THE 10 MOST OVERLOOKED JAPANESE SUVS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME

When you think of Japanese SUVs that could last a lifetime, two brands typically come to mind: Honda and Toyota. While these are the most common brands with the most popular vehicles, this leaves out many impressive and enjoyable SUVs that could last a long time. Some of the most overlooked Japanese SUVs will last a lifetime and broaden your scope beyond the two most popular brands.

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The reliability ratings were sourced from J.D. Power. The average yearly maintenance costs were sourced from RepairPal, while estimated ten-year maintenance costs were sourced from CarEdge. General vehicle information and powertrain specifications were sourced from various automakers. This list is sorted by J.D. Power’s quality and reliability scores from lowest to highest.

Mazda CX-90

Reliability Rating: 75/100

The Mazda CX-90 replaces the old three-row Mazda CX-9 in the lineup by adding a vehicle with a new style, impressive powertrains, and a roomier cabin than the previous model. One of the most important additions to this SUV is the PHEV setup.

Engine

2.5-liter 4-cylinder PHEV

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Horsepower

323 hp

Torque

369 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Fuel Efficiency

25 MPG Combined (26 Miles All-Electric Range)

Towing Capacity

3,500 pounds

This Mazda SUV can easily last a lifetime as one of the most reliable vehicles in the class. It has quick acceleration, sporty handling, and a comfortable ride quality that makes it a good choice whether you’re leaving during your daily commute or want to take the family on a road trip.

Reliability Factors

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $539
  • Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,778
  • Total Recalls: 0

Infiniti QX50

Reliability Rating: 77/100

If you’re looking for one of the most affordable luxury SUVs available to you, the Infiniti QX50 is a great option. This SUV has a generous list of standard features, a roomy cabin with high-quality materials, and plenty of cargo space to make this SUV luxurious and practical.

Engine

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Transmission

CVT

Horsepower

268 hp

Torque

280 lb-ft

Driveline

FWD

Fuel Efficiency

23/29 mpg

You’ll be pleased with the quiet ride at highway speeds when you get behind the wheel of this Infiniti SUV, giving you the feeling you want on the road. The QX50 can be your oasis of serenity on your way home after a long day at work.

Reliability Factors

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $608
  • Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $11,081
  • Total Recalls: 1

Acura RDX

Reliability Rating: 78/100

Maybe the Acura RDX is cheating a bit since Acura is the luxury brand of Honda, but the small and enjoyable RDX is often overlooked. It shouldn’t be; this little SUV is comfortable, packed with luxurious features, and offers the desired tech package for a modern driving experience.

Engine

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Transmission

10-speed automatic

Horsepower

272 hp

Torque

280 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Fuel Efficiency

21/27 mpg

Towing Capacity

1,500 pounds

The appealing blend of style, comfort, and utility make this Acura SUV an easy choice, especially among overlooked Japanese SUVs that will last a lifetime. The drive is made better with the use of the torque-vectoring AWD system, which makes carving up the curves in this SUV a pure delight.

Reliability Factors

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $497
  • Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $9,987
  • Total Recalls: 0
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Mazda CX-30

Reliability Rating: 79/100

When it comes to good things coming in small packages, the Mazda CX-30 fits this description perfectly. This little Mazda is great for city dwellers looking for a small SUV with premium qualities and plenty of pep in its step.

Engine

2.5-liter 4-cylinder

Transmission

6-speed automatic

Horsepower

191 hp

Torque

186 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Fuel Efficiency

26/33 mpg

The sporty handling characteristics of this Mazda SUV can be enjoyed on the highway and spice up any driving experience. The thrilling feeling of carving up some curves in the CX-30 is matched only by the style and quality found in its cabin.

Reliability Factors

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $462
  • Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,600
  • Total Recalls: 1

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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Reliability Rating: 80/100

The small but mighty Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is an often overlooked Japanese SUV. It can last a lifetime and be a great crossover SUV to drive for many years. This little SUV fits in the middle of the brand’s SUV lineup, giving you an easy and affordable choice for your driving needs.

