Top 10 Crossover SUVs in the 2013 Vehicle Dependability Study
- Date Published: 03/21/2013
The annual J.D.
Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS)
measures problems reported by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles
that occurred during the year prior to the fielding of the study. After
the study closes, J.D. Power researchers gather and analyze the data,
assigning each model that meets minimum sample-size criteria with a
ranking based on the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles
(PP100). The following list includes the 10 crossover SUV models (2010
model year) with the fewest owner-reported problems in the 2013
Vehicle Dependability Study. The crossover SUVs are listed in
order starting with the highest-performing, most-dependable model.

Lexus
RX
In addition to being the highest-ranked crossover SUV in its segment in
this year's study, the 2010
Lexus RX is the highest-performing model of any kind in the entire 2013
Vehicle Dependability Study, with 57 PP100, far below the average
of 126 PP100. The 2010 Lexus RX was completely redesigned for 2010,
offering a long list of new technology features, as well as a new
transmission, new all-wheel-drive system, and new electric steering.

Toyota
RAV4
The 2010
Toyota RAV4 is the second-most-dependable crossover SUV in the 2013
VDS with 84 PP100, 27 PP100 more than the Lexus.
Few changes were made to the RAV4 for 2010. Base models could be
equipped with a reversing camera, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity was
offered on Sport models, and the Sport Appearance package was offered
with front-wheel drive in addition to all-wheel drive models.

Honda
Accord Crosstour
Based on the same platform as the Honda
Accord, the 2010
Honda Crosstour is the third-most-dependable crossover SUV, with 93
PP100. A new model for 2010, the Honda Crosstour is a 5-passenger,
5-door hatchback riding on a raised suspension and offered with an
optional all-wheel-drive system.

Honda
CR-V
With 94 PP100, the 2010
Honda CR-V is the fourth-most-dependable crossover SUV. The 2010
CR-V received minor interior and exterior styling revisions, along with
optional new wheel choices, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, USB
port, and a reversing camera. The engine gained 18 horsepower in 2010,
and an extra 1 mpg in fuel economy, according to the EPA.

Toyota
Venza
Performing fifth highest among crossover SUVs in the 2013 VDS is the 2010
Toyota Venza with 103 PP100. The automaker made few changes to its Camry-based
crossover SUV for the 2010 model year but did make Bluetooth hands-free
connectivity and a USB port standard equipment.

Acura
RDX
The refreshed 2010
Acura RDX is the sixth-most-dependable crossover SUV, with 105
PP100. Acura
added a new front-wheel-drive version of the RDX for 2010, making
all-wheel drive an option. Styling was updated, and the RDX offered
Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, USB port, reversing camera, and more
for the 2010 model year.

Toyota
Highlander
The seventh-most-dependable crossover SUV in the 2013 VDS is the 2010
Toyota Highlander with 107 PP100. Changes for the 2010 Highlander
were few, amounting to the availability of a reversing camera and a
power sunroof as options on base models. The popular 7-passenger
midsize crossover received a mid-life
refresh for the 2011 model year.

Nissan
Murano
Tied for the eighth-most-dependable crossover SUV with the Volvo
XC70 is the 2010
Nissan Murano with 110 PP100 in the 2013 VDS. One year after a complete
redesign in 2009, Nissan
made minor changes to its midsize, 5-passenger CUV for 2010. A keyless
push-button ignition system became standard, and the luxury trim level
offered a standard panoramic moonroof and could be purchased with
front-wheel-drive, making all-wheel drive optional for this model.

Volvo
XC70
The 2010
Volvo XC70, with 110 PP100, ties with the Nissan Murano as the
eighth-most-dependable crossover SUV. The XC70 received several updates
for the 2010 model year, including an upgraded navigation system
display, minor changes to option packages, and subtle styling and trim
revisions. Fuel-economy figures rose slightly, and all models sold in
California and New England states met Partial Zero Emission Vehicle
(PZEV) emission standards for the first time.

Subaru
Forester
With 111 PP100, the 2010
Subaru Forester is the 10th-highest-performing crossover SUV in the
2013 VDS. The Forester had been completely
redesigned for the 2009 model year, so the 2010 model saw few
changes. The 2.5X Premium model gained a 10-way power driver seat, and
models with navigation offered Bluetooth connectivity pairing through
the system.
Additional Research:
- Learn
More About the 2013 Vehicle Dependability Study
- 2013
Vehicle Dependability Study Ratings
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Automotive Study Ratings