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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Toyota Corolla Cross has the lowest estimated maintenance and repair costs in this comparison: $5,831 over 10 years, according to CarEdge. The Toyota RAV4, Venza, and Highlander follow; these are projections, not guaranteed bills, and actual costs vary by vehicle and owner.
Maintenance is one of the costs that can quietly reshape an SUV’s total ownership price. Two vehicles with similar purchase prices can have very different bills once scheduled service, tires, brakes, wear items, and unexpected repairs are included.
The ranking below uses CarEdge estimates for total maintenance and repair costs during the first 10 years of ownership. The figures are estimates rather than guaranteed prices, and they combine routine maintenance, normal wear items, and expected repairs. They do not include fuel, insurance, depreciation, financing, registration, or warranty-covered work.
15 SUVs with the lowest estimated maintenance costs
CarEdge defines a major repair as one costing more than $500, including parts and labor. Its 10-year estimate is useful for comparing models, but your actual cost can change based on mileage, climate, labor rates, drivetrain, trim, driving habits, and how well the SUV is maintained.
| Rank | SUV | Estimated 10-year cost | Estimated first 5 years | 10-year major-repair probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Corolla Cross | $5,831 | $1,852 | 16.61% |
| 2 | Toyota RAV4 | $6,004 | $1,938 | 16.61% |
| 3 | Toyota Venza | $6,089 | $1,981 | 16.61% |
| 4 | Toyota Highlander | $6,224 | $2,048 | 16.61% |
| 5 | Honda HR-V | $7,479 | $2,347 | 21.74% |
| 6 | Honda CR-V | $7,636 | $2,425 | 21.74% |
| 7 | Mazda CX-30 | $7,837 | $2,468 | 22.65% |
| 8 | Honda Pilot | $7,881 | $2,548 | 21.74% |
| 9 | Mazda CX-5 | $7,906 | $2,502 | 22.65% |
| 10 | Nissan Rogue | $7,987 | $2,523 | 22.95% |
| 11 | Kia Sportage | $8,455 | $2,659 | 24.49% |
| 12 | Subaru Crosstrek | $8,459 | $2,643 | 24.76% |
| 13 | Hyundai Kona | $8,464 | $2,646 | 24.76% |
| 14 | Hyundai Tucson | $8,560 | $2,694 | 24.76% |
| 15 | Subaru Forester | $8,609 | $2,718 | 24.76% |
1. Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross has the lowest projected cost in this group: $5,831 over 10 years and $1,852 during the first five years. Its estimated major-repair probability is also among the lowest at 16.61%.
For a buyer who wants a relatively small SUV and plans to keep it for several years, the Corolla Cross is the strongest cost-first choice in this list. Compare the gas and hybrid versions carefully, however, because powertrain differences can affect service requirements and purchase price.
2. Toyota RAV4
The RAV4’s estimated 10-year maintenance and repair cost is $6,004, only $173 higher than the Corolla Cross. Its five-year estimate is $1,938, and its major-repair probability is 16.61%.
The RAV4 is a particularly practical financial choice because it combines a relatively low projected ownership cost with more cargo and passenger space than the Corolla Cross. Hybrid and all-wheel-drive versions may not have exactly the same maintenance schedule as the front-wheel-drive gas model.
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The Venza ranks third at $6,089 over 10 years, with an estimated $1,981 in the first five years. Its projected major-repair probability is 16.61%.
This is a used-car recommendation rather than a new-car recommendation. Toyota has discontinued the Venza, and the 2024 model year was the final year of its recent generation. A used Venza can make sense for buyers who want a comfortable hybrid crossover, but condition, remaining warranty coverage, battery-related concerns, and the vehicle’s service records matter more than the model’s low projection alone.
4. Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is the most cost-efficient larger, three-row SUV in this ranking. CarEdge estimates $6,224 in maintenance and repairs over 10 years and $2,048 over the first five years.
Rank #2
- 110 Sheets Log Book: This vehicle maintenance log book includes 110 record sheets to track repairs, services, fuel costs, and other vehicle-related expenses. It also comes with 36 convenient “Service Due” stickers to help remind you of upcoming maintenance schedules. Everything you need to keep your car records organized in one place.
- Detailed Information: Each page is carefully structured with dedicated sections for date, mileage, service description, parts replaced, vehicle information, cost, and additional notes. The clear and organized format allows you to maintain accurate records, monitor repair history, and better manage long-term vehicle performance and expenses.
