The best car brands aren’t always the same as the most reliable. That said, there’s often some overlap between the most reliable car brands and the best.
Although a cryptic way to begin our conversation, it will become clear as mud soon. Recently, Consumer Reports named the best overall car brands for 2023 as BMW, Subaru, Mini, Lexus, and Honda. Buick was the top domestic car brand from Consumer Reports. Does being the best makes you the most reliable? No, it certainly doesn’t, which is where our conversation takes a turn.
Fewer problems might make the most reliable
It’s a simple formula used by J.D. Power to determine reliability for any vehicle or brand. The formula is the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles. Using this formula for 2023, we find the most reliable car brands are:
- Chevrolet – 162 PP100
- Buick – 159 PP100
- Kia – 152 PP100
- Genesis – 144 PP100
- Lexus – 133 PP100
The only overlap between the J.D. Power reliability score and Consumer Reports best overall is Lexus and Buick. Lexus finds its way onto both lists, which should put your antenna up in favor of the luxury arm of Toyota for your next vehicle.
Which cars should you buy?
As you might expect, the top ten cars that Consumer Reports says you should consider buying in 2023 cross the lines of both of these lists. You’ll find a lot of models from brands already mentioned and maybe a few that you don’t think about often.
Ford Maverick Hybrid
This is a new compact truck from For that has taken the world by storm and shown that it can be a useful pickup when you don’t need to haul or carry a lot of gear. The Maverick is offered with a small hybrid engine and lots of cool features to make it a great option.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has been an award-winning SUV since it first appeared in the market. This boxy and bold SUV is roomy, comfortable, and fits up to seven people with ease. You’ll love the V6 engine and the large infotainment screen. This Kia is a joy to drive.
Nissan Leaf
The first EV on the list is the all-electric Nissan Leaf. The Leaf has been the most popular electric vehicle in the world for a few years. The base model only offers 149 miles of driving range, but that could be plenty for those who use this car for their daily commute.
Lexus NX350h
Here’s the first model on the list from the list of best brands and one of the most reliable car brands for 2023. The Lexus NX350h is a spacious small SUV that is much more callable than you might expect. This hybrid luxury crossover delivers up to 39 mpg of fuel mileage to make your driving experience more pleasurable than you might anticipate.
Tesla Model 3
The most affordable Tesla car is on this list as a great choice when you want a sedan that feels a bit like a sports car. You’ll be glad to have the minimalistic style, impressive electric powertrain, and agile steering when you take this Tesla out for a spin.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
When you want a hybrid SUV that can handle long road trips and give you lots of great features, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a great option. This SUV has been a top choice by many consumers for several years.
Subaru Forester
Subaru made the list of best brands but was not one of the most reliable car brands listed. Still, the Subaru Forester has the design, roominess, and power to be a top choice for Consumer Reports. This SUV has been on the list for a long time.
Toyota Corolla Cross
Although Toyota didn’t make either list, it’s not surprising to see this subcompact SUV on the list. You’ll find a spacious interior, a reliable gas engine, and plenty of impressive safety features when you drive this small crossover SUV.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Toyota has been one of the most reliable car brands for many years, but it’s not among the top five for 2023. Still, the Corolla hybrid is a great choice with impressive fuel mileage and an affordable price.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Camry is always a top seller and one of the best vehicles in the market. It’s not surprising to see this car at the top of the Consumer Reports list.
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