13 Best-Selling Cars That Are Also The Most Reliable, According To Consumer Reports

There's a popular misconception among consumers that the best-selling products are also the most reliable. This error stems from conflating popularity and quality. Just because something is in high demand doesn't automatically mean it's worthwhile. While this misattribution might not be a significant issue with smaller purchases, it can be financially catastrophic with more expensive items. Among the more consequential transactions that can significantly impact your fiscal situation, particularly when confusing high sales with reliability, is buying a car. People tend to associate the most recognizable and trending vehicles with characteristics that actually matter, such as performance, longevity, affordability, and safety.

The oft-cited, quintessential example of an iconic vehicle that's extremely unreliable is the Jeep Wrangler. On its face, the vehicle evokes a sense of ruggedness, capability, and grit — all characteristics the public would associate with a reliable vehicle. Unfortunately, the Wrangler's real-world performance over the years has contradicted this widespread belief, largely propagated by marketing as opposed to tangible results. The Wrangler has been harangued for its poor construction, resulting in roof seepage and road noise intrusion. Furthermore, the model achieved poor fuel economy throughout over a decade of production, despite being smaller than some popular SUVs. Despite these inherent and consistent failures, this Jeep model saw an 11% boost in sales between 2024 and 2025.

Consumer Reports actually released a detailed breakdown on how the Jeep Wrangler's performances fail to align with what consumers expect from the vehicle, highlighting the disconnect between popularity and capability. Fortunately, the independent consumer watchdog also helps purchasers determine where these two desired characteristics overlap. Let's explore the 13 best-selling cars that are also the most reliable, according to Consumer Reports.

Toyota routinely creates top-selling cars that are also the most reliable, and the new Corolla carries on that reputation. According to Kelley Blue Book, a whopping 248,088 units of this popular model were sold in 2025, making it the 11th highest-selling vehicle of the year. While it might not have flown off the dealership lots quite like other models on this list, the Toyota Corolla boasts the highest reliability, according to Consumer Reports. In the past 10 years, the Corolla has only had a single year where its reliability has fallen below average. The majority of owners report being satisfied with the 2025 model, too.

CarEdge estimates that the first decade of owning a Corolla comes with a repair and maintenance bill $1,312 lower than the standard for similar vehicles. Furthermore, this Toyota is 4.41% less likely to incur damage demanding a significant repair within the same timeframe. Notably, the 2025 Corolla received the Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), after achieving the highest score across all crash tests. Currently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) doesn't have any recalls reported, underscoring the 2025 Corolla's reliability.

In 2025, an impressive 206,339 units of the Chevrolet Trax were sold. The Trax is the third best-selling vehicle from Chevy, falling only behind the Silverado and Equinox. While not at the top of the heap in terms of sales figures, the Trax is the second most reliable of the best-selling cars, according to Consumer Reports. The model enjoys a reliability score far higher than the average, reflecting its above-standard performance and dependability. Interestingly, 2025 is the first year that drivers of this Chevy car gave it a positive reliability review. However, every component measured by Consumer Reports to determine reliability received above-average results.

Chevrolet is one of America's most popular car brands, but some models are known for making you pay in maintenance costs. Despite the Trax's capability ratings, its maintenance falls in line with the car brand's reputation. The first 10 years of owning the model usually set owners back $9,000 in repairs and upkeep, $834 higher than similar vehicles. The IIHS gave the 2025 Trax mixed reviews on crash safety, with the small-overlap front crash test standing out as the highest rated. The Chevrolet Trax has zero recalls, according to the NHTSA, across all trim types.

Consumer Reports says a wide range of Toyota cars are highly reliable, and the extremely popular RAV4 builds upon those laurels. In 2025, a stunning 479,288 units were purchased across the U.S., the third-highest sales numbers of any model for the year. This popularity is backed up by a reliability score that far outpaces the average, according to Consumer Reports. Similar to the Corolla, the RAV4 has a robust history of dependability, achieving an above-standard rating for nine out of the last 10 years. 2024 was the only exception. The 2025 model only received mixed reliability reviews for its in-car electronics.

Throughout the first decade of ownership, drivers of the RAV4 save $2,161 on average for repairs and maintenance compared to similar SUVs. Beyond that, this Toyota model is 7.98% less likely to need a considerable fix within the same period when measured against similar vehicles. The IIHS gave the 2025 RAV4 the highest rating in the small front crash test simulation and the front crash avoidance for pedestrian test. It also received the best marks for its seat belt reminders and headlights. The NHTSA reports two recalls each for the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the 2025 RAV4.

Money Digest recently labeled the 2025 Honda Civic as one of the best cars for retirees, due to its combination of affordability, dependability, and performance. Popularity can be added to this long list of accolades, with a monumental 238,661 units bought in 2025. This makes the Honda Civic the 12th highest-selling car of the year. On top of applaudable sales figures, the Civic has received strong reliability reviews from drivers, remaining above average for three out of the last four years. Once again, in-car electronics are the only category associated with dependability that falls below the average score, according to Consumer Reports.