Engine

1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Transmission

CVT

Horsepower

152 hp

Torque

184 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Fuel Efficiency

25/28 mpg

Towing Capacity

1,500 pounds

Mitsubishi packs in the qualities and features, giving the Eclipse Cross a long list of standard features to make it easy to enjoy driving. The addition of standard AWD helps make it an SUV that handles tough weather more easily than most SUVs on the road.

Reliability Factors

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $510
  • Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,470
  • Total Recalls: 0

Nissan Kicks

Reliability Rating: 82/100

If you want to drive a subcompact crossover SUV that could last a lifetime, the Nissan Kicks should be on your list. This small, practical, and inexpensive SUV is excellent on city streets and gives you the cargo space and versatility desired when you need to carry larger items.

Engine

1.6-liter 4-cylinder

Transmission

CVT

Horsepower

122 hp

Torque

114 lb-ft

Driveline

FWD

Fuel Efficiency

31/36 mpg

You’ll find plenty of driver-assist tech in the Kicks, giving you an excellent package of features and safety items to keep you out of trouble. The impressive fuel mileage makes this affordable SUV even more budget-friendly while on the road.

Reliability Factors

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $500
  • Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,569
  • Total Recalls: 1
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Subaru Forester

Reliability Rating: 83/100

When it comes to overlooked Japanese SUVs, the Subaru Forester might not fit the description perfectly. Still, this relatively popular Subaru pales in comparison to the competition from Toyota and Honda. The Forester is made to last a lifetime, giving you the desired longevity in your SUV.

Engine

2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder

Transmission

CVT

Horsepower

182 hp

Torque

176 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Fuel Efficiency

26/33 mpg

Towing Capacity

1,500 pounds

If you want an SUV with an excellent off-road system, this Subaru model could be right for you. The standard Symmetrical AWD system makes it easy to enjoy the drive on the roads and trails when you take the Forester home from the dealership.

Reliability Factors

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $632
  • Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $8,337
  • Total Recalls: 2

Mitsubishi Outlander

Reliability Rating: 84/100

The Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the most overlooked Japanese SUVs, and it can last a lifetime, but it has a hidden secret that should make it a top choice for many drivers. It is one of the smallest SUVs on the market, with three rows of seats, which makes it versatile and useful.

Engine

2.5-liter 4-cylinder

Transmission

CVT

Horsepower

181 hp

Torque

181 lb-ft

Driveline

FWD

Fuel Efficiency

24/31 mpg

Towing Capacity

2,000 pounds

In addition to extra seating for short rides across town, this Mitsubishi SUV comes with a ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which adds to its value. The Outlander is affordable, packed with technology, and drives well on any road.

Reliability Factors

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $519
  • Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,519
  • Total Recalls: 0

Subaru Ascent

Reliability Rating: 84/100

If you’ve got a growing family and need an SUV that can carry all of them, the Subaru Ascent is a good choice. This SUV has three rows of comfortable seats and enough power to haul a medium-sized trailer to your next destination.

Engine

2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Transmission

CVT

Horsepower

260 hp

Torque

277 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Fuel Efficiency

19/25 mpg

Towing Capacity

5,000 pounds

Subaru packs in the quality with the Ascent, giving you high-quality materials in every area, generous ground clearance for off-roading, and standard AWD that makes it easy to take your family to a wonderful wilderness destination.

Reliability Factors

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $617
  • Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $8,472
  • Total Recalls: 0
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Nissan Murano

Reliability Rating: 86/100

Most midsize SUVs come with three rows of seats, but not the Nissan Murano. That causes this SUV to be overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. The Murano continues to be one of the most attractive small midsize SUVs on the market, making it an excellent option.

Engine

3.5-liter V6

Transmission

CVT

Horsepower

260 hp

Torque

240 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Fuel Efficiency

20/28 mpg

Towing Capacity

1,500 pounds

The Murano can last a long time and could be the Nissan SUV that you will love to drive for many years. It fits between the Rogue and Pathfinder, giving you good cargo room, comfortable seats across two rows, and enjoyable driving dynamics wherever you go.

Reliability Factors

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $507
  • Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,810
  • Total Recalls: 1

2025-01-18T02:03:28Z