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These Are The Most Reliable New Cars For The Money: Study

A new study ranked the top 25 most reliable new cars for the money. And the results aren't all that surprising.

Mazda3 Hatchback

Photo by: Mazda

Jeff Perez

By: Jeff Perez

Jan 30, at 1:30pm ET

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the breakdown

The top overall is the Honda Civic, with an annual cost of just $2,058.
The Tacoma leads the truck segment while the Outlander Sport tops all SUVs.
Some cars, like the Lexus IS350, last longer but cost more.

When shopping for a new car, two factors usually top the list: price and reliability. You want something affordable that will also last for years.

A recent study by iSeeCars considers both factors, ranking the most reliable new cars of 2026 relative to their average list prices. The analysis takes things like expected lifespan, average annual cost, and overall price into account.

A total of 25 cars, trucks, and SUVs made the final list, with breakdowns by body style and size. Here’s what you need to know.

Overall Cost & Reliability Winners

2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Hatchback First Drive

Honda Civic Hybrid Hatchback

Photo by: Motor1.com

It’s no surprise that the Honda Civic takes the top spot. With an average list price of $27,768, the Civic has an expected lifespan of 13.5 years and an average annual cost of $2,058.

Some vehicles, though, have even longer lifespans. The Mazda3 hatchback and Ford Ranger will both last you an estimated 13.8 years. The Toyota Tacoma should make it to 15.7 years. Most impressively, the Lexus IS350 has an average lifespan of 17.0 years.

That said, with that impressive longevity comes a higher price tag. The Lexus IS350 averages $50,945, followed by the Ford Ranger at $43,797 and the Nissan Frontier at $40,919. Below we've included the top 10 (head over to iSeeCars to see the full list).

Model Average List Price Expected Lifespan Price Per Year Honda Civic $27,768 13.5 Years $2,058 Toyota Corolla $25,423 11.3 Years $2,258 Mazda3 Hatchback $31,801 13.8 Years $2,300 Volkswagen Jetta $26,522 11.5 Years $2,313 Honda Accord $30,927 12.4 Years $2,489 Subaru Impreza $27,559 11.0 Years $2,507 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport $28,396 11.3 Years $2,523 Hyundai Elantra $25,172 9.9 Years $2,538 Mazda3 Sedan $28,006 10.7 Years $2,616 Honda CR-V $36,385 13.9 Years $2,620

Breakdown By Category

2026 Honda CR-V Trailsport

2026 Honda CR-V Trailsport

Photo by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

Looking closer at each vehicle type reveals interesting trends.

The top SUV, for example, is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, with an average price per year of just $2,523 and an expected lifespan of 11.3 years. Second only to the Outlander Sport is the Honda CR-V, which costs $2,620 per year on average and has an expected lifespan of 13.9 years.

The Honda Civic still beats out all other cars, while the Toyota Corolla places second with an average price per year of $2,258 and an expected lifespan of 11.3 years. The Mazda3 hatchback, Volkswagen Jetta, and Subaru Impreza aren’t far behind.

When it comes to trucks, the Tacoma is the top dog with an average price per year of $2,833. In fact, it’s the only mid-size truck that sits above the average, while the Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado are the only two full-size pickups above average. Here are the winners in each category:

Model Average List Price Expected Lifespan Price Per Year Car: Honda Civic $27,768 13.5 Years $2,058 Truck: Toyota Tacoma $44,601 15.7 Years $2,833 SUV: Mitsubishi Outlander Sport $28,396 11.3 Years $2,523

"Consumers are keeping their cars longer to combat the strain of rising new car prices," said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. "For buyers looking to maximize their ownership period while minimizing the cost of replacing a vehicle, we’ve identified which new models offer the longest lifespan at the lowest price."

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So, next time you’re in the market for something cheap and reliable, now you know what to look for.

Motor1's Take: Honda and Toyota unsurprisingly dominate the rankings, but it’s interesting to see brands like Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Mini also making the cut. If you’re shopping for a cheap, reliable new car, this list gives you a clear starting point.

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