Long-term maintenance costs are crucial to consider when buying an SUV, as they can make or break the value of your investment. Whether you are going for a brand-new release or a used model, you need to look beyond size, power, and sticker price. SUVs are praised for their spacious cabins and rugged performance, but they often come with higher upkeep expenses due to their larger engines and heavier builds.
That said, not all SUVs are expensive to maintain. As the owner of a popular car service center in Denver, I’ve seen firsthand which models consistently save their owners time and money. Some sport utility vehicles are simply built smarter, with low running costs in mind. Add in reliable components and fuel-efficient engines, and these low-maintenance vehicles stand out for taking fewer trips to the mechanic.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 of the best SUVs that keep maintenance costs low over a five-year period, helping you make a smart, budget-friendly decision for your next vehicle.
Top 10 Budget-Friendly SUVs to Maintain In 2025
Nowadays, keeping a vehicle has become more expensive than buying one. Many people get impressed by the lower selling prices of SUVs so much that they often forget to ask important questions like whether the vehicle is affordable to maintain, and more. You can easily come across people who always boast about the low-price deals they’ve got on their rides, batting a blind eye to how often they come to visit me.
To make sure you avoid this kind of frustration, below are our top 10 low-maintenance options that are the true solution to your budget problems. All the vehicles listed here come with a starting price below $40k and estimated maintenance costs under $3k for the course of five years.
1. Nissan Kicks (Maintenance Cost: $2,433)
Nissan Kicks is one of the best picks for those watching their budget closely. While it is a steal in terms of buying price, it has the highest maintenance cost among the models listed here. It typically costs about $2,433 for upkeep, which can easily escalate if common problems like gear slippage, failure to accelerate, and transmission jamming occur.
If you are adamant about buying this Japanese model, avoid buying its earlier release years, especially 2018-2020, and you should be clear. Also, regular self-inspection and professional assistance from time to time will help prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs.
2. Honda CR-V (Maintenance Cost: $2,440)
Honda CR-V is one of the safest SUVs for Americans, known for its durability and longevity, but they aren’t without problems. Issues like AC compressor failures, battery drain, and excessive oil consumption are common, but with proper maintenance, you can easily enjoy 10-15 years of reliable ownership without facing major issues. To keep this mainstream SUV running smoothly and comfortably, expect to spend about $2,440 over the next five years.
3. Honda HR-V (Maintenance Cost: $2,354)
Priced around $20k (in both new and used car markets), the Honda HR-V shines with its superior practicality and affordability. This subcompact SUV is ideal for running your everyday errands in comfort. It wins the game not only on the price front but also on the maintenance front. On average, it will cost you around $2,354 for the next five years to keep it in good shape. Engine failing to start or losing power are among the most common problems that you can avoid if you take good care of it at home.
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4. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (Maintenance Cost: $2,330)
The Eclipse Cross offers better value than many three-row SUVs, especially with standard AWD and lower maintenance costs. One of the best features of this stylish, compact SUV is that it comes standard with all-wheel drive, a feature that many buyers seem to appreciate. Software glitches and difficulty in operating sunroof are somewhat recurring, but they are easy to fix and won’t impact your wallet much. Overall, it’s a reliable SUV that delivers strong value without high upkeep costs.
5. Kia Soul (Maintenance Cost: $2,304)
Kia Soul is the ideal SUV for small families as well as individuals who want more space but not too much of it. This box-shaped automobile is one of the rare vehicles we have seen that costs less not only in terms of buying but also in terms of ongoing upkeep costs. Almost every owner of this ride gush about how it checks out for comfort, easy parking, and smooth handling.
However, those same people have also called it out for excessive oil consumption and engine stalling. The good thing is that with routine care, such situations can be avoided. However, skipping it can raise your costs, so a little attention goes a long way in keeping the average at $2,304.
