The automotive market is overrun by companies that are constantly competing against each other to satisfy buyers and collectors. Everyone wants their own car, however, the car design, driving experience, or the brand itself is everyone’s personal choice.
Some are vintage car lovers like me, some like sporty vehicles, some are into hypercars like Buggati, and so on. But one thing that has remained constant among car buyers is the reliability factor involved when buying a car.
You wouldn’t want to spend half of your yearly income just maintaining the vehicle or see your beloved car getting broken after running over a pothole.
Trust me, it’s painful! I had this experience myself with my 2016 Honda Civic – that car’s durability was like my cheap umbrella that used to collapse in the wind.
Fortunately, there are many reliable vehicles in the market, but how do you choose the best for you? Here are the 10 most reliable cars you can get in 2025.
Most Dependable Cars You Can Buy (Ranked)
10. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
You can get the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid model in addition to the flush gasoline variant. This compact SUV is commodious inside, with lots of new technology, while being backed by Mitsubishi’s leading industry warranty.
The 2024 Outlander received a J.D. A power quality and reliability rating of 82 out of 100 shows, which is why it’s on our list today. This is further highlighted by Mitsubishi’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, evoking confidence in the brand’s robustness for this car.
The base model 2024 Outlander features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 181 horsepower and gives a mileage of 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
Standard safety features also come in Outlander: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems featuring MI-PILOT Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition.
| Drivetrain | FWD/AWD |
| Used Car Cost | $15,000 – $19,000 |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating | 82/100 |
| Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost | 462 (RepairPal) |
| Recalls | 0 |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-Star Overall Rating |
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9. 2024 Chevrolet Malibu
While it might not top the charts of reliability, it is very well balanced between features and dependability. Based on quality and reliability alone, J.D. Power gave the 2024 Malibu an 84 out of 100 score.
The Malibu is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine that puts out 160 horsepower providing a smooth and resourceful highway drive.
The Malibu returns mpg ratings of 29 mpg in the city and up to 36 mpg on the highway, making it workable enough for everyday driving.
Safety conveniences abound with the availability of Chevy Safety Assist, which includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and IntelliBeam auto high beam assist.
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| New Car Cost | $25,100 |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating | 84/100 |
| Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost | $446 (RepairPal) |
| Recalls | 1 |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-Star Overall Rating |
8. 2017 BMW 2 Series
People often think that BMWs are not reliable, but they do have great options for you to choose from. The 2017 BMW 2 Series is one of the most reliable BMWs you can get this year.
Apart from its thrilling driving dynamics, the 2 Series offers a well-thought-out interior and further advanced technological features.
Strong points: J.D. Power ranked the 2 Series with an 88 out of 100 for its quality and reliability ratings. Then there is the B48 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four powering the 2 Series, sucking in enough air to produce 248 horsepower in the 230i model letting it run a 0-60 mph sprint in roughly 5.6 seconds.
This model returns fuel economy estimates of 24 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. Safety features include a strong airbag system, stability control, and driver assistance technologies, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Used Car Cost | $14,980 – $25,998 |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating | 88/100 |
| Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost | $922 (RepairPal) |
| Recalls | 0 |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | Not Rated |
Suggested: BMW Maintenance Cost
7. 2021 Honda Civic
From 2016 – 2019, Civic models got mixed reviews(mostly hating) on reliability and were loathed by the buyers. The newer gen models of the Honda Civic have improved massively in terms of reliability.
The 2021 Civic gets a rating of 82 out of 100 for quality and reliability from J.D. Power. Longevity is lofty, as many Civic models run well into the 200,000-mile bracket with minor problems.
For 2021, several different engine options exist for the Civic. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 158 horsepower; a stronger 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 180 horsepower. The 2021 Civic is pretty efficient, boasting up to 33 MPG in the city and up to 42 MPG on the highway.
The safety features consist of a multi-angle rearview camera, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, and the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, which adds better protection in case of a crash.
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Used Car Cost | $16,583 – $37,658 |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating | 86/100 |
| Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost | $1192 (RepairPal) |
| Recalls | 0 |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-Star Overall Rating |
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6. 2024 Kia Sportage
KIA has significantly improved in the field of reliability, and this 2024 Sportage stands as proof of such success. The two SUVs Kia launched are the gas and hybrid models. The Hybrid model is also one of the most affordable Hybrid SUVs that you can get.
The Sportage’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty stands among the best in this class. It earns 84 out of 100 for the J.D. Power quality and reliability rating. Kia’s
With its 2.5-liter inline-four doling out 187 horsepower, the new 2024 Sportage struck a pretty good balance between power and efficiency. Having up to 25 MPG in the city and up to 32 MPG on the highway, the Sportage surely is one to reckon with in the compact SUV segment.
Offered for safety are Kia’s DriveWise driver-assist technology suite, which offers forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.
| Drivetrain | Available in both FWD and AWD |
| New Car Cost | $27,190 – $38,090 (depending on trims) |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating | 84/100 |
| Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost | $462 (RepairPal) |
| Recalls | 2 |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars overall |
5. 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster
The 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster is one of the few sports cars that have proven themselves in the long run. It’s among the most reliable roadster choices, with a J.D. Power reliability rating of 93/100 — most by any sports car!
