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Most Reliable Small Cars of 2023

While some people buy a new car simply for the joy of driving, most are looking for a regular family hauler or commuter vehicle to get them where they’re going with minimal fuss. In the case of the latter, it is the most reliable small cars that really stand out. They can perform the same mundane task a thousand times without a hiccup, and once bought, you don’t really have to worry much about them aside from routine maintenance checkups and preventative care, so they are not just easy on your wallet but also on your mind.

This is a list of the most reliable compact cars of 2023 for sale in the USA:

9 models
BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2023 Honda Civic Sedan
#1
Honda Civic Sedan
$23,750 - $30,350
Price (MSRP)
30/37 mpg
City/Hwy
158 hp
Horsepower
9.3
9.3
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
10
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#2
2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
#2
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
$31,350 - $44,760
Price (MSRP)
38/38 mpg
City/Hwy
226 hp
Horsepower
9.3
9.3
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#3
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
#3
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
$27,970 - $31,065
Price (MSRP)
TBC
City/Hwy
194 hp
Horsepower
9.1
9.1
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
10
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#4
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
#4
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
$31,225 - $39,530
Price (MSRP)
41/38 mpg
City/Hwy
219 hp
Horsepower
9.1
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#5
2023 Toyota GR Corolla
#5
Toyota GR Corolla
$35,900 - $49,900
Price (MSRP)
28/37 mpg
City/Hwy
300 hp
Horsepower
9.0
9
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
7
Interior
8
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
10
Value
#6
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross
#6
Toyota Corolla Cross
$23,610 - $29,015
Price (MSRP)
31/33 mpg
City/Hwy
169 hp
Horsepower
8.9
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#7
2023 Toyota Prius
#7
Toyota Prius
$27,450 - $35,865
Price (MSRP)
57/56 mpg
City/Hwy
194 hp
Horsepower
8.8
8.8
BuzzScore
9
Design
7
Performance
10
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#8
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
#8
Mazda MX-5 Miata
$28,050 - $33,550
Price (MSRP)
26/34 mpg
City/Hwy
181 hp
Horsepower
8.4
8.4
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
6
Interior
7
Infotainment
10
Reliability
8
Safety
9
Value
#9
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
#9
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
$35,750 - $38,950
Price (MSRP)
26/34 mpg
City/Hwy
181 hp
Horsepower
8.3
8.3
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
6
Interior
7
Infotainment
10
Reliability
8
Safety
10
Value

Characteristics of The Best Reliable Small Car

Reliable small cars are designed to never let you down but also to be approachable and liveable. While this may not sound like a complicated recipe, automakers still have to tick numerous boxes to make sure their product is up to snuff.

  • They have low-maintenance engines that can take a beating
  • They are generally quite cheap right off the bat
  • They have very high safety ratings
  • They don’t cost as much as more luxurious or performance-focused cars
  • They come with comprehensive warranty cover
  • They have suffered few, if any, recalls.

What to Consider When Buying One of The Most Reliable Compact Cars

Despite its love for large and bold pickups and SUVs, the US also has a lot of small cars on offer. Buyers on a strict budget can’t afford to buy a new car every few years, nor can they pay for constant repairs. But is it in your best interests to buy the best reliable small car when you have to accept the drawbacks?

Pros

  • Rarely need repairs, and maintenance is cheap
  • Lower asking price than more premium models
  • Can run for a decade or more when taken care of
  • Among the safest cars on the road
  • Good warranty protection

Cons

  • Low-powered engines
  • Not necessarily fun to drive
  • Standard list of features may be limited
  • Comfort is more of a bonus than a prime concern

FAQs

What is the most reliable compact car?

A few names come to mind when we think about cars that can last a generation. The Toyota Yaris is definitely up there, but so are most Toyota cars. The Honda Civic is just as dependable, but the same is not true for the punchier Civic Type R. Other honorable mentions include the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, and Mazda 3.

How much does the most reliable small car cost?

Generally speaking, these cars are quite cheap due to their simplicity. This is a key reason they last so long. For commuters, the Honda Civic sells for a little north of $20,000, around the same price as the Mazda 3 Sedan. But for those with a family, the Kia Sportage is a little over $25k, and the Hyundai Tucson will set you back almost $30k.

How long do reliable compact cars run for?

Most cars that fit into this category can exceed 200,000 miles when properly maintained. The life expectancy of the Toyota Yaris is rated at 250,000 to 300,000 miles, but some have been known to run for over 500,000 miles.

Which small car has the best warranty?

Generally speaking, it is Kia, Hyundai, and their premium alternatives that have the best standard warranty. These last for five years/60,000 miles for gas-powered models or ten years/100,000 miles for hybrid and EV models.
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