Did you know that some American SUVs can save you thousands of dollars in maintenance costs over five years? According to data from RepairPal and Kelley Blue Book, the average annual maintenance cost for an SUV can range from $400 to over $1,000.
Factors such as engine durability, replacement part costs, and warranty policies significantly impact maintenance expenses. If you’re looking for a reliable SUV with minimal repair costs, this list will help you choose the right model for 2025.
Quick Comparison Table
| Rank | SUV Model | Average Annual Maintenance Cost | Engine Options | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| 10 | Chevrolet Blazer | $431 | 2.0L Turbo / 3.6L V6 | 22 city / 29 highway |
| 9 | Chevrolet Trax | $488 | 1.2L Turbo | 28 city / 32 highway |
| 8 | Chevrolet Equinox | $537 | 1.5L Turbo | 26 city / 31 highway |
| 7 | GMC Terrain | $502 | 1.5L Turbo | 25 city / 30 highway |
| 6 | Ford Bronco | $502 | 2.3L EcoBoost / 2.7L V6 | 20 city / 21 highway |
| 5 | Jeep Compass | $526 | 2.4L Tigershark | 22 city / 31 highway |
| 4 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | $566 | 3.6L V6 / 5.7L V8 | 19 city / 26 highway |
| 3 | Chevrolet Traverse | $574 | 3.6L V6 | 18 city / 27 highway |
| 2 | Ford Escape | $600 | 1.5L / 2.0L EcoBoost / Hybrid | 28 city / 34 highway |
| 1 | Buick Envision | $608 | 2.0L Turbo | 23 city / 31 highway |
10. Chevrolet Blazer
Average Annual Maintenance Cost: $431
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo / 3.6L V6 |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 22 city / 29 highway MPG |
Why It Has Low Maintenance Costs:
Durable engine with minimal issues
Simple drivetrain reduces technical failures
Affordable and widely available replacement parts
Pros & Cons:
Sporty and aggressive design
Below-average maintenance costs
No hybrid option
9. Chevrolet Trax
Average Annual Maintenance Cost: $488
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 1.2L Turbo |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 28 city / 32 highway MPG |
Why It’s Budget-Friendly for Maintenance:
Low-cost and widely available parts
Compact engine with excellent fuel efficiency
Simple mechanical structure reduces repair complexity
Pros & Cons:
Affordable price tag
Spacious interior for its size
No AWD option
8. Chevrolet Equinox
Average Annual Maintenance Cost: $537
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city / 31 highway MPG |
What Keeps Maintenance Costs Low:
Fuel-efficient engine with a solid track record
Strong warranty coverage from Chevrolet
Fewer technical issues compared to competitors
Pros & Cons:
Comprehensive safety features
Spacious and comfortable cabin
Engine lacks high performance
7. GMC Terrain
Average Annual Maintenance Cost: $502
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city / 30 highway MPG |
How It Saves on Repairs:
Reliable engine and transmission setup
Less frequent need for expensive part replacements
Competitive maintenance pricing at GMC dealerships
Pros & Cons:
Quiet, well-insulated cabin
Premium interior design
Modest engine power
6. Ford Bronco
Average Annual Maintenance Cost: $502
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost / 2.7L V6 |
| Transmission | 7-speed manual / 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city / 21 highway MPG |
Why It’s Cost-Efficient:
Engine options with proven reliability
Rugged build designed for durability
Accessible aftermarket parts
Pros & Cons:
Excellent off-road capability
Iconic design
Higher fuel consumption
5. Jeep Compass
Average Annual Maintenance Cost: $526
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 2.4L Tigershark |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 22 city / 31 highway MPG |
Why It’s Cost-Effective:
Proven durability of the Tigershark engine
Affordable maintenance and repair parts
Good fuel efficiency for an SUV
Pros & Cons:
Smooth and comfortable ride
Great safety ratings
Limited cargo space
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Average Annual Maintenance Cost: $566
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 / 5.7L V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD / 4WD |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city / 26 highway MPG |
Why It’s Cost-Effective:
Proven engine reliability across multiple Jeep models
Strong resale value and warranty options
Durable build reduces frequent repair needs
Pros & Cons:
Luxurious interior and advanced tech features
Strong towing capacity
Higher maintenance costs for the V8 option
3. Chevrolet Traverse
Average Annual Maintenance Cost: $574
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 18 city / 27 highway MPG |
Why It’s a Smart Choice:
Strong track record of reliability
Parts are widely available and affordable
Excellent dealership support for maintenance
Pros & Cons:
Spacious three-row seating
Smooth ride and quiet cabin
Fuel economy could be better
2. Ford Escape
Average Annual Maintenance Cost: $600
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 1.5L / 2.0L EcoBoost / Hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic / CVT (Hybrid) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 28 city / 34 highway MPG |
Why It’s Easy on the Wallet:
Hybrid option offers excellent fuel efficiency
Low-cost maintenance compared to other compact SUVs
Good warranty coverage from Ford
Pros & Cons:
Modern infotainment system
Comfortable and spacious cabin
Base engine lacks power
1. Buick Envision
Average Annual Maintenance Cost: $608
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city / 31 highway MPG |
Why It’s the Best for Low Maintenance Costs:
Strong build quality with fewer repair needs
Premium components with long-lasting durability
Solid warranty and dealership service options
Pros & Cons:
Upscale interior with premium features
Smooth and quiet ride
Higher initial cost compared to competitors
Conclusion
Choosing a low-maintenance SUV can save you thousands in repair costs over the years. The vehicles on this list are not only affordable to maintain but also offer great reliability, fuel efficiency, and solid performance. Whether you’re looking for an off-road beast like the Ford Bronco, an economical daily driver like the Chevrolet Trax, or a premium option like the Buick Envision, there’s an SUV on this list that fits your needs.
By prioritizing models with strong warranty support, durable components, and accessible replacement parts, you can enjoy a stress-free ownership experience while keeping your maintenance bills in check.