Which cars will last you a long time – and won't break your heart when you sell them?
The Most Reliable Cars of 2025?! In a world where it seems like every day brings us a new electric wonder, it pays to stay grounded (or at least on four wheels). When it comes to the best cars of 2025, it's not just about who has the most screens or the prettiest ambient LED. It's about two much more down-to-earth questions:
First time – who will reliably drive you to work, the sea, and the ski resort without letting you down?
And the second time – which of these iron horses will still be worth more in five years than the average television after one year?
We went to the best sources for answers: TÜV Report 2025, JD Power VDS 2025, iSeeCars, ADAC and WhatCarThe results? Some cars are clearly from another galaxy – and they don't necessarily have to bear a German surname.
The most reliable cars 2025
(according to TÜV, WhatCar and JD Power)
The most reliable city and compact cars
- Honda Jazz – The undisputed king of city cars! According to the TÜV Report 2025, only the 2.4 % has major defects in two-year-olds. A hybrid that is unmatched, so practical that it could also serve as a Japanese Swiss army knife.
- Toyota Aygo X – Scored an impressive 100 % reliability in WhatCar research. No failures. In one year. It’s quite possible that this little samurai will even outlive your New Year’s resolutions.
- Kia Picanto – With 3.8 % major defects according to TÜV, a real little garage. An entry-level model that proves that "basic" does not necessarily equal "problematic".
Compact cars and lower middle class
- Toyota Corolla (hybrid) – A legend for a reason. Consistently above 97 % reliability in JD Power and WhatCar surveys.
- Honda Civic – A long-term reliability champion that also looks cool and drives like a car you don't just buy with your head.
- Mazda 3 – The Japanese know how. According to ADAC and WhatCar – few faults, lots of style. A great choice for those who want something between Zen and Zoom-Zoom.
SUVs
- Toyota RAV4 (hybrid) – An SUV that doesn't disappoint. 98.8 % reliability rating on WhatCar.
- Lexus NX 300h – 100 % reliability. No fixes, no drama. If I were a person, I would probably be that quietly successful colleague who never misses a meeting.
- Suzuki Vitara – 97.7 % reliability. A small, tough SUV that can handle gravel roads.
- Audi Q2 – A surprise from Germany. According to TÜV, the least defects among European SUVs. Sometimes German precision is more than just a stereotype.
Middle and upper class / sedans
- Lexus ES 300h – Quiet comfort, almost flawless. A car for those who don't need noise to show success.
- Toyota Camry (hybrid) – A classic in the US, less known here, but worth attention. It shines year after year on the JD Power rankings.
Cars that retain value best
(according to research by iSeeCars and JD Power)
Compact cars and city models
- Honda Jazz – The king of value retention: still valuable after 5 years 80,1 % original prices.
- Toyota Yaris (hybrid) – S 77.8 % is almost like a good stock investment… if the stocks were cute and blue.
Middle class and family cars
- Honda Civic (coupe) – Hold 76,6 % its value. Good looks, good investment.
- Toyota Corolla Cross (hybrid) – 69,7 % – a crossover with a family soul and an economic mind.
- Honda Accord – Keep 68,5 %, which means it won't break your heart at the next valuation.
- Toyota Camry – With 68,2 % almost identical to the Accord. It's hard to go wrong if it draws you into sedan waters.
SUVs of all sizes
- Subaru Crosstrek (XV) – Known as XV, keep 73 % values. For all those who swear by four-wheel drive and uniqueness.
- Toyota RAV4 – With 71,3 % retained value remains the star of usability and reliability.
- Honda CR-V – 68,9 % – no wonder it is sought after in broad daylight on the secondary market.
Luxury cars
- Lexus NX 300 – Highest among premium SUVs: 61,5 % value after 5 years. Luxury that doesn't melt like ice cream in August.
- Lexus RX 350 – 57,5 %, an elegantly restrained fall.
- Lexus ES 350 – 58,9 %, which means that even a sedan from the “quiet charmer” class is not a financially risky choice.
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe – 56,1 %. Pretty impressive for a car that's often bought by people who've never looked at the price of fuel.
- Porsche Panamera – 54,4 %, which is almost unbelievable.
Conclusion: Buy smart, not by image – The most reliable cars 2025
If you're choosing a car in 2025 that will survive three governments, two inflations, and one personal identity crisis, then the choice is pretty clear. Toyota, Honda and Lexus they are not just a rational decision – they are also steel Zen. But they are definitely – the most reliable cars of 2025.
German prestige? Sure, if the logo is more important to you than a visit to the mechanic. But really, before you fall in love with the chrome grille and the “premium feeling”, take a look at the TÜV report. Love is blind, but statistics are not.
Or as I, Jan Macarol, would say:
“The greatest luxury is not a logo on the steering wheel. The greatest luxury is a car that in five years needs nothing more than a set of tires, a service, and a little respect.”
