11 Cars More Reliable Than A Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is often considered one of America's most quintessential vehicles. Unlike many of the marques sold in the United States, Jeep still produces many of its nameplates domestically. The Jeep brand made an indelible mark on the American public consciousness for its role in World War II as a military vehicle. Ever since getting its start on the front lines, the automaker has tapped into the American ethos of freedom with the tagline "Go Anywhere. Do Anything." Following various acquisitions, the Jeep sub-brand was eventually purchased by the Netherlands-based vehicle manufacturer Stellantis. However, the Jeep Wrangler is still assembled solely in Toledo, Ohio.

Despite occupying a special place in the rich history of American automotives, the Jeep Wrangler has been heavily criticized for its dependability. In fact, this iconic vehicle is extremely unreliable, especially over long periods of ownership. To get a complete picture of this model's performance, Money Digest created a hybrid reliability rating system by combining the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score and the Edmunds Value assessment. To ensure these dependability examinations are based on real-world results and not speculation, we focused on the 2022 Jeep Wrangler. This production year landed a 79 from J.D. Power and a 70 from Edmunds for a composite reliability score of 74.5.

To help consumers find cars more reliable than the Jeep Wrangler, we examined various popular nameplates from several brands using the same criteria. In addition to data on dependability, Money Digest looked at upfront costs and long-term maintenance expenses. For safety considerations, we also examined crash test results for each model. Whether you're a Jeep enthusiast looking for a better option or simply browsing for solid options, this list of 11 cars that are more reliable than a Jeep Wrangler is a great place to launch your research.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier earned an 81 from J.D. Power and a 75 from Edmunds for a combined reliability score of 78. This mid-size pickup is recognized for its good road manners, smooth driving experience, and reliable handling. On a more practical note, drivers won't have any trouble finding storage nooks to place their stuff. Edmunds specifically notes that the 2022 Frontier is a solid choice when compared to the Jeep Wrangler. According to J.D. Power, a used 2022 Frontier is typically sold for anywhere between $19,504 and $36,313. For reference, the 2022 Wrangler is commonly priced at $21,916 to $62,944. The two-wheel drive baseline trim gets about 20 miles per gallon combined, per FuelEconomy.gov — the Environmental Protection Agency's official database for vehicle fuel efficiency.

Within the first 10 years of ownership, the Nissan Frontier runs up a maintenance bill of about $9,190, according to CarEdge. Notably, this is $1,263 lower than competing pickups. Furthermore, this truck experiences a 26.42% likelihood of demanding a serious repair, defined as any fix exceeding $500, during the same period. This is 3.27% lower than the class average. The 2022 Nissan Frontier received near-perfect crashworthiness results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an independent testing agency. Its side test, which measures impact from a T-bone collision, earned the second-highest rating. The Frontier's front crash prevention systems for other vehicles and pedestrians performed exceedingly well.

The Ford Ranger is one of the cheapest trucks that don't sacrifice size, and the 2021 version delivers on dependability, too. Despite being often overshadowed by the F-150, the Ranger earned an 87 on the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability rating and a 70 on the Edmunds Value assessment, landing a hybrid reliability score of 78.5. The 2021 Ford Ranger is a middle-of-the-road pickup that convincingly delivers on the essentials without allowing frivolous or unnecessary add-ons to inflate its price tag. This model has a max towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a payload limit of 1,860 pounds. Three different trims offer a range of interior options, with the larger models comfortably fitting five adults.

