Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Midsized SUVs from Toyota

In a previous Consumer Reports newsletter, CR automotive experts explained that data from their customer surveys reveal just why the majority of car shoppers look for a new or used midsized SUV:

 “SUVs are wildly popular because they offer what many people crave, including a high seating position that gives a commanding view of the road, the availability of all-wheel drive for winter traction, and plentiful cabin and cargo space. But a new midsized SUV can be an expensive proposition, which is why buying a dependable used one can be a great way to save money.”

Benefits of Buying a 3-Year-Old Model

The benefits of buying a dependable used 3-year-old SUV include not just its depreciation coupled with it often being under another two years of warranty protection, but also that it is a vehicle still in its prime with proven reliability and road-tested data from Consumer Reports showing which models excelled over the first few years of ownership.

The value of these benefits is that you are nearly-guaranteed an affordable vehicle of which you can expect many more additional miles with minimal repairs expected or needed.

Related article: Cars Proven to Get to 200,000 Miles and Beyond

Four Reliable Used Toyota Midsized SUV Recommendations

Listed below is a useful summary of four recommended midsized 3-year-old Toyota SUVs that offer a combination of roomy interiors and plenty of cargo space in an SUV that past owners have revealed in survey were vehicles that remained rock solid models to own and drive.

CONSUMER REPORTS TOYOTA 3-YEAR-OLD MIDSIZED SUVS

1. Toyota 4Runner 2021 (Two Row Seating)

Price Range:  $29,350 - $46,425

Owner Reported MPG:  18 mpg

Reliability score: 83/100

Owner Satisfaction score: 4/5

Safety features: FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection were standard, but BSW and RCTW were not available in 2021.

Pros of the 2019 4Runner: Described as built tough for off-roading with plenty of ground clearance and underbody skid plates the 4Runner comes with two off-road options: “The part-time 4WD system includes a low range for challenging off-road conditions; Limited trims get a 4WD system that can stay engaged indefinitely.”

Cons of the 2019 4Runner:

• Powerful but rough-sounding with a 4.0-liter V6 that is a gas guzzler; Expect just 18 mpg overall.
• Rough and clumsy ride with noticeable lean when cornering.
• Cramped interior with a high step-in and low ceiling.

2. Toyota Venza 2021 Hybrid (Two Row Seating)

Price Range:  $27,250 - $32,650

Owner Reported MPG:  39 mpg

Reliability score: 70/100

Owner Satisfaction score: 4/5

Safety features: All Venzas came standard with FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, and RCTW.

Pros of the 2021 Venza: The Venza is only available as an all-wheel-drive hybrid, and shares its drivetrain with the smaller, less-expensive RAV4 Hybrid. It is sized between a Rav4 and the Highlander and offers good mileage as a result and rides comfortably and handles soundly.

Cons of the 2021 Venza:

• Tire and engine noise on the loud side of comfort.
• The controls are described as being very distracting.
• Not competitive with other mid-sized SUV models.

3. Toyota Highlander 2021 (Three Row Seating)

Price Range:  $25,675 - $40,750

Owner Reported MPG:  23 mpg

Reliability score: 77/100

Owner Satisfaction score: 4/5

Safety features: FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection were standard; however, both BSW and RCTW were optional.

Pros of the 2021 Highlander: CR analysts describe the gas-version Highlander as, “…a comfortable ride and a smooth powertrain, with sound, secure handling. The smooth and punchy 295-hp V6 packs a lot of reserve power and gets a competitive 22 mpg overall.”

Cons of the 2021 Highlander: The third row is tiny.

4. Toyota Highlander 2021 Hybrid (Three Row Seating)

Price Range:  $25,675 - $40,750

Owner Reported MPG:  23 mpg

Reliability score: 77/100

Owner Satisfaction score: 4/5

Safety features: The Hybrid comes standard with BSW, along with FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection.

Pros and Cons of the 2021 Highlander Hybrid: The Hybrid is similar in both respects to the gas-version with the exception that “…the hybrid gets an impressive 35 mpg overall from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission powertrain.”

For additional articles related to recent Consumer Reports recommendations, here are three for your consideration:

• 10 Most Reliable 2024 Car Models and What They Will Cost You
• Consumer Reports Recommends These 10 Cheap Cars
• Consumer Reports Best Used SUVs, Sedans, Small Cars, and Trucks Guide for Shoppers

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: Ford Engineers Have Lost Their Minds Says This Mechanic

Image source: Deposit Photos