When you walk into one of our dealerships to buy a new car, your criteria may vary – fuel economy, safety, power, comfort, technological amenities, and so on.
Obviously, reliability is on most lists, but when people buy a new vehicle, this criterion is rarely at the top. Today, cars have become so reliable when they leave the factory that the number of "lemons" we've seen pass through our 23 dealerships over the past 5 years wouldn't even be high enough to make lemonade.
However, it's a whole different story when it comes to used vehicles. It's after three, four, or five years that the flaws of some vehicles emerge, which is why reliability is almost always the number one criterion for used car customers. So here's a ranking of the most reliable used 2019 SUVs based on our experience.
Most Reliable Used SUVs of 2019
1. Toyota RAV4
In 2019, the Toyota RAV4 received a reliability rating of 90% in the Consumer Reports' prestigious independent survey, marking the top spot among compact SUVs. The last noted weakness in the RAV4 dates back to 2014, concerning its multimedia screen. Although its interior presentation may be rather modest, mechanically, this SUV is flawless.
2. Mitsubishi Outlander
Except for a minor suspension issue in 2017, you have to search quite hard to find a Mitsubishi Outlander that has experienced mechanical failure. This SUV is so reliable that it comes with a 10-year/160,000 km warranty, the best in the country. Additionally, the 2019 models were equipped with a V6 engine offering a towing capacity of 5000 lbs, a rare feature for new SUVs.
#3 Mazda CX-5
In 2021, Consumer Reports named Mazda as the #1 brand in terms of reliability, and their most popular vehicle, the CX-5, is largely responsible for this success. The good news here is that it was equipped with the same mechanics in 2019. So, if you're looking for a used 2019 SUV that offers a higher level of luxury than the RAV4 and the Outlander, the Mazda CX-5 is the most logical choice. And for those who still have bad memories of Mazda's rust issues, note that Mazda has solved their galvanization problem long ago, and they are so confident in their new process that the CX-5 comes with a seven-year anti-corrosion warranty!
#4 Kia Sorento
The 3rd generation of the Kia Sorento (2014-2020) has a strong reputation for reliability. Being among the top-rated SUVs in 2019 with a score of 77% according to Consumer Reports, the 2019 Sorento was also available with a V6 engine offering a towing capacity of 5000 lbs. It is also one of the safest SUVs on the market with its Top Safety Pick+ rating, the highest distinction awarded by the IIHS, the American organization responsible for conducting crash tests.
#5 Audi Q5
Audi and reliability are not two words that are naturally associated, except for the 2019 Q5. Apart from minor issues with the multimedia system, its mechanics are by far the most reliable in the luxury compact SUV segment. For example, Consumer Reports awarded it a rating of 72% in 2019, compared to 33% for its BMW competitor!
