Most Reliable Cars Under $40k for 2025
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 9.2 out of 10 and a starting MSRP of $39,900. The Toyota Avalon is the most reliable sedan under $40k with a rating of 9.8 and a starting price of $36,825. The Toyota Tundra is the most reliable truck under $40k; it has a reliability score of 9.3 and a starting MSRP of $39,965. The most reliable luxury passenger car under $40k is the Lincoln MKZ with a reliability rating of 8.5 out of 10 and a starting MSRP of $36,750. The Audi Q3 is the most reliable luxury SUV under $40,000, having a reliability rating of 6.8 and base price of $37,400.
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 Electrics Under $40k
Most Reliable Minivans Under $40k
How We Rank These Cars
The iSeeCars Reliability Rating indicates how dependable and long-lasting each vehicle is through a calculation of a vehicle's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.
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, the tie is broken by the higher overall iSeeCars Quality Score. iSeeCars displays comprehensive Quality Scores along with the Reliability Ratings for each model because 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 the iSeeCars Quality Score system.
The overall iSeeCars Quality Score combines analyses 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 312 million vehicles as reported in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies. These two factors are combined with NHTSA and/or IIHS Safety Ratings to determine a car's Quality Score.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
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
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).
