Ranking 2024 Model Year V8 SUVs By Reliability
The use of big V8 engines is dwindling, thanks to manufacturers embracing electrification and downsizing. In a world that increasingly prioritizes fuel efficiency, environmental impact, and low running costs, it’s no wonder V8-powered options are being killed off left and right.
However, not all is lost: if you are shopping for an SUV with a V8 under the hood, there are still a number of available choices on the market, from more compact options to three-row family haulers. This list ranks every V8 SUV on sale in 2024, from the least to the most reliable.
The data on this list has been compiled from a variety of reputable sources, including J.D. Power’s Quality & Reliability rating, NHTSA recalls and complaints, and manufacturer-supplied sales figures. New vehicles may be ranked lower on this list by virtue of not having a Quality & Reliability score. Recall, complaint, and sales figure data are accurate as of the date of publication but are subject to change.
27 Bentley Bentayga
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 10
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: N/A (10 complaints total for current generation)
The Bentley Bentayga’s non-hybrid trim levels are powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 542 hp and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. As an ultra-luxury SUV, the Bentayga is equipped with a host of comfort features even in its base trim level, including massaging, ventilated and heated seats, a 12-speaker audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. Higher trim levels, such as the Azure and the Mulliner, add further high-end features such as adjustable mood lighting and power-operated rear doors. The three-row variant has been dropped from the lineup for this year, so the Bentayga can only be had as a five- or four-seater (with the Four Seat Comfort specification), but fortunately the V8 remains. Although there’s no J.D, Power rating, there have been quite a high number of recalls, and at least ten complaints by owners for the current gen car.
26 Lamborghini Urus
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 5
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: N/A (1 complaint total for current generation)
The two current variants of the Urus (the base-model Urus S and the track-focused Performante) are both powered by a 4.0-liter V8, as well as the upcoming 2025 Urus SE, which replaces both versions and incorporates the V8 into a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Both the S and the Performante have a power output of 657 hp, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Performante version adds a number of track-ready modifications, such as the sport exhaust and the carbon-fiber-rich bodywork to save weight; however both variants still keep a keen eye on the luxury aspect, with high-quality materials and state-of-the-art tech used throughout the interior. The new SE will have a total of 789 hp on tap – and hopefully fewer recalls.
25 Aston Martin DBX
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 3
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0
Another member of the luxury SUV category, the DBX is Aston Martin’s interpretation of a high-end family hauler with the heart of a sports car, created through a collaboration with Mercedes-AMG. The 2024 model is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 producing 542 hp (going up to 697 in the high-performance DBX 707 variant). The main flaw with the current version of the DBX is the slightly outdated infotainment system based on older Mercedes components; however, this will no longer be an issue starting with next year’s model, which brings about an upgrade on the tech front including a brand new infotainment system.
Related
Everything To Know About The 2025 Aston Martin DBX 707
With a redesigned cabin and available as a 697-hp DBX 707 only, the expensive Aston SUV is now a nearly flawless luxury sports SUV.
24 Maserati Levante
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 2
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: N/A (7 complaints total for current generation)
The Maserati Levante is currently available with a V8 in its Modena S and Trofeo incarnations; however, the V8 powertrain is sadly being discontinued starting from next year. Maserati is giving it a fitting farewell, with a dedicated “Ultima” (Italian for “last”) special edition hitting the market for the 2024 model year. Only 103 examples of the Levante Ultima will be produced, making it a highly exclusive vehicle for dedicated V8 fans. A number of cosmetic touches mark it as a special edition, including the ‘V8’ logo embroidered on the seats and the unique signature denoting the car’s manufacturing number on the center console.
23 Dodge Durango
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 35
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 4.63
The Dodge Durango is one of the longest-running models in the mid-size SUV category, now in the 14th year of its current generation. It does, unfortunately, also have the highest rate of NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold. The Durango still has something to offer, with its decent powertrain options, towing capacity and old-school looks; however, its place in the market is rapidly being encroached on by an increasing number of competitors. The 5.7-liter V8 produces 360 hp and is only available as an option in the higher trim levels, including the Citadel and the R/T models.
