My brother-in-law has been eyeing a Land Rover Defender for two years now, and every time he brings it up I ask him the same question: do you actually drive over boulders, or do you drive to Costco? The Defender is a genuinely wonderful machine, capable of things most of us will never ask of it, but it isn't the only mid-size SUV worth your driveway space.

SlashGear rounded up five mid-size SUVs that actually rate better than the Defender, and the list is worth a look even if you're loyal to the British badge.

Reliability ratings are where the Defender tends to lose points. It's beautiful, it's luxurious, and it can climb a hillside like a mountain goat, but Land Rover's reputation for visit-the-dealer surprises has been well earned over decades. I remember when a Land Rover in the family meant keeping the mechanic's number on the fridge, right next to the kids' soccer schedules. Some things, apparently, are tradition.

The alternatives on SlashGear's list cover the sensible middle of the market: SUVs from Toyota, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, and Mazda territory, the brands my family calls me about when they're car shopping because they know these names won't let them down. These are vehicles that score higher on owner satisfaction and predicted reliability, often cost less upfront, and almost always cost less to keep running.

Now, to be fair to the Defender. If you genuinely spend weekends on trails, or you simply love the thing and can afford it, no spreadsheet should talk you out of joy. My rule about technology applies to cars too: the thing should work for you, solving your actual problems, not creating new ones. And if your actual problem is "I need to get three kids and a dog to soccer practice," a well-rated mid-size SUV with a strong reliability score serves you better than a status symbol that spends occasional weeks in the shop.

The full list over at SlashGear has the specific ratings and model details, so take a few minutes with it before you sign anything. And if you're cross-shopping, bring the reliability numbers with you to the dealership. Salespeople respect a buyer who did the homework.

As for my brother-in-law, I sent him the article. I suspect he'll buy the Defender anyway, and I'll love him anyway. But at least now he's choosing with his eyes open, which is all any of us can do before spending that kind of money.