10 Most Reliable Naturally Aspirated SUVs In 2025

In a world of hybrids and turbochargers, can you still find some SUVs that have naturally aspirated engines? Yes, you sure can. Thankfully, some vehicles still glean power the old way, using an engine without forced induction or electrified assistance. In today’s world, it’s hard to find these SUVs, unless you know where to look.

Do you want your naturally aspirated SUV to also be reliable? If so, you’ve narrowed the pool a bit more, but can still find several great choices that will give you the power and performance of a naturally aspirated engine while also being reliable.

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10

2025 Honda Pilot

Reliability Score: 80/100

The 2025 Honda Pilot has six trims, giving you several great options for your driving experience. All six trims utilize the same naturally aspirated powertrain, which has been a proven winner for Honda, giving power to three models across the lineup.

Powertrain Specifications

If you want a sensible, pragmatic choice for your family driving experience, this Honda SUV is a great choice in the midsize SUV class. The Pilot provides you with three comfortable rows of seats, ensuring you have the driving qualities desired.

Pros

• Trailworthy TrailSport model
• Plentiful small storage and cargo space
• Easy-going road manners

Cons

• Styling that blends in
• Tepid acceleration
• Top-spec Elite’s interior doesn’t match the upscale feel of the class leader

9

2025 Chevrolet Tahoe

Reliability Score: 82/100

Inside the Chevrolet Tahoe, you’ll see a future-forward dashboard with a massive touchscreen and tons of electronic features that make driving much easier. This big SUV can be had with an off-road-focused Z71 trim for your wilderness adventures.

Powertrain Specifications

This big Chevrolet SUV has all the capability you’d expect from a truck-based large SUV while bringing driving refinement to your experience. The Tahoe is one of the most popular choices in the full-size SUV market, giving you lots of room and versatility for your family.

Pros

• Good to drive for such a large SUV
• Optional diesel engine offers smooth power and better efficiency
• Plenty of space inside

Cons

• Higher trims are priced like luxury trucks
• Not as much space as the Suburban
• V8 engines require more frequent fuel stops

8

2025 Cadillac Escalade

Reliability Score: 83/100

The well-known Cadillac Escalade is one of the most popular and imposing luxury SUVs on the market. The 2025 model receives a significant mid-cycle update to give it more tech and a futuristic appearance while maintaining its luxury-laden comfort qualities that consumers love to see in this SUV.

Powertrain Specifications

Cadillac created a dominant force in the Escalade, and this big brute isn’t about to give up its crown. The Escalade continues to make use of an excellent naturally aspirated powertrain to provide you with the desired power for driving and towing.

Pros

• Newly polished and mature exterior appearance
• Handles better than logic would dictate
• Super Cruise is still among the best in the industry

Cons

• Terrible fuel economy figures
• Some items still appear to be from the GM parts bin
• Rear cabin isn’t as high-class as the front area

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7

2025 Acura MDX

Reliability Score: 83/100

If you want driving enjoyment in a midsize SUV, the Acura MDX is hard to beat, especially in the Type S model. Of course, if you choose the Type S, you will no longer have a naturally aspirated SUV to drive and enjoy.

Powertrain Specifications

Acura provides you with generous cargo and passenger space inside the MDX, which is fun to drive while remaining comfortable and quiet. You’ll find good value in this SUV, considering the long list of features offered at every price point. Additionally, you’ll enjoy rather respectable fuel economy, with the 2025 MDX FWD managing an EPA-estimated 22 combined MPG.

Pros

• Chic design
• Happy on twisty roads
• New, easier-to-use infotainment system

Cons

• Not as efficient as you might expect
• Tight third-row seating
• Not as posh as some segment leaders

6

Cadillac XT6

Reliability Score: 84/100

Stepping inside the Cadillac XT6 brings you to a place of peaceful calm, ensuring you have a quiet and enjoyable location from which to experience a wonderful drive every day. The available Super Cruise hands-free driving system makes it easier to enjoy the highway in this luxury SUV.

