This Less-Popular Vehicle Is One Of The Most Reliable Cars In 2026, According To Consumer Reports

If buying a new car were a popularity contest, there would be a lot of cars that never make it off the sales floor. Conversely, sometimes a customer favorite ends up being an unreliable vehicle. So, when buying a new car, it's crucial to consider more than just how much consumers like the model. A good way to start your research is to look over Consumer Reports' surveys. The agency provides data on many consumer goods, including cars, to help you make an informed decision. Consumer Reports recently released its findings on the most reliable cars of 2026, and it turns out that a less-popular vehicle is one of the most reliable. According to the Consumer Reports survey of more than 380,000 vehicles, the Subaru Impreza is predicted to be more reliable than the average new car.

The Impreza scored an 80 out of 100 for its reliability from Consumer Reports, and J.D. Power gave it even better marks, with the sporty hatchback getting an 83 out of 100 for its quality and reliability. Typically, to rank a vehicle, experts rely on data from previous year models and the brand's overall reliability. For 2025, iSeeCars put the 2023 Impreza in the top spot of its list of the most reliable cars you can get for under $20,000. And the Subaru brand is in the second spot on Consumer Reports most reliable car brands roundup; in fact, its Outback model is one of the best vehicles for retirees. Although the Subaru Impreza is not a very popular car, its high marks for reliability should put it on your radar if you're in the market for a hatchback.

Using data collected from Experian Automotive, Subaru reports that of all Imprezas sold in the last 10 years, 94% are still on the road. But reliability isn't the only selling point for this vehicle. The 2026 Subaru Impreza also comes at a reasonable price point, has a versatile interior space with some new features, and offers decent performance. On the other hand, its acceleration is underwhelming and it fails to meet the most advanced safety requirements, per Consumer Reports. 

This compact car entered its sixth generation when it debuted in 2024, but it has a few updates for the 2026 model year. The hatchback's base MSRP starts at just $26,595, and it can get up to 33 mpg on the highway, giving it an edge over Consumer Reports least reliable vehicles for 2026. New for the 2026 models is the emergency lane-keep assist and a feature that shuts the engine down after 30 minutes of idling to help conserve fuel. An 11.6-inch infotainment screen coupled with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now also standard. Plus, there's the new Citron Yellow Pearl paint option if you want the car to stand out more. 

The 2026 Subaru Impreza comes in two trim levels: Sport and RS. With the Sport trim, you get a 2.0-liter engine that delivers 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the RS trim comes with a slightly more powerful 2.5-liter boxer engine that can generate 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Both models pair the engine with a CVT transmission for responsive gear changes.