6. Toyota Highlander (Maintenance Cost: $2,082)
The Toyota Highlander, without a doubt is one of the most dependable SUVs you can own. If you drive this ride responsibly and follow the manufacturer’s advised practices, you will barely have to visit a car service center. A client of mine who switched to the Highlander now only needs quarterly checkups, which reflects how minimal the maintenance effort really is, both in time and cost. As long as you stick to basic checks like monitoring fluids and following the service schedule, the Highlander remains one of the easiest SUVs to maintain under budget.
7. Toyota RAV4 (Maintenance Cost: $1,865)
Another Toyota that is not only reliable but also one of the safest off-roaders out there is RAV4. Another feather in its cap is the low recurrent maintenance costs. It will only cost you around $2k to keep it with you. This cost-effective option rarely gives any headaches to its owners.
However, the few complaints it gets are mostly related to engine and transmission. But do not worry as these issues normally show up after 6-15 years or 150,000-250,000 miles. Thus, as long as you take precautionary measures, you are hardly likely to face these issues in the first five years of your ownership, justifying the major expenses closer to $1,939.
8. Chevrolet Equinox EV (Maintenance Cost: $1,686)
Choosing an electric vehicle is no longer a bold move as it is becoming the norm in the U.S. auto market. Whether it’s about reducing carbon emissions or cashing in on federal EV incentives, more buyers are steering away from gas-powered models. But here’s the catch: many EVs still come with high price tags and long-term costs that turn off budget-conscious shoppers.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV flips that script. It is one of the most budget-friendly electric SUVs available today. It offers solid driving comfort, dependable efficiency, and fewer common headaches as long as you stay on top of regular care. Over five years, maintenance is estimated at just $1,686, which is exceptionally low for an EV in this price range. If you’re looking for an electric ride that won’t break the bank after the sale, the Equinox EV deserves a serious look.
9. Subaru Solterra (Maintenance Cost: $1,619)
The Subaru Solterra is another low-maintenance vehicle that you can consider for your next car purchase. This off-roader electric SUV packs minimal long-term maintenance expenses, something competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 lack. Hub bolt issues affecting the wheel stability are the most common problems you can encounter with this ride. However, the owners who follow gentle driving habits like staying within speed limits and avoiding sudden braking or sharp turns were able to manage this problem well.
Furthermore, EVs tend to have fewer major repairs than gasoline-powered vehicles, justifying Solterra’s five-year upkeep cost of $1,619.
10. Volkswagen ID.4 (Maintenance Cost: $1,651)
The ID.4 carries the trust and durability of Volkswagen and is an impressive, eco-friendly ride. It is worth consideration for first-time EV buyers thanks to its balanced performance and minimal service demands. The advanced tech, decent performance, and spacious interior are worth the asking price.
The biggest issues that you can come across in this European car are unresponsive touchscreen systems and electrical malfunctions involving AC compressors, something that is usually inexpensive to fix if addressed early. A maintenance cost of about $1,651 clearly indicates that a higher sticker price does not always mean higher running costs. So, if you want to save big down the road, VW ID.4 is the most prominent choice right now.
Why Low Maintenance Costs Matter
When it comes to owning an SUV, the initial price tag is just the beginning. What really adds up over time are the ongoing costs, including oil changes, brake jobs, tire replacements, and unexpected repairs. Choosing a vehicle with lower maintenance needs means fewer surprise bills and more money in your pocket year after year.
It also means peace of mind. You’re not constantly worrying about what might go wrong next or scrambling to schedule service. For busy families and daily commuters alike, an SUV that’s reliable and easy to maintain can make a major difference in the overall ownership experience.
If you’re planning to keep your vehicle for several years, low maintenance costs aren’t just a bonus, they’re a smart long-term investment.
Conclusion
Recurrent maintenance costs should never be taken lightly. Regardless of what market averages suggest, you may end up paying more if you neglect proper care or ignore early warning signs, especially when it comes to well-known recurring issues. In addition to following manufacturers’ recommended guidelines, occasional professional inspections are equally important.
All the SUVs covered here are not just reasonable to buy, but also to maintain over time. If staying within budget over the years is important to you, these models are worth considering.
