Most Reliable New Cars – Brand Rankings

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Automotive

The latest reliability surveys highlight the brands that produce the most dependable cars based on real-world data from over 330,000 vehicles. Here's a breakdown:

Top 5 Most Reliable Car Brands

Lexus
- Consistently strong reliability, with the UX hybrid SUV leading the lineup.
- Only one model (NX) scored average; all others were above-average or better.

Toyota
- Known for dependability across its lineup, led by the rugged 4Runner SUV.
- The Tundra full-sized truck remains an outlier with lower reliability.

Mini
- Small lineup, but consistently high scores for quality and dependability.

Acura
- Models like the RDX and TLX perform well.
- Recently redesigned MDX SUV and Integra sedan earn average reliability scores.

Honda
- Reliable mainstream brand, praised for its balance of quality and affordability.

Regional Reliability

Asian Brands: Lead the pack with an average reliability score of 63/100. Seven of the top 10 brands are from Asia.
European Brands: Average reliability score of 46/100, with standout models improving their ranks.
Domestic Brands: Lag behind at 39/100, though certain models, like the Ford Edge and Buick Encore GX, perform well.

Best Performing Vehicle Types

Sedans, Hatchbacks, and Wagons: Most reliable with an average score of 57. - Tend to have fewer high-tech, problematic features.

SUVs: Average reliability score of 50.

Minivans: Score 45 on average, plagued by reliability issues.

Pickup Trucks: Least reliable, with an average score of 41.

Electrified Vehicles: Reliability Trends

Hybrids

Perform better than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with 26% fewer problems.
Standouts include:
Lexus UX Hybrid
Toyota Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, and Highlander Hybrid

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Mixed reliability, with 146% more problems than ICE vehicles.
Struggling models:
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (lowest score: 14)
Audi Q5 PHEV
Standouts:
Toyota RAV4 Prime
Kia Sportage Hybrid

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Average reliability scores:
Electric cars: 44
Electric SUVs: 43
Electric pickup trucks: 30
Common issues: EV drive motors, charging systems, and batteries.
Struggling models include:
Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, and Toyota bZ4X.

Summing it up

Lexus and Toyota dominate reliability rankings due to robust engineering and limited tech issues.
Hybrids are highly dependable and outperform both ICE and EV models.
Electric vehicles show potential but suffer from teething issues as technology evolves.
Domestic brands need improvement but are making strides with individual models.