According to FuelEconomy.gov, the standard two-wheel drive 2021 Ranger achieves a solid 23 miles per gallon combined, with a total range of 414 miles. During the initial decade of driving, the Ford Ranger racks up a maintenance cost of roughly $10,938, which is $485 lower than its mid-size pickup peers. On top of that, Ranger owners face a 31.63% probability of needing to cover a serious issue in this time frame, falling 1.94% below the class standard, per CarEdge. The 2021 Ford Ranger received solid results on its IIHS crash simulations, with above-average rankings across various tests. Additionally, this model's front crash prevention systems for both vehicles and pedestrians performed well. Its headlights were found to be lacking, however.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline offers greater reliability than many of its newer production years, with a combined score of 79. J.D. Power judged this popular pickup at 78, while Edmunds graced the model with a solid 80 — a score rarely seen from the company's Value assessment. Drivers can appreciate the 2020 Ridgeline's roomy interior, comfortable seating, and agreeable driving conditions. This model can pull a maximum of 5,000 pounds and has a standard output of 280 horsepower. Behind the wheel of the 2020 Ridgeline, it feels as though you're driving a car, due to superior suspension design. J.D. Power estimates that this production test tends to sell for about $21,359 to $30,386. Beyond excellent reliability, this Honda truck has great resale value.

CarEdge projects the decade-long maintenance cost of the Ridgeline at $8,826, which is far cheaper than most pickups on this list of vehicles that are more reliable than a Jeep Wrangler. Ridgeline owners spend $1,627 less on upkeep than their truck-owning peers. This pickup also boasts a relatively modest 25.03% likelihood of requiring a considerable fix across this time frame, undercutting the segment average by 4.66%. FuelEconomy.gov estimates that the 2020 Ridgeline averages 22 combined miles per gallon. IIHS recognizes the 2020 Honda Ridgeline as a Top Safety Pick choice, the group's second-highest classification, indicating superior crashworthiness and safety standards. Beyond excellent crash test results, the pickup's front crash prevention earned top scores. Its headlights received mixed results across trims.

The Ford F-150 is one of the most in-demand models in the market. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the widely used F-Series moved a stunning 828,832 units in 2025, making it the highest-selling vehicle of the year. This pickup backs up its popularity with a strong track record of reliability. The 2022 F-150 exhibits a combined reliability rating of 79.5, scoring a 79 from J.D. Power and a laudable 80 from Edmunds. Although newer models have greater trim variety, the 2022 F-150 still offers buyers a suite of seven options. All trims feature premium-grade interiors and a litany of standard accoutrements. Drivers can choose from a V6, 290-horsepower engine, all the way up to a V8 with 400 horsepower. J.D. Power suggests that the average sales price for this F-150 jumps between $25,075 and $76,114. If these prices make you reconsider, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives to the popular F-Series lineup.

For the first 10 years of driving, the F-150 required around $11,241 of general upkeep. Although these repair costs are higher than those of many other vehicles on this list, the F-150 still undercuts its peers by $788, according to CarEdge. Furthermore, this truck experiences a 31.63% likelihood of demanding a major fix over a decade, which is 1.94% below the class benchmark. FuelEconomy.gov suggests that this model's baseline trim gets roughly 22 miles per gallon combined. The 2022 Ford F-150 received recognition as an IIHS Top Safety Pick option. The pickup enjoys first-rate scores across all crash tests. Similarly, its pedestrian and vehicle front crash prevention systems are above-average.

The Ford Maverick has a smaller footprint than either the full-size F-150 or the mid-sized Ranger. However, this newer nameplate boasts a higher reliability rating. With a J.D. Power score of 81 and an Edmunds rating of 80, the 2022 Maverick enjoys an 80.5 composite dependability ranking. This nameplate strikes a balance between the capability and functionality of a full-size pickup with the feel and handling of an SUV. The entry-level engine has 191 horsepower, but three trim options can jack this up to 250 horsepower. This truck starts out with a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and a payload max of 1,500 pounds. Every Maverick comes with sufficient cabin space to fit five people. J.D. Power estimates that the 2022 Maverick sells for between $19,578 and $29,542.