Under the hood, the 718 Boxter gives different engine options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four (300 HP), a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four (350 HP), and a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six (394 HP).
It’s smooth enough to provide consistent performance without the finicky nature of high-strung competitors, and Porsche’s exacting build quality guarantees long-lasting components and few mechanical glitches.
Add to that its responsive handling, top-down exhilaration, and daily driveability, and you have a rarity: a roadster with driving focus that won’t strand you—just a smile.
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Used Car Cost | $93,000 – $90,000 |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating | 86/100 |
| Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost | $1,192 (RepairPal) |
| Recalls | 2 |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | Not Rated |
4. 2021 Toyota 4Runner
In a world of fragile and disposable cars, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner(like most Toyotas) is a reassuringly stubborn relic of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” logic.
Built to thrive where other SUVs falter, its old-school body-on-frame design and time-tested 4.0L V6 engine—unchanged for over a decade—prioritize bulletproof durability over flashy innovation, earning it a cult-like following among off-roaders and daily drivers alike.
While its 5-speed transmission and basic tech feel dated, this simplicity is its strength: fewer complex parts mean fewer breakdowns, and Toyota’s legendary build quality ensures it shrugs off rough terrain, harsh weather, and years of neglect.
Maintenance costs are refreshingly low for its class, and repair shops rarely see 4Runners with major issues. J.D Power gives it 88 out of 100, and its sky-high resale value (often over 70% after three years) proves its staying power.
3. 2019 Hyundai Sonata
If you’re looking for a reliable midsize sedan, the 2019 Hyundai Sonata is a great choice and value for money. Not only is the design stylish, but it combines both reliability and contemporary features that buyers want.
It gets the J.D. Power quality and reliability rating of 89/100. Additionally, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty underscores the Sonata’s durability.
It comes fitted with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit capable of producing 185 horsepower, giving overall balanced performance. The fuel efficiency is also nice, burning fuel at 26 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
Safety features include blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, all contributing to its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Used Car Cost | $9,299 – $21,788 |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating | 89/100 |
| Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost | $468 (RepairPal) |
| Recalls | 0 |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-Star Overall Rating |
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2. 2017 Lexus ES
The 2017 Lexus ES truly embodies the reliability and luxury of the brand. The midsize sedan comes with an upscale interior, comfortable ride quality, and impeccable build quality.
For this, the rating for quality and reliability by J.D. Power stands at 89 out of 100, so the ES usually gets labeled as one of the most reliable luxury sedans.
As a matter of fact, most Lexus vehicles are seen to serve their owners rather well, with the ES often crossing 200,000 miles if well taken care of.
It is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine fitted with 268 horsepower for a smooth and strong drive. Besides this, fuel economy is very remarkable, registering 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
Safety-wise, the Lexus Safety System+ comes standard and includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, a lane departure alert with steering assist, and intelligent high beams.
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Used Car Cost | $14,981 to $29,995 |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating | 96/100 |
| Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost | $551 (RepairPal) |
| Recalls | 1 |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-Star Overall Rating |
Also Read: BMW vs Lexus
1. 2019 Toyota Corolla
Corolla has always been one the most dependable cars in the compact car category, and the 2019 Toyota Corolla is no exception when it comes to reliability.
It also has great fuel efficiency, giving 30 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. Under the hood, the 2019 Corolla comes with a lackluster-sounding 139 horsepower from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder.
It receives the J.D. Power reliability rating of 92 out of 100. You will have no problem going over 200,000 miles if it is maintained properly along the way.
The 2019 Corolla also comes with standard features like Toyota’s Safety Sense P (TSS-P) system – pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection and lane departure alert.
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Used Car Cost | $15,000 – $19,000 |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating | 92/100 |
| Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost | 362 (RepairPal) |
| Recalls | 5 |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-Star Overall Rating |
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Which are the Most Reliable Car Brands?
Below is the 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study’s list of the most reliable car brands:
- Lexus
- Buick
- Mazda
- Toyota
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- GMC
- Porsche
- BMW
- Mini
- Kia
- How is Car Reliability Measured?
Reliability is typically measured by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with lower scores indicating higher reliability.
- What Factors Contribute to a Car's Reliability Score?
Reliability factors include engine issues, fuel system performance, braking system, suspension and steering, body and interior quality, and electrical systems.
- Does Higher Mileage always mean less Reliability?
Not necessarily. Well-maintained high-mileage cars can still be reliable, while poorly maintained low-mileage cars may have issues.
- How Often should I have my Car Serviced to Maintain Reliability?
Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule, typically every 6 months or 5,000-7,500 miles, whichever comes first.
- Does Regular Maintenance Improve a Car's Reliability?
Yes, consistent and regular maintenance significantly contributes to a car's long-term reliability.
