Whether you’re buying a brand new car or a used car, reliability is regularly cited as one of the most pressing concerns. Justifiably, you want to make sure you get a car that’s not going to spend more time in the garage than on your driveway. We’ve put together as close to a definitive list of the most reliable new cars you can buy right now.
Parkers’ sister title Fleet News carries out an annual survey of car reliability, the FN50. Fleet managers at 50 of the UK’s biggest car leasing firms are quizzed about what the cars on their books are like to run. Data on breakdowns, warranty claims and servicing are compiled, numbers are crunched and a ranking of the most reliable cars included in the survey is produced.
The most recent FN50 was published in November 2023 and we’ve listed the top 10 cars in the survey here. There’s a wide variety of cars including hatchbacks, saloons and SUVs, although surprisingly only one electric car makes the list. It’s the perfect place to start if you want to make sure your next car is as reliable as possible.
You may also want to check out our list of the most reliable vans, also compiled using FN50 data.
Top 10 most reliable new cars
The best family saloon and estate is also the most reliable
There’s a strong argument that the BMW 3 Series is the best car of any sort available to buy right now. Over nearly 50 years it has been polished to a glimmering sheen and you can be confident that first-rate reliability is on its lengthy list of talents.
Those talents include a pin-sharp driving experience, an interior laden with useful and user-friendly tech, generous space for four and a practical boot (especially in the Touring estate). You also have a wide range of great engines to choose from, high comfort levels and bank vault-like build quality. The ride is a bit firm in M Sport models and it has become quite a large car, but these are minor quibbles when the 3 Series is such a brilliant all-rounder.
To find out more read our full BMW 3 Series review
Those talents include a pin-sharp driving experience, an interior laden with useful and user-friendly tech, generous space for four and a practical boot (especially in the Touring estate). You also have a wide range of great engines to choose from, high comfort levels and bank vault-like build quality. The ride is a bit firm in M Sport models and it has become quite a large car, but these are minor quibbles when the 3 Series is such a brilliant all-rounder.
To find out more read our full BMW 3 Series review
Pros
- Oh so good to drive
- Spot-on interior design and tech
- Usefully efficient
Cons
- Pricey options
- It’s a big car now
Made in Britain can be a mark of reliability
Did you know the Toyota Corolla is built in Britain? In Burnaston, near Derby, to be precise. Indeed, nearly 5 million Toyotas have been built there in the last 30 years. The Corolla’s position so high up this list blows out of the water the idea that the British can’t build some of the most reliable new cars.
The Corolla is unique among midsize hatchbacks in that it’s only available with self-charging hybrid powertrains. The 2.0-litre version provides quite lively performance with very strong fuel economy. Back seat and boot space is limited in hatchbacks, but the estate’s a much more practical family car. Loads of standard features are fitted and you get up to 10 years of warranty coverage.
To find out more read our full Toyota Corolla review
The Corolla is unique among midsize hatchbacks in that it’s only available with self-charging hybrid powertrains. The 2.0-litre version provides quite lively performance with very strong fuel economy. Back seat and boot space is limited in hatchbacks, but the estate’s a much more practical family car. Loads of standard features are fitted and you get up to 10 years of warranty coverage.
To find out more read our full Toyota Corolla review
Pros
- Most reliable family hatchback
- Diesel-like fuel economy
- Drives neatly
Cons
- Limited rear room
- Entirely unexciting
Distinctive SUV serves up a practical and premium experience
The Hyundai Tucson is one of the most attention-grabbing compact family SUVs around. And, according to the FN50, it’s also the most reliable. Aside from a strong reputation for reliability, Hyundai is also highly regarded for it’s long warranty; as standard, every one of its cars comes with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, which helps keep fuss for customers to a minimum.
Hyundai’s attention-grabbing Tucson isn’t just a reliable choice, though. It comes with masses of kit, it’s spacious, it’s relaxing to drive, and it’s offered with an array of electrified powertrain options. It’s also finished to a high standard, giving it a pleasingly premium feel without the associated hefty price tag.
