Skip advert
Advertisement

Top ten best cars for reliability

Driver Power asked UK new car buyers about their cars' reliability. These are the top ten highest rated

Skoda Kodiaq
  • Covering: Overall quality, reliability
  • Winner: Skoda Kodiaq
  • Score: 97.19%

​​The sight of a car broken down by the side of the road seems to be a far less common occurrence these days than it used to be. But while cars may be more reliable than ever before, that certainly doesn’t mean new models are immune to faults. Lots of drivers still suffer issues with their modern cars, so this category reveals which models are least likely to give you trouble.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In the 2021 Driver Power new-car survey, the Skoda Kodiaq topped this all-important category, taking home first-place scores for both sub-categories – overall quality and reliability.

Owners told us that as well as being well built, inside and out, the Kodiaq has an overarching sense of high quality, feeling solid, and inspiring confidence that it will stand the test of time. 

This, you tell us, is especially impressive in this price range and makes the Skoda seem particularly good value for money. Interestingly, many of the models that did well in this category are affordably priced family cars rather than models from expensive, premium brands.

Your view

“The Kodiaq is probably the best-built car I have ever been fortunate enough to own. It feels very robust, and has excellent fit and finish given the money I paid for it.” 

Top ten reliability

 

Model

Class

Overall Position

Overall Score

Category Score

Skoda Kodiaq

Large SUV

6

90.92%

97.19%

Hyundai Kona

Small SUV

1

92.35%

95.75%

Mazda CX-5

Mid-Size SUV

3

91.65%

95.64%

Lexus NX

Premium Mid-Size SUV

13

90.15%

95.04%

Volkswagen T-Roc

Mid-Size SUV

24

88.89%

95.02%

Skoda Karoq

Mid-Size SUV

5

91.00%

94.97%

Peugeot 2008

Small SUV

12

90.23%

94.53%

Kia Rio

Supermini

2

92.16%

94.48%

Kia Ceed

Compact Family Car

17

89.67%

94.35%

Volvo XC40

Premium Small SUV

8

90.60%

94.20%

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Skoda Kodiaq review
Skoda Kodiaq - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Skoda Kodiaq review

The Skoda Kodiaq largely succeeds in covering all the requirements of a family SUV; it’s just not exciting to drive
18 Apr 2024
Best electric car charging stations 2024: UK's top charger networks rated by EV owners
Best EV charging stations 2024
Features

Best electric car charging stations 2024: UK's top charger networks rated by EV owners

The bad, the good and the outstanding; you rank the major players in the expanding UK charging network
23 Jan 2024
Top 10 most reliable small cars to buy 2024
Most reliable small cars - header
Best cars & vans

Top 10 most reliable small cars to buy 2024

We reveal the most reliable small cars you can buy according to the 2023 Driver Power survey…
17 Jan 2024
Top 10 most reliable 4x4s and SUVs to buy
Most reliable 4x4s and SUVs header
Best cars & vans

Top 10 most reliable 4x4s and SUVs to buy

We reveal the most reliable 4x4s and SUVs you can buy according to the 2023 Driver Power survey…
4 Jan 2024

Most Popular

New 2024 Cupra Formentor gets fresh look and power boosts to keep hot streak going
Cupra Formentor facelift 2024 - front
News

New 2024 Cupra Formentor gets fresh look and power boosts to keep hot streak going

Cupra’s sporty SUV now produces up to 328bhp, while plug-in hybrid boasts 62-mile EV range
30 Apr 2024
Renault Megane E-Tech gets extra kit but is now cheaper than ever
Renault Megane E-Tech - front tracking
News

Renault Megane E-Tech gets extra kit but is now cheaper than ever

An energy-saving heat pump is now standard on every model, plus all but the base trim benefits from a larger 12-inch touchscreen
29 Apr 2024
Tesla Model 3 vs its five biggest rivals
Selection of electric company cars - static
Car group tests

Tesla Model 3 vs its five biggest rivals

Drivers are spoiled for choice in the flourishing EV company car market, but which of our six rivals does the business?
27 Apr 2024