🟢 🟡 🔴 2023–2026 Midsize SUV Shootout: Reliability & Hardware Breakdown
MECHANICAL DEEP DIVE
2023–2026 Midsize SUV Shootout: Reliability & Hardware Breakdown
Which three-row crossovers are actually built to clear 150,000+ miles? We break down engines, transmissions, and the real year-to-year differences.
The 2023–2026 midsize and three-row SUV segment is where real money and real mileage expectations meet. These vehicles are bought to haul families for a decade or more, so drivetrain durability, transmission behavior, and known failure points matter far more than the latest screen size.
Some brands cleaned up older problem engines. Others introduced new complexity (turbos, multi-speed automatics, electronic thermal systems) that created fresh watchpoints. Here’s the mechanical reality across the main players.
At a Glance: CarMizer Ratings
| Model | Key Powertrain | #1 Watchpoint | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander / Grand Highlander | 2.5L Hybrid / 2.4T | Early 2.4T calibration / first-year Grand Highlander | 🟢 GREEN |
| Honda Pilot | 3.5L V6 + 10-speed | Early 2023 teething issues | 🟢 GREEN |
| Kia Telluride / Hyundai Palisade | 3.8L V6 + 8-speed | Electronics & secondary systems | 🟡 YELLOW |
| Mazda CX-90 | 3.3L I6 Turbo / PHEV | 2024 steering & first-year issues | 🟡 YELLOW |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 2.5L Turbo (2024+) | New-generation transmission & early reports | 🟡 YELLOW |
| Ford Explorer | 2.3L / 3.0L EcoBoost + 10-speed | Transmission & coolant intrusion history | 🟡 YELLOW |
Key Reliability Differences by Year
| Model | 2023 | 2024 | 2025–2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 2.4T arrives; some hesitation | Grand Highlander launch; higher early complaints | Clear improvement |
| Honda Pilot | All-new; early recalls | More settled | Continues to improve |
| Kia / Hyundai | Electronics & quality complaints | Valve-spring risk on some + electronics | Noticeable improvement |
| Mazda CX-90 | — | Launch year; steering recalls | Improved but still first-gen |
| Chevy Traverse | Last of prior gen | All-new + 2.5T; early issues | Still settling |
| Ford Explorer | Transmission / cooler risk | Ongoing concerns | Additional transmission TSBs |
Deep Dive: Why the Ratings Landed Here
Toyota Highlander / Grand Highlander – 🟢 GREEN
The hybrid powertrain remains the gold standard for long-term durability in this class. The 2.4T gas engine is acceptable but has shown some early calibration and hesitation complaints, especially in 2023–2024. The 2024 Grand Highlander launch year carried higher complaint volume; 2025–2026 examples look cleaner.
Buy preference: Hybrid first, then 2025+ gas models.
Honda Pilot – 🟢 GREEN
The fourth-generation Pilot (2023+) replaced the old V6/transmission combination with a stronger 3.5L and in-house 10-speed. Early 2023 models had the expected first-year recalls and software fixes. 2024–2026 examples are more settled, though minor steering and electrical complaints still appear.
Buy preference: 2024–2026 over the earliest 2023 builds.
Kia Telluride / Hyundai Palisade – 🟡 YELLOW
The 3.8L V6 and 8-speed automatic are solid and a major improvement over older Hyundai-Kia engines. The rating stays Yellow because of electronics, secondary systems, and some year-specific issues (including a valve-spring concern on certain 2024 units). 2025 models show better scores.
Buy preference: Later examples with full recall/TSB documentation.
Mazda CX-90 – 🟡 YELLOW
The 3.3L inline-six is an interesting and generally robust design, but the 2024 launch year brought multiple recalls — the steering “sticky” feel being the most notable. 2025–2026 examples are improved yet still carry first-generation risk.
Buy preference: 2025 or newer only.
Chevrolet Traverse – 🟡 YELLOW
2023 was the last year of the previous generation. The 2024 redesign introduced a new 2.5T engine and platform. Early reports include transmission concerns and other new-generation teething issues. Long-term data is still limited.
Buy preference: Approach 2024–2026 with extra inspection and warranty coverage.
Ford Explorer – 🟡 YELLOW
The biggest ongoing concern remains the 10-speed transmission and related cooling system (coolant intrusion risk on some powertrains). Additional transmission-related TSBs and recalls appeared even in 2025. This keeps the Explorer in the higher-caution group for long-term ownership.
Buy preference: Only with complete service records and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
CarMizer Buyer’s Bottom Line
Safest long-term bets: Toyota Highlander / Grand Highlander (especially hybrid) and Honda Pilot (2024–2026).
Acceptable with eyes open: Kia Telluride / Hyundai Palisade and Mazda CX-90 (2025+).
Highest caution: Ford Explorer and early 2024–2025 Chevrolet Traverse. These need stronger inspection and service history verification before purchase.