Everyone wants a vehicle that is reliable. Especially if it is a newer vehicle that payments are still being made monthly. After all, it isn't only frustrating to have your car break down in the middle of traffic, have it towed, and then pay for repairs; it only adds insult to injury when you still make that monthly payment once it is due. Even worse is to have to make that payment while you're driving a rental car!
Updated March 2022: The Toyota Prius continues to be a popular alternative to the fuel-heavy giants that fill the roads. It owes a lot of that popularity to Toyota's legendary reliability. However, even in 2022, with all the improvements Toyota gave to its famous hybrid, there are still a few cars that have proven themselves more reliable. So, we've updated this list to include all the new ones that fit into this category.
But what makes a car reliable? For most, it is getting us from point A to point B safely and without us having to pay extra money because of repairs. A popular car that some think is very reliable is the Toyota Prius. It is also popular because it has solid fuel efficiency, which is a plus for most with the rising gas prices. While the Prius is on some of the most reliable car lists, others would differ. Notably, Consumer Reports gives the Prius poor marks for various reasons.
Really the only thing about the Prius that Consumer Reports praise is its high mileage per gallon. But does this one factor really make a vehicle reliable? Certainly not! Reliability is based upon performance without issues or, in the case of vehicles without more repairs. Thus, the following list consists of 20 cars that are way more reliable than a Toyota Prius.
23
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
Toyota's Prius was revolutionary, but now, virtually every model is slated to have a hybrid variant. An up-and-comer with some pretty decent reliability stats is the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. For example, RepairPal estimates $471 repair costs per year, putting it on par with the most reliable vehicles out there.
In addition, the total percentage of severe repairs sits at 9%, while the Toyota Prius exceeds double digits at 11%. Additionally, you'll be taking the Prius to the repair shop more frequently than the Ioniq Hybrid. Plus, the Ioniq is cheaper by over a grand, features more horsepower, and boasts the same great gas mileage as the Prius.
22 Kia Niro EV
Another great option from Korea is the Niro EV. For 2022, Consumer Reports gave the Niro EV strong reliability ratings, putting it within the model year's top ten of all vehicles. In addition, RepairPal also rates the Niro highly, giving it excellent marks, and quoting several common service costs at well under $100, making the Niro quite affordable and reliable.
The Niro EV is more pricey than the Prius, but with an entirely electric engine, even the famous hybrid cannot compete. Furthermore, Kia's EV puts out more than 200 horsepower, far greater than the wimpy Prius. And with a 440v adapter, charging happens in just over an hour, a compelling alternative to even other EVs on the market.
21 Toyota Avalon
Toyota puts out reliable cars at such a rate that most have associated the brand with quality. This image continues with the large sedan known as the Avalon. According to JD. Power, the Avalon is the most reliable large sedan and rated the 2022 model at an outstanding 85 out of 100.
In addition to the wonder reliability, the Avalon pushes 301 horsepower, amazing resale value, and unprecedented ride quality. Featuring so many wonderful features, the Avalon took it a step further with the hybrid alternative to the petrol-only option, meaning the Prius has hybrid competition from within and without!
20 Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 was named the most dependable small premium SUV for 2018 by JD Power. While it may not be that fast of a vehicle, it will keep you on the go as it is very reliable.
Surprisingly, Digital Trends believes that Audi's durability will be the same throughout the vehicle's life as it is so durable.
19 Chevrolet Cruze
MotorTrend stated that for 2018 the Cruze's new lighter body and sturdier chassis make it more efficient and durable. The US News and World Report gave the 2018 excellent safety and reliability scores. For safety, it earned a 9.3 out of a possible 10 rating, while for reliability, it earned an even better score of 4.5 out of a possible 10.
With MotorTrend and US News agreeing that the Cruze is not only durable now but will be long before its competition is, it speaks volumes about the reliability of this vehicle.
18 Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic Si offers the buyer a sports car look but with the same dependability as the Civic offers.
Thus, the sports car enthusiast gets the best of both worlds. They can have the sleek, sporty look they want without compromising the steadfastness of a car that will outlast not just most cars but most sports cars. Sounds like a breath of fresh air for sports car lovers!
17 Chevrolet Malibu
According to JD Power, the Malibu is the most dependable midsized car, beating not only the Toyota Camry but also the Volkswagon Passat and the Honda Accord in reliability. While the Malibu is not the most adventurous car on this list, it doesn't mean that its owners deserve any less of a reliable vehicle.
With so many Malibus still on the road from all different models and years, it's time to face the fact that the dependable if non-adventurous Malibu will continue to be around for many years to come.
16 Kia Rio
The Kia Rio was named the most dependable small car by JD Power for 2018. US News has ranked the Kia Rio #2 in subcompact cars with a score of 8.8 out of a possible 10. For reliability alone, it received a score of 4.5 out of 5. For someone looking for a subcompact car, it is difficult to get one that is very durable.
These days many car buyers are finding that they need to replace their bigger gas-guzzling everyday vehicles with ones that are better on gas. With gas prices continually going up, this trend doesn't seem to be losing steam. But who wants to get a great car for fuel efficiency but is still constantly stuck in the repair shop?
15 Toyota Corolla iM
While the US News ranked the Toyota Corolla iM a measly #21 in compact cars, it should be noted that this lower rating was not because of its reliability. That lower number was really based on the critics' rating for performance, interior, and safety. For the intent of this article, it still earns a spot as it received a 4.5 out of 5 based on its reliability alone.
According to the US News, their reliability score is based on the JD Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) rating or, if unavailable, the JD Power Predicted Reliability rating.
