Reliability is a huge factor when it comes to long-term car ownership. Choosing a reliable vehicle can save you big bucks on repairs. Additionally, reliable vehicles can even outlast models that are more prone to issues.
Consumer Reports calculates predicted reliability ratings for automotive brands every year. It analyzed data from around 380,000 vehicles to rank the reliability of 26 different car brands. The top five most reliable car brands of the year may surprise some drivers.
Some list entries may be head-scratchers to car buyers, but it’s no secret that Japanese automaker Toyota makes cars that are built to last. In fact, iSeeCars.com found that four of the cars most likely to last 250,000 miles are Toyota models.
SUVs like the Sequoia and 4Runner, and full-size pickup trucks like the Tundra have above-average reliability compared to many of their rivals. Toyota produced the most popular SUV of 2025, the Toyota RAV4. The brand earned the top spot on Consumer Reports’ list of most reliable new car brands and based on its reputation, its ranking is hard to dispute.
Subaru is known for producing rugged SUVs. Its most popular models this year are the Subaru Crosstrek, Forester and Outback, based on a November sales report. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru as the second-most reliable car brand of the year.
SUVs designed for off-roading are typically more durable than the average vehicle. Subaru has focused heavily on the build quality of its vehicles in recent years and it’s paying off. Furthermore, sales show that its emphasis on capable SUVs made for the road less traveled is what fans of the company want. SUVs like the Forester may not be putting up RAV4 sales numbers, but the brand is one to watch, especially in the off-road vehicle niche.
Toyota’s Luxury division Lexus may share platforms with its mainstream cousin, but the brand has created an identity of its own. Lexus offers entry-level prices for the luxury car and SUV segments while providing upscale interiors and modern tech.
The icing on the cake of the Lexus brand is that its cars are known for reliability, thanks to their Toyota DNA. If the RAV4 isn’t luxurious enough for you, there’s the Lexus NX. If the Toyota Highlander doesn’t meet your standards for cabin quality, there’s the Lexus RX. Furthermore, Lexus has its F-Sport performance line of vehicles for drivers who desire more engaging driving dynamics.
Honda, one of Toyota’s greatest rivals comes in at No. 4 on Consumer Reports’ list of automakers that make the most reliable new cars for 2025. Honda makes popular models like the Civic, Accord, CR-V and more. The brand has sold over 220,000 Civics and over 368,000 CR-V small SUVs in 2025, says a recent sales report.
Like Toyota, reliability has become part of Honda’s brand identity. Drivers know that when they purchase a reliable Honda model it has a high likelihood of outlasting many major competitors with proper maintenance. Cars like the Honda Civic remain popular because they’re affordable, long-lasting and fun to drive.
The only non-Japanese car brand on Consumer Reports’ top five most reliable new car brands list is BMW. The German automaker is recognized for producing classy and sporty luxury models. Reliability isn’t as synonymous with BMW as it is with mainstream brands like Toyota, since luxury vehicles tend to require costly parts and maintenance. That said, BMW’s inclusion on the list is no small feat.
Best-selling models for the year include the X3 small SUV, X5 midsize SUV, and X7 full-size SUV, according to Q3 sales numbers. If BMW’s brand identity is able to evolve to incorporate reliability into its defining traits in the next few years, the brand could see a drastic increase in sales.
Buying a brand-new vehicle and discovering that it’s plagued with reliability issues can be a harrowing experience. USA TODAY Cars offers buying tips and vehicle reviews for consumers so they can make informed decisions when shopping for a used or new car.

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