

Owners are most impressed by the user-friendly technology and the futuristic styling language, although minor electrical glitches have been reported. Overall, the Telluride is a great choice for larger families on a budget that don't want to compromise on space, style and tech. A new Telluride model has since replaced this original version, but it comes with a new turbocharged engine and tons of new tech that will have to prove itself in real-world use before we can comment on its reliability.

5. Honda Pilot

• Reliability Score: 76/100
• Production Dates: 2016 – 2022 (Third Generation)
• Most Reliable Trim: Special Edition (SE)
• Average 5-Year-Old Price: $26,500

The 2021 Honda Pilot may seem a bit dated compared to newer rivals, but it is a solid and safe choice for large families. By the 2021 model year, Honda had refined the 9-speed automatic transmission that had caused some headaches in earlier versions and while there were a few recalls they were for relatively minor issues.

The Pilot offers a very practical cabin, packed with clever storage cubbies and a very accessible third row. Owners love the smooth V6 engine, but some found the infotainment touchscreen to be a bit finicky to use while driving. To be fair, they shouldn't be using the screen while driving anyway.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM.