The Most Reliable New SUV For 2026 Is Not A Toyota

Reliability is one of the key factors that consumers look for when buying their next car. Performance, luxury, tech are all important, but none of them really matter much if you spend more time at the dealer than on the road. Manufacturers like Toyota and Subaru have long been solid performers when it came to durability, but with many manufacturers introducing new versions of popular models in recent years, there have been some big changes to the reliability rankings for 2026.

To find out which model has come out on top based on actual owner reviews, we used the predicted reliability data from Consumer Reports (CR). It is a trusted source because it maintains strict independence, purchasing every vehicle tested and refusing all corporate advertising. The results below are from owner feedback covering 17 potential trouble spots. All other vehicle data was sourced from the respective manufacturers.

The 2026 Honda Passport

• CR Predicted Reliability Score: 97/100
• Base MSRP:$44,950

And the winner for 2026 is the Honda Passport. Bucking the trend of new models dipping in reliability ratings for the first year or two, the newly redesigned Passport has come out all guns blazing, comprehensively beating its predecessor in overall reliability and going straight to the top spot, not just in its class, but across all segments.

The Passport name was originally used on a range of body-on-frame SUVs from the 1990s, but it was discontinued in favor of the larger Pilot. It returned in 2019, sharing its basic design with the three-row Pilot SUV, but with a shorter body and just two rows of seats. The formula proved to be popular, and the Passport underwent a complete redesign in 2026, getting a more robust chassis and suspension and an off-road biased Trailsport trim that makes the most of these upgrades.

The outgoing model was a solid performer overall, but later model years suffered from issues with the nine-speed automatic transmission, electronic glitches and were subject to several recalls. The latest redesign has carried over the tough as nails 3.5-liter V6, but a new infotainment system, and upgraded 10-speed automatic transmission and several other detail changes have rectified the issues of the old model.

Owners of the new model commented positively on the driving experience, and the new interior was praised for its spacious cargo area and roomy rear seats. The basic 3.5-liter V6 engine design has been around since 1999, but there have been significant updates and changes over the years. Most owners have had many miles of trouble-free motoring, but there have been some issues with reliability in the past.

The latest version of this engine is markedly different from the earlier models, ditching the VTEC setup for double overhead cams and a more advanced continuous cam phasing system. This updated engine is now pushing out 285-hp and 262 lb-ft of torque and is a smooth and willing power unit, although fuel economy around town is not a particular strong point.

However, this development of older, proven technologies is partly why the Passport has scored so high in predicted reliability. Unlike some other manufacturers, Honda has not adopted a smaller capacity turbocharged engine for this model, and it is all the better for it.

Passport Vs. Rivals:

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Taking a look at a selection of mid-size SUVs from other manufacturers shows just how right Honda has got the Passport formula. The Toyota Crown Signia was introduced in 2025, and it offers superb fuel efficiency and a very luxurious interior. However, despite it using several proven Toyota technologies under the skin, its 77/100 score is well below the Passport's result. That said, it is still commendable, and far better than what the rest of the field has managed.

While the Chevrolet Blazer offers a sporty drive and has the option of both a turbocharged four-cylinder and naturally aspirated V6, it struggled with build quality and in-car electronics issues resulting in a lowish 47/100 reliability score. Models like the luxurious new Mazda CX-70 fared a lot worse, and this was partly due to the introduction of unproven new tech and drivetrain software issues.

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The Honda Passport certainly isn't the most advanced, fastest, best-handling or most luxurious SUV in its class, but it offers just the right mix of space, capability and practicality that buyers in this segment are looking for. This should certainly help sales volumes in the short term, but it is the overall reliability that will keep it popular with buyers in the years to come. If you are in the market for a very capable and durable SUV, then the Honda Passport should be right at the top of your list.

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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 12:01 PM.