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Most Reliable 5-Year-Old Midsized Toyota SUVs

According to Consumer Reports surveys, these 5-year-old mid-sized Toyota SUVs score above- and well-above-average in reliability.
Consumer Reports Top 5-Year-Old Toyota SUV Picks

Benefits of Buying 5-Year-old Models

In a recent Consumer Reports newsletter, “SUVs are wildly popular because they offer what many people crave, including a high seating position that gives a commanding view of the road, the availability of all-wheel drive for winter traction, and plentiful cabin and cargo space. But a new midsized SUV can be an expensive proposition, which is why buying a dependable used one can be a great way to save money.”

The benefits of buying a dependable used SUV include taking advantage of its sweet spot of not just depreciation, but also a vehicle that is still in its prime with proven reliability and road-tested data showing which models excelled and which did not. The value of these benefits is that you are nearly-guaranteed an affordable vehicle of which you can expect many more additional miles with minimal repairs expected or needed.

Two Reliable Used Toyota Midsized SUV Recommendations

Listed below is a useful summary of two recommended midsized 5-year-old Toyota SUVs that offer a combination of roomy interiors and plenty of cargo space in an SUV that past owners have revealed in survey were vehicles that are rock solid models to own and drive.

CONSUMER REPORTS TOYOTA 5-YEAR-OLD MIDSIZED SUVS

Toyota Highlander 2019

Price Range: $20,900‒$31,800

Owner reported MPG: 23 mpg

Reliability score: 64/100

Owner Satisfaction score: 3/5

Safety features: FCW and AEB standard; BSW and RCTW were optional.

Pros of the 2019 Highlander:

  • Among the top SUVs CR analysts test year after year.
  •  Impeccable reliability.
  • 295-hp V6 coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieves 22 mpg; the Hybrid V6 version 25 mpg.
  • Handling proved to be predictable and stable at its limits.
  • Controls are mostly simple, with large, well-labeled buttons.
  • XLE and Limited models have a versatile 8-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Cons of the 2019 Highlander:

  • Ride comfort not as plush as in the previous generation.
  • Three-person third-row seat lets the Highlander carry up to eight people, but it’s not a great place for adults.
  • Will have to look around to find models with non-optional safety features.

 

Toyota 4Runner 2019

Price Range: $25,850‒$39,075

Owner reported MPG: 19 mpg

Reliability score: 69/100

Owner Satisfaction score: 4/5

Safety features: Active safety systems such as FCW, AEB, and BSW were unavailable.

Pros of the 2019 4Runner:

  • Sturdy and reliable 4Runner remains an old-school body-on-frame SUV.
  • Generous ground clearance with underbody skid plates, and a four-wheel-drive system with low range.
  • The 18 mpg overall it manages is decent considering the engine’s 270 hp and that the 4Runner is shaped like a brick.
  • Controls are simple with big buttons and knobs.
  • Third-row seat was optional, but small.

Cons of the 2019 4Runner:

  • The ride isn’t as smooth as that of most SUVs, and handling feels clumsy.
  • The 4.0-liter V6 engine is powerful but gets noisy when pushed.
  • Active safety systems such as FCW, AEB, and BSW were unavailable.

For additional articles related to recent Consumer Reports recommendations, here are three for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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