The Most Reliable SUV Was Just Killed
Toyota is legendary for its exceptional reliability. Drivers can trust the Japanese auto giant’s cars will likely last hundreds of thousands of miles. That’s especially true for the Toyota C-HR subcompact crossover. It’s the most reliable SUV, a recent J.D. Power study shows. Unfortunately, Toyota just killed the C-HR in America. Now, U.S. shoppers can buy only used models.
The Toyota C-HR is the most reliable SUV
Consumers have many factors to consider when shopping for an SUV. One of the most crucial is reliability. A dependable SUV has fewer problems, which translates to lower repair costs. There are also benefits for optimal safety and performance. A reliable model will also likely last longer. Plus, drivers have the reassurance they’ll reach their destination without the vehicle breaking down.
And for SUV reliability, the top choice is the Toyota C-HR. J.D. Power named it the most reliable SUV in the 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study. It tied with the Lexus RX luxury SUV. Also, both models are the best for dependability among all model types. Additionally, the Honda CR-V earned top honors in the small SUV segment.
The C-HR had minimal problems in the 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study
Consumers and critics pay close attention to reliability analysis from J.D. Power. The data analytics firm is a trusted authority with decades of experience evaluating vehicles. Earlier this year, the company revealed its 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study.
J.D. Power received thousands of surveys from vehicle owners during the previous 12 months. Owners identified various problem areas, including the powertrain, driving experience, exterior, interior, seats, driving assistance, climate system, displays, features, and controls.
Because the Toyota C-HR has minimal problems in the 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, J.D. Power named it the most reliable SUV. It tied with the Lexus RX for the fewest issues, so they share the top honor in SUV dependability.
In addition, other Toyota models performed well in the Vehicle Dependability Study. That includes first-place finishes in vehicle segments for the Sienna minivan, Tacoma midsize truck, and Highlander midsize SUV. Additionally, the Corolla placed second in the compact car segment, while the 4Runner earned the third spot for midsize SUVs.
Why did Toyota kill the C-HR in America?
Earning the most reliable SUV award is bittersweet for the Toyota C-HR. Though the subcompact crossover will endure abroad, Toyota discontinued it in America. The 2022 model is the last for the most reliable SUV.
Toyota has achieved great success with its SUV lineup, including the RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, Sequoia, and, more recently, Corolla Cross. However, the C-HR is an odd fit. It has a quirky design. Also, unlike most SUVs, it doesn’t offer traction-enhancing all-wheel drive.
The Japanese automaker built the C-HR to appeal to young drivers, but it never caught on in America. Its sales totals were too low. Also, with the debut of the similarly sized Corolla Cross subcompact SUV for the 2022 model year, Toyota already has a replacement. So, the automaker killed the dependable SUV.
However, the Toyota C-HR is still available as a used model. As one of the most reliable SUVs, it will likely remain on American highways and byways for many years.
