There are more than 40 car brands in the UK, both international and national ones, and each has numerous models. But finding the most dependable one isn’t always easy. You have to go through all of them one by one to get the best. That’s why we, after much in-depth research, handpicked the most reliable cars in 2025 for you so that you can easily choose without fuss.
Let’s get started!
Here is the quick comparison table of the top 10 most reliable cars in the UK. This ranking is based on survey data from various sources like Honest John and What Car?.
Rank | Car Model | Reliability Score (%) | Car Type | Reliability Highlight |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lexus NX | 98.06 | Compact SUV | Outstanding reliability, smooth hybrid |
2 | BMW 3 Series | 97.5 | Executive Saloon | Proven engines, solid build quality |
3 | Skoda Karoq (Petrol) | 96.7 | Compact SUV | Dependable SUV with low running costs |
4 | Volvo XC60 (Petrol/Hybrid) | 96.5 | Mid-size SUV | Safe, durable, trusted long-term |
5 | Toyota Corolla | 96.4 | Family Hatchback | Efficient hybrid, very low fault rate |
6 | Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | 95.5 | Compact SUV Hybrid | Family-friendly, strong hybrid system |
7 | Kia Sportage | 94.6 | Compact SUV | Long warranty, reliable everyday use |
8 | Tesla Model 3 | 93.8 | Electric Saloon | Simple EV drivetrain, low servicing |
9 | Honda Civic | 90.5 | Family Hatchback | Robust petrol engines, long lifespan |
10 | Audi A3 | 87.2 | Compact Premium Hatchback | Premium feel with solid dependability |
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The top of the list is the Lexus NX, and it truly stands out. In the recent Honest John survey, it scored an impressive 98.06% for reliability. This is a compact hybrid SUV that is praised for its solid reliability, smooth performance, and low running cost.
The interior of NX feels like a premium cabin, with advanced features. It is calm, quiet, and well-built. It is perfect for both city and motorway rides with advanced suspension. You may not feel a small jerk on bumpy roads.
The hybrid system of NX keeps fuel costs low without sacrificing performance. You’ll spend less on petrol and still enjoy a refined drive. In short, the Lexus NX is a smart, dependable choice. It’s perfect if you want comfort, style, and long-term value.
Next one on our list is the BMW 3 Series, and it’s here for good reason. It’s an executive segment that is a reliable and smooth car. You can use it for all kinds of purposes; whether it’s your daily commute or a weekend trip, you’ll enjoy the drive. Inside, it is a premium vehicle that feels calm, quiet, and high-quality. Parkers has ranked it as the most reliable car in the UK
3 Series comes with smart tech that’s simple to use. Plenty of safety features are included to keep you protected. Plus, it’s fuel-efficient, so you save money. Most owners report very few problems, even after years of use.
The 2025 upgrade of the BMW 3 Series is the best of the lot. Many UK drivers are satisfied with the 3 Series as it’s stylish, fun to drive, and built to last. On top of that, it holds its value well over time. In short, it’s a smart, dependable choice for everyday driving.
Next up is the Skoda Karoq, a reliable and practical SUV loved by UK drivers. In the 2025 Honest John Index, Skoda scored 93.08% for reliability. Even in other latest surveys, Karoq ranked as one of the top models for reliability.
Karoq is built on the same manufacturing unit as the VW Golf and Audi TT are manufactured on. It is a solid and dependable SUV with low running costs. Also, it’s spacious, comfortable, and easy to use for everyday needs, whether it’s school runs or motorway trips, the Skoda Karoq is a perfect ride.
However, safety is a major strength of Karoq. It has a five-star Euro NCAP rating with a 93% score for adult protection. Standard features include lane assist, auto emergency braking, and traffic sign alerts.
Overall, the Karoq is a smart choice. It blends reliability, comfort, and safety, making it perfect for UK families.
