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Toyota has a longstanding reputation for high-level reliability. Over the years, the brand’s sedans, including the Corolla and Camry, spearheaded this reliability. However, recent data shows the most reliable Toyota car is neither of those sedans. It’s the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact SUV.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is the most reliable Toyota car

The most reliable Toyota car: The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact SUV
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross | Toyota

Consumer Reports’ selection of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross as the most reliable Toyota car is unexpected. Though the SUV takes part of its name from the Corolla and incorporates some of the compact sedan’s styling and features, it’s a different model. Plus, the crossover SUV is a relatively new addition to the Toyota lineup — introduced for the 2022 model year.

However, reliability analysis from Consumer Reports shows the Corolla Cross bests all other Toyota models, including the Corolla and Camry. And that makes sense, considering the Corolla Cross borrows its powertrain from the Corolla. In addition, the higher ride height makes the suspension more durable. And overall, Toyota’s overengineering philosophy means that, while it’s underpowered, the Corolla Cross doesn’t approach the limits of its powertrain.

The Toyota Corolla Cross rates higher in reliability than the Corolla and Camry

Dashboard in 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross crossover SUV, most reliable Toyota car, not Corolla or Camry, says Consumer Reports
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross | Toyota

Consumer Reports’ annual Auto Reliability Survey shows the 2023 Corolla Cross crossover SUV is the most reliable Toyota car. For the most recent Auto Reliability Survey, CR collected owner surveys for more than 300,000 vehicles over the previous year. That includes all models in the Toyota lineup. Owners identified various problem areas, such as brakes, electrical systems, paint, leaks, noises, and engines.

Issues in the Corolla Cross were less frequent and severe than in other Toyota models. As a result, the subcompact SUV achieved the top spot for Toyota reliability. The next most reliable models from the Japanese automaker are the Corolla Hybrid and Prius. 

Also, CR rates Toyota as the most reliable car brand. And Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, ranks second in car brand reliability. 

Changes for the 2023 Corolla Cross

For the 2023 model year, the Toyota Corolla Cross adds an efficient new hybrid model. Along with reliability, hybrid technology is another Toyota strength. Now the automaker has applied it to the reliable crossover SUV.

The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors — delivering an estimated gas mileage of up to 37 mpg combined. The hybrid is also the quickest model in the lineup, with a 0–60-mph time of 8.0 seconds, compared to 9.2 seconds for the fully gas-powered version. 

Beyond the new hybrid model, the 2023 Corolla Cross brings other changes. They include the expansion of the trim lineup with the new XSE, SE, and S. Additionally, it boasts a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Furthermore, the crossover SUV added USB-C charge ports.

Toyota remains a reliable brand, and the Corolla Cross leads the way

The most reliable Toyota car isn’t the Corolla or Camry sedan, Consumer Reports data shows. It’s the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. With its high-level reliability, this crossover SUV is less likely to have frequent and severe repairs, resulting in lower ownership costs.  If it’s comfortable and dependable SUV you want, the Corolla Cross leads the pack.