The popularity of the SUV among Irish drivers continues to rise, with sales in the mid-range rising by 62% to 19,225 last year. SUVs are tempting families away from regular hatchback and estate cars, but they are more expensive and don’t always provide the extra space needed.

What they do offer is better driving ability in poor road conditions, as well as better driver visibility. The appeal of four-wheel drive in slippery winter conditions has also boosted sales.

The British Consumers Association has carried out its annual Which? reliability survey and reports that SUVs are among the most expensive cars to fix if there are faults. That’s why finding a reliable model is key to avoiding unwanted repair bills. Here are their best and worst new and older 4x4s.

If you want a dependable SUV, look no further than the petrol-powered Honda CR-V (from 2012 onwards), according to the Which? reliability survey. With no breakdowns reported from any of the 81 models that they received feedback on, and average annual repair costs of just €12 (£10), it takes top spot for cars up to three years old. The survey reported that this SUV’s reliability score is a near-perfect 99%. However, the diesel CR-V doesn’t fare as well.

Second spot was awarded to the Toyota RAV4 (2013 to present). Now in its fourth generation, one attribute has remained constant for the RAV4, and that’s reliability. Its 98% reliability score is thanks to low average annual repair costs and only minor faults being reported, most notably with satnav systems and on-board computers.

The Ford Kuga (2013 to present) took third spot. Its 96% reliability score eases other compact SUVs out, even though average annual repair costs of €30 (£25) aren’t the lowest for a car still under warranty.

The survey found that the least reliable new SUVs/4x4s in 2014 were the Opel/Vauxhall Antara (2007 to present) 76%, Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 to 2012) 85% and the Range Rover Evoque (2011 onwards) 87%.

In a separate JD Power/What Car? survey released last year, taken from 15,000 British motorists driving 109 different cars, the Skoda Yeti and Volkswagen Tiguan were ranked in third and sixth place overall in their reliability ratings, while the Kia Sportage came out marginally ahead of the Honda CR-V.

4x4s/SUVs with good ratings

The Nissan Qashqai is the best-selling SUV in Ireland, and the 2014 model is also the most efficient we’ve tested yet.

My own test drives delivered slightly poorer performance than the rated figure of 22.7km/litre (4.4l/100km or 64.4 mpg). But I still covered close to 900km on a full tank. I consider that you are getting good value motoring. That economy level is better than some superminis.

The Which? team in Britain was also impressed with the new Suzuki SX4 S-Cross, claiming that it’s the only all-wheel-drive model in the most frugal ranks, which shouldn’t be frowned upon.

The Opel/Vauxhall Mokka is a bit of a stretch in terms of real SUVs. The Which? team found that this supermini-sized SUV still fits into the ranks and occupies third spot with 53.3mpg.

Front wheel drive versions of the latest Toyota RAV4, previous-generation Qashqai and BMW X1 also impressed the British Which? team when it comes to SUV choices and I agree 100%.

Most and least reliable older SUVs/4x4s

If an SUV goes wrong out of warranty, you’re likely to have to dig deep to cover the repair costs. That’s why Which? rate all models three years and older separately from newer cars.

If you want the lowest repair costs, the BMW X1 (2009 to present) should be your pick. Owners spent an average of €32 (£26) last year, which was the least of any older SUV. A 93% reliability score is also the best of the older 4x4s.

The previous generation Honda CR-V (2007-2012) emulates its successor with petrol models being highly rated, although the diesel was shown to be less dependable. It beat the previous-generation Lexus RX (2003-2009) into third spot, with both achieving a 90% reliability score.

Least reliable older SUVs/4x4s include the Land Rover Discovery 3 (2003-2009) 45%, Nissan X-Trail (2001-2007) 59%, and the Range Rover Sport (2005-2013) 59%.