Looking for a reliable car that won't let you down?
When shopping for a new vehicle, reliability is key. Whether you're commuting daily or planning a lengthy trip, you likely want to get to your destination with no hassles. We've rounded up 20 of the most dependable cars on the road today—vehicles known for lasting hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues. From fuel-efficient sedans to rugged SUVs, these picks have earned their stripes in going the distance.
2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Steven Paul
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1. Toyota Camry
2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Toyota
The Toyota Camry is known for being extremely reliable, and much of that is down to how it's built. By keeping its focus on engine and transmission superiority, Toyota has earned its reputation for building solid and durable cars. With regular maintenance like oil changes and brake service, the Camry can run smoothly for a long time, often well past 200,000 miles with few issues. When you do need repairs, it's easy to find parts and a shop, thanks to Toyota's massive service network.
2. Toyota Corolla
2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Toyota
The Toyota Corolla features an engine and transmission designed to be low-maintenance, which means owners will spend less on fixes. RepairPal states that Corolla owners spend about $362 per year on repairs (the average for other cars is $526), with a trip to the mechanic 0.3 times a year. In RepairPal's compact car comparison, the Corolla is the top dog out of 36 compacts.
3. Lexus LS
2025 Lexus LS
Lexus
As part of Toyota's luxury division, Lexus brings the same attention to detail to its fleet but with an added focus on high-end features and performance. It refines its models frequently, addressing any potential issues before they become widespread. While you are looking at higher repair costs when something does happen, the frequency of trips to the mechanic is lower than average for luxury full-size cars. Luckily, Lexus's robust factory warranty takes some of the sting out of repairs.
4. Mazda MX-5 Miata
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata - ND
Mazda
As a small sports car, the MX-5 Miata is built for fun but is also surprisingly reliable, as it is engineered to handle everyday driving with ease. Mazda has designed it with simple, efficient mechanics that are easy to maintain and a combination of a lightweight build and low-maintenance components that make it last for years without any real problems. Mazda doesn't overcomplicate things with the MX-5 Miata, and that works in the car's favor when it comes to its simple construction and durability. The Miata's smaller engine, a 2.0 L 4-cylinder, and simple transmission make it a car that's easy to keep running smoothly for a long time.
5. Lexus ES Hybrid
2025 Lexus ES
Lexus
The Lexus ES Hybrid has proven to be one of the more durable and luxurious sedans on the market, thanks to its hybrid technology and high-quality build. As part of the Toyota family, Lexus is also known for its comprehensive warranty package, which covers nearly every part of the car. With an EPA-estimated 43 mpg, city/44 mpg highway in 2025 models, a high resale value, and an average of 0.5 visits to a mechanic per year, the Lexus ES hybrid is a more-than-worthy road companion.
6. Honda Accord
2023 Honda Accord Sport
Honda
The Honda Accord has been the go-to choice for drivers looking for a midsize sedan that will get them through the miles with minimal issues, as its engineering is top-notch. These days, its lineup features more hybrid offerings than not, with only two of its six trims being gas-powered. Either way, the Accord has excellent numbers in terms of fuel economy, with 46 mpg/city and 41 mpg/highway for the hybrid and 29 mpg/city and 37 mpg/highway on gas alone. Owners report that the Accord easily surpasses the 200,000-mile mark with only basic maintenance.
7. Subaru Outback
2025 Subaru Outback
Steven Paul
With standard all-wheel drive and a solid build, this trusty crossover can handle all the driving conditions you can think of, from snow and rain to off-road adventures. No matter the year, Outbacks are one of the most reliable vehicles you can buy without many major weaknesses. In fact, with consistent maintenance, many owners have reported getting 16 to 20 years of use out of their Outbacks before needing major repairs. That's about 160,000 to 250,000 miles of worry-free driving, and they are not prone to rust, either.
8. Honda Civic
2025 Honda Civic Sedan Sport Touring Hybrid
Honda
Many Honda models rank high on "most reliable" lists, and the Honda Civic has been a tried and true winner for many years. In 2019, IHS Market, an internet services provider, found that of 17.5 million new vehicle registrations, the Civic demonstrated the highest model loyalty. Civics are also more affordable to maintain for longer periods. Just 1 percent of vehicles in operation last over more than 200,000 miles—of those, 2.3 percent were Civics. Despite some issues with the 2001 and 2006 models, the Civic remains one of the most desirable cars on the market.
9. Lexus RX
2024 Lexus RX 350h
Lexus
The solidly constructed RX offers buyers a smooth and comfortable ride, with both gas-powered and hybrid variants. This mid-sized marvel is well-engineered and built to last for years with regular maintenance. Combined with the automaker's emphasis on quality materials and a conservative engineering approach, the RX is frequently tested and refined before it moves from the conveyor belt to the showroom. It is a great option for those seeking to strike the right balance of luxury and durability.
