When you’re buying a car these days, there’s a lot of fancy technology. But one of the most important things is how long the car will last without breaking down. A car that lasts a long time saves you money on repairs and makes your life easier because you can count on it. Experts look at surveys from car owners, repair records, and guesses about how long new cars will last. This article lists the top 20 cars that are expected to be the most reliable for people buying in 2025, based on different reports.
It’s good to know what makes a car reliable. Things like the car maker’s good name, how simple the car is made, the quality of the parts used, and how often the car has had safety recalls all matter. Also, if you take good care of your car with regular check-ups, it will likely last longer.
Based on recent reports and what experts say, here are 20 cars that often get high marks for being reliable in 2025:
- Subaru Crosstrek: People know this car for having all-wheel drive (all the wheels help it move) and a simple design. It’s good for different kinds of driving and is known to last. The way its automatic transmission and engine are made helps it run well for a long time.
- Toyota RAV4: Toyota is known for making good, strong cars. The RAV4, especially the hybrid (gas and electric) models, is reliable and saves on gas. Hybrid cars often have fewer engine problems than cars that only use gas.
- Honda Civic: The Civic is often praised for lasting a long time and being a good value. It’s expected to run for many years and usually doesn’t need unexpected repairs.
- Mazda Mazda3: You can get the Mazda3 as a regular car or a hatchback (the back opens up). It’s fun to drive and very reliable. Its simple engine design helps it last.
- Honda Accord: The Accord is a popular medium-sized car that’s known for being practical, nice to drive, and very good quality, meaning it lasts a long time.
- Subaru Impreza: This smaller car, especially the wagon style, is seen as reliable. Subaru’s all-wheel drive system and well-liked engine help it last.
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: This car comes with a longer promise (warranty), which is a sign it’s reliable. It’s also a cheaper option for a small SUV.
- Honda CR-V: This is a popular small SUV that builds on Honda’s reputation for making reliable and strong cars. It has a lot of space inside and is comfortable to drive.
- Toyota Corolla: Like the Civic, the Corolla is known for being reliable, not costing too much, and saving gas. It’s a smart choice if you’re watching your budget.
- Toyota Prius: The Prius was one of the first hybrid cars, and it has a long history of being reliable. This is because its gas and electric system is well-made and the car is efficient.
- Toyota Camry Hybrid: This car combines the Camry’s reliability with the Prius’s gas-saving technology. It’s a dependable and cheap-to-run car.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata: This small, sporty car is reliable because it’s not too complicated, which means less can go wrong.
- Lexus NX Hybrid: Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand, and it’s known for making fancy cars that are also very reliable. The NX Hybrid uses Toyota’s proven hybrid technology.
- Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: This car focuses on being efficient and lasting a long time. It doesn’t have as many complicated parts, which can mean fewer breakdowns.
- Toyota Tacoma: This medium-sized truck is famous for being strong and good for off-road driving. It’s built with a strong frame and dependable engines.
- Subaru Forester: The Forester is known for being good in all kinds of weather and reliable. It comes with all-wheel drive and is built to be tough.
- Lexus ES: This luxury car from Lexus is rated very high for reliability. It’s comfortable to drive and has many nice features without being unreliable.
- Kia Soul: This small, boxy car is practical, doesn’t cost a lot, and is surprisingly reliable for its size.
- Hyundai Tucson: With a longer promise (warranty) and good reliability ratings, the Tucson is a good choice for a small SUV.
- Nissan Versa: This is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy, and it offers good value and decent reliability for its price.
Things to Think About When Buying a Reliable Car:
- Long-Term Studies: Look at reports from groups like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. They do studies on how long cars last based on what owners say.
- Warranty: A longer promise (warranty) from the car maker can make you feel better, even though it doesn’t directly mean the car is reliable. Brands like Hyundai and Kia are known for having long warranties.
- Past Care: If you’re buying a used car, check if it has been regularly serviced. This shows it has been taken care of and might be more reliable.
- How Complex It Is: Cars with fewer complicated computer systems might have fewer things that can break.
- Brand Reputation: Car makers that have a long history of making reliable cars are often a safer bet. Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru often get good reliability scores.
In short:
Choosing a car that lasts a long time is a good idea because it can save you trouble and money. The 20 cars listed here are all known for being reliable in 2025, in different types and price ranges. By looking at reliability ratings, understanding what makes a car last, and doing your research, you can make a good choice and find a car that will serve you well for many years. Remember that taking care of your car with regular service is important for making any car last, no matter how reliable it’s supposed to be.