9 Vehicles More Reliable Than A Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is an extremely popular sedan, celebrated for its stellar fuel economy, suite of standard safety features, and affordable price point. These highly sought-after characteristics have been consistently delivered across production years, helping to propel the Corolla to long-sustained, mainstream success. Kelley Blue Book reports that the Corolla was the 11th best-selling vehicle in 2025, moving a staggering 248,088 units. However, the Honda Civic is the sole sedan that outpaced the Corolla in sales last year. This Toyota nameplate's demand has been consistent over the years, with an average of 298,601 Corollas sold annually from 2005 to 2025, according to CarFigures.

Given this model's appealing features and impressive sales figures, it's no surprise that Consumer Reports has identified the Corolla as a top-selling and highly reliable sedan. Still, a vehicle's demand doesn't always line up perfectly with dependability. There's no question that this sedan sits far above the average in both categories, but there are some vehicles that are more reliable than the Toyota Corolla. If the Corolla doesn't quite meet your expectations for whatever reason, you're not stuck with less dependable options. Money Digest looked at various options to determine the Corolla's top competitors.

Instead of picking the newest releases, which have yet to prove their reliability truly, we stuck to vehicles with at least a few years of real-world performance. More specifically, we focused on J.D. Power's Quality and Reliability score as the core of our composite reliability score. This rating relies on three years of vehicle ownership to ensure that driver feedback is based on tangible experience rather than predictive metrics. We added the Edmunds Value score, which is derived from in-person testing. The 2022 Toyota Corolla, our benchmark model, earned a composite reliability score of 81.

The 2021 Lexus IS kicks off our list of vehicles more reliable than the Toyota Corolla, ranked from the least to most dependable. This luxury sedan earned an 88 on the J.D. Power rating and a 75 on Edmunds' ranking, resulting in a combined reliability of 81.5. Toyota and Lexus are often considered among the most reliable car brands. When compared to other sporty sedans, the Lexus IS comes up short on engine power and performance, but these factors may not matter to drivers looking for an alternative to the Corolla. The IS offers a comfortable, smooth driving experience with plenty of built-in features available in all trims. This five-seater boasts a premium aesthetic on the interior and exterior. U.S. News estimates that the average buyer only spends about $29,615 to $36,821 for a 2022 Lexus IS. Notably, this is much higher than the 2022 Corolla's price range of $19,278 to 25,583, as reported by U.S. News.

The Lexus IS comes with a 10-year maintenance bill of $5,891, which is exceptionally affordable for luxury sedans. In fact, these long-term upkeep costs fall below the class average by $3,799. Furthermore, the IS also boasts a 13.03% lower risk of needing a huge fix within the same period, compared to similar models, according to CarEdge. The 2021 Lexus IS earned a spot in the Top Safety Pick+ category for its crashworthiness and safety features — the highest rating offered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This luxury sedan underwent extensive crash tests and performed exceedingly well on all simulations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) doesn't report any recalls for the 2021 Lexus IS, signaling strong and dependable build quality and long-term performance.

The 2020 Kia Sportage is a zippy compact SUV with responsive handling, ergonomic controls, a comfortable interior, and a slew of standard safety features. These appealing characteristics helped earn the Sportage a J.D. Power score of 89 and an Edmunds rating of 75, for a composite reliability rank of 82. Due to this SUV's small design, drivers may find it lacks sufficient cargo space, depending on their needs. Furthermore, the Sportage's fuel economy doesn't overwhelm. This production year gets 19 to 23 mpg in the city and 24 to 30 mpg on the highway. It's available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive trims. U.S. News estimates that the used price for the 2020 Kia Sportage hovers between $16,067 and $20,716. Given these features, it's no wonder that the Kia Sportage is often championed as a perfect car for retirees. 

CarEdge estimates that the decade-long upkeep expenses of the Kia Sportage reach $8,453. While modest compared to more expensive models, these maintenance costs still outpace those of similar SUVs by $287. Drivers of the Sportage face 24.49% odds of having to cover a considerable repair within the first 10 years, about 0.10% lower than for comparable models. IIHS included the 2020 Kia Sportage in its Top Safety Pick classification, the second-highest rating offered by the agency. This compact SUV received the highest results on all crash test simulations, except for the side test, for which it earned the second-lowest score. The Sportage's front crash prevention systems for vehicles and pedestrians also performed well. The quality of its headlights varies greatly based on the trim type. The NHTSA reports two recalls for the 2020 Kia Sportage, for each of its all-wheel and front-wheel drive versions.

The RAV4 is the best-selling Toyota SUV and the third most popular car of the previous year, selling a whopping 479,288 units in 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book. Fortunately, you don't have to buy new to take advantage of everything that makes this compact SUV so attractive. The 2022 version sports a hybrid dependability score of 83.5, outpacing the 2022 Toyota Corolla. J.D. Power judged the Toyota RAV4 at 87, and Edmunds ranked it at 80. The 2022 RAV4's fuel economy of 25 to 27 mpg in the city and 32 to 35 on the highway offers more energy savings than the Kia Sportage. The RAV4 offers various standard safety features and a smooth driving experience. Some people argue that the new Toyota RAV4 isn't the smart buy that it used to be. Fortunately. U.S. News estimates that you could purchase this production year for between $25,216 and $33,625.

