Melbourne. Soaring symphonies and thrilling excessive notes rang out in Melbourne’s Federation Square on Saturday, 3 February 2024, when hundreds flocked to the extremely profitable, second Australian version of BMW’s annual Opera for All live performance collection.
Under sensible blue skies, and the skilled baton of Maestro Brian Castles-Onion, 4 of Opera Australia’s best singers, all Melbourne-based, soprano Olivia Cranwell, mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd, tenor Shanul Sharma and baritone Simon Meadows, accompanied by Orchestra Victoria, carried out a number of opera’s greatest hits, all totally free.
Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan was in attendance and absorbing the environment. “It was a thrill to welcome so many people to Fed Square to enjoy another spectacular presentation of Opera for All. Victorians were out in force including newcomers to opera and longstanding opera-lovers. The creative excellence for which Opera Australia is known is thanks to our exceptional teams of artists, artisans and arts workers. It’s also due to the close collaboration we enjoy with our partners, sponsors, donors and the many communities with whom we work around Australia. We thank BMW for their continued commitment to bringing more opera to more people through this global initiative. We are now looking forward to our exciting 2024 Victorian season, the first by our new artistic director, Jo Davies, that will kick off at the end of May with two very different productions – a new staging of Tosca at Margaret Court Arena and the musical Sunset Boulevard at the Princess Theatre.”
Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Australia, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “For greater than fifty years, BMW has spearheaded a whole bunch of cultural initiatives globally that help artwork, jazz, classical music, and opera. As accountable company residents, we’re dedicated to investing in individuals and society in nations the place we function. Here in Australia, we help training, sport, and artwork and tradition initiatives, which helps Australia to carry out at its finest. This shared dedication introduced Melburnians collectively for our second BMW Opera for All occasion, celebrating native proficient singers and musicians. We thank Opera Australia and Orchestra Victoria for his or her excellent performances.”
The BMW Group’s Cultural Engagement with unique updates and deeper insights into its international initiatives might be adopted on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.
In today’s increasingly expensive vehicle ownership landscape, where fuel prices are on the rise and budget-friendly cars are becoming harder to come by, reliability is a key factor when considering a new car purchase. Toyota has been a leader in producing long-lasting, cost-effective vehicles for many years.
The SUV market has been rapidly expanding, and Toyota has taken advantage of this growth. The company has expanded its SUV lineup and continues to refine its offerings with a focus on long-term value. Whether you need a rugged off-road vehicle or a family-friendly daily driver, Toyota has a range of options to meet your needs, with even better offerings on the horizon.
We have conducted an in-depth analysis of Toyota’s lineup of ICE SUVs to determine their reliability from best to worst. Our rankings are based on feedback from experts and previous owners to assess which Toyota SUVs are the most durable and what potential problems they may present over their lifespan.
In creating this article, we have cross-referenced information for vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources such as J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports to provide the most current and accurate information available. Please note that we have ranked the following 2023 models based on reliability, from most reliable to least reliable.
1Toyota Corolla Cross
Reliability Score: 90/100
Toyota
If you’re a fan of the traditional Toyota Corolla, the Corolla Cross is an excellent option. It provides a larger, more practical version of the Corolla, offering a budget-friendly and reliable vehicle with minimal maintenance challenges over its lifespan. While it may lack excitement, it comes equipped with a wide range of driver assistance and safety features, a great infotainment display, and excellent fuel economy. There is some debate about whether the cheaper Corolla Cross is a better buy than the RAV4.
Reliability
As the Corolla Cross is relatively new, there is limited data available. However, it shares many components with the standard Corolla, known for its exceptional reliability. The Corolla Cross has received above-average reliability ratings within the Toyota SUV lineup and offers cost-effective ownership and repair. Its combination of fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs makes it one of the most budget-friendly SUVs on the market, with a starting MSRP of under $25,000.
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,087 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 3
Worst Corolla Cross Year To Buy Used: 2023 (103 complaints on the NHTSA website related to electrical system faults)
2Toyota RAV4
Reliability Score: 85/100
Toyota
The Toyota RAV4 offers higher levels of capability, interior space, and a generally enhanced driving experience compared to the Corolla Cross. While the current fifth-generation RAV4 may not exhibit the ruggedness of its predecessors, it remains an excellent choice, especially for off-road enthusiasts.
Reliability
The Toyota RAV4 has historically been a top choice for compact crossover enthusiasts. While the current generation has not fully lived up to the reputation of its predecessors, it remains a durable vehicle with few major reported issues over the last three years, according to Car Complaints. Despite facing some challenges in keeping pace with the evolving crossover standards, the RAV4 has received few complaints and minimal recalls, with minor issues reported by owners such as cabin noise and voice assistant difficulties.
Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $429 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,531 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 41
Worst RAV4 Year To Buy Used: 2019 (Common transmission and brake issues in this model year)
3Toyota 4Runner
Reliability Score: 80/100
Toyota
The Toyota 4Runner holds a special place in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts, known for its ruggedness and reliability since its introduction in the mid-80s.
Reliability
The 4Runner may not offer the same level of comfort or features as its counterparts, but its strong reputation for reliability, particularly off-road, sets it apart. While it may not match the reliability of other Toyota SUVs on this list, it remains a reliable choice, especially for off-road enthusiasts. Although it has received three complaints on Car Complaints since the 2020 model year, purchasing a used 4Runner provides a cost-effective off-road option with low ownership and maintenance costs.
Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $514 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,825 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 36
Worst 4Runner Year To Buy Used: 2003 (Interior and head gasket issues)
4Toyota Highlander
Reliability Score: 80/100
Toyota
The Toyota Highlander has been a core part of Toyota’s SUV lineup since the early 2000s. While previous iterations offered a wide range of trims to accommodate different buyers, the current generation aims to provide a more focused approach with the introduction of a standalone Grand Highlander model featuring three rows of seating.
Reliability
The Toyota Highlander has had a mixed history in terms of reliability, but recent years have shown improvement. Complaints on platforms like Car Complaints have decreased, and the model has been well received by critics. With a strong value proposition, high resale value estimated by CarEdge, and a lower chance of major repairs compared to competitors in the segment, the newer models have had minimal recalls and positive reliability ratings.
Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $489 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,771 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 41
Worst Highlander Year To Buy Used: 2008 (Numerous owner complaints regarding engine failures)