CarEdge indicates that this mid-size truck runs up a 10-year maintenance and repair bill of around $10,736. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the standard front-wheel drive 2022 Maverick has a stellar fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon combined, which competes with some sedans, saving drivers serious money on gas prices. The IIHS didn't give the 2022 Maverick any official recognition, but this truck's crashworthiness results remain impressive. It landed first-rate scores across the board, only falling below average in its moderate overlap front test. Both its front crash prevention systems for vehicles and pedestrians performed well. Notably, the Ford Maverick is one of the best-selling cars that is also the most reliable.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma demonstrates competitive reliability with a hybrid score of 80.5. This results from a J.D. Power rating of 86 and an Edmunds ranking of 75. The 2022 Toyota Tacoma delivers on all the ruggedness and off-road capability that the Wrangler promises, albeit with a more convincing package. Drivers can choose from a diverse lineup of eight trims for various powertrain configurations and engine output. The strongest models can carry 1,685 pounds and tow 6,800 pounds. The stripped-down interior gets the job done, but the rear seat is cramped in some of the lower-level trims. According to J.D. Power, the 2022 Tacoma typically sells for between $21,475 and $39,307. Crucially, the Tacoma is one of the Toyota models with the best resale value. Although this increases the cost for used-market consumers, it also minimizes losses through depreciation for owners.

CarEdge advises that Tacoma owners budget around $6,932 in general upkeep and maintenance across the first 10 years of driving, which is $3,521 below the upkeep expense of peer pickups. Similarly, the Tacoma's 19.12% risk of needing a serious repair is 10.57% lower than that of competing trucks. FuelEconomy.gov reports that the standard two-wheel-drive Tacoma gets around 21 miles per gallon combined. The 2022 Toyota Tacoma received varied crashworthiness results from IIHS, struggling especially on the moderate overlap front and side test. Everything else ranked above the industry benchmark.

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado holds a hybrid dependability ranking of 81, from a J.D. Power score of 87 and an Edmunds rating of 75. Where the Colorado lacks in technology and interior design, it more than makes up for it in handling and capability. The entry-level model can haul up to 3,500 pounds, although more serious trims reach 7,000 pounds. Despite being a mid-size pickup, the 2021 Colorado has a spacious front seat reminiscent of a full-size truck, although the backseat is admittedly cramped for adults. According to J.D. Power, this model usually sells for around $18,175 to $41,972.

Over 10 years, the Colorado tends to rack up $10,664 of maintenance bills, which is about $211 lower than competing models, per CarEdge. Also, this pickup has a 30.98% likelihood of experiencing a considerable issue, roughly 1.29% lower than its peers. FuelEconomy.gov puts the 2021 Colorado's fuel efficiency at 23 miles per gallon combined. This production year earned pristine crashworthiness scores from the IIHS, with the exception of the small-overlap front test on the passenger side, specifically. Its headlights and front crash prevention system for vehicles also fell below par.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz has been heralded by Money Digest as one of the most reliable pickup trucks available. With a composite dependability ranking of 81, the 2022 model easily outranks the Jeep Wrangler and all other trucks in this list. J.D. Power granted this pickup a 77, while Edmunds awarded it an 85. The Santa Cruz is an immediate head-turner with an aesthetically pleasing exterior that separates it from a category starved for innovative designs. The tech-laden interior matches this premium feel with comfortable seating and a roomy layout. The handling feels more like an SUV than a pickup, resulting in a smooth ride. Despite its smaller stature compared to full-size trucks, the 2022 Santa Cruz can still reach up to 281 horsepower, although 191 horsepower is the starting point. The entry-level trim pulls up to 3,500 pounds, while the upgraded version reaches 5,000 pounds of capacity. This model usually sells for $17,468 to $29,742, per J.D. Power.

Within the initial 10 years of ownership, the Santa Cruz costs about $9,766 to keep operating smoothly, according to CarEdge. The 2022 model exhibits 23 miles per gallon combined, as calculated by FuelEconomy.gov. IIHS has identified the 2022 Santa Cruz as a Top Safety Pick, suggesting world-class crashworthiness and safety standards. This particular production year received perfect scores across all original and updated crash simulations. Also, the front crash prevention systems for both vehicles and pedestrians earned stellar results for operation in both day and night. Critically, the quality of headlights varies significantly between trim types.