22 BMW XM
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 6
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.67
First introduced to the American market last year, this unusual-looking hybrid SUV attracted a fair amount of controversy, some related to its polarizing looks but mainly regarding whether or not it was worthy of the M badge. Although the general verdict seems to be that it isn’t, it’s still a car we need to include on this list. This resulted in poor reception, poor sales and the subsequent killing-off of the model in 2028, with no successor in the pipeline. The XM’s current model year comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that includes a 4.4-liter V8, producing a total of 644 hp (going up to 738 hp in the “Red Label” model, the most powerful BMW ever made).
Related
The BMW XM Is An Abomination And A Betrayal
And I’m not just talking about its design.
21 Infiniti QX80
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 6
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.48
The current generation of the Infiniti QX80 has been on the market since 2010 (under the QX56 name for the first three years, before Infiniti adopted a new naming system); the aging model is now being replaced with a new version for 2025, which will no longer come with a V8 engine. The 2024 QX80 is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8, producing 400 hp. A seven-speed automatic transmission completes the powertrain; buyers can choose between a rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive layout. Six recalls of the QX80 are currently listed with the NHTSA.
Add CarBuzz to your Google News feed.
20 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 19
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.35
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV enjoys a generally good reliability record, with only 0.35 NHTSA complaints filed per 1,000 units sold, however there is one urgent active recall to keep in mind that affects some vehicles in the 2023 model year: there is a risk of the rear axle differential housing cracking and causing an oil leak. The 2024 G-Class, often referred to as the G-Wagen, blends the iconic boxy look with a high-luxury interior, and is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 416 hp. In its AMG incarnation (the G63), the G-Class’ power output goes up to 577 hp. An all-electric version is also coming for 2025.
19 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 15
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.15
The long-wheelbase, three-row version of the Grand Cherokee SUV can be had with a 5.7-liter V8 as an available choice of engine. The V8 produces 357 hp and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive layouts are both available. Upgrading to the V8 cuts down the Grand Cherokee’s 0-60 time to just over six seconds, and boosts its towing capacity by 1,000 pounds (7,200 lbs, as opposed to the V6 version’s 6,200). The Grand Cherokee L does add a third row of seats, making the vehicle a six-seater, but the third row may be hard to access in lower trims since power-folding seats in the second row are only available in higher-trim versions. It has 15 recalls at the time of writing.
18 Audi RS Q8
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 9
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.12
The RS Q8 is the crown jewel of Audi’s SUV family, and sits at the top of the Q8 lineup above the Q8 and SQ8. Like other Audi SUVs, it enjoys a very low rate of NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold and a low number of recalls, giving it brownie points for reliability despite the absence of a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score. The RS Q8 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 591 hp. A 48-volt hybrid system boosts the vehicle’s efficiency, and an eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels through the quattro all-wheel-drive system. And for those who want even more power, the upcoming 2025 version comes with a Performance sibling that produces 631 hp.
Related
2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance Debuts With More Power Than R8 Supercar
Ingolstadt’s premier performance SUV has been revised with more power and sleeker looks. Why buy an Urus or Cayenne GT when you can have this?
17 Audi SQ8
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 6
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.08
The next step down in the Q8 family, the SQ8, also has a very good reliability record, with only 0.08 NHTSA complaints for every 1,000 SQ8s sold from the current generation. The SQ8 is the second most powerful SUV in the Audi family after the RS Q8, and has been given a facelift for the 2024 model year with new front and rear fascias as well as redesigned lighting. Three new choices of paint finish are also available (Ascari Blue, Chili Red, and Sakhir Gold). Power comes from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 500 hp, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. It has fewer recalls than it’s super-powered RS Q8 counterpart.
16 Audi SQ7
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 8
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.02
The Audi SQ7, true to the excellent reputation for reliability enjoyed by Audi SUVs, has the very lowest rate of NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold on the list. The current generation also only has 8 recalls to its name, despite being in its eighth model year and due for an overhaul next year. The SQ7 is equipped with the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the SQ8, with a power output of 500 hp. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and the quattro AWD system, propelling the SQ7 to 60 mph in just four seconds.
15 BMW X7 M60i / Alpina XB7
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 76
No. of Recalls: 24
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.57
The BMW X7 is the largest SUV sold by the brand. The X7 M60i is the higher of two trim levels available, around $30,000 more expensive than its inline-six-powered sibling. The M60i is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 523 hp, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The next step up comes with the XB7, the version of the X7 that gets the Alpina treatment; this comes with an increased power output of 631 hp, as well as a series of aesthetic upgrades (including exclusive paint colors) to distinguish it from its more pedestrian sibling. 24 recalls is a high number, however.
