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Top 10 Crossover SUVs in the 2013 Vehicle Dependability Study

The annual J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability StudySM (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.


1) 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.

2013 Lexus RX Summary, Photos & Specs
2012 Lexus RX Quality Ratings
Lexus Car & Truck Quality Ratings
2013 Lexus Buyer's Guide


2) 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.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Summary, Photos & Specs
2012 Toyota RAV4 Quality Ratings
Toyota Car & Truck Quality Ratings
2013 Toyota Trucks, Utilities & Vans Buyer's Guide


3) 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.

2013 Honda Crosstour Summary, Photos & Specs
2012 Honda Crosstour Quality Ratings
Honda Car & Truck Quality Ratings
2013 Honda Buyer's Guide


4) 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.

2013 Honda CR-V Summary, Photos & Specs
2012 Honda CR-V Quality Ratings
Honda Car & Truck Quality Ratings
2013 Honda Buyer's Guide


5) 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.

2013 Toyota Venza Summary, Photos & Specs
2012 Toyota Venza Quality Ratings
Toyota Car & Truck Quality Ratings
2013 Toyota Trucks, Utilities & Vans Buyer's Guide


6) 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.

2013 Acura RDX Summary, Photos & Specs
2012 Acura RDX Quality Ratings
Acura Car & Truck Quality Ratings
2013 Acura Buyer's Guide


7) 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.

2013 Toyota Highlander Summary, Photos & Specs
2012 Toyota Highlander Quality Ratings
Toyota Car & Truck Quality Ratings
2013 Toyota Trucks, Utilities & Vans Buyer's Guide


8a) 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.

2013 Nissan Murano Summary, Photos & Specs
2012 Nissan Murano Quality Ratings
Nissan Car & Truck Quality Ratings
2013 Nissan Trucks, Utilities & Vans Buyer's Guide


8b) 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.

2013 Volvo XC70 Summary, Photos & Specs
2012 Volvo XC70 Quality Ratings
Volvo Car & Truck Quality Ratings
2013 Volvo Buyer's Guide


10) 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.

2013 Subaru Forester Summary, Photos & Specs
2012 Subaru Forester Quality Ratings
Subaru Car & Truck Quality Ratings
2013 Subaru Buyer's Guide


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