The quest for automotive reliability often comes down to a simple trade-off: affordability versus longevity. Many drivers prioritize a vehicle that will consistently start, run smoothly, and avoid costly repairs. This list highlights ten cars renowned for their dependability, capable of exceeding their owners’ lifespans with proper maintenance. These vehicles range from compact sedans to family-friendly SUVs, all chosen for their proven track records in minimizing breakdowns and maximizing long-term value.
Toyota RAV4 (2022) – The Consistent Performer
Price: $25,179
Reliability Score: 87/100
The Toyota RAV4 is a mid-size SUV consistently praised for its reliability. Ranked third out of 26 compact SUVs by RepairPal, it requires repairs less frequently than average – approximately 0.3 times per year. This model boasts advanced safety features like Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking and lane departure assist. However, some owners report noticeable road and engine noise, which may be a drawback for those seeking a quieter ride.
Key Issues: Airbag deployment malfunctions, potential for faulty electronics causing engine shutdowns.
Maintenance: $429/year, $6,005 over 10 years; 7 recalls.
Toyota Camry (2022) – The Mass-Market Success
Price: $21,737
Reliability Score: 87/100
The Toyota Camry remains a global best-seller due to its blend of luxury and affordability. RepairPal ranks it third out of 24 mid-size cars, with fewer repairs than most competitors. The 2.5-liter engine delivers 39 mpg, while the optional 3.5-liter V6 offers 301 horsepower and 33 mpg. The Camry’s interior is comfortable, though some owners mention road noise and limited access to rear seats.
Key Issues: Airbag deployment errors, infotainment system freezing.
Maintenance: $338/year, $4,581 over 10 years; 3 recalls.
Toyota Corolla (2022) – The Budget Champion
Price: $16,167
Reliability Score: 87/100
The Toyota Corolla stands out as the most reliable compact car according to RepairPal. Its low maintenance costs, readily available parts, and excellent fuel efficiency make it ideal for new drivers or commuters. Routine maintenance is inexpensive, and the 1.8-liter engine is among the most fuel-efficient in its class. Some criticisms include a noisy engine and a sluggish base model.
Key Issues: Airbag failures (reported but unconfirmed), headlight assembly malfunctions.
Maintenance: $362/year, $4,434 over 10 years; 0 recalls.
Hyundai Santa Cruz (2025) – The Pickup Reinvented
Price: $25,878
Reliability Score: 88/100
Hyundai’s Santa Cruz blends the utility of a pickup with the agility of an SUV. Cars.com gives it a 5/5 reliability rating, with most model years scoring 4/5 or higher. The 2025 Santa Cruz offers easy parking and a functional bed, but rear visibility and backseat space are limited.
Key Issues: Transmission shifting issues, Forward Collision Avoidance malfunctions.
Maintenance: $9,765 over 10 years; 2 recalls.
Nissan Sentra (2025) – The Underrated Sedan
Price: $18,533
Reliability Score: 88/100
The Nissan Sentra is a trusted compact sedan known for its fuel efficiency, comfort, and reliability. It visits repair shops less frequently than the RAV4, averaging just 0.2 times per year. The Sentra comes standard with advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. The lack of a hybrid option and a rough stop-start system are minor drawbacks.
Key Issues: Driver’s seat frame insecurity, rear tire defects.
Maintenance: $491/year, $5,852 over 10 years; 1 recall.
Nissan Murano (2022) – The Comfort-Focused SUV
Price: $17,317
Reliability Score: 88/100
The Nissan Murano prioritizes comfort and safety, earning J.D. Power’s Dependability Award for mid-size SUVs. Nissan Intelligent Mobility System provides standard automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert. The Murano’s ride quality remains smooth even with 20-inch wheels, but steering weight and forward visibility can be issues.
Key Issues: Water leaks, automatic collision notification system failures.
Maintenance: $507/year, $8,198 over 10 years; 0 recalls.
Nissan Kicks (2022) – The City Crossover
Price: $14,562
Reliability Score: 88/100
The Nissan Kicks is a compact crossover ideal for city driving. It has won J.D. Power’s Dependability Award for Small SUVs, with reliability ratings between 3.7 and 4.7 out of 5. The Kicks includes Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. However, its four-cylinder engine is weak, storage is limited, and all-wheel drive is unavailable.
Key Issues: Grinding noises, control arm failures, windshield shattering.
Maintenance: $7,791 over 10 years; 0 recalls.
Nissan Altima (2025) – The Sporty Sedan
Price: $23,662
Reliability Score: 89/100
The Nissan Altima balances power and luxury. The 2025 model features a sporty exterior, comfortable interior, and intelligent all-wheel drive with ProPilot Assist. Some owners report issues with the low-resolution parking camera, numb steering, and occasional engine noise.
Key Issues: Forward collision avoidance malfunctions, brake failures.
Maintenance: $483/year, $6,013 over 10 years; 0 recalls.
Buick Encore GX (2025) – The Premium Subcompact
Price: $23,940
Reliability Score: 90/100
The Buick Encore GX offers comfortable seating, a pleasant interior, and user-friendly tech. Buick has been recognized by J.D. Power as one of the most dependable brands. However, it suffers from hard plastics, cramped rear seats, and lower fuel efficiency with all-wheel drive.
Key Issues: Lane departure system malfunctions, infotainment system failures, fire incidents.
Maintenance: $8,840 over 10 years; 0 recalls.
Toyota Avalon (2022) – The Full-Size Flagship
Price: $23,814
Reliability Score: 91/100
The Toyota Avalon is Toyota’s largest front-wheel-drive sedan, powered by a 301-horsepower V6 engine. It ranks third out of 12 full-size cars in reliability and won J.D. Power’s Highest Dependable Large Vehicle award. The Avalon offers excellent fuel economy, handling, and spacious interiors. Some drawbacks include difficulty entering/exiting front seats and a polarizing grille design.
Key Issues: Tire punctures with no warning, old tires in inventory.
Maintenance: $463/year; no 10-year cost data; 0 recalls.
Conclusion: Choosing a car for long-term reliability means prioritizing brands with proven track records and models with consistent high scores. While recalls and minor issues can occur with any vehicle, these ten cars demonstrate a strong ability to outlast their owners, providing decades of dependable service with reasonable maintenance costs.
