Analysts Claim These Are the Most Reliable New Vehicles for the Money in 2026
If you plan to shop for a new vehicle in 2026, you will want to know which cars, trucks, and SUVs are the most reliable. It also helps to know which new vehicles offer the most reliability for the money.
In other words, you want a good deal. With that in mind, a recent study by iSeeCars claims to have found deals on new vehicles that combine reliability with a good price.
To do this, iSeeCars analyzed the prices of over 8.7 million new cars sold from July to December 2025 and the odometer readings of almost 400 million used cars from its Longest Lasting Cars Study.
25 Most Reliable New Cars for the Money
Based on that data, the Honda Civic is 2026’s most reliable new car for the money, with a 13.5-year predicted lifespan and average list price of $27,768. Compact cars make up 12 of the top 25 most reliable new cars for the money. Honda, Nissan, and Toyota each have four models ranked in the top 25.
“Small cars and SUVs tend to offer the best value for buyers that don’t need the added space or premium amenities of larger and pricier models,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. “These cars also tend to have higher fuel efficiency and lower insurance rates, further adding to their value equation.”
1. Honda Civic, 2. Toyota Corolla, 3. Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback, 4. Volkswagen Jetta, 5. Honda Accord, 6. Subaru Impreza, 7. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, 8. Hyundai Elantra, 9. Mazda Mazda3 Sedan, 10. Honda CR-V, 11. Toyota Prius, 12. Toyota Camry Hybrid, 13. Nissan Sentra, 14. Toyota Tacoma, 15. Lexus IS 350, 16. Jeep Compass, 17. Ford Ranger, 18. Nissan Rogue, 19. Nissan Altima, 20. Mini Hardtop 2-Door, 21. Chevrolet Trailblazer, 22. Mini Hardtop 4-Door, 23. Nissan Frontier, 24. Ford Escape, 25. Honda Civic Hybrid.
Most reliable new small SUVs for the money
The most reliable small SUVs for the money cost an average of $3,352 per year over their expected lifespan. As a segment, small SUVs offer consumers relatively low ownership costs and greater flexibility than small sedans or wagons. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport leads the segment, followed closely by the Honda CR-V and Jeep Compass.
Most reliable new midsize SUVs for the money
Midsize SUVs remain popular with U.S. consumers, and the capable, durable Toyota 4Runner ranks first for value due to its exceptionally long predicted lifespan (14.1 years). Another off-road favorite, the Jeep Wrangler, ranks second, ahead of the family-friendly Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, which rank third and fourth, respectively.
Most reliable new full-size SUVs for the money
Only three large SUVs offer better-than-average value in the segment, but these models serve a wide range of consumer needs. The Buick Enclave takes the top spot, but all of them offer a roomy cabin with seating for up to eight passengers. Plus, body-on-frame models like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Nissan Armada are capable off-roaders.
Most reliable new small cars for the money
The Honda Civic earns the top overall ranking as the most reliable car for the money because of its balance of affordable pricing and long lifespan. The Civic also leads the small car category, followed by the Toyota Corolla, the Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback, the Volkswagen Jetta, and the Subaru Impreza.
Most reliable new midsize cars for the money
As traditional cars give way to SUVs in the U.S. market share, the pickings are getting relatively slim for high-value sedans. But the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Nissan Altima continue to offer better-than-average costs for each year of the vehicle’s predicted lifespan.
Most reliable new midsize trucks for the money
Toyota’s Tacoma may be the only midsize truck to beat the segment average for price per year, but with a segment average of 14.2 years, all of the trucks to make this list have a long expected lifespan. They include, in order, the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, Honda Ridgeline, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon.
Most reliable new full-size trucks for the money
The Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 rank above the full-size truck segment average for price per year, thanks to their long projected lifespans of 15.1 years and 12.2 years, respectively. Full-size trucks are consistently the best sellers in the U.S. market due to their towing and hauling capabilities, but with a segment average of more than $5,000 in annual operating costs, they require a significant investment.
Most reliable new hybrids for the money
The Toyota Prius and Camry beat the $2,871 segment average for annual price, and both offer high fuel efficiency over their expected 13-year lifespans. Toyota occupies four of the seven slots in this segment, underscoring the automaker’s expertise in hybrid technology. Also making the list are the Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and Ford Escape Hybrid.
