Luxury SUVs are usually expensive to maintain because they are rammed full of complex technology that is costly to fix when it has an issue.
However, some luxury SUVs cost less to maintain than others.
In this article, we’ll look at 10 luxury SUVs that have cheap maintenance costs based on years of RepairPal aggregated data.
1. Acura RDX
First on our list is the Acura RDX, a car that has built its reputation as a premium SUV that focuses on driving and performance. In fact, it was the best-selling compact SUV in 2020.
RepairPal reports that the Acura RDX has annual repair costs of $497, much lower than the average of $859 for all luxury compact vehicles. They also average 0.4 repairs each year compared to 0.6 repairs for all luxury SUVs. The probability of severe repair is also low at 6% compared to 10% for all luxury compact SUVs.
2. Lexus NX200t
There is a debate to be had about whether or not the NX200t is luxurious enough to justify its selling price. However, nearly everyone agrees that the Lexus NX200t is practical, reliable, and cheap to maintain.
According to RepairPal, it costs $690 to maintain the NX200t annually which is lower than the average of $859 for all luxury compact vehicles. According to the same report, NX200t averages 0.3 repairs annually versus 0.6 repairs for all luxury crossover SUVs. Finally, there’s a 6% chance that your repairs will be major issues compared to 10% for all luxury compact SUVs.
3. Infiniti EX35
The Infiniti EX35 is a compact SUV with sleek styling, agile handling, and a sharp cabin. Although it’s not the most practical crossover SUV, it’s relatively cheap to maintain.
Based on RepairPal aggregated data, annual repairs on the Infiniti EX35 cost an average of $588 which is significantly lower than the average of $859 for all luxury compact vehicles.
The report also states that unscheduled maintenance for the EX35 averages 0.7 times per year, compared to 0.6 times annually for all luxury SUVs. The probability of severe repair is also low at 8% compared to 10% for all luxury SUVs.
4. Volvo XC60
Volvo recently refreshed the look of the XC60 to make it smarter and more stylish. Its Swedish-style body, unique headlights and taillights, and top-quality cabin materials are only a few of its distinctive features
RepairPal reports that it costs an average of $749 annually to maintain the XC60, much lower than the average of $859 for all luxury compact vehicles.
The XC60 averages 0.5 unscheduled repairs annually versus an average of 0.6 repairs for all luxury compact SUVs. And it has a 7% probability of severe repair compared to 10% for all luxury SUVs.
5. Mercedes Benz GLK350
Mercedes Benz did a fantastic job with the GLK350. They effectively transferred the quality, reliability, and luxury of their high-end models into this smaller, lower-cost SUV. This SUV is a solid option for people who love luxury but are on a tight budget.
According to RepiarPal, the GLK350 seats right on the edge of affordability, with an annual average maintenance cost of $859, equal to the average maintenance cost for all luxury vehicles.
There’s also a 10% probability that you’ll do a major repair on the GLK350. And that’s equal to the average probability of major repair for all luxury vehicles.
6. BMW X1
The BMW is a relatively small luxury SUV that’s remarkably practicable and fun to drive. It’s designed to be an entry-level car. So it’s cheap to purchase and maintain
According to RepairPal, the annual maintenance cost on the X1 is $915, which is slightly above the $859 average repair cost for all luxury SUVs. The frequency of repair is also higher as X1 owners average 0.7 repairs per year compared to an average of 0.6 repairs for other luxury compact SUVs.
There’s an 8% chance the repairs on the BMW will be severe, compared to the 10% probability of major repair for all luxury compact SUVs.
7. Lincoln MKC
The Lincoln MKC is a quiet, powerful, and bulgy SUV. It’s not the most sophisticated SUV. But it strives to balance between luxury and an affordable price point.
According to RepairPal, the annual maintenance cost for the MKC is $853, slightly less than the average of $859 for all luxury compact vehicles. They also stated that MKC vehicles undergo an average of 0.4 unscheduled repairs annually, lower than the average of 0.6 for all luxury compact SUVs. However, there’s a 12% chance that those repairs will be severe, and that probability is higher than the 10% average for other cars in the same segment.
8. Land Rover LR2
Land Rovers are famous for their off-roading capabilities, and the Land Rover LR2 is no different. However, the production of the LR2 was discontinued in 2015.
At the time, news about the car’s unreliability filled the market. Yet, several owners counter the argument that the LR2 is unreliable. What’s more, this car made RepairPal’s list of top ten cheapest SUVs to run.
RepairPal estimates that it costs $895 annually to maintain a Land Rover LR2, slightly higher than the average of $859 for all luxury compact vehicles. They also found that LR2 owners do 0.8 unscheduled repairs per year, compared to 0.6 for all luxury compact SUVs. About 11% of repairs turn out to be severe, which is slightly above the 10% average for all luxury compact SUVs.
9. Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque has a bad-ass interior that outmatches the interior of almost any other luxury subcompact SUV.
According to RepairPal, the total annual cost of maintenance and repairs for the Range Rover Evoque is $1,102. That’s significantly higher than the average of $859 across all luxury vehicles. But it’s certainly not a bad deal for a car of such quality.
RepairPal also reports that the Evoque averages 0.6 repairs a year compared to (the same) 0.6 repairs for all luxury SUVs. About 12% of repairs are major, compared to 10% for all luxury crossover SUVs and 12% for all vehicles.
10. BMW X3
The BMW X3 is the larger, more practical, and more luxurious sibling of the BMW X1. And, for a car of its size, the X3 is surprisingly fuel-efficient and agile to handle.
RepairPal aggregates that it costs $1,034 to maintain an X3 annually, significantly higher than the average of $859 for all luxury compact vehicles.
The frequency of unscheduled repairs isn’t too high either — 0.8 repairs annually versus 0.6 repairs for all luxury compact SUVs. The probability of major repair is slightly high at 14% compared 10% average for all luxury compact SUVs.