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 vehicle 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 from more than 1.3m new cars 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 2024, and we’ve listed the top 10 cars in the survey here. It includes a wide variety of vehicles, including hatchbacks, saloons and SUVs, and three electric cars. 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. In fact, it's been the most dependable car in the FN50 survey for four years in a row.
The 3 Series' other 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). Though new diesel models have been discontinued in the UK as part of the latest update, its petrol and hybrid engines are among the best in this class. 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
The 3 Series' other 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). Though new diesel models have been discontinued in the UK as part of the latest update, its petrol and hybrid engines are among the best in this class. 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
- So good to drive
- Spot-on interior design and tech
- Usefully efficient
Cons
- Pricey options
- Diesel no longer available on new models
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, more than five million Toyotas have been built here in the last 30 years. Toyota is renowned for its cars' reliability and the Corolla is no different, retaining its second-place position for the first tear.
Key to the Corolla's reliability is its excellent hybrid engines. The 2.0-litre version provides quite lively performance with excellent fuel economy. Back seat and boot space is limited in hatchbacks, but the estate is a much more practical family car. Loads of standard features are fitted and you get up to 10 years of warranty coverage if you have your Toyota serviced at a main dealer.
To find out more read our full Toyota Corolla review
Key to the Corolla's reliability is its excellent hybrid engines. The 2.0-litre version provides quite lively performance with excellent fuel economy. Back seat and boot space is limited in hatchbacks, but the estate is a much more practical family car. Loads of standard features are fitted and you get up to 10 years of warranty coverage if you have your Toyota serviced at a main dealer.
To find out more read our full Toyota Corolla review
Pros
- Most reliable family hatchback
- Diesel-like fuel economy
- Drives neatly
Cons
- Limited rear space
- Touchscreen isn't the most modern
One of the best electric cars is also one of the most reliable
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 two Teslas appear on this list.
Not only is it the most reliable EV, it’s also one of the best. 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. Recent updates have improved the Model 3's interior quality, while it now boasts an outstanding range of up to 435 miles. The entirely touchscreen-based interior controls won’t suit everyone, though.
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. 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. Recent updates have improved the Model 3's interior quality, while it now boasts an outstanding range of up to 435 miles. The entirely touchscreen-based interior controls won’t suit everyone, though.
To find out more read our full Tesla Model 3 review
Pros
- Vastly improved build quality of late
- Supercharger network still a winner
- Superb electric range and efficiency
Cons
- Not the most practical car this size
- Screen-based controls not for everyone
Electric SUV offers great performance and range
Following closely behind the Model 3 in the reliability stakes is Tesla's Model Y, a closely related electric SUV that brings more space and usability. It's one of the UK's most popular cars, too, and by far the most popular EV. It's ideal for families because of its spacious interior and large boot, with Tesla soon introducing a seven-seat version in the UK to expand its appeal further.
While the Model Y isn't especially comfortable, if you can live with its harsh ride it's a very convincing new car option. Tesla also recently introduced a new Long Range model, increasing the claimed distance between charges to 373 miles. With fantastic leasing deals available, it makes for a great choice.
To find out more read our full Tesla Model Y review
While the Model Y isn't especially comfortable, if you can live with its harsh ride it's a very convincing new car option. Tesla also recently introduced a new Long Range model, increasing the claimed distance between charges to 373 miles. With fantastic leasing deals available, it makes for a great choice.
To find out more read our full Tesla Model Y review
Pros
- Impressive electric range and performance
- Roomy and family friendly interior
- Easy access to Tesla's stellar charging network
Cons
- Unsettled ride quality
- Numb steering makes it hard to place through a corner
Aging but smooth operator still provides loyal service
The Volvo XC60 might be the oldest new car on this list, but it only seems to get better with age as it's now ranked as the most reliable non-electric SUV you can buy. Volvo's mid-range SUV was first introduced in 2017 but has continually been updated to make sure it remains competitive next to rivals.
It still looks the part inside and out, even though the interior tech feels a few years behind most competitors. But it's still a very safe, well-built and spacious SUV that will suit family duties well. Standard equipment is generous, too, while the plug-in hybrid boasts a claimed electric range of almost 50 miles.
