A South London mechanic has named the three most reliable SUV models for British motorists, offering a surprising verdict that excludes luxury brands like Range Rover.
The Mechanic's Top Three Picks
Oly Autos, a car repair and MOT centre based in South London, shared its expert list on TikTok. The garage's number one choice is the Volkswagen Tiguan, which it praised as a "great, great car" and a "proper SUV."
In second place, the mechanic recommended the Toyota RAV4, highlighting its renowned reliability with the simple verdict: "can't go wrong." Rounding out the top three is the Nissan X-Trail, described as a solid, comfortable, and perfect drive.
The expert from Oly Autos suggested that the Japanese market, represented by Nissan and Toyota, has taken a leading role in the SUV sector for reliability.
How Do Other Experts View These Models?
While these are the mechanic's personal favourites, other industry views present a more nuanced picture. According to WhatCar?'s Reliability Survey, the petrol Volkswagen Tiguan scored 91.9%, with the diesel version slightly lower at 88.1%.
Some experts have suggested alternatives like the BMW X1 and the 2014-2021 Lexus NX might be stronger contenders. The Toyota RAV4's reputation, however, gets a significant boost from top US mechanic Scotty Kilmer, who has famously stated he has "never seen one break."
The Nissan X-Trail receives mixed reviews from owners. WhatCar? reported that while many experience trouble-free ownership, others have faced plenty of issues, indicating a variable level of dependability.
What This Means for UK Car Buyers
For drivers in the UK seeking a dependable family or utility vehicle, this list from a working garage provides practical, real-world insight. It underscores the strong reputation of mainstream brands like Volkswagen, Toyota, and Nissan for building durable SUVs suited to British roads.
The analysis shows that ultimate reliability ratings can vary between owner surveys and mechanic experiences. Therefore, while the VW Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan X-Trail come highly recommended, prospective buyers are advised to research specific model years and check detailed reliability data before making a final decision.
