This Brand Makes the Most Reliable Cars of 2026, According to JD Power
With new car prices on the rise, choosing a reliable car brand is more important than ever for the average American driver.
Reliable new cars can easily last over 200,000 miles if properly maintained. Regular maintenance goes a long way, but some cars are more reliable than others. JD Power conducted a survey of US vehicle reliability to identify “problems experienced by first-time owners of 3-year-old vehicles.”
The study revealed a list of car models with the least problems out of 100 cars. These are the most reliable car models of 2026, according to JD Power’s car reliability study.
MINI Produces Some of the Most Reliable Cars, says JD Power
MINI, the British car company responsible for the MINI Cooper, makes some of the most trouble-free cars, says JD Power.
MINI currently produces the MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman models. The most customized British cars have a unique exterior design. MINI cars resemble go-karts and handle like them due to their quick steering and engaging driving dynamics.
The British company has been using parts and engines developed in partnership with German car manufacturer BMW since 2001. MINI has simplified the designs of its best-selling vehicles to deliver predictable reliability year after year, earning it third place on JD Power’s list of the most reliable car brands in 2026.
Buick Makes America’s Most Reliable Cars Based on Study Results
General Motors company Buick holds the title of most reliable car brand for the second time in 2026, according to JD Power. The American automaker produces several SUV nameplates including the Buick Envista, one of its newest models.
Buick’s new SUVs are affordable and close to luxury, offering premium interiors and premium features loaded with great features. GM’s Chevrolet and Cadillac brands were also included in the top ten most reliable vehicles based on JD Power survey results.
Lexus Is JD Power’s Less Troubled Car Brand for 2026
Toyota Lexus has made a name for itself but uses many reliable parts, components, and designs that have earned Toyota a reputation as one of the most reliable vehicles in the industry.
Lexus tops JD Power’s list of most reliable car brands. Its cars may be more expensive than Toyota cars, but Lexus models add a level of refinement and performance that sets it apart from its parent company. Lexus also made the top three on Consumer Reports’ 2025 list of most reliable new cars.
Models like the midsize RX SUV have become best-selling vehicles in their segments. Lexus, like Toyota, also produces several hybrid alternatives to its popular nameplates such as the NX and RX SUVs. These options offer better fuel efficiency and more power for a small price increase.
10 Most Reliable Cars According to JD Power Study
The study conducted by JD Power includes 30 types of gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles, trucks, and SUV models. Only 10 brands have 194 issues with 100 vehicles or less.
The 10 most reliable car models of 2026 (from least to most problems with 100 cars):
1. Lexus
2. Buick
3. MIN
4. Cadillac
5. Chevrolet
6. Subaru
7. Porsche
8. Toyota
9. Kia
10. Nissan
JD Power found the industry standard to be 204 problems out of every 100 vehicles. If you’re looking for a new car that’s affordable to maintain, the top three models on this list should be considered.
Charles Singh is the Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY network. Contact him at [email protected]
This article first appeared in USA TODAY: This brand makes the most reliable cars for 2026, according to JD Power.
Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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