An ambitious endurance test was carried out on around thirty SUV models. After 100,000 kilometers, what does a complete dismantling reveal? Some are doing much better than others.
This is the question that we often ask the purchase of a used or new vehicle, or over the kilometers traveled with its faithful car: is it reliable? To answer them, many tests are carried out by brands but also by experts. This is also the case of the German Auto Bild magazine, with the complicity of Dekra known in France as one of the main technical control centers.
They thus recovered around thirty SUV models from the best -selling in Europe and inspected vehicles that have all exceeded the fateful bar of 100,000 kilometers. Renault Captur and Kadjar, Volkswagen T-Cross or Tiguan, Seat Ateca, Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 2008 and 3008, Citroën C4 Cactus … They went to the dismantling stage to inspect the wear elements. Motors, gearbox but also an interior or seat, nothing has been left to chance.
The objective? Detect any defects and weaknesses made unnoticed during normal use, and compile the results in an updated classification each year and reflecting the long -term reliability of these SUVs prized by European motorists.
Among the thirty models tested, some are doing better than others. In the last place, we find the Subaru XV with many problems such as a worn clutch, melted pistons or even corrosion in the chassis. The Audi Q3 is hardly better off with several observed defects (lambda probe, recycling cooling of exhaust gases, transmission).
Also at the back of the peloton, some French SUVs disappoint. The Citroën C4 Cactus (31st ex-aequo) suffered from concerns of transmission and ignition, while disassembly revealed traces of rust and disturbing friction. The Renault Captur (28th) also has some weaknesses such as a damaged driver’s seat, an dirty air filter case and the beginnings of corrosion. And that’s not all!
The Renault Kadjar (24th) and the Peugeot 2008 (17th) are doing better, with little or no breakdowns and more limited wear. The Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 even ranks in the Top 10 (9th), without any major dysfunction except a very slight oozing of oil in terms of transmission, some beginnings of corrosion on welds at the front. Auto-Bing notes that the state of the pistons and cylinders, the valve control and the entire mechanical system is also impeccable.
But then, what are the big winners of this endurance test? The Seat Ateca comes first, in front of the Volkswagen T-Cross, both in TSI petrol version and the Mazda CX-5. Follow the Kia Sportage and the Volvo XC60 ex-aequo in 4th place. These SUVs shone by their reliability, taking the 100,000 km without blinking or almost. The first two display only a few harmless traces of corrosion according to experts who rather emphasize the very good performance of the older Kia Sportage and which seems to turn like a clock. To take into account if you are looking for a reliable SUV …
