Highlights:
- The Honda Civic is this year’s most reliable new car for the money, with a 13.5-year predicted lifespan and average list price of $27,768
- Compact cars make up 12 of the top 25 most reliable new cars for the money, with the Civic followed by the Toyota Corolla and Mazda Mazda3 (hatchback) in the top three slots
- Honda, Nissan, and Toyota all have four models ranked in the top 25, followed by Ford, Mazda, and MINI with two each
- Japanese and Korean cars make up 18 of the most reliable 25 new cars for the money, with four from the U.S. and three from Germany
- On average a new car costs $46,699 and has an 11-year lifespan, or $4,251 for each year of that lifespan
Getting the longest-lasting model at the lowest price can offset the rising cost of new vehicles, and the Honda Civic ranks number one in that metric. The average new car costs $46,699 and has an 11-year predicted lifespan, which translates to a $4,251 price per year.
iSeeCars analyzed the prices of over 8.7 million new cars sold in July - December 2025 and the odometer readings of over 400 million used cars from its Longest Lasting Cars Study. The average list price of each model was compared to its expected lifespan (in years) to calculate the list price per year.
“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.”
Most reliable new cars for the money
The new Honda Civic only costs $27,768 and has a 13.5-year predicted lifespan, making the Civic’s $2,058 price for each year of service less than half the industry average. The Toyota Corolla ranks second with a price of $25,423 and an 11.3-year lifespan, or a $2,258 price per year. The Mazda Mazda3 hatchback ranks third with a $31,801 price, 13.8-year lifespan, and $2,300 price per year.Honda, Nissan, and Toyota all have four models on the 25 Most Reliable New Cars for the Money list, while Ford, Mazda and MINI make the list with two models each. Jeep is the first U.S. model to show up, at number 16, while the Lexus IS is the only luxury vehicle in the top 25, at number 15. Three hybrids also make the list (Prius, Camry, and Civic). Hyundai and Mitsubishi only offer one model each, but they do have longer warranty periods, which can provide peace of mind for buyers looking at long-term ownership.
| 25 Most Reliable New Cars for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Lifespan (Years) | Price per Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Honda Civic | $27,768 | 13.5 | $2,058 | 0.48x |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla | $25,423 | 11.3 | $2,258 | 0.53x |
| 3 | Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback | $31,801 | 13.8 | $2,300 | 0.54x |
| 4 | Volkswagen Jetta | $26,522 | 11.5 | $2,313 | 0.54x |
| 5 | Honda Accord | $30,927 | 12.4 | $2,489 | 0.59x |
| 6 | Subaru Impreza | $27,559 | 11.0 | $2,507 | 0.59x |
| 7 | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | $28,396 | 11.3 | $2,523 | 0.59x |
| 8 | Hyundai Elantra | $25,172 | 9.9 | $2,538 | 0.60x |
| 9 | Mazda Mazda3 Sedan | $28,006 | 10.7 | $2,616 | 0.62x |
| 10 | Honda CR-V | $36,385 | 13.9 | $2,620 | 0.62x |
| 11 | Toyota Prius | $34,330 | 13.0 | $2,646 | 0.62x |
| 12 | Toyota Camry (hybrid) | $35,210 | 13.2 | $2,678 | 0.63x |
| 13 | Nissan Sentra | $24,224 | 8.9 | $2,733 | 0.64x |
| 14 | Toyota Tacoma | $44,601 | 15.7 | $2,833 | 0.67x |
| 15 | Lexus IS 350 | $50,945 | 17.0 | $2,988 | 0.70x |
| 16 | Jeep Compass | $33,455 | 10.8 | $3,103 | 0.73x |
| 17 | Ford Ranger | $43,797 | 13.8 | $3,162 | 0.74x |
| 18 | Nissan Rogue | $34,681 | 10.8 | $3,197 | 0.75x |
| 19 | Nissan Altima | $30,759 | 9.6 | $3,202 | 0.75x |
| 20 | MINI Hardtop 2 Door | $37,892 | 11.7 | $3,246 | 0.76x |
| 21 | Chevrolet Trailblazer | $29,371 | 9.0 | $3,260 | 0.77x |
| 22 | MINI Hardtop 4 Door | $38,442 | 11.7 | $3,293 | 0.77x |
| 23 | Nissan Frontier | $40,919 | 12.4 | $3,296 | 0.78x |
| 24 | Ford Escape | $32,305 | 9.6 | $3,351 | 0.79x |
| 25 | Honda Civic Hybrid | $31,902 | 9.5 | $3,373 | 0.79x |
| Overall Average | $46,699 | 11.0 | $4,251 | – | |
Most reliable new small SUVs for the money
The most reliable small SUVs for the money have an average price of $3,352 per year of expected lifespan. As a segment, small SUVs give consumers relatively low ownership costs and higher flexibility than small sedans or wagons offer. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport leads the segment, followed closely by the Honda CR-V and Jeep Compass. The compact SUV category has become the most popular in the U.S. market, with all six models among the top selling new vehicles.| Most Reliable New Small SUVs for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Lifespan (Years) | Price per Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | $28,396 | 11.3 | $2,523 | 0.75x |