Powertrain Specifications

Cadillac delivers a good effort in a class packed with three-row midsize luxury SUVs. The XT6 might not be made for dynamic performance, but it’s comfortable and easy to drive, making it a good choice for most drivers.

Pros

• Spacious first two rows
• Excellent body lines
• Long list of standard equipment

Cons

• Not-quite-premium interior trappings
• Could use more power
• Third row is tight for adults

5

2025 Honda Passport

Reliability Score: 85/100

The Honda Passport fits nicely between the Pilot and CR-V as a two-row midsize SUV that’s shorter than the Pilot, which is great for off-road fun. The TrailSport trim is specially built for your time on the trails, giving you the adventurous SUV that you want to drive and enjoy.

Powertrain Specifications

This Honda SUV is a high-value package with plenty of practical qualities that make it a good choice. The Passport lacks pizzaz but makes up for it with its off-road-ready build and a spacious two-row cabin that can be just right for a small, adventurous family.

Pros

• Cargo-friendly cabin
• Quick acceleration
• Nicely equipped at all trim levels

Cons

• More expensive than some three-row rivals
• Fuel efficiency could be much better
• Style-free interior

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4

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Reliability Score: 85/100

Every Hyundai Palisade utilizes the same powertrain, making it only a choice of driveline and trim level for you. This three-row SUV has seating for up to eight passengers and comes in seven trims, which means you should find a trim that fits your needs and desires.

Powertrain Specifications

The largest Hyundai SUV available gives you the family-friendly confines you’ll enjoy on any road. The Palisade is filled with features and qualities that reach into luxury SUV territory while maintaining a reasonable price point to be right for you.

Pros

• Attractively styled cabin
• Generous standard features package
• Numerous options for near-luxury amenities

Cons

• Impractically narrow door storage pockets
• Wind noise seeps through the doors
• Fuel efficiency could be much better

3

Chevrolet Blazer RS

Reliability Score: 86/100

Most of the trims in the Chevrolet Blazer lineup use a turbocharged engine, but the RS trim has a wonderful naturally aspirated V6 to give you the driving prowess you’re after. This powertrain can be had with either FWD or AWD.

Powertrain Specifications

This Chevrolet SUV is sporty, attractive, fun, and brings plenty of power to the drive. In the crowded midsize SUV segment, the Blazer stands out as a sporty American that can be a lot of fun for five people on a mission together.

Pros

• Athletic profile
• Ample acceleration
• Intuitive infotainment setup

Cons

• Unexceptional cabin design
• Narrow door pockets
• Reduced rear-seat headroom

2

2025 Kia Telluride

Reliability Score: 86/100

If you want to drive an SUV that quickly rocketed to the top of expert charts, the Kia Telluride is the SUV you’ll want to take home. This three-row vehicle is great for your time behind the wheel, giving you the family-friendly qualities and fun-loving driving characteristics desired.

Powertrain Specifications

If you want a plush ride and all-day comfort, get inside this Kia SUV, and experience the high-quality seats offered. The Telluride is packed with standard tech and safety features that help to keep you out of trouble on the road.

Pros

• Spacious seating in all three rows
• Generous amount of standard features
• More refined and luxurious than most rivals

Cons

• No hybrid or four-cylinder options
• Some competitors handle better
• Some driver assists can be oversensitive

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1

2025 Cadillac XT5 Sport

Reliability Score: 88/100

The Cadillac XT5 Sport is the only way to get a naturally aspirated powertrain in this midsize SUV. Still, it’s the most reliable model among SUVs that don’t utilize turbocharging or hybridization to assist the powertrain, making the XT5 a great choice for many drivers.

Powertrain Specifications

This Cadillac SUV might seem a little old in its class, but it still has a strong position and is one of the most popular vehicles from the brand. The XT5 is roomy in both rows and is a relatively affordable luxury SUV compared to other models in its class.

Pros

• Plenty of room for passengers
• Large cargo space
• Edgy exterior styling stands out on the road

Cons

• Disjointed interior design
• Middling performance
• Overly firm ride in Sport trim