Consumer Reports recently released its annual survey information that shows how well each vehicle is doing when it comes to reliability. While Toyota continues to have some of the most reliable vehicles on the market, one SUV stands out with the lowest-rated reliability. Which one is it, what other vehicles scored low in reliability, and how well did each SUV category rank this year?
How the different SUVs ranked overall for reliability
From the results of the data collected by Consumer Reports, we see that the different classes of sport utility vehicles rank all over the list for the most reliable automobiles. First, we see the subcompact SUVs fall in the #6 spot, which would be the Subaru Crosstrek.
Next, we see the Luxury Compact SUV class land in the #7 spot. This would be the Lincoln Corsair, which scored pretty high with CR as far as overall ratings go. Then there’s the compact SUV category, which slides into #10 on the list. An example of this class would be the Toyota RAV4 model, which actually falls in the lower end of the pack of Toyota vehicles surveyed.
With the midsize two-row class, we see the category is in 11th place. Here, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which falls in this class, didn’t score well at all. Lastly, the midsize three-row/large SUVs are in the 15th spot on the list. An example of that would be the Kia Sorento. This model, however, received a below-average rating with CR.
Consumer Reports pick for the least reliable SUV for 2022
We know by the list that Mercedes-Benz is the least reliable brand this year, down five spots from last year’s survey. However, when it comes to SUVs and each individual score of the brand’s models, one particular model stands out, and it’s not a Mercedes-Benz. It’s the 2023 Jeep Wrangler.
The Jeep brand is second to last on the list, down one spot from last year. The Wrangler scored the lowest among the Jeep products surveyed as far as SUVs go, and Consumer Reports wasn’t too pleased with it. The Cherokee ranked much higher, while the Grand Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee L versions rate just a few points above the Wrangler.
Consumer Reports gave it a pretty poor overall score, and we can see that reliability is a huge reason why. In the last 10 years of data the publication surveyed, the model dealt with body, brakes, and suspension problems for quite a few years.
What’s most concerning is the major engine issues that plagued this version for six out of the 10 years CR collected data on it.
Runner-ups for the least reliable vehicle
While we know the Jeep Wrangler is the least reliable SUV from the survey, which ones became the “runner ups” so to speak? Following the Wrangler model is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE, according to USA Today. Out of the two versions listed under this brand, the GLE, and the E-Class, the GLE scored the worst, but not by a whole lot. The E-Class is only about six points more.
Coming in third on the list is the 2022 Jeep Gladiator. Reliability scores fall in the average range because the Gladiator is still relatively new. So far, this Jeep truck has had issues with the body, suspension, and electric system. It’s also dealt with problems in the drive components as well as some engine and transmission issues.
Falling in the fourth spot is the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500. Consumer Reports list shows these two trucks with lower scores than the Jeep, but looking at the 2023 data, we see that the overall score of the Chevy is higher than the Wrangler. The GMC Sierra 1500 has the same score.
The Jeep Wrangler is a model that’s been around for quite some time, but in the last 10 years or so, this SUV’s reliability has gone downhill according to CR. While some areas appear to be improving, it’s still struggling with some pretty serious problems. Hopefully, the brand will pull together some major quality control for future models to get its durable reputation back.
