The 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey (32,000+ owners) crowns Hyundai i10, Kia EV3, and Toyota GR Yaris at 100% — zero faults. Toyota RAV4, Vauxhall Grandland, and Porsche Macan score under 7%. Honda leads brands at 96.6%, followed by Mini, Suzuki, Toyota, and Vauxhall. Hybrids dominate; EVs close the gap. All top repairs: free, fast, and drivable.
Introduction: Why Reliability Matters More Than Ever
With new car prices averaging $48,000 and repair bills soaring past $1,000 for common fixes, reliability is now the #1 buyer priority in 2025. Owners keep vehicles longer (average 8.4 years per S&P Global), making dependability a financial safeguard. A single breakdown can cost $500–$2,000 in parts, labor, and downtime — not counting lost wages or rental fees. Resale values for reliable models like the Toyota RAV4 hold 10–15% stronger than average (Kelley Blue Book). In an era of complex hybrids and EVs, buyers demand proof — not promises.
The 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey delivers exactly that. Over 32,000 real owners reported on 227 models from 30 brands, covering vehicles up to five years old. This captures warranty periods (3–5 years) plus two extra years of real-world stress. We’ll reveal the top 10 most bulletproof cars (99%+ scores) and the five most consistent brands. Whether you’re after a city runabout, family SUV, or electric daily, these rankings — backed by owner quotes like “faultless over 100,000 miles” — cut through hype.
How the 2025 Reliability Survey Was Conducted
The What Car? Reliability Survey is the gold standard because it’s built on unfiltered owner experiences — not controlled tests or PR spin. In 2025, 32,000+ participants detailed faults over the past 24 months on cars up to five years old. This timeframe covers standard warranties (3 years) plus two post-warranty years where owners pay out-of-pocket — making every issue count.
Owners first answer: “Did your car break down?” Then they specify:
- What failed? (engine, electrics, bodywork, brakes, etc.)
- Repair cost? (avg. $500–$1,200 USD for minor fixes)
- Downtime? (same-day to over a week)
- Drivable? (critical for daily use)
Scores are weighted: a $2,000 engine failure hurts more than a $100 sensor swap. Only current-sale models qualify (even if facelifted). Sample sizes are massive — e.g., 1,200+ RAV4 responses — ensuring accuracy. Fault rates under 5% are elite; 100% means zero reported issues.
Globally trusted (used by U.K. dealers, EU regulators, and U.S. buyers), it mirrors J.D. Power trends but drills deeper into costs. Full results, class breakdowns, and owner comments: WhatCar.com. Join next year’s survey — your car could shape 2026’s list.
Top 10 Most Reliable Cars of 2025
10. Hyundai Kona Hybrid — 8% Fault Rate
The second-generation Hyundai Kona Hybrid (2021+) proves hybrid tech doesn’t mean hybrid headaches. Only 8% of owners reported issues — limited to minor bodywork scratches (e.g., door dings) or non-engine electrical glitches like infotainment freezes or sensor misreads. Crucially, no engine, battery, or drivetrain failures were logged. Every affected car remained fully drivable, and Hyundai’s industry-leading five-year/unlimited-mile warranty covered all repairs (avg. ~$350 USD). Two-thirds were fixed within a week — many same-day at dealerships with loaner support.
The 1.6L hybrid system (141hp, 50+ mpg) excels in stop-start city driving, with real-world battery health holding above 94% after 60,000 miles. Owners praise the elevated SUV stance, sharp handling, and tech suite (10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay, blind-spot cameras) that rarely falters. Compared to the Honda HR-V Hybrid (12% fault rate), the Kona offers faster fixes and lower long-term costs.
It’s a compact crossover that shrugs off daily abuse — from school runs to weekend escapes. Verdict: Excellent choice for buyers seeking hybrid value and reliability — starts ~$25,000.
9. Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid — 6% Fault Rate
Kia’s Niro PHEV is the plug-in hybrid that refuses to plug up your life with repairs. Just 6% of owners faced minor issues — brake squeaks from pad glazing or dashboard electrical quirks (e.g., gauge flicker). No battery, motor, or charging port failures. Every car stayed drivable; 25% were fixed in under 24 hours, and half within a week (avg. ~$400 USD) — all 100% covered by Kia’s legendary seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.
The 1.6L powertrain (201hp, 33-mile EV range) delivers 113 mpg-e combined, perfect for commuters with home charging. Real-world data shows battery capacity retention above 95% after 50,000 miles. Owners love the upscale cabin (heated/ventilated seats, Harman Kardon audio), smooth ride, and intuitive 10.25-inch touchscreen. Versus the Toyota Prius Prime (9% faults), the Niro offers a longer warranty, faster fixes, and more cargo space (19.4 cu ft). It’s a versatile daily driver that blends gas-free commutes with road-trip range. Verdict: Fuel-efficient and worry-free daily commuter — starts ~$33,000.
8. Porsche Macan (Petrol) — 5% Fault Rate
The outgoing petrol Porsche Macan (pre-2024 electric switch) proves luxury SUVs can be as tough as they are fast. Only 5% reported issues — minor gearbox hesitation or electrical gremlins (e.g., infotainment reboot). Half were fixed in 24 hours, 75% within a week (~$800 USD avg.), all drivable and fully covered by Porsche’s four-year/50,000-mile warranty plus dealer goodwill.
The 2.0L turbo (261hp) or 3.0L V6 (375hp) options endure track days, mountain passes, and city sprints without protest. Owners report zero major failures even at 80,000+ miles. Porsche’s concierge-level service — loaners, overnight fixes, and mobile techs — minimizes hassle. Against the BMW X3 (18% faults, $1,200+ avg. repair), the Macan’s premium build and support network shine. It’s a performance SUV that delivers sports-car thrills with family-car toughness. Verdict: Proves performance cars can also be rock-solid — starts ~$62,000.
7. Volkswagen T-Roc — 4% Fault Rate
The Volkswagen T-Roc is the small SUV that keeps going — and going. Just 4% fault rate, even on 4–5-year-old models with 60,000+ miles outside warranty. Issues were minor: bodywork dings, rare gearbox hesitation, or electrical quirks. VW covered 99% of repairs (~$450 USD avg.), with one-third fixed same-day and all within a week — every car drivable.
The 1.5L TSI engine (148hp) delivers 40mpg and Golf-like handling in a raised package. Owners praise its sharp steering, premium cabin (digital cockpit, ambient lighting), and versatility for urban life. Compared to the Ford Puma (11% faults), the T-Roc offers superior long-term durability and resale value. It’s a bestseller for a reason — practical, fun, and built to last. Verdict: Small SUV with long-term durability — starts ~$28,000.
6. Toyota RAV4 — 7% Fault Rate
The Toyota RAV4 is the reliability icon that earned its crown. 7% fault rate — mostly 12V battery drain (common in hybrids) or infotainment glitches. 38% were briefly undrivable, but all fixed free within a week (~$350 USD avg.) under Toyota’s five-year/60,000-mile warranty. The 2.5L hybrid (219hp, 40mpg) dominates with AWD grip, 37.6 cu ft cargo, and a global service network.
Owners report 100,000+ miles with original batteries and zero major issues. Against the Honda CR-V (10% faults), the RAV4 wins on resale and hybrid efficiency. It’s the family SUV that hauls kids, gear, and peace of mind. Verdict: Consistent Toyota reliability in SUV form — starts ~$29,000.
5. Vauxhall (Opel) Grandland — 4% Fault Rate
The 2024+ Vauxhall Grandland is a reliability redemption story. Down from 19% faults in the old model to just 4% — minor non-engine electrical gremlins (e.g., sensor misread). All drivable, all fixed in 24 hours free (~$400 USD avg.). The 1.2L mild-hybrid (134hp, 50mpg) offers smooth power and family space.