To find out more read our full Volvo XC60 review
It still looks the part inside and out, even though the interior tech feels a few years behind most competitors. But it's still a very safe, well-built and spacious SUV that will suit family duties well. Standard equipment is generous, too, while the plug-in hybrid boasts a claimed electric range of almost 50 miles.
To find out more read our full Volvo XC60 review
Pros
- Spacious and stylish interior
- Excellent safety reputation
- Sleek and modern design
Cons
- Disappointing ride quality for a Volvo
- No diesel, and the petrols are thirsty
Popular hatchback lives up to its maker’s reputation
Honda is another brand with a reputation for reliability, and its new models are proving every bit as dependable. That includes the new Civic, introduced in 2022, which is proving just as impressive in this respect as its predecessor. At Parkers, we're huge fans of the new Civic, so much so that we awarded it our overall Car of the Year in 2023.
With the exception of the sporty Type R (which is also brilliant), all Civics now come with a hybrid powertrain that is both powerful but also pleasantly efficient. With a spacious, well-built interior and generous equipment levels – and, of course, reliability – the Civic ticks a lot of the right boxes.
To find out more read our full Honda Civic review
With the exception of the sporty Type R (which is also brilliant), all Civics now come with a hybrid powertrain that is both powerful but also pleasantly efficient. With a spacious, well-built interior and generous equipment levels – and, of course, reliability – the Civic ticks a lot of the right boxes.
To find out more read our full Honda Civic review
Pros
- Powerful and efficient hybrid engine
- High-quality interior
- Excellent ride and handling
Cons
- Range lacks choice
- More expensive than rivals to buy and lease
Proof that BMW can also make a reliable electric car, not just a petrol
The BMW i4 is the electric equivalent to the the 3 Series, and it seems to be proving equally reliable as it's the only non-Tesla EV to make the list of most dependable cars. It's a particularly popular car in the fleet segment, meaning this evaluation will be the result of data from thousands of examples of the i4. In fact, we named it as the Parkers Company Car of the Year 2025.
Though more expensive than a Tesla Model 3, the BMW i4 justifies its extra expense with its more upmarket interior and exceptional driving manners.
To find out more read our full BMW i4 review
Though more expensive than a Tesla Model 3, the BMW i4 justifies its extra expense with its more upmarket interior and exceptional driving manners.
To find out more read our full BMW i4 review
Pros
- Long electric range
- Conventional, upmarket interior
- Strong performance
Cons
- More expensive than rivals
- Cramped back seats
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, including an impressive 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.
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.
To find out more read our full Audi A3 review
Pros
- Nicely finished interior
- Lots of powertrain options
- Good to drive
Cons
- Not especially spacious
- Hard ride on models with largest wheels
A supremely comfortable and spacious family SUV
The Kia Sportage retains its position in the top 10 for a second year. Kia 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.
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
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
- Wide choice of engines available
- Lots of interior space
Cons
- Handling isn’t that involving
- PHEV model is expensive
Popular family car also proves to be a reliable choice
The current-generation Skoda Octavia was hamstrung by tech gremlins when it first launched in 2020, but it appears the firm has cleared up any issues as the Octavia sneaks into our most reliable cars list for the first time in several years. The Octavia is a popular family car owing to its hugely spacious interior, which gives you far more space than an equivalent VW Golf, despite it actually costing less to buy.
Its available as both a large hatchback and an estate, with both offering low running costs. You can choose it with petrol and diesel engines, with a plug-in hybrid set to rejoin the Octavia line-up in 2025. It might not be the most stylish or desirable car, but if you want something practical and dependable, it's hard to beat at this price.
To find out more read our full Skoda Octavia review
Its available as both a large hatchback and an estate, with both offering low running costs. You can choose it with petrol and diesel engines, with a plug-in hybrid set to rejoin the Octavia line-up in 2025. It might not be the most stylish or desirable car, but if you want something practical and dependable, it's hard to beat at this price.
To find out more read our full Skoda Octavia review
Pros
- Very spacious interior
- Great value for money
- Excellent fuel consumption
Cons
- Plain styling
- Rivals are more enjoyable to drive
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