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You might want to take a seat because these SUV rankings are shocking. For years the Toyota 4Runner ruled as the most reliable three-row model available. However, one Kia SUV just stole its crown. 

One Kia SUV is more reliable than the Toyota 4Runner 

For decades, the only three-row SUV that could get close to the Toyota 4Runner in terms of reliability was the Toyota Sequoia. However, one popular Kia SUV is officially outranking the 4Runner. 

It’s the incredibly popular Kia Telluride, which doesn’t match the $runner in terms of rugged off-roading performance. 

According to the U.S.News, the 2024 4Runner has a reliability rating of 86 out of 100 from J.D.Power. Scores between 70 and 80 are average while anything between 81 and 90 are above average. 

But the 2024 Telluride also earned a score of 86. I know what you’re thinking. If both SUVs have a tie score then why is the Telluride ranked ahead? 

Well, the average 4Runner model is expected to make it to about 200,000 miles and the average Telluride is expected to reach over 250,000 miles. That’s an extra 50,000 miles of life. 

The 2024 Kia Telluride parked near a home
2024 Kia Telluride | Kia

But of course, regular maintenance and care are the key to survival. Also, I can hear y’all saying there are many examples of the 4Runner that have survived over 400,000 and even 500,000 miles. 

However, those are previous-generation models. The most reliable 4Runner generation is the third generation from 1996 to 2002. 

Currently, the Toyota 4Runner is in its fifth generation, which kicked off back in 2010. The sixth generation is launchingin 2025, and things could take a tumble. 

The latest Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, and Sequoia generations launched with a few issues such as engine and transmission failure, causing their reliability scores to plummet. 

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.