CarEdge shows that the Honda Civic is more affordable to maintain than similar models, albeit to a minimal degree. For instance, the initial decade of driving usually comes with $5,634 worth of repair costs, which is $112 below the norm. Similarly, the chances this model would need a significant fix is 16.08% — better odds than similar vehicles. IIHS awarded the 2025 Civic with its Top Safety Pick+, which is the highest safety rating available. The model received perfect results for all crash tests, as well as for its headlights. The standard front-wheel drive version of the 2025 Civic has two recalls, per NHTSA data.

In 2025, the U.S. market purchased 182,823 Kia Sportage vehicles, making it the 19th best-selling model of the year. Yet, this popular vehicle has received more positive feedback regarding its reliability than other units that experienced more sales. Consumer Reports identifies the vehicle's built-in electronics and climate system as weak points, yet all measured features for dependability outranked average models. Admittedly, the Kia Sportage has had mixed reliability reviews over the past decade, only achieving better results in 2022 and 2025 than normal.

Unfortunately, owners don't save a ton of money on routine maintenance with the Kia Sportage. Across the 10 years following initial purchase, these models usually run up $8,453 in repairs, which is $287 more than similar SUVs. The odds of needing a major fix within the same timeframe are about 24.49%, falling in line with related models.

The Kia Sportage has been deemed an IIHS Top Safety Pick, owing to its world-class safety features and respectable crash test results. For all simulated crashes, the Sportage received the highest scores possible. It also received leading ratings for its seat belt reminders. NHTSA indicates a single recall for the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models of the 2025 Kia Sportage.

KBB indicates that American consumers bought 316,185 Toyota Camrys in 2025, making it the 9th best-selling car and second-highest selling Toyota model of the year. Of the most popular vehicles by sales figures, the Camry also happens to feature one of the strongest reliability ratings. Outstandingly, this model has achieved above-average dependability for the past decade straight, not falling off for a single year. Along with other high-performing models in this area, the 2025 Toyota Camry only received subpar results for in-car electronics. Consumer Reports reveals an equally respectable consumer satisfaction rating for the vehicle, underscoring the contentment drivers have.

The Camry joins other Toyota models with cheaper upkeep than similar sedans. More specifically, you should budget about $4,581 for the first 10 years of ownership, which beats out the norm by $1,165. The likelihood the vehicle would demand a considerable fix is just 12.28%, which is better odds than the standard. Continuing the recognition, the 2025 Toyota Camry is ranked as a Top Safety Pick+ under IIHS ratings. It saw perfect scores throughout various crash tests, in addition to the highest ratings for front crash prevention for pedestrians and vehicles. There is only one recall reported for the 2025 Toyota Camry, although several for the hybrid models, per the NHTSA.

The Tacoma is the third Toyota model represented on this list of the top-selling cars that are also the most dependable. In 2025, this model sold a staggering 274,638 units in the U.S., achieving the 10th spot among the most purchased vehicles of that year. On top of remarkable sales numbers, the Tacoma also features above-average marks for reliability. Over the past decade, Consumer Reports has measured this truck's dependability to be higher than average 80% of the time. 2016 and 2020 were the only exceptions. In 2025, once again, the Tacoma's built-in electronics were the only feature related to reliability to score below the norm.

Given that the 2025 Toyota Tacoma is a truck, it drives up maintenance costs higher than most sedans. However, the vehicle saves owners an average of $2,694 within the first decade of driving in terms of repairs, compared to similar trucks. It also faces a 10.51% lower probability of needing a massive repair in that same time frame. On top of competitive repair expenses, the Tacoma is proven reliable in safety. The IIHS awarded the truck with a Top Safety Pick, after it received top scores for small-front and side crash test simulations. It also achieved the highest results for front crash prevention for both vehicles and pedestrians. Notably, the rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions have three recalls each, per the NHTSA. 

Recently, MoneyDigest dubbed this extremely popular vehicle as one of the best for a retiree. The win-win of popularity and reliability is further proof of this worthwhile purchase for the golden years, or anytime of life, for that matter. With 157,716 individual sales in 2025, the Subaru Outback is among the 25 top-selling vehicles in 2025. Additionally, this model is ranked as one of the more reliable options in its class, according to Consumer Reports. Every single feature the consumer advocacy group uses to determine dependability received higher-than-average marks. Furthermore, the Outback has enjoyed outstanding reliability feedback from drivers for the past three years straight.

Owners typically save about $467 within the first 10 years of driving a Subaru Outback, with maintenance averaging about $8,633. Plus, there's only about a 24.76% likelihood this SUV would demand a significant repair in the initial decade. The Subaru Outback is yet another member of the IIHS' honored class of Top Safety Pick vehicles. It landed the best possible results for the small-overlap front and side crash tests, in addition to the front crash prevention with pedestrians. The model's headlights also received perfect marks. Fortunately, the NHTSA is reporting no recalls for any 2025 Subaru Outback trims.

