SUV crossovers continue to dominate UK forecourts, but new warranty claims data suggests that not all models are delivering the same level of ownership confidence—or cost predictability.
Analysis from Warranty Solutions Group (WSG), based on live warranty claims between May 2025 and April 2026 across some of the UK’s most popular models, reveals significant differences in reliability, repair frequency and repair costs.
For dealers, the findings reinforce an increasingly important point: in today’s market, SUV profitability isn’t just about demand—it’s about risk management.
Toyota CH-R leads reliability rankings
At the top of the rankings, the Toyota CH-R stands out with the lowest recorded claim rate of just 4.38%, alongside an average repair cost of £481.55.
That performance reinforces Toyota’s long-standing reputation for durability, particularly in the hybrid space where the CH-R has become a strong performer in the used market. For retailers, this type of profile translates into predictable aftersales exposure and stronger customer confidence at the point of sale.
In simple terms, it’s a car that is easier to stand behind.
Strong performers challenge assumptions about reliability
Beyond Toyota, the data shows a number of encouraging results for mainstream crossover models.
The MG ZS recorded a claim rate of 10.24%, placing it second overall, with an average repair cost of £424.44. This suggests that newer MG products are continuing to shift perceptions around long-term reliability, particularly in the used market where early concerns around durability are still occasionally raised by customers.
The SEAT Arona also performed strongly, with a claim rate of 10.71% and one of the lowest average repair bills in the study at £416.31. WSG attributes this in part to simpler engineering and lower system complexity compared to larger, more technologically advanced SUVs.
For dealers, both models reinforce a wider trend: smaller, less complex crossovers are often proving more predictable in terms of ownership costs.
The other end of the scale: rising risk in popular models
While some models are proving highly reliable, others are generating significantly higher claim rates.
At the bottom of the rankings, the Vauxhall Mokka recorded the highest claim rate at 28.92%, followed by the Mazda CX-5 at 23.49% and the Peugeot 2008 at 21.71%.
Across the full SUV crossover dataset, the average claim rate stood at 17.02%, with an average repair bill of £521.05.
For dealers, the gap between the strongest and weakest performers is becoming increasingly important. Stock selection, preparation standards and warranty positioning are all playing a bigger role in protecting margin in a segment where demand remains strong but risk is uneven.
What’s driving the reliability gap?
WSG says the divergence in performance is being driven largely by increasing vehicle complexity.
Modern crossovers now feature a growing number of electronic systems, driver assistance technology, emissions control components and connected features. While these systems improve safety and efficiency, they also introduce additional potential points of failure—and often higher repair costs when issues occur.
The claims data highlights a range of recurring fault types across the SUV sector, including:
- Battery-related issues (3.34%)
- Coil spring failures (2.66%)
- Alternator faults (2.64%)
- Water pump failures (2.53%)
- Ignition coil issues (2.25%)
These faults underline the mix of electrical, suspension and cooling system issues that continue to dominate warranty activity in modern SUVs.
When things go wrong, costs escalate quickly
While many common faults remain relatively contained in cost terms, the data shows that larger component failures can significantly impact profitability.
Average repair costs for higher-value claims include:
- Cylinder head gasket: £869.14
- Turbocharger: £845.46
- Air conditioning compressor: £749.62
- Catalytic converter: £650.75
- Diesel injector systems: £594.29
For dealers, these figures highlight the importance of understanding not just claim frequency, but claim severity—particularly when stocking higher-mileage or more complex SUV models.
Labour costs are adding further pressure
Alongside parts costs, labour is becoming a growing factor in overall repair exposure.
The analysis shows an average labour rate of £64.34 per hour, with average labour cost per claim reaching £129.43. Increasing diagnostic time, technician shortages and more complex repair procedures are all contributing to rising workshop costs across the UK.
This trend has a direct knock-on effect for dealers, particularly where warranty exposure or goodwill repairs are involved.
What this means for dealers
According to WSG, the findings reflect a broader shift across the used vehicle market.
As repair costs rise and vehicles become more complex, reliability is becoming a more influential factor in consumer decision-making—particularly in the SUV crossover segment, where buyers expect practicality, affordability and peace of mind.
For retailers, this creates both a challenge and an opportunity:
- Stock selection is becoming more commercially sensitive
- Preparation quality has a bigger impact on post-sale performance
- Warranty positioning is increasingly central to customer confidence
- Transparency around ownership costs is influencing purchase decisions
In short, reliability data is no longer just of interest to manufacturers and warranty providers—it’s becoming commercially relevant at dealership level.
Final thought
SUV crossovers remain one of the strongest-performing segments in the UK used car market. But as this latest data shows, the spread of reliability and repair risk between models is widening.
For dealers, that makes understanding ownership risk just as important as understanding demand. Because in a market where customers are more cautious and repair costs continue to rise, profitability is increasingly being shaped after the sale—not just at the point of purchase.