| 2 | Honda CR-V | $36,385 | 13.9 | $2,620 | 0.78x |
| 3 | Jeep Compass | $33,455 | 10.8 | $3,103 | 0.93x |
| 4 | Nissan Rogue | $34,681 | 10.8 | $3,197 | 0.95x |
| 5 | Chevrolet Trailblazer | $29,371 | 9.0 | $3,260 | 0.97x |
| 6 | Ford Escape | $32,305 | 9.6 | $3,351 | 1.00x |
| Small SUV Average | $35,957 | 10.7 | $3,352 | -- | |
Most reliable new midsize SUVs for the money
Midsize SUVs remain popular with U.S. consumers, with the capable and durable Toyota 4Runner ranked first for value due to its exceptionally long predicted lifespan (14.1 years). Another off-road favorite, the Jeep Wrangler, ranks second, ahead of the family-friendly Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid in third and fourth place, respectively.| Most Reliable New Midsize SUVs for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Lifespan (Years) | Price per Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Toyota 4Runner | $54,061 | 14.1 | $3,823 | 0.79x |
| 2 | Jeep Wrangler | $53,090 | 13.7 | $3,863 | 0.8x |
| 3 | Toyota Highlander | $51,171 | 12.7 | $4,038 | 0.83x |
| 4 | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | $54,714 | 13.5 | $4,067 | 0.84x |
| 5 | Honda Pilot | $50,004 | 11.5 | $4,344 | 0.89x |
| 6 | Nissan Pathfinder | $45,072 | 10.3 | $4,376 | 0.9x |
| 7 | Hyundai Santa Fe | $42,324 | 9.6 | $4,406 | 0.91x |
| 8 | Nissan Murano | $46,634 | 10.5 | $4,456 | 0.92x |
| 9 | Kia Sorento | $39,439 | 8.5 | $4,642 | 0.96x |
| 10 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | $46,662 | 10.0 | $4,677 | 0.96x |
| 11 | Dodge Durango | $49,044 | 10.3 | $4,770 | 0.98x |
| Midsize SUV Average | $50,351 | 10.4 | $4,855 | -- | |
Most reliable new full-size SUVs for the money
Only three large SUVs offer better-than-average value for the SUV segment, but these three models serve a wide range of consumer needs. All of them provide a roomy cabin with seating for up to eight passengers, and body-on-frame models like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Nissan Armada are capable off-roaders too.| Best New Large SUVs for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Lifespan (Years) | Price per Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Buick Enclave | $54,542 | 8.9 | $6,153 | 0.72x |
| 2 | Chevrolet Tahoe | $76,838 | 10.0 | $7,674 | 0.90x |
| 3 | Nissan Armada | $73,362 | 8.8 | $8,292 | 0.98x |
| Large SUV Average | $84,293 | 9.9 | $8,503 | -- | |
Most reliable new small cars for the money
The Honda Civic earns the top ranking for most reliable car for the money, overall, because of its balance of affordable pricing and long lifespan. The Civic also leads the small car category, followed by the Toyota Corolla, Mazda Mazda3 (hatchback), Volkswagen Jetta, and Subaru Impreza.| Most Reliable New Small Cars for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Lifespan (Years) | Price per Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Honda Civic | $27,768 | 13.5 | $2,058 | 0.78x |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla | $25,423 | 11.3 | $2,258 | 0.86x |
| 3 | Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback | $31,801 | 13.8 | $2,300 | 0.88x |
| 4 | Volkswagen Jetta | $26,522 | 11.5 | $2,313 | 0.88x |
| 5 | Subaru Impreza | $27,559 | 11.0 | $2,507 | 0.95x |
| 6 | Hyundai Elantra | $25,172 | 9.9 | $2,538 | 0.97x |
| 7 | Mazda Mazda3 Sedan | $28,006 | 10.7 | $2,616 | 1.00x |
| Small Car Average | $29,925 | 11.4 | $2,626 | -- | |
Most reliable new midsize cars for the money
As traditional cars give way to SUVs in U.S. market share, the pickings are getting relatively slim for high-value sedans. But these three models continue to offer better-than-average costs for each year of predicted vehicle lifespan they offer.| Most Reliable New Midsize Cars for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Lifespan (Years) | Price per Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Honda Accord | $30,927 | 12.4 | $2,489 | 0.72x |
| 2 | Toyota Camry (hybrid) | $35,210 | 13.2 | $2,678 | 0.78x |
| 3 | Nissan Altima | $30,759 | 9.6 | $3,202 | 0.93x |
