With new car prices on the rise, predicted reliability is as important a factor in a potential purchase as it’s ever been. The less likely a car is to have mechanical issues, the lower the cost of ownership and the longer you’ll be able to keep it. While the future reliability of any specific new car is always uncertain (it’s still possible to get stuck with a lemon, after all), we’ve selected these 2026 model year vehicles based on their reliability and maintenance-cost track records from previous model years, as well as the general reputation for reliability of their respective brands.

Honda HR-V

Average selling price: $30,495

Honda was among the top five brands for reliability in the most recent Consumer Reports rankings, as well as CarEdge’s rankings for brands with the lowest 10-year maintenance costs. Consumer Reports also predicts above average reliability for the HR-V, a subcompact crossover SUV that channels Honda’s considerable experience with small cars, going back to models like the original Civic and the CR-X. Fully independent rear suspension benefits ride and handling, while also accommodating flat-folding rear seats. Today’s HR-V debuted for the 2023 model year as the nameplate’s second generation, and finally gains standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2026.

Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Average selling price: $25,819

The Elantra Hybrid was among the top-ranked sedans in the latest Consumer Reports reliability survey, while Hyundai itself has a solid reputation for reliability, backed by warranty coverage that beats other brands. The hybrid model’s EPA-rated fuel economy of up to 54 mpg combined helps save money at the pump as well. It was introduced as part of the Elantra’s last redesign, for the 2021 model year. The intervening years should have given Hyundai time to work out any bugs, which bodes well for the future reliability of 2026 models, which are essentially unchanged from the 2025 model year.

Kia Sorento Hybrid

Average selling price: $40,183

Based on its most recent survey data, Consumer Reports named the Kia Sorento Hybrid the most reliable three-row SUV. And while it’s just one model year off a major update, the powertrain and many other components have been essentially unchanged since the 2021 model year, with few indications of potential problems during that period. One of the few three-row midsize SUVs with a hybrid powertrain option, the Sorento Hybrid returns up to 37 mpg combined with front-wheel drive (34 mpg with all-wheel drive) in EPA testing, and its interior is a cut above the segment norm.

Lexus NX

Average selling price: $50,896

Lexus was the highest-ranked brand in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, and the NX compact crossover SUV was among the highest-ranked models in the most recent Consumer Reports reliability survey. These results are not an aberration—Lexus has topped the J.D. Power rankings for three years running—so Toyota’s luxury brand is generally a good bet when it comes to reliability. The NX offers a variety of powertrain options, including turbo-four, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, some of which get cheaper for the 2026 model year. Major changes to the NX, which was last redesigned for the 2022 model year, are minimal, so that above average reliability should remain in place.

Lexus RX

Average selling price: $59,257

Shoppers looking for a bit more space should also check out the Lexus RX. The brand’s first crossover SUV has grown into a proper midsize model, although thankfully Lexus no longer bothers with the cramped third-row option (the TX now fulfills that role). Like the NX, the RX is generally considered to have good reliability even by the already-high Lexus standard, and offers conventional gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. Currently in its fifth generation, the RX was last redesigned for the 2023 model year and carries over to 2026 essentially unchanged.

Subaru Forester

Average selling price: $39,527

Both the Forester and the Subaru brand as a whole regularly score above average in Consumer Reports reliability surveys. That includes the current, sixth-generation Forester, which was introduced for the 2025 model year. Rugged and simple, with standard all-wheel drive and EyeSight driver-assist tech, the Forester makes it easy to see why Subaru inspires such strong brand loyalty. With its latest redesign, the Forester accrued tech updates, chassis refinements, and a first-ever hybrid model. For 2026, a redesigned version of the Forester Wilderness off-road model joins the lineup.

Subaru Impreza

Average selling price: $27,003

Looking for Subaru reliability, standard all-wheel drive, and plenty of cargo space in a more compact package? The Subaru Impreza remains a great option, even if it’s been overshadowed somewhat by its rough-and-ready spinoff, the Crosstrek. It scored impressively in the most recent Consumer Reports survey and is one of the few non-SUV options for all-wheel drive from a mainstream brand. Available only as a five-door hatchback, this sixth-generation Impreza was introduced for the 2024 model year and carries over essentially unchanged for 2026.

Toyota Camry

Average selling price: $34,952

You only have to look at the taxi fleet of any major city to know that the Toyota Camry is a tough and dependable vehicle. The Camry was also the highest-ranked midsize car in J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, showing that private owners are still finding their cars to be trouble-free. That’s after the Camry saw a major overhaul for the 2025 model year that included dropping the V6 engine for standard hybrid power, while retaining optional all-wheel drive. Toyota considers this a distinct, ninth generation of the Camry, but it’s based on the same body shell and platform as the previous generation. The only significant change for 2026 is a Nightshade Edition trim package.

Toyota Corolla

Average selling price: $25,560

The Corolla remains the bestselling nameplate in automotive history because it’s consistently provided reliable transportation across many generations and forms. That remains the case with the current-generation Corolla, which was the highest-ranked compact car in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study and is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, with hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains. There’s also a raucous GR Corolla hot hatch and the related Corolla Cross crossover. It’s been a while since the Corolla was last redesigned, and changes remain minimal for 2026, but that means fewer potential surprises for buyers looking for something simple and reliable.

Toyota Prius

Average selling price: $35,718

Both the standard Prius and the plug-in hybrid version are among the least expensive vehicles to maintain in CarEdge’s 10-year maintenance-cost rankings, and like its Corolla and Camry stablemates, the Prius comes with the peace of mind of the Toyota badge. The car that took hybrids mainstream, the Prius boasts up to 57 mpg combined in front-wheel drive form (all-wheel drive is also available), while the plug-in hybrid model can drive up to 45 miles on electric power alone. There are no significant changes for the 2026 model year—the 25^th for the Prius in the U.S.—but the sleek shape that debuted for 2023 still looks great. 

Get the Best Deal – Without Lifting a Finger

The most reliable cars are often the toughest to negotiate. With buyers flocking to these makes and models, expect firm pricing and plenty of competition. The good news is that you have a powerful advantage in your car buying toolkit: CarEdge’s new AI car price negotiator. 

1. Tell your AI agent what cars you’re interested in. 
2. Simply click ‘Get the Real Price’
3. Watch your AI negotiator get you the best out-the-door price, leaving you with multiple deals to choose from! 

Give your AI Negotiator a try today.