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Reliability is extremely important to consumers. Getting a reliable compact SUV can be the difference between years of smooth sailing and years of expensive repair costs. Luckily, some reliable compact SUV models don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Here are three of the most reliable small SUVs with starting prices under $27,000.

The 2023 Kia Sportage checks plenty of boxes

A green 2023 Kia Sportage small SUV is driving off-road.
The 2023 Kia Sportage | Kia

Kia’s small SUV got a major makeover in 2023. The Sportage’s new redesign has made it much more competitive in its segment.

The 2023 Kia Sportage starts at $26,290. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The small SUV achieves 25 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Sportage has a roomy cabin, plenty of standard features, and a smooth ride. It’s extremely reliable and is becoming popular in small SUV rankings. The Sportage’s hybrid option is also appealing because it’s affordable and incredibly efficient. Kia’s small SUV, like its cousin, the Hyundai Tucson, is more appealing than ever before following its redesign.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox is surprisingly reliable

A red 2023 Chevrolet Equinox small SUV is parked off-road.
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox | Chevrolet

Chevy’s small SUV doesn’t have amazing performance specs, but it is reliable. The Equinox is often overshadowed by more popular models in its segment.

The 2023 Chevy Equinox starts at $26,600. It uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox gets 26 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. It has a roomy backseat and great handling.

U.S. News & World Report claims that the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox is one of the most reliable small SUV models. According to Repair Pal, the small SUV has above-average reliability. It’s more affordable than popular models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

Chevrolet’s small SUV may be affordable and reliable, but one of its rivals is known for its longevity. One small SUV has proven itself to be among the most dependable SUVs in the industry.

The 2023 Subaru Forester is built to last

Subaru makes some of the best off-roading SUVs in the game. Off-roading SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser have become synonymous with longevity. Some of the longest-lasting vehicles happen to be models with off-roading capability.

The 2023 Subaru Forester starts at $26,395. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Forester achieves 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

Subaru’s small SUV is praised for its practicality and ability to take occupants off the beaten path. The Forester is the ideal small family SUV for outdoorsy folks that like to adventure. There’s even a Wilderness off-road model that offers increased capability.

A new 2023 Subaru Forester could last for over 200,000 miles. That works out to around 14 years of ownership based on the national average annual driving distance. Subaru’s small SUV is one of the best options in its segment for drivers that want a reliable, long-lasting family SUV.

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