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
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
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
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
Audi A4
Aging but smooth operator still provides loyal service
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
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?
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
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
Audi A3
A highly polished midsize premium hatchback
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
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
Toyota C-HR
Former Parkers Cars of the Year still proving its worth
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