Vs. the prior gen (42% over a week to fix), the new one’s QC and platform (shared with Peugeot 3008) leap forward. Owners praise the quiet cabin and tech. Verdict: Big improvement; now rock-solid — starts ~$32,000.
4. Toyota Aygo X (Igo Cross) — 99.7% Reliability; 3% Fault Rate
The Toyota Aygo X is the city car that defies its price tag. 3% fault rate — only bodywork scuffs — all fixed free in under 24 hours (~$200 USD). The 1.0L three-cylinder (71hp, 60mpg) zips through traffic with cheeky style and low running costs.
Owners love its elevated ride, tight turning circle, and surprising tech (Apple CarPlay, reverse cam). It’s a budget star with premium toughness. Verdict: Tiny hatch with massive dependability — starts ~$18,000.
3. Toyota GR Yaris — Perfect 100% Reliability Score
The Toyota GR Yaris is a rally-bred hot hatch with zero faults — despite 268hp, AWD, and owners thrashing it on track. The 1.6L turbo and manual gearbox endure abuse flawlessly. Verdict: Sports car thrills with Toyota toughness — starts ~$39,000.
2. Kia EV3 — 100% Reliability Rating
Kia’s compact EV3 scores a perfect 100% one year in. Zero software, battery, or motor issues. 201hp, 372-mile range, 800V fast charging — early adopters report flawless operation.
Verdict: First EV matching gas reliability — starts ~$35,000.
1. Hyundai i10 — 100% Reliability; No Complaints in 4 Years
The Hyundai i10 is the city car that never complains. Zero faults over four years — solid build, 1.0L engine (66hp, 55mpg), and five-year warranty. Owners call it “bulletproof.”
Verdict: Budget-friendly and virtually indestructible — starts ~$17,000.
Top 5 Most Reliable Car Brands of 2025
| Rank | Brand | Score | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda | 96.6% | All models top 50; Civic, HR-V, Accord — no weak links |
| 2 | Mini | 96.2% | Even Mini Electric at 94.2%; Cooper leads |
| 3 | Suzuki | 95.7% | Swift dominates small-car reliability |
| 4 | Toyota | 95% | Three 100% models; RAV4, GR Yaris, Aygo X |
| 5 | Vauxhall | 94% | Grandland (4% faults) lifts from 29th |
Honda wins with consistency — every model scores high, faults under 7%, fixes fast and free. Toyota’s fourth feels low given three perfect cars, but Yaris issues drag it. Mini and Suzuki excel in small cars; Vauxhall surges on new platforms. Expert Verdict: Japanese brands own reliability; hybrids and budget EVs lead the charge.
Key Insights: What 2025’s Reliability Rankings Reveal
Japanese brands dominate 60% of top 10 and three of five top brands — proof of decades of over-engineering. Hybrids average 6% fault rates vs. 15% for pure EVs, but Kia EV3’s 100% shows the gap closing fast. Reliability saves 25%+ in lifetime costs (maintenance + resale). “Peace of mind” is now the top buyer motivator (68%, Cox Automotive). Budget cars (i10, Aygo X) outscore luxury, proving price ≠ dependability. Global trend: U.S. sales of top-5 brands up 12%. Key: Choose reliability for a decade of confidence.
Honda (96.6%) — every model in top 50, low faults, fast fixes.
Hyundai i10 and Toyota Aygo X — both 100%/99.7%, under $20K.
Low fault rate, quick/free repairs, long warranty, drivable during fixes.
Conclusion: The Cars That Won’t Let You Down
In 2025, Honda, Toyota, and Kia prove reliability isn’t luck — it’s engineering. From the bulletproof i10 to the rally-ready GR Yaris, these cars deliver decade-long confidence. Choose them to protect your wallet and sanity. Compare warranties and scores before buying — your future self will thank you.
Source: The MOST RELIABLE cars (and brands) of 2025 | What Car?
