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Once upon a time, foreign automakers dominated the market for reliable crossover SUVs. Today, Detroit offers a wide range of reliable crossovers. U.S. News cross-indexed its own vehicle reviews with J.D. Power’s ratings for predicted reliability. It found that American crossovers from GMC, Ford, Buick, and Chevrolet ranked among the most reliable vehicles on the used SUV market. Here are the top four models:

  • 4th: 2017 GMC Terrain
  • 3rd: 2019 Ford Flex
  • 2nd: 2017 Buick Encore
  • 1st: 2017 Chevrolet Equinox

2017 GMC Terrain

Publicity photo of the large, chrome grille of a red GMC Terrain crossover SUV parked in a studio, a white background behind it.
2017 GMC Terrain SLT | General Motors

The Terrain is a crossover SUV with five seats, built by General Motors and branded as a GMC product. It shares a platform with the Chevrolet Equinox and is slightly smaller than the GMC Acadia. It offers a slightly more premium interior than the Equinox. Every 2017 Terrain also came with a 7-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity. That said, the 2017 model did not offer Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Driver aid software such as collision warnings, lane departure alerts, and ever rear cross traffic alerts were optional. Overall, U.S. News awarded the vehicle a 7.9/10.

J.D. Power gave the 2017 GMC Terrain a 87/100 for predicted reliability. This ties it with the Toyota RAV4. The Terrain does not corner especially well, even for a crossover. And its base engine is a bit underpowered, but you can find a V6-equipped GMC Terrain with abundant straight-line power, if you’re willing to hunt around for one. With a range of trims and features, it makes sense that the average price for a 2017 GMC Terrain varies between $19,113 and $28,200.

2019 Ford Flex

A 2019 Ford Flex midsize crossover SUV parked in a driveway, a modern mansion visible in the background.
2019 Ford Flex | Ford Motor Company

Ford discontinued its midsize “Flex” crossover, even though this third-row SUV checks every conceivable box. The 2019 Ford Flex handled relatively well, had oodles of room for cargo or passengers, an intuitive infotainment system ahead of its time, and relatively powerful drivetrain options. You could even find some models with Android Auto/Apple Carplay. It lagged behind its segment a bit in fuel efficiency, interior quality, and seat comfort. Overall, U.S. News granted the 2019 Ford Flex an 8.1/10.

When it comes to reliability, the 2019 Ford Flex actually ties with the GMC Terrain and Toyota RAV4: J.D. Power gave it an 87/100. If you want a bit more power from this reliable American SUV, look for a used Flex with Ford’s twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 and enjoy 365 horsepower. The average used 2019 Ford Flex is worth $28,015 to $37,698.

2017 Buick Encore

A bright blue Buick Encore crossover SUV driving past a lake and a forest on an American highway.
2017 Buick Encore | General Motors

General Motors is well-represented on this listing. The Buick Encore is a compact crossover SUV, closer in size to the Chevrolet Trax than the Equinox or GMC Terrain. Like contemporary GM products, the 2017 Buick Encore got a Wi-Fi hotspot and intuitive infotainment system. But the Encore led the pack with its smooth ride, quite cabin, and luxurious interior. Every 2017 model of this American SUV even came with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto–making it relatively unique on the used market. U.S. News gave it 8.2/10 overall.

The 2017 Buick Encore tied for reliability with the Ford Flex and GMC Terrain with an 87/100. Speed was not its strong point. But its optional turbocharged I4 engine made 153 horsepower, which is plenty of ponies for this compact vehicle–even at highway speeds. It is also proving very affordable on the used market with the average 2017 Encore changing hands for between $18,617 and $23,774.

2017 Chevrolet Equinox

A gray 2017 Chevrolet Equinox parked on the stage at the Chicago Auto Show, a black background behind it.
2017 Chevrolet Equinox | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

U.S. News ranked many used SUVs based on reliability and this American crossover ranked ahead of the reliable Toyota 4Runner, Kia Sorento, and Hyundai Kona. The publication called it “practical, reliable, comfortable and – perhaps best of all – affordable.” High points of the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox include its abundant room for five passengers, seven-inch touchscreen, and Wi-Fi hotspot.

This SUV’s handling isn’t superb, but overall it drives well. Its optional V6 makes 301 horsepower, and is the engine you want if you spend a lot of time on the highway. It topped the reliability ratings with a J.D. Power score of 89/100. Finally, the affordable Chevrolet Equinox can be had for about $18,322 to $24,988.

Next, check out our review of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox.

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Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.