MOST RELIABLE
1Suzuki Vitara (2015-present) What went wrong? Nothing
There are plenty of good reasons to buy a Vitara, but the most compelling has to be its faultless reliability record. According to owners, it’s the most steadfast model in Suzuki’s line-up, as well as the best small SUV in our survey. No owners reported a single fault in the previous 12 months of motoring.
2 Kia Soul (2014-2019)
We were told about petrol and diesel Soul models. The former are the best bet if you’re after a dependable small SUV because they were fault-free, while 20% of diesels suffered problems with their suspension. Owners were well looked after, though. All cars were put right at no cost and within a day.
3 Land Rover Freelander (2006-2014)
Only 17% of Freelander owners reported troubles with their cars, setting it apart from many newer, more tech-laden Land Rover models. The battery and nonengine electrics were the main concerns. What’s more, 75% of issues were rectified within a day and no bills exceeded £500.
LEAST RELIABLE 1 Mini Countryman (2010-2017) What went wrong?
Engine 13%, bodywork 6%, non-engine electrics 6%, steering 6%, suspension 6%
Contenders in this hotly contested car class are among the most reliable, so none of our lowest rated small SUVS have an atrocious reliability record. Still, 25% of Countrymans went wrong, with engine, non-engine electrics, steering and suspension issues. Four out of five cars were fixed in less than a week and only one in five cost £751 to £1000.
2 Nissan Juke (2010-2019)
Fewer petrol Jukes suffered faults than diesels: 24% compared with 31%. Both had air-con, exhaust and non-engine electrical issues, with the diesels adding engine and exhaust maladies. Just over a third of cars lingered in garages for more than a week, and petrol owners had the highest bills: 25% were more than £501.
3 Vauxhall Mokka (2012-2016) Exhaust and engine woes afflicted a quarter of Mokkas, but most problems were quick and easy to sort out. All cars could still be driven and 64% were fixed in a day or less, with 46% of work done for free. Bills came to no more than £200 in most other cases, but a less fortunate 9% shelled out more than £1500.