To find out more read our full Hyundai Tucson review
Hyundai’s attention-grabbing Tucson isn’t just a reliable choice, though. It comes with masses of kit, it’s spacious, it’s relaxing to drive, and it’s offered with an array of electrified powertrain options. It’s also finished to a high standard, giving it a pleasingly premium feel without the associated hefty price tag.
To find out more read our full Hyundai Tucson review
Pros
- High-quality interior
- Lots of space and equipment
- Hybrid and plug-in options
Cons
- No diesel option
- Rivals are better to drive
4
Audi A4
Aging but smooth operator still provides loyal service
It’s been around quite a long time but the Audi A4 is aging like fine wine. Even though much newer rivals are available, it remains a highly comfortable, refined and user-friendly compact executive saloon. It's clearly one of the most reliable new cars available, too.
The A4’s interior is so thoughtfully laid out that you’ll find all the controls in seconds, and it’s exquisitely well-made, too. Indeed, the whole car is. Passenger space is pretty roomy and the boot’s a decent size, though the extra practicality of the Avant estate is useful to have. The driving experience is controlled and precise, the engines serve up a strong turn of speed with excellent fuel economy. Shame there’s no plug-in hybrid, though.
To find out more read our full Audi A4 review
The A4’s interior is so thoughtfully laid out that you’ll find all the controls in seconds, and it’s exquisitely well-made, too. Indeed, the whole car is. Passenger space is pretty roomy and the boot’s a decent size, though the extra practicality of the Avant estate is useful to have. The driving experience is controlled and precise, the engines serve up a strong turn of speed with excellent fuel economy. Shame there’s no plug-in hybrid, though.
To find out more read our full Audi A4 review
Pros
- Superb build quality
- Fast models are great to drive
- Ergonomically faultless interior
Cons
- Shrinking model range
- No plug-in hybrid
A supremely comfortable and spacious family SUV
The Kia Sportage, like the Tucson with which it shares its platform, is a new entry in the reliability top ten. As with Hyundai, the brand is well regarded for the reliability of its products – and it offers an excellent seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard, helping keep hassle and the cost of ownership down for owners.
Kia’s family SUV is a good option for buyers, too, offering a practical and high-quality package that’s relaxing to drive and own. It’s also offered with a wide array of powertrains, including mild hybrids, full hybrids, plug-in hybrids, some of which can be specified with all-wheel drive.
To find out more read our full Kia Sportage review
Kia’s family SUV is a good option for buyers, too, offering a practical and high-quality package that’s relaxing to drive and own. It’s also offered with a wide array of powertrains, including mild hybrids, full hybrids, plug-in hybrids, some of which can be specified with all-wheel drive.
To find out more read our full Kia Sportage review
Pros
- Smartly styled and finished cabin
- PHEV variant offers long all-electric range
- Lots of interior space
Cons
- Handling isn’t that involving
- PHEV model is expensive
Who’d have thought Tesla makes the most reliable electric car?
Early examples of the Tesla Model 3 were plagued by build quality and reliability issues, but the Californian EV maker has clearly worked out the kinks in the years since and it's now one of the most reliable new cars available. It also speaks volumes that the Model 3 is the only electric car on this list.
Not only is it the most reliable EV, it’s also one of the best, despite its advancing years. It’s quick, quiet and surprisingly athletic to drive, it seats five adults in comfort, the tech still impresses and the Supercharger network takes the hassle out of long drives. But why the Model 3 isn’t the hatchback it looks like remains a mystery. The entirely touchscreen-based interior controls won’t suit everyone, either.
To find out more read our full Tesla Model 3 review
Not only is it the most reliable EV, it’s also one of the best, despite its advancing years. It’s quick, quiet and surprisingly athletic to drive, it seats five adults in comfort, the tech still impresses and the Supercharger network takes the hassle out of long drives. But why the Model 3 isn’t the hatchback it looks like remains a mystery. The entirely touchscreen-based interior controls won’t suit everyone, either.
