Back to the school run? Warrantywise gives top marks to the Honda CR-V as the most reliable used SUV

As families across the UK get back into the rhythm of school life and everything it brings, having a reliable school-run vehicle is a top priority. Educating households on the most reliable vehicles available, Warrantywise, the UK’s leading extended car warranty provider, has named the Honda CR-V as the most reliable ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ (SUV) on the market, according to its leading Reliability Index.

With the nationwide back-to-school season in full swing, vehicle usage has surged, with daily school runs, extracurricular activities, and weekend family trips placing significant demands on cars. In recent years, the choice of vehicle for many UK families has steadily shifted from the traditional estate car to the increasingly popular SUV. This change has been driven by the SUV’s elevated driving position, spacious interiors, and the availability of four-wheel drive options, making them especially appealing for family life. Reflecting this trend, SUV sales in the UK are projected to generate £15.3 billion in revenue by 2024¹, significantly outpacing estate car registrations, which have dwindled to just 110,000 in 2023², underscoring the clear dominance of SUVs in the market.

Warrantywise’s latest Reliability Index data highlights the top ten most reliable SUVs based on a range of criteria, including repair costs, frequency of repairs, and overall reliability scores. Leading the pack with an overall score of 85/100 is the Honda CR-V, which stands out for its consistent performance and low maintenance costs, making it a top choice for families looking to minimise the risk of unexpected repairs. Closely following are the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Dacia Duster, with scores of 81/100 and 79/100 respectively, both proving robust and dependable, offering a balance of performance and cost-effectiveness that appeal to budget-conscious families.

The rest of the top ten is made up of a diverse mix of vehicles, with the Kia Sportage in fourth place with a score of 78/100, and the Ford EcoSport in fifth with a score of 77/100. The Renault Captur comes in sixth with an overall score of 75/100, and in joint seventh, with a score of 72/100, are the Hyundai ix35 and the Nissan Juke. Finally, the BMW X3 and the Hyundai Tucson tie for ninth place, both scoring a respectable 71/100.

Antony Diggins, Managing Director of Warrantywise, said: “As children up and down the country return to school, we see added pressure on family vehicles, meaning having a trusted family wagon is more important than ever. Demands on budgets for new uniforms, books and even activities will create a new set of cost-of-living concerns, and the last thing families need is for their cars to need costly repairs during this time. This is why we have put a spotlight on the most reliable used SUVs for sale in the UK, to help households make a wise choice for their next family car.

“The Honda CR-V’s top ranking [in the Reliability Index] confirms its reputation as a dependable and trustworthy choice. In a time when families need their vehicles to be as reliable as possible, especially with the increasing demands of daily life, having a car that consistently performs without unexpected breakdowns is invaluable. At Warrantywise, our goal is to provide families with the peace of mind that comes from having an extended warranty plan.”

Top Ten Most Reliable SUVs

1. Honda CR-V

• Most Expensive Repair Request: £2,519.17
• Overall Score: 85/100

2. Mitsubishi Outlander

• Most Expensive Repair Request: £14,298.08
• Overall Score: 81/100

3. Dacia Duster

• Most Expensive Repair Request: £4,325.26
• Overall Score: 79/100

4. Kia Sportage

• Most Expensive Repair Request: £10,404.00
• Overall Score: 78/100

5. Ford EcoSport

• Most Expensive Repair Request: £7,242.85
• Overall Score: 77/100

6. Renault Captur

• Most Expensive Repair Request: £4,288.70
• Overall Score: 75/100

7. Hyundai ix35

• Most Expensive Repair Request: £4,453.20
• Overall Score: 72/100

= Nissan Juke

• Most Expensive Repair Request: £10,850.58
• Overall Score: 72/100

9. BMW X3

• Most Expensive Repair Request: £5,668.75
• Overall Score: 71/100

= Hyundai Tucson

• Most Expensive Repair Request: £8,799.74
• Overall Score: 71/100

Reliability is always a key concern for families, especially during the busy school term. However, even the most reliable vehicles can encounter unexpected issues, with Warrantywise’s data revealing that the most expensive repair reported was for a Mitsubishi Outlander, with an engine repair costing over £14,000. This highlights that regardless of whether a vehicle is large or small, having a warranty in place provides peace of mind.

Now that schools are back in session, the demand for reliable and robust vehicles is higher than ever. Warrantywise’s latest findings provide invaluable insights for consumers, helping them make informed decisions when selecting a vehicle that will support their busy lives without compromising on dependability. While SUVs are growing in popularity, families should seek advice from Warrantywise’s Reliability Index when buying their next vehicle. The data includes hatchbacks, crossovers and estate cars among many other major categories.

Warrantywise is the UK’s leading provider of extended car warranties, offering over 20 years of experience in delivering comprehensive and transparent warranty plans. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, Warrantywise ensures peace of mind for drivers across the UK by protecting them against unexpected repair costs.

For more information about Warrantywise’s plans, visit www.warrantywise.co.uk