When shopping for a car, there are all kinds of things to keep in mind. Performance, fuel efficiency, and style are all important and will influence your decision to varying degrees. However, reliability should be a top concern.
Making sure that your new car is dependable is essential and will determine the overall value and the true cost of ownership for the vehicle over the years.
While there are a lot of tech features and safety equipment available with new cars, a vehicle’s reliability ranking will help you make the right decision.
Publications like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power rate the most reliable vehicles and offer insight into what you can expect over time. By understanding what the most reliable cars on the market are, you can find something that will serve you well for many years.
1. 2023 Toyota Corolla
For years, Toyota has been leading the pack when it comes to dependability. The 2023 Toyota Corolla is one of the most reliable vehicles on the market with a J.D. Power ranking of 85 and Consumer Reports projecting that the 2023 Corolla will be much more reliable than the average car on the market.
The Corolla’s powertrain is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder putting out 169 horsepower through a continuously variable automatic transmission. This powertrain can also be hybridized and can be had with either a front- or all-wheel drive configuration. Plus, the Corolla’s excellent braking system gives you a responsive, dependable stopping distance between 174 and 183 feet from 70 miles-per-hour.
The Corolla’s interior is simple and comfortable with soft-touch materials and easy-to-use controls. The back seat has ample room for adults, especially if you opt for the sedan body style instead of the hatchback.
It features an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and also allows for a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot if you want to include it. One of the areas where the Corolla is especially unique is its suite of driver assistance and safety features. This includes forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking.
Browse 2023 Toyota Corolla listings here.
2. 2023 Honda Civic
In the world of reliable, affordable cars, the Honda Civic has long been a favorite for car buyers all over the globe. The 2023 Civic is no exception and has incredible reliability scores across the board, including an above-average score from Consumer Reports and an overall rating of 82 out of 100 from J.D. Power.
This makes it a fantastic choice if you want something simple and dependable to get you through your commute or daily errands.
With the 2023 model year, you have a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder putting out 158 horsepower or a 1.5-liter four-cylinder putting out 180 horsepower through a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The interior of the Civic is cleanly designed and features a dashboard with a honeycomb inlay that hides the air vents and makes for an excellent, modern aesthetic. There is also plenty of space for storage, including a large bin in front of the shifter and cubby holes throughout.
It also comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system but this can be upgraded to 9.0 inches with an additional 10.2-inch digital gauge display. Every 2023 Civic comes with comprehensive safety features and equipment that this automaker has always been known for. These include automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse Honda Civic listings here.
3. 2023 Lexus IS
Lexus has garnered a well-deserved reputation over the years as one of the most reliable car brands in operation. The 2023 Lexus IS is one of the best cars that the luxury car company makes, with features and specs that rival brands like Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Genesis.
The 2023 IS also has outstanding reliability ratings with an excellent 92 out of 100 from Consumer Reports and Consumer Reports has ranked Lexus the highest out of all the automotive companies on the market for car reliability.
With a 2023 IS, you can choose from three engines, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder putting out 241 horsepower, a V6 putting out 311 horsepower, and a massive V8 that produces 472 horsepower.
Inside, the IS has everything you would expect from an entry-level luxury car, including power-adjustable seats and dual-zone climate control. It also comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with comprehensive connectivity that can be upgraded to 10.3 inches.
You can also upgrade to a Mark Levinson premium stereo system if you want to enhance your infotainment experience on the road. On top of that, the IS comes with a large suite of driver-assistance and safety features like lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and much more.
Browse 2023 Lexus IS listings here.
4. 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
While fuel economy and practical driveability are the usual factors that go into the decision to buy a subcompact car, fun is just as important.
Nowhere is this exemplified more than with the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Long known as one of the most exciting small cars on the market, the Miata also exceeds expectations with reliability, which is something that other sporty compact cars by Volkswagen, Acura, and Mini can’t compete with.
The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata has above-average ratings with both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, so you can be sure that it will deliver a fun driving experience for many years.
With a 2.0-liter four-cylinder putting out 181 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission, there is plenty of power to go around with this little convertible. Plus, its sporty styling and sharp, responsive handling make it a great choice for all kinds of applications.
The interior only has seats for two (there aren’t even tiny seats behind the front pair), but it is fairly roomy and comfortable enough for long drives. It also has a touchscreen infotainment system that is controllable with a large rotary knob, which is much easier to use for both the driver and the passenger.
The Miata also comes with standard safety features like automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more.
Browse 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata listings here.
5. 2023 Hyundai Sonata
In recent years, Hyundai has become known for their comprehensive warranty, which makes even their used cars a solid buy and shows how much faith they have in their designs and production.
Their midsize family sedan, the Sonata, features this same focus on dependability and delivers practicality that rivals other automakers with similar models like Ford, Chevrolet, Lincoln, and Subaru.
Consumer Reports predicts that the 2023 Sonata will be more reliable than the average car on the market and J.D. Power has rated it 82 out of 100 for reliability, making it a great choice for those who need dependability.
The 2023 Sonata features either a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder putting out 180 horsepower or a 191-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder as well as a hybridized version that generates 192 horsepower.
The interior of the Sonata looks much more upscale than you might expect for the price and features a simple layout as well as an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Hyundai’s Digital Key tech, which allows you to operate some functions of the car with your smartphone.
