Despite the fact that this type of crossover is also called SUV, they have one unpleasant feature in common with full-fledged rugged SUVs: their maintenance is more expensive than ordinary, traditional passenger cars. Both servicemen and spare parts sellers explain this simply: “You have a jeep!” Therefore, when buying a crossover, it is so important to choose a car that is reliable and durable.
By offering our rating of reliable crossovers, we remind you that you can talk about the reliability of a used car only if the technical advantages built into it at the factory have not been completely “wasted” by its previous owner.
Renault Duster (from 2010)
A top seller in many countries around the world, this car is the embodiment of simplicity, reliability and functionality. The model is distinguished by a suspension that is not afraid of potholes and allows you to maintain a high speed of movement even on dirt roads and broken asphalt. In general, this is one of the most brutal mid-size crossovers. The downsides are low-power engines and primitive interior trim.
In fact, today you can buy two generations of Duster, but here we do not separate them, because they are built on the same Renault B0 platform and, by and large, the second generation (since 2017) differs only in a new, more comfortable body. Both generations are represented on the market by worthy specimens. The main thing is to search well, remembering that this model, despite its cheapness, was bought not only for hard use in the corporate parks of agricultural firms, but also as a family car. By the way, to save more money, you can choose a version with a single drive (front axle only), there are really a lot of them.
Toyota RAV4 (2013-2019)
The fourth generation of the RAV4 is among the best cars in its class. Under its hood you can see truly reliable and durable engines from the old school, which produced units with a service life of half a million kilometers. Transmissions are mostly automatic, there are several transmission options, but you should not choose a configuration with a variator: as usual, it has a short service life and high repair costs.
On bad roads the car is uncomfortable due to the stiff suspension; and this car generally needs to be kept as far away from off-road conditions as possible – its character is purely passenger, and all-wheel drive is designed for short-term use. The equipment is not poor, the interior is comfortable, there is a cheaper version with 4×2 drive.
Honda CR-V (2012-2018)
Another Japanese one, also in the fourth generation of its model and also quite expensive in price. The systems and units are reliable and do not require the owner’s attention for many years. Unlike many of its competitors, the CR-V has a huge trunk and a spacious interior.
The range of engines is small, but the engines are decent; after restyling, the choice of transmissions has been supplemented with a CVT, which is not worth choosing. A big plus for owners from regions where there are many uneven roads is a comfortable chassis that absorbs small bumps well. At the same time, the crossover handles well, the steering wheel is sensitive, and the roll is moderate for such a massive and tall car. The ground clearance seems to many drivers to be too low for a crossover, and the suspension does not require repairs for several years in a row.
Kia Sportage (2015–2021)
A stylish and charismatic car that leaves a good memory for most owners. At a reasonable price, the Sportage is better equipped than its competitors, and its roomy interior makes a good impression in itself. From a technical point of view, there were certain complaints about this car, or more precisely, about its engines, but, in spite of everything, it has always been loved and loved in Ukraine. On the go, the Sportage is quite comfortable, the suspension smooths out bumps, and the chassis, although not perfect, confidently holds the car at speed.
It’s interesting that it won’t be easy to pick up a manual Sportage, because very few such cars came to Ukraine. You can choose a single-wheel drive package, but the 4×4 transmission adds a small amount to the price.
Nissan Qashqai (2013–2021)
In the second generation, the Qashqai has an expressive design, a durable chassis and a large selection of engines that are rightfully considered economical. The model is popular in Ukraine, despite the fact that in the secondary market there are certain restrictions on the choice of engines and transmissions: an automatic transmission is a traditionally weak variator, and a manual transmission is available only with gasoline units and single-wheel drive.
But even with the 4×4 mode, it’s better not to get into the mud and snowdrifts, because all-wheel drive was installed only on cars with a variator, which is not suitable for such conditions. The car is not ideal on rough roads, but the manufacturer never positioned its Qashqai as a notorious “rogue”. A noteworthy fact is that at one time the model was the best among its classmates in independent crash tests.
In short
When choosing a crossover of this type, keep in mind that it is a jeep not only in the eyes of servicemen, but also of individual owners. That’s why it’s so important to check the specimen you’re interested in for merciless use on real off-road terrain – that is, where it basically had nothing to do, but where overly determined owners could drive it.
2023-10-18 15:50:50
#cars #TOP #reliable #crossovers
