Japanese SUVs are worth buying, is the exhortation of the most experienced drivers. The explanations of the experts at autovit.ro are related to the fact that most of them are appreciated for their reliability and design, but also for reasonable maintenance costs.
And the Japanese SUV market “is very varied and you are very likely to find something suitable for your taste, needs and budget.
Japanese SUVs are recognized for the fact that they comply with several important characteristics for an off-road vehicle: high ground clearance, high engine power (with a few exceptions) and variable all-wheel drive,” states the latest autovit.ro analysis .
Toyota RAV4 – the best-selling Japanese SUV
The RAV4 has been on the market since 1994 and has reached its 5th generation, evolving from a fun and adventurous vehicle to a more serious and aggressive compact SUV. The 4th generation RAV4 offers a variety of engines, and if you’re into engines dieselyou should know that, starting from 2018, the RAV4 has given up this type of engine.
Although the latest generation is slightly larger, the extra space inside is negligible. Instead, the increase in luggage space is significant, offering 580 liters in the boot, 79 liters more than the previous generation.
The best-selling Japanese SUV, the new generation Toyota RAV4, has a price starting at 20,000 euros.
Honda CR-V – the most reliable 4×4 SUV for the city
It is one of the most popular city SUVs, which enjoys almost exemplary reliability thanks to the long-lasting Japanese engines. The second generation Honda HR-V is very popular (2015-2018), and the latest electric model looks promising.
The naturally aspirated 1.5 i-VTEC 130 HP engine is suitable for the city. You can opt for the automatic gearbox if you want more comfort steering wheel. Urban fuel consumption would be around 6-7 l/100 km. The car weighs just over 1,300 kg and is 4,294 mm long.
The trunk is much smaller in the new generation, and if you want the most reliable 4×4 city SUV in good condition, from the 5th generation, you will pay between 16,000 and 36,000 euros for it.
Nissan Juke – the most economical Japanese SUV
One of the most reliable Japanese SUVs, the Nissan Juke, went into production in 2010 and has a controversial design to say the least. Opinions range from extremes, but the Juke holds up well over time.
The first generation was on the market for nine years with only one facelift. The engine variants range between several power levels of the same 1.6-litre petrol engine or the same 1.5-litre diesel engine. The 2014 facelift also came with a 1.2 petrol model, which was not impressive, but can be considered the most economical SUV.
It has a very small trunk volume of 354 liters. For one of the most reliable SUVs, the Nissan Juke, you can pay between 8,000 and 18,000 euros.
Mazda CX-5 – the best SUV 2022 in Japan
The CX-3 is a successful model, but it does not benefit from such a spacious interior. If you like the Mazda look and don’t need a lot of space, the CX-5 might be the best 2022 Japanese SUV for you.
In this model, the dynamic design is perfectly combined with a good and safe steering. The engines also perform well for the CX-5.
In addition to the 2.0 with 160 or 165 HP, you can find a 2.5 with no less than 192 HP. There are also diesel variants, which are very popular here. A CX-5 in good condition starts at 16,000 euros.
According to the study conducted by Carbuyer, the Mazda CX-5 ranks 3rd in the top 10 most reliable SUVs in 2022, after Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Kona.
Lexus UX
The Lexus UX is the latest SUV from the Japanese manufacturer’s range and benefits from a new 2.0-liter engine, but also a 176-horsepower hybrid version with all-wheel drive.
Almost two years after the launch of the UX concept, which impressed with its spectacular design, Lexus has revealed its production version by which it enriches its range with a new SUV.
The UX 250h version uses a hybrid drive system, which, in addition to the gasoline engine, uses an electric drive mounted on the rear axle. With its help, the system generates 176 horsepower and provides all-wheel drive. The price of a Lexus UX starts at 30,000 euros.
Suzuki Vitara – always on the list of the most reliable SUVs
The Vitara is known as one of the most reliable SUVs. The passion for SUVs and crossovers led Suzuki to move away from the harsh character of the Vitara in the late 2000s and abandon it completely with the launch of the fourth generation in 2014.
As with the Toyota RAV4 and other models from other brands, Suzuki stopped offering diesel engines for the Vitara in 2018 with the launch of the facelift and the introduction of hybrid variants.
So, if you’re looking for a diesel, check out the pre-2018 Vitara. Prices for the Suzuki Vitara range from €13,000 to €25,000.