Plus, it comes with standard forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
Browse 2023 Hyundai Sonata listings here.
6. 2023 BMW 3-Series
BMW has a reputation for making high-end luxury cars that are driven more by performance than reliability. However, the 2023 BMW 3-Series is an exception with high ratings for both driveability and dependability, making it an excellent option for all kinds of drivers.
Consumer Reports gives the 2023 3-Series an above-average predicted reliability rating and while J.D. Power hasn’t yet rated the 2023 3-Series, last year, it received an 81 out of 100 reliability rating and the new model year only has tech and exterior upgrades, meaning it should perform about the same when it comes to its dependability.
The 2023 3-Series comes with your choice of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder putting out 255 horsepower or a 3.0-liter inline-six with a hybrid system that generates a combined 382 horsepower. You can also opt for a turbo 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor putting out 288 horsepower if you choose the plug-in hybrid version for some of the benefits of an electric vehicle like a Tesla with the added reliability of a gas engine.
The interior of the 3-Series is just as luxurious and high-quality as you would expect from BMW with premium materials and stellar design. Plus, it comes with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen combined with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display in one large array.
Browse 2023 BMW 3-Series listings here.
7. 2023 Kia Forte
Most families who go shopping for a new vehicle will end up looking at SUVs by GMC or Cadillac, or they will go straight to the versatile options like the Toyota RAV4 or Highlander.
However, the sedan segment is usually underrepresented in the discussion about family vehicles and the 2023 Kia Forte is here to rectify that.
The 2023 Forte has received fantastic reliability rankings including an 87 out of 100 from J.D. Power making it one of the most dependable vehicles on the market.
The 2023 Kia Forte comes with two different engine options including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder putting out 147 horsepower, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower. While neither of these engines are exceptionally powerful, the nimble handling and responsive steering make the Forte a fun car to drive, even for daily errands.
The interior is sparse but well-designed and the back seat is big enough for two adults to sit with plenty of room to spare. It also comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Bluetooth connectivity and features like automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist to keep you and your family safe.
Browse 2023 Kia Forte listings here.
8. 2023 Nissan Altima
When it comes to sporty sedans, it can be difficult to find something that has a solid combination of looks, power, and reliability. The 2023 Nissan Altima is a fantastic representation of what can be done when all of these things are taken into consideration for a new vehicle.
The 2023 Altima has a reliability rating of 84 out of 100 from J.D. Power and has consistently ranked highly in previous model years with Consumer Reports. Plus, it has a spacious cabin that is big enough for the whole family and a driveability that is rare in the world of midsize sedans.
The 2023 Nissan Altima features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder as the base powertrain and that puts out 188 horsepower. However, you can opt for a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 248 horsepower if you want a little extra power.
The cabin of the Altima is easy to navigate and well-appointed with nice materials and excellent build quality. The tech features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but this can be upgraded to 12.3 inches if you want more space.
Browse 2023 Nissan Altima listings here.
9. 2023 Toyota Prius
For many years, the Toyota Prius has been the epitome of the hybrid car and the Japanese innovation has led the way when it comes to the popularization of fuel-efficient vehicles.
With its redesign in 2023, the Prius has become a leader in reliable cars and a fantastic ideological foil to gas-guzzling pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado.
Consumer Reports predicts that the 2023 Prius will be much more reliable than the average car as it ages, which makes it a great choice for people who want to save money at the pump and at the shop.
The 2023 Prius has a 2.0-liter hybrid inline-four gasoline putting out 194 horsepower through a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The new Prius has gotten a makeover both inside and out and the cabin is more spacious than ever with an 8.0-inch infotainment system that features the “Hey Toyota” voice activation system.
It also comes with a wide variety of safety and driver-assistance features as standard equipment including automatic high beams, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
Browse 2023 Toyota Prius listings here.
10. 2023 Infiniti Q50
Sporty sedans can be a tricky category, especially since they require some clever design and excellent reliability. However, the 2023 Infiniti Q50 hits the mark in every way with a comfortable interior and a powerful drivetrain.
The 2023 Infiniti Q50 has a reliability rating of 83 out of 100 from J.D. Power, making it a fantastic choice if you want a family sedan that you can depend on that will also bring you some enjoyment while on the road.
Plus, it has a sleek, polished look on the exterior that can be tough to find in the sedan category.
The 2023 Q50 comes with two different twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engines with one of them putting out 300 horsepower and another putting out 400.
The interior of the Q50 is plush and comfortable, even if you opt for one of the lower trim levels and it truly embodies the spirit of the sports sedan.
Even base models come with a leather interior and power-adjustable seats and the dual-screen infotainment system offers a lot of digital real estate. Plus, the 2023 Q50 comes with standard safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring.
Browse 2023 Infiniti Q50 listings here.
Final Thoughts
When searching for a new car, reliability should be one of your primary concerns. The more reliable a vehicle is, the less you will spend on it throughout its life and the more you can enjoy it.
By knowing what the most reliable cars on the market are for 2023, you can find something that will serve you well for many years without having to worry about breakdowns or repairs.
https://www.autolist.com/guides/top-10-most-reliable-cars The Top 10 Most Reliable Cars for 2023