14 Toyota Camry
USWNR ranked the Camry #1 in midsized cars. This ranking was based on several critical factors, including Critics' rating, performance, interior, safety, and reliability. With all of these key components being considered, the overall score was 9.3 out of 10.
With its new 17 safety features deserving of a perfect 10 rating and its reliability score of 4.5 out of a total possibility of 5, it's no wonder it ranked #1. Again, this is another trendy car that is a testament to its great reliability. Not only do you see many different years of Camrys on the road, but many previous owners keep their older cars and continue to buy new Camrys. Because of its overall rating and safety features, many owners of older models pass them on to their children.
13 Toyota Sienna
This is rated as the most reliable minivan for several reasons. First, it is the most reliable family minivan in its class, dubbed by Consumer Reports, because it does not break down much. This is because it is also the only minivan that offers an all-wheel-drive version making it also reliable for those in snowy regions.
There are so many minivans out on the road today, but the fact that this is the only minivan that offers an all-wheel-drive option is amazing! Now families that live in snowy weather do not have to give up their smooth family ride with the kids for a bigger truck or SUV just to get the all-wheel-drive option. This feature definitely increases the reliability of a vehicle that is already reliable.
12 Kia Soul
The US News ranked the 2018 Kia Soul #1 in compact cars. It came out on top of the competition because it scored an overall score of 9.1 out of 10. What is surprising is the safety and reliability scores that it received for such a small car, even though the car designer did not make any significant improvements to the 2018 version.
It was given a 9.8 out of 10 for safety, and for reliability, it received a perfect score of 5 out of 5. This just goes to show that while it may be small like a Prius, it is way safer and reliable as the Kia Soul has not had any recalls issued.
11 Buick Encore
With US News, the Encore earned a 9.8 out of a perfect 10 in safety. In contrast, in reliability, it earned a very respectable 4.5 out of 10. The higher safety score was more than likely made up of two factors that make the Encore a dependable car.
Plus, there have been no recalls reported. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is. Buick is doing that with the awesome warranty it currently has on the Encore. What better way to prove that you are not only making a vehicle more reliable than to back it up in writing?
10 Chevrolet Sonic
While it only ranked #3 in subcompact cars, it was the higher reliability and safety scores that made this car shine. For a small compact car, it received a 9.8 in safety and an almost perfect 4.5 in reliability.
You really do not have to pay much money or have a big vehicle in order to have a safe, reliable car. This car will make the person that thinks bigger is better rethink that notion. While it is a small vehicle, it is very dependable, so you ultimately save on gas and repair costs as it has better reliability.
9 Ford Explorer
The US News ranked the Ford Explorer as #12 in midsize SUVs. Surprisingly with this popular SUV, the poor scores on the critics' rating, performance, and interior slotted this in an otherwise safe and reliable vehicle so low on the overall list. Its safety rating was an awesome 9.2 out of 10, and its reliability score was a fantastic 4.5 out of 5.
This is another popular vehicle, with many still on the road. So many of the older model Explorers have surpassed 200,000 miles. They are still going strong, which is a testament to their ongoing reliability.
8 Buick Enclave
According to the US News, even though the Buick Enclave was ranked #1 in midsize SUVs, it received a rather average overall rating of 8.7 out of 10. While the US News did not have the IIHS safety rating for this vehicle yet, the fantastic 4.5 out of 5 for its reliability put this SUV towards the top of the list. When most people hear the name Buick, they think of the big huge cars from generations past.
While the car was a nice, smooth ride with plenty of room, people still think of a Buick as an older person's big, clunky vehicle that travels at 25 mph everywhere! For Buick now, this is not the case. With its sleek design, it not only handles nicely and is roomy, but it is also still very reliable. Buick is catching up with the modern world and may surpass it!
7 Toyota Sequoia
The US News ranked the Toyota Sequoia #7 in large SUVs. It does not have a safety rating because the IIHS safety rating is not available for this vehicle. It does have 15 standard safety features. It also received a 4.5 out of 5 for its excellent reliability, with its overall rating being 8.2 out of 10.
For such a large SUV, the excellent reliability rating on this vehicle is awesome. This is because most of the larger SUVs are set up more for adventure like the 4Runner. Also, because their frames are much bigger, most people wouldn't think that something this size could be reliable. The Sequoia is here to prove them wrong.
6 Toyota Tundra
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Although the Toyota Tundra is ranked #6 in full-size pickup trucks, it received rather low scores totaling 7.3 out of a possible 10. Again, the two best scores for this pickup were the safety and reliability scores. It earned an 8.4 out of 10 in safety and a 4.5 out of 5 in reliability.
With a score like that, it's no wonder the Tundra is often considered the most reliable pickup on the market and far more reliable than the Prius.
5 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
According to the US News, the Silverado 1500 ranked #5 in full-size pickup trucks. It scored an impressive total of 8.8 out of 10. The safety and reliability scores again are the highest. In safety, it earned a 9.2 thanks to its 12 safety features. In reliability, it earned a 4.5 because there were no safety recalls issued for this vehicle to date. As soon as someone starts talking about a durable and dependable vehicle, one thinks of a truck. Think about that for a minute.
How often have you been the only one who owns a truck in your family or friend circle? How frequently have they asked you for help with your truck? Moving? Picking up a new big-screen television? Mulch? After all, what is more, durable and dependable than a pickup truck? The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the epitome of durability and reliability.
4 Ford Escape
The scores from the US News show that the Escape earned an overall 8.7 out of 10. In reliability, it earned a 4.5 out of 5. Likewise, the two highest scores were with its safety at 9.1 out of 10, thanks in part to its 12 safety features.
Once again, this is a very popular vehicle as you see so many different years and models of the Escape on the road still. Many owners are also so loyal to this reliable vehicle that they keep buying Escapes.