14 Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 78
No. of Recalls: 12
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.46
A large SUV that can comfortably handle the whole family’s transport needs, the Chevrolet Suburban is a longtime favorite among American consumers looking for an everyday hauler. A total of six trim levels are available, starting with the base LS and going all the way up to the High Country; all trims can be had with a four-wheel-drive layout as an optional extra. The base engine option is a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 hp, while in some higher trim levels a 6.2-liter V8, producing 420 hp is available. The same powertrain options are available in the Suburban’s GMC-badged sibling, the Yukon XL. J.D. Power rates it at a middling 78 out of 100, likely due to 12 recalls currently listed by the NHTSA.
13 Land Rover Defender
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 79
No. of Recalls: 10
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 1.68
The Land Rover Defender is a favorite among SUV buyers who prioritize off-roading capabilities, however it does have a higher rate of NHTSA complaints than other models on the list. There is a wide variety of trim levels, configurations, and engine options available, one of which is a supercharged 5.0-liter V8. The V8 is available in some higher-level trims, tuned in two different configurations: in the SE trim it produces 493 hp, while in the V8 and Carpathian edition the output goes up to 518 hp. In all cases, power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
12 Nissan Armada
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 79
No. of Recalls: 2
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.96
The Nissan Armada is one of a handful of large three-row SUVs that still offers a V8-based powertrain, while most manufacturers are increasingly opting for downsizing and electrification; however, this is going to change with the Armada’s next generation, which will no longer offer the V8 as an option, so if you’re keen to snap up a V8-powered Armada, you will need to move quickly. Three trim levels are available: the SV, SL and Platinum. All three are powered by the same 5.6-liter V8, producing 400 hp and paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. While a rear-wheel-drive configuration is standard, the Armada can also be had in all-wheel-drive as an option.
11 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 79
No. of Recalls: 12
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.29
The Range Rover Sport SV is the most powerful Range Rover ever built, with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 626 hp and paired with a mild-hybrid system. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission; this setup propels the Sport SV to 60 mph in as little as 3.6 seconds. There is a wide range of performance-oriented features to match the impressive powertrain, such as all-wheel steering and (optional) Brembo carbon ceramic brakes. The Sport SV’s focus on performance is also reflected in its design: the interior comes with bucket seats and plenty of carbon fiber trim elements dotted throughout the cabin. There are currently 12 recalls lodged for the potent Range Rover, however.
10 Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 81
No. of Recalls: 15
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.64
The Chevrolet Tahoe’s fifth generation has been on the market since 2021, and will be receiving a facelift next year. The Tahoe has a good J.D. Power reliability rating and a low rate of NHTSA complaints, making it a fairly reliable option in the full-size SUV category. There are two different V8 options in the Tahoe’s powertrain lineup: a 5.3-liter V8, producing 355 hp, is standard on most trims, while on some higher-level trims a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp is available. In both cases a ten-speed automatic transmission completes the powertrain; both a rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive layout are available. The same powertrain options are available in the Tahoe’s GMC-badged sibling, the Yukon, and they share a spot on this list for reliability.
9 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 81
No. of Recalls: 43
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.54
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has received a facelift for 2024, updating its design with new LED headlights, a new grille and front bumper, and upgraded taillights and wheel designs. The V8-powered version is the GLE 580, which is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 510 hp; a nine-speed automatic transmission and the 4Matic AWD system complete the picture. The GLE 580 is the highest trim level available for the “regular” GLE, and comes with luxury features such as leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a 13-speaker sound system. The next step up is the AMG version (the GLE 63), which produces 603 hp. The GLE Class has a high number of recalls worth considering, however.
8 Porsche Cayenne
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 81
No. of Recalls: 11
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.40
The Porsche Cayenne, a sporty mid-sized SUV, has received a facelift for 2024, with several design changes including new LED headlights and new taillights, a redesigned rear end and a new hood. Minimum wheel size is up from 18 to 20 inches, and a wide variety of design options are available up to 22 inches. The top-level S trim has received a powertrain upgrade, going from a V6 engine that produced 434 hp to a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 468 hp. The Cayenne Turbo is also powered by a 4.0-liter V8, with a much higher output at 650 hp. It scores well on the J.D. Power rating scale, which helps to offset its 11 recalls.