10. Mazda 3
2020 Mazda3
Mazda
The Mazda 3 has consistently scored above average in various rankings with low annual repair costs—approximately $433, according to CoPilotSearch.com, significantly less than other compacts. Some model years—specifically those from 2010 to 2014 do have more serious problems, such as transmission and clutch failures, but overall, the Mazda 3 is dependable and has a lower-than-average rate of major repairs during its lifespan.
11. Toyota Highlander
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Toyota
If you're looking for a reliable family-oriented SUV, the Highlander checks every box and further solidifies the brand's reputation for dependability. Owners report annual repair costs of less than $500, and more recent model years, particularly those from 2016 on, have fewer problems and complaints overall. The resale value of the Highlander is also relatively high, depreciating 44.6 percent after five years compared to the average of 51.6 percent for most SUVs.
12. Hyundai Elantra
2024 Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai
Hyundai has earned its stripes as one of the most dependable car brands, thanks to models like the Elantra, which ensure owners spend less time in the shop compared to owners of equivalent brands. Its repair bill is also hundreds of dollars cheaper than the average when the time for repairs does come. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has even awarded the 2024 model with a Top Safety Pick prize. Combined with a 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain limited warranty, you can remain worry-free in your Elantra for at least a decade.
13. Kia Sorento
2025 Kia Sorento
Kia
The Kia Sorento's maintenance costs are minimal in comparison to other midsize SUVs, and it consistently receives high-reliability scores across dependability studies and owner surveys. Provided routine maintenance is carried out, the Sorento achieves over 186,000 miles without any major issues. Ownership costs are also quite low in regard to repairs—annual costs are about $474, as compared to the $652 annual average of models in this class, according to RepairPal.com.
14. Toyota 4Runner
2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited
Toyota
The Toyota 4Runner is built for the trail (in large part due to its rugged construction), and its reliability in that milieu is a big selling point for buyers. In 2025, the 4Runner received a significant design overhaul—its first in 15 years. With that lengthy measure of time, you know that Toyota pulled out all the stops to make it more durable than ever. A newly upgraded infotainment system, refined powertrain, and refreshed driving dynamics allow for an even greater mix of comfort and off-road chops that has made the 4Runner a popular choice for decades.
15. Acura MDX
2025 Acura MDX Type S
Acura
The Acura MDX shares the Honda Pilot's platform and powertrain. While both are known for their robust engineering and longevity, the Acura MDX has extra luxury, safety features, and a standard 290-hp V6 engine that provides a smooth and secure driving experience. RepairPal ranks the MDX with above-average marks for reliability overall and awards it second place in a lineup of 14 luxury midsize SUVs.
16. Nissan Altima
2025 Nissan Altima SV Special Edition
Nissan
Nissan is also a company that designs its vehicles with durability in mind, and that is nowhere more evident than in the Altima. This midsize sedan stands out among other models in the automaker's lineup and is known for its solid build, smooth ride, and fuel efficiency of about 27 mpg/city and 39 mpg highway. Its annual repair costs are lower than average, as is the frequency of its repairs. Major repairs are uncommon for the Altima, and some have been known to make the 300,000-mile or 20-year mark.
17. Ford F-150
2024 Ford F-150
Ford
One of the few pickups on our list, the Ford F-150 has been a favorite of critics and consumers alike since it rolled off the assembly line way back in 1975. With powerful engine options galore and a max towing capacity of 13,500, "Built Ford Tough" is no exaggeration. Owners report that their F-150s can rack up over 200,000 miles with no real issues and regular maintenance, with an interior that is built to take a beating on the job. All of these factors combined make this pickup one of the most reliable vehicles out there.
18. Chevrolet Tahoe
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet
The Chevy Tahoe has had an admittedly mixed bag in its reputation for long-term durability over the years, but Chevy seems to have ironed things out with its design, and many owners report reaching the 200,000-mile mark. Reasons include robust powertrain options, a body-on-frame construction that stands up to wear-and-tear better than unibody designs, and marked improvements in manufacturing and quality control over the decades. Repair costs may be above average, but you won't have that many of them—unscheduled repairs take place an average of 0.3 times per year.
19. Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
Subaru
If you want something done right, call Subaru. The Forester is a solidly crafted, well-rounded compact SUV with all the bells and whistles you need, including safety features, all-wheel drive, and durability. Sure, it won't be the most exciting car on the road, but you can't beat its reliability and comfort. While costs are a little above average for an SUV of this type, annual repairs are not often necessary, and it’s only in later years that major fixes come into play. If you're often shuttling passengers around, the Forester is an invaluable purchase.
20. Jeep Grand Cherokee
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Jeep
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is known for its reliability and rugged capabilities as an off-road adventurer and comfortable daily driver. While it isn't inexpensive to fix when there is an issue (repair costs are a little over $650 annually), compared to other Jeep models, its balance of a strong build, luxury and off-road features makes it a reliable, popular choice among buyers, and owners report it has a high-resale value.
Final thoughts
With so many dependable options out there, the right choice really comes down to your needs and priorities. Whether you're looking for efficiency, longevity, or a little of both, there's a solid option out there that will keep you on the road with few problems for years to come.
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