To find out more read our full Tesla Model 3 review
Pros
- Vastly improved build quality of late
- Supercharger network still a winner
- Relatively short waiting times
Cons
- Not the most practical car this size
- Screen-based controls not for everyone
Popular hatchback lives up its maker’s reputation
We’re talking here about the previous generation of Honda Civic, which was replaced in 2022 by a brand-new version that’s so good we named it our Car of The Year for 2023. As a result, this generation is now only available to buy used and it’s well worth considering if you’re in the market for a midsize hatchback.
It has plenty of space for four adults, a big boot and it’s great to drive. The bonkers Type-R also remains one of the best hot hatchbacks of recent years. The car’s styling won’t be to everyone’s taste and the infotainment system is fiddly, but running costs are low and it’s really good value.
To find out more read our full Honda Civic review
It has plenty of space for four adults, a big boot and it’s great to drive. The bonkers Type-R also remains one of the best hot hatchbacks of recent years. The car’s styling won’t be to everyone’s taste and the infotainment system is fiddly, but running costs are low and it’s really good value.
To find out more read our full Honda Civic review
Pros
- Good to drive
- Roomy interior
- Efficient engines
Cons
- Sub-standard infotainment system
- Divisive styling
8
Audi A3
A highly polished midsize premium hatchback
You expect an Audi to look and feel pretty slick and that’s certainly the case with the latest A3. It’s just so very easy to live with. The seats are superb, the dashboard makes complete sense, the tech is user-friendly, the whole interior is made with real precision. It handles neatly and rides smoothly, there are loads of engines to choose from, plus a plug-in hybrid.
The A3 is available in five-door Sportback or four-door saloon forms, but they’re not the most spacious or practical midsize options. But the car’s polish goes a long way towards compensating for that. As do low running costs and value-orientated pricing.
To find out more read our full Audi A3 review
The A3 is available in five-door Sportback or four-door saloon forms, but they’re not the most spacious or practical midsize options. But the car’s polish goes a long way towards compensating for that. As do low running costs and value-orientated pricing.
To find out more read our full Audi A3 review
Pros
- Nicely finished interior
- Lots of powertrain options
- Surprisingly good value
Cons
- Not especially spacious
- Looks a bit aggressive
Proof that cool looks and practicality can go together
Volvo built its reputation on producing practical, safe, reliable family cars and the XC40 is all of those things. It may be the Swedish brand’s smallest SUV, but it packs in more passenger space than all of its rivals, enough for pretty much any family. The boot is on the small side but it’s cleverly designed to be as useful a space as possible.
The XC40 looks fantastic inside and out, too, in that cool, minimalist way Scandinavian designers do so well. The touchscreen-based interior controls won’t suit everyone, but the system is feature-dense. There’s a vast range of powertrains to choose from – including an electric version – and it’s rather soothing to drive.
To find out more read our full Volvo XC40 review
The XC40 looks fantastic inside and out, too, in that cool, minimalist way Scandinavian designers do so well. The touchscreen-based interior controls won’t suit everyone, but the system is feature-dense. There’s a vast range of powertrains to choose from – including an electric version – and it’s rather soothing to drive.
To find out more read our full Volvo XC40 review
Pros
- Scandinavian style
- Attentive dealers
- Family-friendly interior
Cons
- Costs more than many rivals
- Unconvincing plug-in hybrid
10
Toyota C-HR
Former Parkers Cars of the Year still proving its worth
Toyota’s quirky SUV coupe – a former Parkers Car of the Year – rounds off this list of the ten most reliable new cars. Its reliability is undoubtedly a big factor in its appeal, though perhaps not as much as its Manga-infused style. The self-charging hybrid powertrains are very efficient, it’s engaging to drive and you get up to 10 years of factory warranty coverage, so long as you have it serviced by Toyota.
There are better options if you need a family car – the C-HR’s back seats are claustrophobic and the boot is small. Apart from that, though, there’s a lot to like here.
To find out more read our full Toyota C-HR review
There are better options if you need a family car – the C-HR’s back seats are claustrophobic and the boot is small. Apart from that, though, there’s a lot to like here.
To find out more read our full Toyota C-HR review
Pros
- Up to 10 years of warranty coverage
- Excellent fuel economy
- Still looks funky
Cons
- Little back seat space
- Not especially practical
