The SUV's popularity among mainstream buyers may have planted its roots in the U.S., but its popularity among consumers has spread globally. As such, there are now SUV options from just about every major automaker across the globe. Many of them come to the U.S. via a trip over the Atlantic, or at least from a company based in Europe. European SUVs typically cost more than their American counterparts, and as such, buyers want to make sure their added dollars for a German, British, Italian, or Swedish SUV won’t cost them more at the dealer and more in repairs due to reliability issues.
Consumer Reports ranks most new models for predicted reliability, and according to the publication, these are the most dependable new European SUVs available for sale here in the U.S. It should be noted CR has not given a predicted reliability score for all European SUVs, but a majority have been given a rank. These scores are based on the reliability of prior model years, which give an indication of how 2023 models are expected to perform when it comes to dependability.
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10 Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 midsize SUV has been in production since the 2008 model year and rides into 2023 in its second generation introduced for the 2017 model year. The 2023 Q5 is available either in a traditional body style or in a fastback coupe-SUV iteration dubbed the Q5 Sportback. With respectable performance, styling, and quality, the Q5 is a popular choice among U.S. buyers, and it’s also one of the most dependable among Euro-SUVs.
The Q5 receives a reliability rating of 46 points out of 100, which doesn’t sound impressive, but it makes it the No. 10 most reliable European SUV scored by Consumer Reports. CR notes the Q5 is expected to have “about average reliability” among new cars. With its score, the Q5 beats out some rivals like the Volvo XC40 and Mercedes-Benz GLB Class.
9 Volkswagen Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport
We’ve combined the VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport on our list as both models earned a predicted reliability rating of 46 points and both ride on the same platform. The Atlas is the largest SUV in VW’s lineup with the Cross Sport riding a bit lower, sporting a more sharply raked liftgate, and having about five inches less overall length. Most notably, the Atlas can fit up to seven passengers while the Cross Sport is strictly a five-seater.
In either guise, the Atlas is expected to have average dependability among new cars. CR also gives both models its “CR Recommended” designation for the segments in which they compete. Both offer spacious cabins, a long list of standard features, and respectable powertrains.
8 Porsche Macan
Porsche wasn’t the first brand to create a performance-oriented SUV, but the Cayenne did serve as the predecessor for Mercedes, Audi, BMW, and others to join the sport-SUV segment. The Cayenne missed out on earning a top-10 predicted reliability score from CR, but its smaller sibling, the Macan, takes the No. 8 spot with a score of 50/100 points.
Those in the market for an athletic SUV will undoubtedly be pleased with the Macan as it’s offered with a number of sprightly powertrains, including the 434-horsepower GTS version, the sporty characteristics of the Porsche brand, and the practicality and luxury expected of a top-tier midsize SUV. The 2023 Macan starts at $58,950 with destination and tops out with $84,350 for the Macan GTS.
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7 BMW X1/X2
BMW makes its first entry on our list with its smallest offerings, the X1, and its fastback sibling, the X2. The X1 has been completely overhauled for 2023 with added dimensions improving its cabin space and sharp new looks highlighting its exterior. Of course, the coupe-SUV X2’s looks are even more eye-catching. It’s also sprightlier with a new turbocharged four-cylinder cranking out 241 horsepower paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
The X1/X2 each scored 50 points for predicted reliability, putting them ahead of the Cadillac XT4, Jaguar E-Pace, and Mercedes-Benz GLA Class. But for those who put a premium on reliability in their compact European SUVs, the BMWs are beaten out for predicted reliability in their segment.
6 Audi Q3
Another Audi joins the list, and like the BMW X1, it’s another small SUV that puts a premium on stylish looks and driving verve — the Q3. The Q3 scored just slightly ahead of the BMW X1/X2 with a predicted reliability rating of 53 points out of 100. Those wanting a higher rating might want to consider earlier models. The 2016, 2018, and 2020 models all scored better-than-average scores among all new cars for dependability.