- Enough Writing Space: The record sheets provide ample space for clear and thorough entries. Whether you’re documenting routine oil changes or major repairs, there’s plenty of room to write detailed information without feeling cramped.
- Easy to Use: The spiral binding allows the notebook to lay flat for comfortable writing, making entries quick and convenient. The included 36 “Service Due” stickers can be placed inside the book or on visible surfaces like your windshield or dashboard, helping you keep important maintenance reminders in sight.
- Proper Size: This compact logbook measures 5.5” x 7.1”, which fits easily in your glove compartment, center console, backpack, or desk drawer. Its portable size ensures you can access and update your vehicle records anytime, whether at home, in the garage, or at the service center.
That estimate is notable because larger SUVs often carry higher tire, brake, and service costs than smaller crossovers. Families should still budget for more expensive consumables if they choose a higher trim, larger wheels, or an all-wheel-drive version.
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The HR-V’s projected 10-year cost is $7,479, with a first-five-year estimate of $2,347. Its major-repair probability is 21.74%.
It costs more to maintain in the projection than the first four Toyota models, but it remains a reasonable lower-cost choice among small SUVs. The HR-V’s smaller size can also reduce some ownership expenses, such as tire replacement, compared with larger SUVs.
6. Honda CR-V
The CR-V is estimated at $7,636 over 10 years and $2,425 over the first five. Its major-repair probability is 21.74%.
The CR-V costs $157 more than the HR-V in the 10-year estimate, but it offers the larger compact-SUV format. That difference is small enough that cargo capacity, fuel economy, powertrain choice, insurance quotes, and purchase price should also influence the decision.
7. Mazda CX-30
CarEdge estimates $7,837 in maintenance and repairs over 10 years and $2,468 during the first five years. Its major-repair probability is 22.65%.
The CX-30 is a good fit for buyers who want a small crossover with a more upscale interior and engaging driving manners without moving to a larger, more expensive SUV. Check the cost of tires and brakes for the specific trim before buying, especially if it has larger wheels.
Rank #3
8. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot’s estimated 10-year cost is $7,881, while its first-five-year estimate is $2,548. The projected major-repair probability is 21.74%.
It is not the cheapest SUV here in absolute dollars, but it provides three-row utility at a projected cost below several smaller or similarly priced competitors. A three-row SUV can still cost more to operate in practice because of heavier tires, greater weight, and higher fuel consumption, so maintenance should not be the only budget category considered.
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9. Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 is estimated to cost $7,906 over 10 years and $2,502 during the first five. CarEdge places its major-repair probability at 22.65%.
Independent historical data also supports a favorable cost picture. RepairPal reports average annual repair and maintenance costs of $447 for the CX-5, compared with $573 for the midsize-SUV average. RepairPal’s number is not directly comparable with CarEdge’s projection: it covers unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years rather than projecting the first decade of a newer vehicle.
10. Nissan Rogue
The Rogue’s estimated 10-year maintenance and repair cost is $7,987, with a $2,523 estimate for the first five years. Its major-repair probability is 22.95%.
RepairPal reports average annual repair and maintenance costs of $467, below its $521 compact-SUV average. Because that figure includes all model years and focuses on historical average costs, prospective buyers should also investigate the specific year, transmission history, recalls, warranty status, and service records.
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The Sportage is estimated at $8,455 over 10 years and $2,659 during the first five. Its major-repair probability is 24.49%.
Its projected cost is higher than the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, but it can still be a sensible value if the purchase price, warranty coverage, and financing terms are favorable. Verify the maintenance schedule for the exact engine, hybrid system, and drivetrain rather than assuming all Sportage versions have identical requirements.
12. Subaru Crosstrek
CarEdge estimates the Crosstrek’s 10-year cost at $8,459 and its first-five-year cost at $2,643. The major-repair probability is 24.76%.
The Crosstrek’s standard all-wheel-drive configuration may appeal to buyers in snowy or rural areas, but all-wheel drive can bring additional components and service considerations. It should not automatically be labeled one of the cheapest SUVs to maintain simply because Subaru has a strong reputation for durability.
13. Hyundai Kona
The Kona’s estimated 10-year cost is $8,464, almost identical to the Crosstrek’s, while the first-five-year estimate is $2,646. Its projected major-repair probability is 24.76%.
For shoppers, the Kona’s warranty and the exact engine and transmission are important parts of the financial calculation. A low early ownership bill can be helped by warranty coverage, but long-term costs still depend on service intervals, mileage, and repair choices after coverage ends.
14. Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is estimated at $8,560 over 10 years and $2,694 over the first five. Its major-repair probability is 24.76%.
The Tucson offers more space than the Kona and may be a better fit for families, but its larger size can mean higher tire and brake costs. Compare gas and hybrid versions using the owner’s manual maintenance schedule and obtain insurance quotes before treating the SUV as a bargain.
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15. Subaru Forester
The Forester has the highest estimated cost in this group at $8,609 over 10 years and $2,718 over the first five. Its projected major-repair probability is 24.76%.
That does not make it a poor vehicle, but it does mean it should not be described as one of the cheapest SUVs to repair without qualification. RepairPal reports $632 in average annual repair and maintenance costs for the Forester, above its $521 compact-SUV average. Its practicality and standard all-wheel drive may justify the expense for some buyers, but the budget should reflect the higher expected cost.
How to use these estimates in an SUV budget
- Start with the five-year figure. Buyers who change vehicles frequently may care more about the first-five-year estimate than the 10-year total. The estimates in this ranking range from $1,852 for the Corolla Cross to $2,718 for the Forester.
- Keep a repair reserve. A projected average is not a spending schedule. Set aside money each month for tires, brakes, batteries, fluid service, and an unexpected repair. A major repair can exceed $500 by CarEdge’s definition.
- Check the exact configuration. Hybrid, gas, front-wheel-drive, and all-wheel-drive models can have different service requirements. Larger wheels can also make replacement tires substantially more expensive.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection for a used SUV. For a used Venza or any older vehicle, an independent inspection can identify leaks, worn suspension parts, tire problems, accident damage, and neglected maintenance before purchase.
- Compare ownership cost, not just repair cost. Insurance, fuel, depreciation, loan interest, taxes, and registration can outweigh a few hundred dollars of projected maintenance. Get insurance quotes and estimate fuel costs using your expected annual mileage.
- Read the maintenance schedule. Confirm when the manufacturer calls for oil changes, transmission or differential fluid, spark plugs, coolant, brake service, and other age- or mileage-based work.
What the independent data says
RepairPal provides useful context for several models, but it answers a different question from CarEdge. RepairPal’s figures are historical annual averages across all model years, while CarEdge projects maintenance and repair costs over the first five and 10 years.
| Model | RepairPal average annual cost | Relevant vehicle-class average |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Rogue | $467 | $521 compact-SUV average |
| Toyota Highlander | $489 | $573 midsize-SUV average |
| Honda Pilot | $542 | $573 midsize-SUV average |
| Mazda CX-5 | $447 | $573 midsize-SUV average |
| Subaru Forester | $632 | $521 compact-SUV average |
These figures support the idea that the Rogue, Highlander, Pilot, and CX-5 have comparatively favorable historical annual costs. They also provide an important warning about the Forester: reliability reputation and low maintenance cost are not the same thing.
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FAQ
Which SUV has the lowest estimated maintenance cost?
The Toyota Corolla Cross ranks first in this comparison, with CarEdge estimating $5,831 in maintenance and repair costs over 10 years and $1,852 during the first five years.
Is the Toyota Venza a good low-maintenance SUV?
The Venza has a low projected 10-year cost of $6,089, but it is discontinued and should be considered a used-car choice. The vehicle’s age, battery condition, warranty status, inspection report, and service history are especially important.
Are these maintenance costs guaranteed?
No. They are CarEdge estimates that combine scheduled maintenance, wear items, and expected repairs. Actual costs vary with mileage, location, labor rates, weather, driving habits, trim, drivetrain, maintenance quality, and repair decisions.
Which SUV should I choose if I want the lowest total ownership cost?
Begin with the Corolla Cross, RAV4, or HR-V, then compare the purchase price, insurance, fuel economy, financing, depreciation, warranty, and exact maintenance schedule. The SUV with the lowest repair projection is not necessarily the cheapest vehicle to own overall.
The Bottom Line
For a cost-conscious new-SUV buyer, the Toyota Corolla Cross and Toyota RAV4 are the strongest maintenance-cost picks in this ranking. The Corolla Cross has the lowest 10-year estimate at $5,831, while the RAV4 adds space for only a modest projected increase. The Toyota Highlander is the standout larger three-row option, and the Honda HR-V, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5 offer reasonable alternatives.
Treat every number as a planning estimate, not a promise. Before signing a purchase contract, price insurance and fuel, check the exact powertrain’s service schedule, inspect any used vehicle, and keep a separate reserve for tires and unexpected repairs.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