Although trucks comprise the majority of vehicles on this list, there are plenty of sedans that are more reliable than a Jeep Wrangler. The Toyota Camry fits the bill. Although some critics push back on the Camry's lackluster styling and lack of oomph, it excels in dependability. It received an 87 on the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability index and a 75 from the Edmunds Value score, resulting in a hybrid ranking of 81. Nine separate trims packed within a relatively modest price range make it easy for drivers to pick and choose their desired suite of features. Drivers can benefit from the responsive and controlled handling, which translates to a pleasant behind-the-wheel experience. Compared to the rest of its sedan class, the 2022 Camry is a sizable model with sufficient space to comfortably fit five adults. The storage area is suitable for daily commutes and longer hauls. J.D. Power reveals that the 2022 nameplate tends to sell for between $20,409 and $32,259.

CarEdge expects general upkeep to cost around $4,580 within the first decade of owning the Camry. This falls below the segment benchmark by a solid $1,385. On top of that, this vehicle comes with a 12.28% likelihood of requiring a significant fix in the same period, 4.68% lower than its peers. The standard 2022 trim averages about 26 miles per gallon combined, per FuelEconomy.gov. This stands far above many models of the same production year, netting drivers some fuel savings. Remarkably, the 2022 Toyota Camry is heralded as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ option, which is the agency's absolute highest safety classification. This signals superior crashworthiness results and safety standards. This nameplate's side crash test, which received a below-average rating, is the only crash simulation that didn't land a perfect score. All front crash prevention system performances were judged to be ideal.

According to KBB, the Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling SUV in 2025, moving a stunning 479,288 units. Given this immense popularity and recognition as one of the few cheap vehicles known for reliability beyond 200,000 miles, the RAV4 is a serious contender to replace the Jeep Wrangler. The 2022 model has a combined dependability score of 83.5, with an 87 from J.D. Power and an 80 from Edmunds. The baseline trim is equipped with a 203-horsepower engine and front-wheel drive, although more powerful powertrains and all-wheel drive are available. The 2022 RAV4 features a smooth ride, unique style, and overall affordability. The tech layout is intuitive, while the interior is roomy enough for five people. Consumers can scoop up the 2022 RAV4 for around $24,330 to $42,683, according to J.D. Power.

CarEdge recommends that owners budget around $6,004 to keep the RAV4 operating optimally. These maintenance costs undercut the SUV average by a wallet-padding $2,508. Additionally, the RAV4 comes with a 16.61% risk of needing a serious fix over a decade, which is 7.36% lower than its peers. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2022 RAV4 gets about 30 miles per gallon combined, far exceeding the fuel economy of its competitors within the same production year. The IIHS included the 2022 RAV4 in its competitive Top Safety Pick group, with the SUV scoring above-average on nearly all of its crashworthiness tests. Its front crash prevention systems for pedestrians and vehicles are also excellent.

The 2021 Honda Civic tops the list of vehicles that are more reliable than the Jeep Wrangler, sporting an enviable hybrid dependability score of 85.5. This iconic sedan features an 86 on the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability index and an unheard of 85 on the Edmunds Value rating. In many ways, the 2021 Civic is the quintessential sedan. It's comfortable to drive, easy to handle, and plenty spacious, and extremely fuel efficient. With a maximum horsepower of 180, the Civic may fall behind the Wrangler in terms of raw power, but it's light-years ahead in terms of reliability. In another sign of remarkable longevity, the Honda Civic is one of the vehicles that owners keep for 15 years or more. J.D. Power places the cost of a 2021 Civic around $17,160 to $24,461, making this the most dependable and affordable option displayed here.

This cost-effectiveness continues long after you purchase the Civic, too. CarEdge predicts that owners only need to invest about $5,632 into routine maintenance and repairs over the first decade of driving. This upkeep bill beats out the sedan average by $333 but falls several thousand dollars below most trucks and SUVs. Additionally, the Honda Civic owners only have a 16.08% risk of needing to cover a serious fix during this period. FuelEconomy.gov reports that this model achieved a stellar 34 miles per gallon combined. The 2021 Civic excels in safety measures as well, with a Top Safety Pick selection from IIHS. This sedan earned top-notch ratings across each crashworthiness test and perfect scores on its pedestrian and vehicle front crash prevention systems. Yet, some trim headlights were found to be lackluster.