| Midsize Car Average | $35,507 | 10.3 | $3,452 | – | |
Most reliable new midsize trucks for the money
Toyota’s Tacoma may be the only midsize truck to beat the segment average for price per year, but with a segment average of 14.2 years all of the trucks on this list have a long expected lifespan.| Most Reliable New Midsize Trucks for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Lifespan (Years) | Price per Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Toyota Tacoma | $44,601 | 15.7 | $2,833 | 0.91x |
| Midsize Truck Average | $44,319 | 14.2 | $3,116 | -- | |
| 2 | Ford Ranger | $43,797 | 13.8 | $3,162 | 1.01x |
| 3 | Nissan Frontier | $40,919 | 12.4 | $3,296 | 1.06x |
| 4 | Honda Ridgeline | $45,531 | 13.4 | $3,402 | 1.09x |
| 5 | Chevrolet Colorado | $43,720 | 12.6 | $3,482 | 1.12x |
| 6 | GMC Canyon | $49,005 | 13.8 | $3,548 | 1.14x |
Most reliable new full-size trucks for the money
The Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 rank above the full-size truck segment average for price per year, aided by their long predicted lifespans of 15.1 years and 12.2 years, respectively. Full-size trucks are consistently the best sellers in the U.S. market due to their towing and hauling capabilities, but with a segment average above $5,000 per year of use they require a big investment.| Most Reliable New Full-size Trucks for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Lifespan (Years) | Price per Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Toyota Tundra | $61,114 | 15.1 | $4,050 | 0.78x |
| 2 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $55,232 | 12.2 | $4,533 | 0.87x |
| Full-Size Truck Average | $59,696 | 11.5 | $5,195 | -- | |
| 3 | GMC Sierra 1500 | $63,683 | 12.1 | $5,250 | 1.01x |
| 4 | Ram 1500 | $60,889 | 10.8 | $5,624 | 1.08x |
| 5 | Ford F-150 | $59,794 | 10.6 | $5,632 | 1.08x |
Most reliable new hybrids for the money
The Toyota Prius and Camry beat the $2,871 segment average for price-per-year, and both offer high fuel efficiency during their 13-year expected lifespans. Toyota occupies four of the seven slots in this segment, confirming the automaker’s expertise when it comes to hybrid technology.| Best New Hybrids for the Money - iSeeCars Study | |||||
| Rank | Model | Average List Price | Expected Lifespan (Years) | Price per Year | Compared to Average |
| 1 | Toyota Prius | $34,330 | 13.0 | $2,646 | 0.92x |
| 2 | Toyota Camry (hybrid) | $35,210 | 13.2 | $2,678 | 0.93x |
| Hybrid Vehicle Average | $35,804 | 12.5 | $2,871 | -- | |
| 3 | Honda Civic Hybrid | $31,902 | 9.5 | $3,373 | 1.17x |
| 4 | Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid | $39,061 | 10.3 | $3,807 | 1.33x |
| 5 | Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | $35,652 | 9.1 | $3,938 | 1.37x |
| 6 | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | $54,714 | 13.5 | $4,067 | 1.42x |
| 7 | Ford Escape Hybrid | $35,649 | 7.6 | $4,661 | 1.62x |
Value involves more than purchase price
It’s easy to focus on a new car’s price, but buyers seeking value should consider everything from depreciation to ownership costs to predicted lifespan. Ownership costs can vary greatly across buyers, and depreciation plays a big role when buying or leasing a new vehicle every few years. Consumers looking to buy a new vehicle and keep it for its full lifespan can use the rankings in this study to identify their best high-value options across several categories.
Methodology
iSeeCars analyzed the prices of over 8.7 million new cars sold in July - December 2025 and the odometer readings of almost 400 million used cars from its Longest Lasting Cars Study. The average list price of each model was compared to its expected lifespan (in years) to calculate the list price per year. For the segment lists, only models with list price per year less than the segment average were shown, except for trucks and hybrids. Low-volume vehicles, sports cars, and vehicles not in production as of the 2026 model year were excluded from further analysis.
About iSeeCars.com
iSeeCars.com is a data-driven car search and research company that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, including the iSeeCars VIN Check report and Best Cars Rankings. iSeeCars has saved users over $447 million so far by applying big data analytics powered by over 25 billion (and growing) data points and using proprietary algorithms to objectively analyze, score and rank millions of new cars and used cars.
