If you are looking for a reliable car brand, you are in luck. Consumer Reports recently used a comprehensive and complex process to rank 24 of the world’s top models and brands for reliability. Ultimately, these six of his 2022 and 2023 vehicles came out as the most reliable.
1. Toyota Corolla Hybrid, one of the most reliable cars
Consumer Reports evaluated reliability using survey data from over 300,000 vehicles released over the last 20 years. They rated each vehicle and model year according to reported troubles with key components such as the engine, transmission, electronics and fuel system.
According to USA Today, you can spot some interesting trends in these consumer report rankings. Among them, Asian automakers surpassed European and American automakers in terms of reliability. And hybrids outperform all other vehicle categories in this category.
So it’s no surprise that the vehicle with the highest Consumer Reports reliability score is the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Although reliability studies data for newer vehicles is scarce, Consumer Reports also uses models from the last two years. And I’ve had very few problems with this little sedan.
Plus, with a low starting MSRP of just $21,550, excellent overall fuel economy of 48 mpg, intuitive controls and a comfortable ride, the Corolla Hybrid is an excellent choice in this segment. It may not be the flashiest, but it’s affordable, has a low long-term cost of ownership, and has robust, advanced safety systems.
2. Lexus GX
Runner-up on our list, the 2023 Lexus GX is a very reliable midsize SUV. It’s not a hybrid, but it has a 4.6-liter V8 engine that drives and handles well. It’s not very fuel efficient, picking up a combined 17 mpg, but offers a smooth ride and plenty of advanced safety systems and technical amenities.
As befits a luxury car, you pay a premium. Starting at $56,425, you’ll still find plenty of headroom, legroom and cargo space. Interior styling helps justify the premium price. But the GX is also a capable off-road vehicle, with a towing rating he has of 6,500 pounds and multiple off-road driving capabilities.
Most importantly, reported component issues are minimal in this regard. So you can navigate difficult terrain with GX. It gives you peace of mind knowing that some wear and tear can occur without breaking the bank.
3. Mini Cooper
The only non-Asian car brand in the top five, the 2023 Mini Cooper promises reliability and dependability to future buyers.
It’s also affordable. With a suggested retail price of just $27,400, you get a lot of driving fun and value out of this model Mini. It offers laudable performance and handling, combined fuel economy figures of 31 mpg, and a well-laid out interior.
The Mini Cooper is not for tall drivers and passengers. It also doesn’t offer much in the way of standard advanced safety systems. But if both are fine, the Mini Cooper offers competitive tech amenities like a heads-up display, 8.8-inch touchscreen and wireless charging.
4. The Toyota Prius is one of the most reliable cars
The Pioneer Prius offers owners the superior performance, fuel efficiency and capabilities of a hatchback frame while retaining Toyota’s trademark reliability. With his 1.8-liter engine producing 121 horsepower combined with an electric drive, this isn’t the most powerful hatchback. However, the Prius also gets an incredible total of 52 mpg.
The 2022 version also offers improved padding and a more refined interior than the previous generation. There is also plenty of head, leg and knee space for the driver and passenger. Cargo space is also ample, 27.4 cubic feet to be exact.
The Prius also offers an easy touchscreen, voice commands and Toyota Safety Sense. Safety Sense is Toyota’s robust suite of advanced safety systems that help keep repair costs low by reducing the risk of accidents.
5. Mazda MX-5 Miata
This segment is not famous for its reliability, so it might come as a surprise that the Roadster made it onto this list. But it’s probably not all that surprising that the roadster in question is a Mazda. Consumer Reports ranked the brand his 4th overall in this category.
With a starting price of $27,650, the MX-5 Miata is an affordable entry into this vehicle segment. Performance and handling are good thanks to the lightweight frame and 181 horsepower engine. That allows him to reach 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and uses premium fuel to get a total of 34 mpg.
The MX-5 Miata’s interior is adorned with stylish trim, but as a roadster, it’s not the most accessible and comfortable ride, especially if you’re tall. It also comes with controls and the kind of infotainment features that most new vehicles seem to come standard with.
6. Lincoln Corsair
The sixth most reliable model on the list is the 2023 Lincoln Corsair. Asian brands dominate the list, and as a new US model, you certainly wouldn’t expect the Corsair to be so high on the list.
However, Consumer Reports says the new Corsair is very reliable. It also offers excellent performance with the option of a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or 2.3-liter turbocharged engine. The Corsair also gets a total of 23 mpg. This is respectable in this segment.
Lincoln has also equipped the 2023 model year with an intuitive control system for advanced safety systems to help owners get the most out of it. And a good number of these systems come standard on every Corsair, keeping drivers safe and keeping repair costs down.