The Honda CR-V has earned its reputation as a beloved choice that balances great performance and rock-solid reliability — two things most drivers really want but don’t always find. This popularity is huge: the CR-V snagged the fourth spot for best-selling vehicles in 2025, with over 400,000 units sold across the U.S., according to KBB. Since its debut in Japan back in 1996 and arriving in the U.S. a year later, the CR-V has gone through plenty of changes, from better engines and fresh styling to bigger sizes. Through every iteration, it’s stayed a go-to pick for reliability-minded drivers.
Consumer Reports, a group consumers trust, found the CR-V to have solid reliability across 80% of its releases over the past 10 years. The 2025 model checks all the boxes when it comes to dependability — from its engine and brakes to its climate system and overall build. Pretty impressive stuff. That said, the CR-V isn’t the right fit for every driver, maybe because of how it looks, its size, or how it handles. The good news? You don’t have to settle on dependability. Honestly, there are tons of vehicles rated as even more reliable than the Honda CR-V. Whether you want a sedan, hybrid, luxury car, or SUV, you’ve got solid options out there.
1. 2026 Honda Passport
According to Consumer Reports, the 2026 Honda Passport ranks among the most dependable vehicles on the market, not just this year but overall. It’s pricier than your typical new car, running between $44,950 and $53,850, especially when you look at the average price of $49,191. What makes the Passport stand out in Consumer Reports’ evaluation are its solid engine and top-notch electronics. Interestingly, this nameplate’s track record is kind of all over the place reliability-wise — it hasn’t always been a standout performer since launching in 2019.
The Honda Passport earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation — the gold standard for safety — which shows it excels at crash protection and comes loaded with great safety features. For context, only one small detail in their thorough safety testing scored below the absolute best. This model’s impressive safety record is backed up by zero recalls on record. Looking ahead, owners can expect to spend around $7,823 on maintenance over the first 10 years, which is actually $343 cheaper than similar SUVs. Plus, it’s less likely to need a major repair during that time.
2. 2026 Toyota 4Runner
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner takes the top spot for price on this list of vehicles that beat the Honda CR-V in reliability. Prices start at $41,870, right around the industry average, but can climb to $68,200. Here’s the thing: this SUV’s dependability is seriously impressive. Consumer Reports shows the 4Runner with an almost flawless track record, ranking above most competitors in 9 of the last 10 years. The 2026 model scored top marks across every reliability metric — engine, suspension, brakes, climate control, and electronics.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the newest 4Runner perfect scores in front crash tests and second-best ratings in side crash tests. It absolutely nailed front crash prevention tests for both pedestrians and other vehicles. No recalls show up, and driver complaints or manufacturer reports are pretty rare. When you dig into the numbers, Toyota 4Runner owners save a huge amount on maintenance compared to average vehicles — we’re talking $1,844 less over time. Even better, it’s 7.98% less likely to need expensive repairs.
3. 2025 Mazda CX-5
Money Digest recently highlighted the Mazda CX-5 as one of the best affordable SUVs to buy. While earlier versions fit squarely in that budget range, the 2025 edition just barely makes the cut. You can snag one anywhere from $29,050 to $41,080 — more than older models but still cheaper than the average new ride. Consumer Reports backs this Mazda’s popularity with a reliability score that’s way above what you’d typically expect. The CX-5 struggled to keep up between 2016 and 2022, but it’s turned things around big time. From 2023 to 2026, this Mazda’s been consistently solid across the board.
What’s really cool is that the 2025 Mazda CX-5 nailed the best possible ratings on every crash test used by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Some trim levels even got perfect marks for their headlights. It also earned top points for seatbelt reminders. The good news: zero recalls. Its cousin, the 2025 CX-50, does have three recalls, but not the CX-5. Owners spend just $260 less on maintenance and repairs in the first 10 years, working out to $7,906 annually. Plus, it’s 1.94% less likely to need a pricey repair down the line.
4. 2026 Nissan Altima
Consumer Reports named the 2026 Nissan Altima one of the most dependable vehicles this year, and when you stack it against the Honda CR-V, it definitely comes out ahead. Even though it’s brand new, the 2026 Altima comes with a pretty friendly price tag of $27,580 to $30,480. That’s below average, and Consumer Reports confirms it backs a solid reliability score that’s better than typical. The Altima plays in a super competitive field, and most vehicles in its class are already pretty reliable. Over the last few years of production, this Nissan nameplate has gotten consistently good marks across the board, showing it’s been built to last.
When it comes to crash tests, the Nissan Altima’s got a mixed bag of results. It aced the small-overlap test and came in second-best for moderate-overlap front tests, but it didn’t do as well in the side collision test. Its seatbelt reminders? Top of the line. Even with those mixed crash test scores, it’s got zero recalls under its belt. However, maintenance costs run about $267 higher than average, and there’s a slightly above-average chance you might need a major repair in the first 10 years.
5. 2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza comes in at a comfortable price of $26,595 to $29,495. It’s nice that the cost range is tight — makes planning your budget way easier. This sedan’s reliability rating is uncommonly high. Consumer Reports recently gave the Impreza stellar marks across the board, from build quality and electronics to steering and engine performance. Over the past few years, it’s been outpacing competitors in dependability, reversing a trend of so-so performance from the early 2020s.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety handed the 2026 Subaru Impreza an excellent safety scorecard, with top-notch results on small-overlap front and side crash tests. Plus, it scored perfectly on headlights, seatbelt reminders, and pedestrian crash prevention. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports zero recalls and only 10 manufacturer complaints. That enhanced safety does come with a trade-off though — maintenance costs about $598 more over 10 years compared to similar vehicles. On top of that, it’s 1.62% more likely to need a major repair during the same stretch.
6. 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
People often hear you should steer clear of new cars straight off the lot because they depreciate fast and cost more. But some models actually strike that perfect balance between dependability and price, fresh from the dealer. Meet the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross. It’s reasonably priced from $25,035 to $33,430 brand spanking new and boasts a reliability score way above what you’d see in similar models. The Cross is pretty new — Toyota only started making it in 2022 — but Consumer Reports shows it’s got a solid history anyway. Over the past four years, almost all reliability features stayed above average. The only thing that got a negative rating in the latest report was the in-car electronics.
The Toyota Corolla Cross made the elite list for Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award. It totally crushed the small-overlap and side crash tests and earned perfect scores on pedestrian crash prevention and seatbelt reminders. All of that has added up to zero recalls. Can’t say the same about its hybrid sibling, though. If that wasn’t exciting enough, KBB reports that the Corolla Cross can save drivers a whopping $2,335 on maintenance over the first 10 years of ownership.
7. 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
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