The 2023 Q3 is offered in four trims starting at $37,995, and it’s mostly unchanged from the 2022 model. No matter the trim, the Q3 is motivated by a turbocharged four-cylinder with “40” models developing 184 horsepower and “45” iterations pumping out 228 ponies. Among European “entry-level” SUVs, Consumer Reports ranks the Q3 over the Mercedes GLA, Volvo XC40, and Jaguar E-Pace in its overall score, which includes road test scores, predicted reliability, and other factors.
5 Mini Cooper Countryman
The Mini Cooper Countryman may look more like a hatchback or small wagon from the outside, but on the spec sheet, it fits the bill for a subcompact SUV. And for those who appreciate Mini’s retro-inspired styling, it’s perhaps the most stylish in its segment while providing notably more practicality than the standard Cooper. The 2023 model is available in several customizable trims and can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of turbocharged engines.
The Countryman, spoiler alert, is the only British model (at least it once was English) to make our list. It scores a predicted reliability ranking of 55 out of 100 points, beating the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 in the subcompact SUV class.
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4 Audi Q7
Rated a bit higher for expected dependability over Audi’s smallest SUV is one of its largest, the Q7. The three-row Audi SUV delivers the upscale cabin expected of its brand with surprising agility despite its large footprint. The 2023 Q7 is powered by a 261-horsepower turbo four or a 335-horsepower turbo V-6. It isn’t the most spacious three-row luxury SUV available, but it can still accommodate kids in its rear seats and provides up to 15 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row.
The Q7 was given a reliability score of 56 points, which puts it in the top third of CR’s list of comparable models. It beats out other luxury three-row SUVs like the Genesis GV80, Cadillac XT6, and Volvo XC90. Among luxury midsized SUVs, CR ranks the Q7 No. 5 out of 21 models overall.
3 BMW X7
The BMW X7 is another dependable European three-row SUV option that slightly edges the Q7 for predicted reliability with a score of 57 points. The 2023 X7, which starts at $78,845 with destination, is offered in two standard models, the xDrive40i and M60i. There’s also the ultra-luxe and super-quick Alpina version.
The xDrive40i delivers 375 horsepower from a V-6 and the M60i’s V-8, paired with a mild hybrid system, serves up a whopping 523 ponies. In either iteration, the X7 delivers a serene ride, an upmarket cabin, notable power, and room for the whole family. It’s fitted with features like a 14.9-inch touchscreen, ambient interior lighting, and a whole host of additional creature comforts.
2 Volvo XC40
Among the Volvo SUVs on sale, the most reliable according to Consumer Reports is the smallest, the Volvo XC40. It earned a dependability rating of 57 points, placing it second among entry-level luxury SUVs only behind the Lexus UX. The XC40’s rating continues Volvo’s positive placement in CR’s reliability verdicts. The model has been rated either as average or above average for reliability among all new cars since 2019.
It should be noted, the XC40 is also available in two all-electric versions, the XC40 Recharge and the C40, which is the fastback version of the electric XC40. The internal combustion XC40 ranks highest among its competitors for anticipated reliability and earns a “CR Recommended” status, but the publication rates the X1, Q3, and Cooper Countryman higher in overall scores that also take into consideration driving dynamics and other factors.
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1 BMW X3
The BMW X3 is the most reliable new European SUV according to Consumer Reports, with a score of 60/100 points for expected reliability. And if you’re noticing a theme to BMW models being included on the list, it’s not a coincidence. BMW was named the third most reliable automaker of them all in Consumer Report’s most recent list of most reliable automotive brands, with the German marque taking the top spot for overall rankings.
Not all brands were included in the list — Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mini, and Porsche were the European brands excluded from the list due to CR’s not having adequate data. Still, BMW trailed only Toyota and Lexus for expected brand reliability.
Leading BMW’s SUV scores is the X3, its compact crossover providing sprightly performance, a luxe interior, respectable practicality, and surprising fuel efficiency. The 2023 X3 is offered in three trims starting at $47,195 and fitted with either a turbo-four or a 382-horsepower six-cylinder.
