They drove 100,000 km with these SUVs and then completely dismantled them: here are the most reliable ones

An ambitious endurance test was conducted on around thirty SUV models. After 100,000 kilometers, what does a complete disassembly reveal? Some fare much better than others.

This is the question we often ask ourselves when buying a used or new vehicle, or as we rack up the miles in our trusty car: is it reliable? To answer this question, numerous tests are conducted by brands as well as experts. This is also the case for the German magazine Auto Bild, with the help of Dekra, known in France as one of the leading technical inspection centers.

They collected around thirty of Europe's best-selling SUV models and inspected vehicles that had all exceeded the fateful 100,000 kilometer mark. Renault Captur and Kadjar, Volkswagen T-Cross and Tiguan, Seat Ateca, Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 2008 and 3008, Citroën C4 Cactus... They moved on to the disassembly stage to inspect for wear and tear. Engines, gearboxes, but also the interior and seats, nothing was left to chance.

The goal? To detect potential flaws and weaknesses that go unnoticed during normal use, and compile the results in a ranking updated annually, reflecting the long-term reliability of these SUVs popular with European motorists.

Among the thirty or so models tested, some fared better than others. In last place was the Subaru XV, which suffered from numerous problems such as a worn clutch, melted pistons, and chassis corrosion. The Audi Q3 fared little better, with several defects noted (lambda sensor, exhaust gas recirculation cooler, transmission).

Also at the back of the pack, some French SUVs disappoint. The Citroën C4 Cactus (tied for 31st) suffered from transmission and ignition issues, while disassembly revealed worrying traces of rust and friction. The Renault Captur (28th) also has some weaknesses, such as a damaged driver's seat, a clogged air filter housing, and the beginnings of corrosion. And that's not all!

The Renault Kadjar (24th) and the Peugeot 2008 (17th) fare better, with few or no breakdowns and more limited wear. The Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 even ranks in the top 10 (9th), without any major malfunctions apart from a very slight oil seepage from the transmission, some beginnings of corrosion on welds at the front. Auto-Bild notes that the condition of the pistons and cylinders, the valve train and the entire mechanical system is also impeccable.

So, who are the big winners of this endurance test? The Seat Ateca comes out on top, ahead of the Volkswagen T-Cross, both in TSI petrol version, and the Mazda CX-5. The Kia Sportage and the Volvo XC60 are tied for 4th place. These SUVs have shone with their reliability, handling 100,000 km with little or no noticeable impact. The first two show only a few signs of harmless corrosion according to the experts, who instead highlight the excellent performance of the older Kia Sportage, which seems to run like clockwork. Consider this if you're looking for a reliable SUV...