If you purchase a 2022 Toyota RAV4, you should budget about $6,005 within the first 10 years for general upkeep, per CarEdge data. This is a solid $2,161 under the maintenance costs associated with similar models. On top of that, this SUV enjoys a 7.98% lower risk of experiencing a considerable issue throughout the same period, with the overall risks sitting at 16.61%. IIHS graced the 2022 Toyota RAV4 with a spot in its highly competitive Top Safety Pick for the year. This compact SUV received the best scores on every crash test simulation, with the exception of the moderate-overlap front and side tests, although it avoided the worst results throughout. The front crash prevention systems for both vehicles and pedestrians were also given premier scores. Each of the 2022 Toyota RAV4's front-wheel and all-wheel drive models is subject to a single recall, according to the NHTSA.

You may be surprised to see a sports car on this list of vehicles more reliable than the Toyota Corolla, yet that's how the numbers played out. The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette scored a 90 on J.D. Power's Quality and Reliability rating and an 80 on Edmunds' Value ranking, indicating a combined reliability score of 85. The 2022 Corvette is undeniably the most head-turning vehicle in this ranking, with a sleek, exotic style that has cemented it as a legendary American sports car. The engine sits behind the driver in the 2022 model, making for an even more unique look. The Corvette accelerates quickly with 490 to 495 horsepower, yet it only comes with rear-wheel drive. The fuel economy only averages 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. U.S. News estimates a 2022 model to go for $56,164 to $66,249.

CarEdge doesn't provide maintenance data specific to the Corvette, although Chevrolet is known for its higher-than-average upkeep costs. Edmunds places the five-year maintenance and repair bill at $4,567. Notably, these annual costs rise steadily over time, suggesting the decade-long costs could be more than double this figure. It's crucial to note that the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette has not been tested by the IIHS, which focuses primarily on vehicles with broad demand among the average consumer. However, Consumer Reports acknowledges that this model year doesn't offer rear cross traffic or blind spot warnings in the standard trim. Money Digest has also recognized this iconic car of the past 75 years as one of the deadliest. The NHTSA reports only one recall for the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, which can help answer some of the questions buyers might have had regarding the car's dearth of safety testing.

The extremely reputable Honda Civic has been included on Consumer Reports' list of the best-selling vehicles that are also the most reliable. These findings are backed up by J.D. Power and Edmunds, which gave the 2021 Honda Civic an 86 and 85, respectively. This results in a composite dependability ranking of 85.5. The 2021 Honda Civic checks off a multitude of boxes that the average person looks for in a typical sedan, including budget-saving fuel economy, sufficient power, smooth handling, responsive steering, and spaciousness both in the interior and cargo area. This front-wheel drive model gets between 22 and 32 mpg in the city and between 28 and 42 mpg on the highway. U.S. News suggests a used 2021 Honda Civic should cost around $19,877 and $42,943, depending on the trim type.

Honda Civic owners usually put around $5,634 toward routine maintenance over the span of a decade. This is $112 lower than the norm for similar sedans. Additionally, drivers see a 16.08% probability of having to cover a considerable repair in the first 10 years of ownership. This is right on par with the average, according to CarEdge. The 2021 Honda Civic landed a spot in the IIHS Top Safety Pick class, sporting an unblemished crashworthiness record. All crash test simulations, along with roof strength, head restraints, and seats, received top-level marks. The front crash prevention systems for both vehicles and pedestrians also performed well. The sedan's headlights received mixed feedback, depending on the trim type. Unfortunately, there have been three recalls issued for the 2021 Honda Civic, according to NHTSA data. Notably, the hatchback version is also subject to three recalls.

2022 marked the final year of Toyota's production of the Avalon. This release year also happens to beat out the Toyota Corolla in dependability. This sedan earned a 91 on the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability ranking and an 80 on the Edmunds Value score. Together, these ratings result in a composite reliability figure of 85.5. There's not much to complain about with this quintessential sedan. Owners love the Avalon's roomy interior, sharp exterior design, ergonomic electronics, and reliable performance. 2022 may be the final release year, but it still comes jam-packed with standard safety and tech features. However, this year also comes with significantly fewer trim choices. The 2022 Avalon achieves 22 mpg in the city and between 31 and 32 on the highway. U.S. News reports that consumers usually spend about $27,399 to $33,749 for this model. Notably, the Avalon has terrible resale value. 

