US News’ 4 Most Reliable Used American Crossover SUVs

Once upon a time, foreign automakers dominated the market for reliable crossover SUVs. Today, Detroit offers a wide range of reliable crossovers. US News cross-referenced its own vehicle reviews with JD Power’s ratings for predicted reliability. He found that American crossovers from GMC, Ford, Buick and Chevrolet ranked among the most reliable vehicles in the used SUV market. Here are the four best models:
- 4th: 2017 GMC Terrain
- 3rd: 2019 Ford Flex
- 2nd: 2017 Buick Encore
- 1st: 2017 Chevrolet Equinox
2017 GMC Terrain
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The Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV, built by General Motors and marketed under the GMC brand. It shares a platform with the Chevrolet Equinox and is slightly smaller than the GMC Acadia. It offers a slightly more upscale interior than the Equinox. Every 2017 Terrain also comes with a 7-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity. That said, the 2017 model didn’t offer Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Driver assistance software such as collision warning, lane departure alert, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. Overall, US News gave the vehicle a rating of 7.9/10.
JD Power gave the 2017 GMC Terrain a score of 87/100 for predicted reliability. This ties it to the Toyota RAV4. The Terrain doesn’t corner particularly well, even for a crossover. And its base engine is a little underpowered, but you can find a V6-equipped GMC Terrain with plenty of straight-line power, if you’re willing to seek one out. With a range of trim levels and features, it makes sense that the average price of a 2017 GMC Terrain ranges between $19,113 and $28,200.
2019 Ford Flex

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Ford has ditched its “Flex” midsize crossover, even though this third-row SUV checks every conceivable box. The 2019 Ford Flex handled relatively well, had plenty of room for cargo or passengers, an intuitive infotainment system ahead of its time, and relatively powerful transmission options. You might even find models with Android Auto/Apple Carplay. It was a bit behind its segment in terms of fuel efficiency, interior quality and seat comfort. Overall, US News gave the 2019 Ford Flex an 8.1/10.
When it comes to reliability, the 2019 Ford Flex is actually on par with the GMC Terrain and the Toyota RAV4: JD Power gave it a score of 87/100. If you want a little more power from this dependable American SUV, look for a used Flex with Ford’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 and enjoy 365 horsepower. The average used 2019 Ford Flex is worth between $28,015 and $37,698.
2017 Buick Encore

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General Motors is well represented on this list. The Buick Encore is a compact crossover SUV, closer to the Chevrolet Trax than the Equinox or GMC Terrain. Like contemporary GM products, the 2017 Buick Encore has a Wi-Fi hotspot and an intuitive infotainment system. But the Encore was ahead of the pack with its smooth ride, quiet cabin and luxurious interior. Every 2017 model of this American SUV even comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, which makes it relatively unique in the used market. US News gave it an overall rating of 8.2/10.
The 2017 Buick Encore is tied for reliability with the Ford Flex and GMC Terrain with an 87/100. Speed was not his forte. But its optional turbocharged I4 engine developed 153 horsepower, which is more than enough for this compact vehicle, even at highway speeds. It also proves very affordable on the used market, with the 2017 Encore changing hands on average between $18,617 and $23,774.
Chevrolet Equinox 2017

US News ranked many used SUVs based on their reliability and this American crossover ranked ahead of the reliable Toyota 4Runner, Kia Sorento and Hyundai Kona. The publication called it “convenient, reliable, comfortable and – perhaps best of all – affordable”. The highlights of the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox include its abundant space for five passengers, its seven-inch touchscreen and its Wi-Fi hotspot.
The handling of this SUV isn’t great, but overall it drives well. Its optional V6 develops 301 horsepower, and it’s the engine you need if you spend a lot of time on the highway. It topped reliability ratings with a JD Power score of 89/100. Finally, the affordable Chevrolet Equinox can be had for around $18,322 to $24,988.
Then check out our review of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox.
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