// Data sources & methods
How we calculate SUV ownership costs.
Every number on this site comes from a named, publicly available source. This page documents where we get the data, how we combine it, and where the uncertainty is. If something looks wrong, let us know.
// Sources
Where the data comes from
| Data type | Source | What we use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & Specs | KBB | New and used market prices, trim configurations, and vehicle specifications. |
| Annual Maintenance Cost | RepairPal | Per-model annual cost estimates covering scheduled service and unscheduled repairs. The primary input to our ownership cost rankings. |
| Reliability & Safety | RepairPal | Model-level reliability ratings and repair risk metrics, used throughout the site to assess long-term ownership risk. |
| Safety Ratings | NHTSA Safety Ratings API | Crash test results by model year, factored into our year-by-year reliability assessments. |
| Complaints | NHTSA Complaints API | Owner-filed complaint data by model year, used to identify problem years and surface common failure patterns. |
| Recalls | NHTSA Recalls API | Official recall records by model year, shown in the year detail view on each model page. |
| Fuel Economy | EPA | Official combined MPG figures, shown in the ranker and on model pages. |
| Insurance Estimates | CarEdge | National average annual premiums by model, used for cost comparisons. Figures are averages — individual rates vary by driver and location. |
| Depreciation | iSeeCars | Resale value retention over time, used in the new vs used analysis on model pages. |
// EV data
EV data is less reliable than gas data
RepairPal's database is built from repair shop invoices. EVs have shorter histories, fewer repair events, and thinner coverage in RepairPal's network. This means:
We label this uncertainty on every EV model page. If you need precise figures for a specific vehicle, the best source is owner communities and independent teardown studies.
// Limitations
What the numbers don't include
- Purchase price and depreciation
- We rank by ongoing cost, not total cost of ownership. A $70k luxury SUV could have a lower 5-year maintenance figure than a $35k compact but cost significantly more to own overall. The luxury page includes depreciation separately.
- Financing costs
- Interest on auto loans varies by credit score, term length, and lender. We do not estimate it.
- Registration, taxes, and tolls
- These vary by state and are not included in any figure on this site.
- Your individual insurance rate
- The insurance figures are national averages for informational comparison. Your rate depends on your driving record, ZIP code, age, credit score, and the specific coverage you choose.
- Tyre replacement costs
- Included in RepairPal annual maintenance figures for some models. Not independently broken out in the 5-year cost total.
// Freshness
How often the data is updated
Each model page displays a “Last verified” date. We update figures when the underlying source data changes — not on a fixed calendar schedule. The NHTSA complaints database is refreshed monthly via an automated pull. RepairPal scores and Caredge insurance averages are re-checked quarterly at minimum, and whenever we publish a new model year's data.
The Reliability Tracker displays a live timestamp showing when NHTSA data was last pulled. If the timestamp is older than 45 days, something has gone wrong — email us.
The data_researched field in our internal data files is only updated when the underlying numbers are re-researched. A date change without a data change is not permitted.
// Corrections
Found an error?
If a figure on this site contradicts a published source, or if a source has updated since our last verification, email data@1suv.com with the URL, the figure in question, and the source you're citing. We check every report and update the page if warranted.
We do not accept corrections based on dealer quotes, personal repair estimates, or anecdotal experience. We accept corrections based on changes to the primary sources listed above.