Unfortunately, CarEdge doesn't supply maintenance statistics for the Toyota Avalon. However, YourMechanic suggests that the annual upkeep for this sedan is $917, putting the decade-long costs at $9,170. CarEdge does have data for the Toyota brand overall, for which it estimates maintenance and repairs to hit $5,470 over the course of a decade. Notably, the Avalon sits far above this brand-level average, which outperforms most marques by $2,786. IIHS included the 2022 Toyota Avalon as a Top Safety Pick for the year, as reflected by the sedan's stellar performance across crash simulations and safety tests. Crucially, the Avalon scored the highest marks on all crashworthiness tests, including roof strength, head restraints, and seats. Its headlights vary greatly by trim, ranking from the highest to lowest score. The front crash prevention systems for pedestrians and vehicles received first-rate results, too. Per NHTSA data, no recalls have been issued for the 2022 Toyota Avalon.

Interestingly, the 2022 Toyota Avalon is often described as a cheaper alternative to the Lexus ES, yet both models rank above the Corolla in terms of reliability. The ES slightly outpaces its Toyota counterpart with a combined dependability score of 86, given a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Score of 87 and an Edmunds Value score of 85. To avoid confusion, the Lexus ES is a slightly larger, more comfort-oriented version of the IS. It features the aesthetic design of the IS and the functionality of a more mainstream sedan. Drivers appreciate the well-designed seats, spacious cabin, and available all-wheel drive. The 2021 ES gets 22 to 25 mpg in the city and 31 to 34 mpg on the highway. According to U.S. News, you can pick up a used 2021 model for $28,320 to $35,513.

The Lexus ES is much cheaper to maintain than the average luxury sedan. Owners can expect to spend about $5,926 over 10 years in general upkeep, which undercuts the class standard by $3,764. The Lexus ES also sees a 13.03% lower probability of needing a significant fix compared to similar models. Overall, these odds stand at 15.63% for the ES, according to CarEdge. Similar to its Lexus IS cousin, the ES earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ categorization, denoting superior crashworthiness and safety features. This luxury sedan's small-overlap and moderate-overlap front tests received top marks, in addition to its side tests and roof strength. Its seats and head restraints were also given top scores. The Lexus ES line has two total recalls, according to the NHTSA.

Money Digest has highlighted the Kia Forte as one of the best used cars for a retiree, and above-average dependability is a major part of that recommendation. J.D. Power ranked this sedan at an 85, and Edmunds judged it to be a 90. Together, these earn the 2020 Kia Forte an 87.5 combined dependability score. This compact sedan combines agility, functionality, fuel savings, and comfort into a tiny package that's perfect for individuals or young couples. A small family may find it large enough, but spaciousness isn't a strength of the Forte. The easy-to-use controls make for an intuitive user experience, while the capable engine results in a pleasurable driving experience. You can reliably get 25 to 31 mpg in the city and 32 to 41 mpg on the highway. U.S. News suggests that drivers should budget about $13,044 to $16,673 for the 2020 Kia Forte. This vehicle's undeniable reliability and affordable price point can make anyone think twice about buying a new car. 

Kia Forte owners should budget about $6,216 in prolonged maintenance costs, which is $470 above the norm for comparable sedans, according to CarEdge. On top of that, the Forte experiences a 1.42% higher risk of needing a major fix across a decade. Overall, this probability is placed at 18.11% for the Forte. The 2020 Kia Forte is recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with near-perfect scores across the agency's crashworthiness test. With the sole exception of the updated side crash simulation, the Forte earned top scores across the board. This sedan's headlights range from premium to poor, depending on the trim type. Additionally, this vehicle's front crash prevention systems for pedestrians and vehicles received top-tier results. Per NHTSA information, the 2020 Kia Forte hasn't been the subject of any recalls.

The 2022 Nissan Kicks is the most reliable vehicle, outscoring the Toyota Corolla. J.D. Power gave this model a solid 88, while Edmunds rated it an impressive 90, resulting in an outstanding composite dependability ranking of 89. This exceedingly capable compact SUV can comfortably seat five people along with plenty of cargo. It gets a respectable 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, which is excellent for compact SUVs. Drivers looking for a powerful engine may find the 2022 Nissan Kicks' 122 horsepower and sluggish acceleration slightly underwhelming, but this is still a perfect model for cruising around or even long-haul rides. All trim types come with front-wheel drive and a strong list of standard safety features. U.S. News indicates that you can purchase a 2022 model for somewhere between $17,792 and $20,018, making the Nissan Kicks a competitor in affordability, in addition to reliability.

CarEdge reports that the long-term upkeep expenses of the Nissan Kicks hover around $7,791. This saves the average driver $375 over a decade, compared to the typical hatchback. Also, this nameplate comes with a 22.95% likelihood of demanding a considerable repair over this time frame. This falls 1.64% lower than the standard for the hatchback class. The IIHS crash test and safety report for the 2022 Nissan Kicks reads similarly to that of a Top Safety Pick, although the hatchback wasn't granted the title. Still, the Kicks received top scores in all of its crash simulations, including the small-overlap and moderate-overlap front tests, along with the side test. The vehicle's roof strength, head restraints, and seats were also given the top ratings. The 2022 Nissan Kicks sticks its landing as the most reliable car above the Toyota Corolla with no recalls, according to the NHTSA.