Which are the most reliable car models in the UK?

Created by Jonathan Fry, Modified on Fri, 11 Apr at 2:24 PM by Jonathan Fry

Key Points

Research suggests the most reliable car models in the UK include the Lexus NX and Toyota Aygo X, both with a 100% reliability rating.
Other highly reliable models seem to be the Mini Countryman, Audi Q2, and Kia Picanto, with ratings above 99%.
Evidence leans toward Toyota and Lexus models being consistently reliable, though rankings may vary by survey.

Overview

Based on recent surveys, the Lexus NX and Toyota Aygo X stand out as top reliable models, ideal for those seeking dependable vehicles. These findings come from owner feedback, which can help guide your choice, especially for new or used cars up to five years old. Keep in mind, reliability can depend on factors like age, usage, and survey methodology, so it’s worth checking multiple sources for a well-rounded view.  

Detailed Breakdown

The What Car? Reliability Survey, a key source, highlights models with high dependability, focusing on cars up to five years old. This is particularly useful for buyers looking at both new and recent used cars. For a broader perspective, the Auto Express Driver Power survey also lists reliable models, showing some overlap with Toyota and Kia, which reinforces their reputation.  

If you’re interested in specific categories like SUVs or small cars, further details are available in the surveys, but for a general list, the top models provide a solid starting point. Always consider your needs, such as size or fuel type, alongside reliability ratings.

Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of Reliable Car Models in the UK

This analysis compiles data from multiple recent surveys to identify the most reliable car models in the UK, focusing on owner feedback and industry reports. The findings aim to assist buyers in making informed decisions, particularly for vehicles up to five years old, which are commonly assessed in reliability studies. The following sections detail the methodology, top models, and additional insights, ensuring a thorough understanding for both casual readers and those deeply researching car purchases.  

Survey Methodology and Sources

The primary data comes from the What Car? Reliability Survey, published in December 2024, which involved 29,967 motorists and focused on cars up to five years old, covering the typical three-year new car warranty plus two additional years. This survey rates models based on fault frequency, repair costs, and time off the road, providing a comprehensive reliability score. Another key source is the Auto Express Driver Power survey, published in September 2024, which collects owner feedback on build quality and dependability, ensuring statistical accuracy with sufficient responses. Additionally, the Parkers list, based on the FN50 survey by Fleet News and published in December 2024, uses data from over 1.3 million new cars, including breakdowns and warranty claims, focusing on business-oriented reliability.  

These surveys collectively offer a robust dataset, though differences in methodology—such as owner reports versus leasing firm data—mean some variation in rankings. The analysis prioritizes the What Car? survey for its recent publication and detailed model-specific ratings, supplemented by Auto Express for broader owner insights and Parkers for new car reliability.  

Top Reliable Car Models

The What Car? Reliability Survey identifies the following top 10 most reliable car models, ranked by their reliability rating, which reflects fault-free performance over the survey period:  

Rank	Car Model	Years Covered	Reliability Rating	Notes
1	Lexus NX	2014-2021	100%	No faults reported, luxury SUV
2	Toyota Aygo X	2021-present	100%	No faults, affordable small car
3	Mini Countryman	2017-2024	99.7%	Near-faultless, bodywork issues at 2%
4	Audi Q2	2016-present	99.5%	Engine issues at 3%, some repair delays
5	Kia Picanto	2017-2024	99.3%	Gearbox/clutch issues at 6%, quick repairs
6	Lexus ES	2018-present	99.3%	Sat-nav issues at 4%, minimal downtime
7	Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman	2016-present	99.3%	Bodywork issues at 6%, fast repairs
8	Skoda Octavia petrol	2013-2020	99.3%	Fuel system issues at 6%, minimal cost
9	Mini Convertible	2016-2024	99.2%	Sat-nav issues at 7%, quick fixes
10	Tesla Model Y	2021-present	99.2%	Minor electric and infotainment issues

The Lexus NX and Toyota Aygo X, both at 100%, are standout models, indicating no reported faults, making them ideal for reliability-focused buyers. The Mini Countryman and Audi Q2 follow closely, with ratings above 99%, suggesting excellent dependability.  

The Auto Express Driver Power survey, meanwhile, lists the following top 5 reliable models, based on owner feedback for build quality and dependability:  

Rank	Car Model	Reliability Score	Notes
1	Toyota RAV4 Mk5	96.47%	Hybrid expertise, 10-year warranty
2	Skoda Kodiaq Mk1	96.24%	Family-friendly SUV, praised for value
3	Toyota Yaris Mk4	95.68%	Small hybrid, 10-year warranty with services
4	Kia Picanto Mk3	95.36%	City car, 7-year warranty, affordable
5	Mazda CX-5 Mk2	95.36%	Family SUV, top-5 reliability for years

Notably, the Kia Picanto appears in both lists, reinforcing its reliability, while Toyota models like the RAV4 and Yaris align with the brand’s strong reputation. The Parkers list, focusing on new cars, includes models like the BMW 3 Series and Tesla Model 3, indicating reliability for business users, with some overlap like the Tesla Model Y.  

Comparative Analysis and Trends

Comparing these lists, Toyota and Lexus models consistently rank highly, reflecting their reputation for durability. The Kia Picanto’s presence in multiple surveys suggests it’s a reliable choice for small car buyers, while models like the Tesla Model Y and Skoda Octavia appear across sources, indicating broad reliability. However, rankings vary due to survey focus: What Car? emphasizes owner-reported faults, Auto Express focuses on build quality, and Parkers uses leasing data, which may favor newer models.  

For example, the Lexus NX and Toyota Aygo X at 100% in What Car? are exceptional, but the Toyota RAV4 and Skoda Kodiaq in Auto Express show high scores for newer hybrids, suggesting reliability trends toward electrified powertrains. This aligns with industry shifts, though older models like the Skoda Octavia petrol (2013-2020) also rank high, indicating longevity.  

Category-Specific Insights

The What Car? survey provides breakdowns by category, such as small cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles, which can be useful for targeted searches. For instance, the Toyota Aygo X is a top small car, while the Lexus NX is a luxury SUV, catering to different needs. The survey also includes electric cars, with the Tesla Model Y at 99.2%, suggesting EVs are increasingly reliable. For more details, readers can explore category-specific pages, such as most reliable small cars or most reliable family SUVs.  

Considerations for Buyers

When choosing a car, consider not just reliability but also your needs, such as size, fuel type, and budget. The surveys cover cars up to five years old, relevant for both new and used buyers, but reliability may vary with age and usage. For instance, the Lexus NX (2014-2021) includes older models, while the Toyota Aygo X (2021-present) is newer, offering different options. Warranty details, like Toyota’s 10-year/100,000-mile plans, can also enhance peace of mind, as seen in Auto Express.  

Limitations and Future Outlook

While these surveys provide valuable insights, they rely on sample sizes and may not cover all models, especially niche ones. The What Car? survey, with 29,967 responses, is robust, but the Which? survey from March 2025, though more recent, was behind a paywall, limiting access. Future surveys may reflect trends like increased EV reliability, given models like the Tesla Model Y’s high ranking. For the latest, check updates at What Car? reliability survey or Auto Express driver power.  

This comprehensive analysis ensures buyers have a detailed, evidence-based guide to selecting reliable car models in the UK, balancing owner experiences with industry data.  

Key Citations