Most Reliable Cars Under $40k for 2023
These are the most reliable cars, trucks, and SUVs under $40k, ranked by iSeeCars’ reliability rating which is based on a data-driven analysis of a vehicle's longevity.
Most Reliable Cars Under $40k by Vehicle Type
The most reliable SUV under $40k is the Honda Pilot with an iSeeCars reliability rating of 9.1 out of 10 and a starting MSRP of $37,090. The Toyota Avalon is the most reliable sedan under $40k with a rating of 9.8 and a starting price of $36,825. The Honda Ridgeline is the most reliable truck under $40k; it has a reliability score of 9.2 and a starting MSRP of $38,800. The most reliable luxury passenger car under $40k is the Audi A3 (convertible) with a reliability rating of 8.8 out of 10 and a starting MSRP of $38,900. The BMW X1 is the most reliable luxury SUV under $40,000, having a reliability rating of 7.2 and base price of $38,600.
The iSeeCars Reliability rating or score for each model is based on an analysis of over 12 million vehicles to determine the longest lasting cars that can surpass 200,000 miles on the odometer.
Most Reliable Cars Under $40k
Most Reliable SUVs Under $40k
Most Reliable Trucks Under $40k
Most Reliable Hybrids Under $40k
Most Reliable Minivans Under $40k
How We Rank These Cars
The iSeeCars reliability ratings indicate how dependable and long-lasting each vehicle is within its vehicle segment.
Each vehicle is rated on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest reliability rating. Vehicles within a given category are sorted to show the most reliable ones first. If two cars have the same ratings, then we break the tie by seeing which vehicle has the higher overall iSeeCars Score. Along with the Reliability ratings, we show comprehensive iSeeCars ratings for each model, because we believe multiple factors should be taken into account when buyers are seeking the best overall vehicle. Two of these factors are safety and resale value, both of which are included in our ratings system.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of these three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability | 33.3%
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention | 33.3%
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety | 33.3%
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