Subaru is not known as one of the customers' least favorite car brands. Just the opposite, in fact. This popular manufacturer has developed a loyal fanbase, which helps explain why two of its 2025 models made it into the top 25 selling vehicles of 2025. The famed Crosstrek sold 191,724 throughout the year in the U.S. alone. Consumer Reports attributes this model with exceptional reliability and owner satisfaction rates. There were no reliability-related features or characteristics tracked by the consumer advocacy group that didn't receive above-average feedback from drivers. Between 2019 and 2025, the Crosstrek has consistently demonstrated higher-than-average dependability scores.

Within the initial 10 years of driving, owners of the Crosstrek see maintenance bills $294 below typical rates for similar SUVs, reaching about $8,460. Yet, this model sees 24.76% odds of needing drastic fixes in the same time period. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek features a perfect crash rating on its small-overlap front test and front crash pedestrian avoidance. It also received a premium rating for its headlights and seat belt reminders, per the IIHS. Similar to the Outback, the 2025 Crosstrek is currently subject to no recalls, either in its standard or Wilderness trim, according to the NHTSA. 

The Ford Maverick is only one of a handful of trucks that made it into the top 25 selling vehicles of 2025. Throughout the U.S., this popular model sold 155,051 individual units, per KBB. Although the American brand has been subject to some of the most expensive recalls in history, Ford's Maverick model was able to achieve a high reliability rating, according to Consumer Reports. As a relatively new vehicle, the Maverick has received higher-than-normal dependability rankings for the past three years straight, out of four total years of results. The 2025 rollout received above-average approval on all features associated with reliability, except for brakes.

Contrary to many dependable vehicles on this list, the Ford Maverick's maintenance costs are higher than those of similar trucks. More specifically, drivers should budget about $1,110 more for repairs within the first 10 years of ownership than normal, for a total bill of $10,735. The likelihood that this truck will need a considerable fix within the initial decade of driving is 2% higher than the standard.

The IIHS adorned the 2025 Ford Maverick with a perfect score on the side crash test rating as well as its seat belt reminders. Notably, the safety features of this relatively fresh model haven't received as much testing as other, longer-running vehicles. The NHTSA reveals six recalls for the majority of 2025 Maverick releases, including the front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions.

With 403,768 purchases in 2025, the Honda CR-V is the fourth best-selling vehicle of the year and the most popular of the various Honda models of the top 25 most in-demand cars. These widespread purchases are mirrored by a general celebration of the vehicle's reliability. Consumer Reports indicates that the model is among the more dependable vehicles in its class. As with a handful of exceptional cars, the 2025 Honda CR-V receives above-average driver feedback for all of its features associated with reliability. Furthermore, these beyond standard reviews have been maintained for eight out of the last 10 years, highlighting the CR-V's reputation as a reliable vehicle. The 2025 version also exceeds average customer satisfaction results.

In tandem with a dependable vehicle, owners of a Honda CR-V also see lower maintenance costs. Within the initial decade of ownership, drivers face repair bills totaling $7,636, which is $530 lower than for similar SUVs. In addition, this model sees a 2.85% lower probability of requiring a significant replacement. IIHS rated the 2025 Honda CR-V among its Top Safety Pick models, receiving the best rating for two out of three crash tests. The model's headlights and seat belt reminders also achieved perfect scores. There's a single recall for each of the all-wheel and front-wheel drive versions of the 2025 Honda CR-V. However, the hybrid versions are subject to three apiece, according to the NHTSA.

There are many reasons to think twice about buying a new car. However, some models simply check all the boxes in terms of popularity, performance, and even affordability. That's precisely the trifecta offered by the 2025 Hyundai Tucson. Per KBB, a striking 234,230 units were purchased in 2025, earning it a spot among the 13 best-selling models for the year. Interestingly, it's the only Hyundai model that made it onto the list. Consumer Reports shows how the Tucson records a reliability standard above similar models in its class. More specifically, the vehicle achieved exceptional performance across all sub-categories related to reliability, except for in-car electronics — a common theme among some of the best-selling, most dependable vehicles. 

CarEdge reports that the first 10 years of maintenance will cost $8,560, which is actually $394 costlier than similar SUVs. However, this model doesn't see much of a higher chance of requiring considerable repairs within that timeframe. Safety is really where the Tucson's reliability shines. This model was included as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with the best scores across crash test simulations. It also features a perfect rating for front crash prevention with pedestrians and for seatbelt reminders. According to the NHTSA, both the front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson have four recalls each.

Americans bought 175,070 Subaru Foresters in 2025, slightly less than its Crosstrek counterpart. This high demand is reflected by a better-than-average reputation for reliability. Consumer Reports indicates that the Forester received high marks in all categories associated with dependability. Furthermore, the model has consistently achieved positive reliability scores over the past several years. The Subaru also features an above-standard customer satisfaction rating.

Unfortunately, drivers tend to overspend by $444 on maintenance within the initial decade of ownership compared to similar models. Yet, the chances that this vehicle would need a significant repair are on par with those of typical SUVs. The IIHS included the Forester in its Top Safety Pick+ class, indicating high crashworthiness. It received perfect marks in two out of three crash simulations and in front crash prevention for pedestrians and vehicles. Beyond crash tests, this popular SUV also scored high on headlight performance and seat belt reminders. The NHTSA reports two recalls for the standard 2025 Subaru Forester.