The Volvo XC60 is a solid family car that lasts for years. Owners often say it’s very reliable (96.5% reliability score), with hardly any issues. Safety is where it really shines. It has a five-star Euro NCAP rating and handy features like auto braking and lane assist.
Inside, it feels calm and well-built. The seats are comfy, and it’s quiet even on motorways. There’s plenty of room for family and luggage, so it works well for trips. The touchscreen is simple; there is nothing complicated to figure out while driving.
It handles both long drives and daily runs without fuss. If you want an SUV that’s safe, comfortable, and dependable, the XC60 is a strong choice.
The fifth one on our list is the Toyota Corolla, and it’s easy to see why. Made in the UK, it’s known for reliability and longevity and is trusted by drivers across the country. In surveys, it consistently scores high, coming second in Parker’s rankings and third on Honest John, with a reliability score of 96.4%. And it is crowned as the best family car of the year.
The hybrid engine is a standout. You can expect around 50.5 mpg in real-world driving, and Toyota backs it with a 10-year warranty. Running costs are naturally lower, making it a practical choice for daily use.
Inside, the Corolla is modern and easy to use. It comes with a five-star safety rating, and at low speeds, it runs on battery power, perfect for city driving. Overall, it’s a dependable car that works well for UK drivers in 2025.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is considered the favourite family car. It drives nicely, doesn’t feel too heavy, and you can actually get decent fuel economy, about 38 mpg, if you’re not constantly on the motorway.
The inside is roomy enough for a family, and you won’t have to hunt for buttons or fiddle with the screen. Everything feels solid, and it’s just easy to live with on longer trips or school runs.
Hyundai has also made sure it’s safe. There is automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping help, which makes you safe in hectic traffic. All in all, if you want a hybrid SUV that’s practical, comfortable, and reliable for everyday UK driving, the Tucson is the best option.
The seventh most reliable car is the Kia Sportage. You know, it’s one of those SUVs you see a lot on UK roads, and it makes sense why. It feels solid to drive, and the cabin is roomy enough that you don’t have to squash the kids or your shopping in. The dashboard is straightforward, and the tech isn’t fussy, which is nice.
It’s smooth on the road, and you get used to how it handles fairly quickly. City traffic isn’t a problem, and on the motorway it settles in nicely. The hybrid version is handy if you want fewer stops at the petrol station, but it still feels like a proper SUV.
Kia Sportage is a family car with advanced safety features. Things like emergency braking and lane assist are included. And Euro NCAP has rated it five stars due to its high-tech safety features.
All in all, the Sportage is just practical, reliable, and comfortable. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done, and that’s exactly what a lot of people need in a UK family car.
Next up is the Tesla Model 3. If you are an electric car fan, this one’s hard to beat. It’s quick too it can go from 0 to 62 mph in under three seconds, which is pretty fun if you enjoy a bit of speed. In fact, it earned a 90% customer satisfaction score in Which?’s 2025 “Most Loved Cars” list
Inside, it feels calm and quiet, and the ride is comfortable. The Long Range version will manage around 421 miles, so you don’t have to worry about stopping every hour. The cabin is simple, with one big screen for almost everything, and Tesla keeps adding features over time with updates you don’t even have to take to a garage.
Safety is solid as well. The Model 3 has a five-star Euro NCAP rating and useful driver aids, so it’s reassuring on busy roads. Early models had a few quirks, but Tesla has worked on most of those, so it’s much improved.
We can’t really talk about reliable cars in the UK without mentioning the Honda Civic. It’s been around for ages, and people keep coming back to it because it just doesn’t let you down. In the 2025 What Car survey, it came fourth, and only a few owners had any steering problems.
The hybrid version is worth thinking about too. You’ll get around 45 mpg in everyday driving and at low speeds. It can run purely on electricity, which is handy if you’re heading into London and want to avoid ULEZ charges.
Also, the new Civic is spacious, and everything feels solid. It also has an automatic braking and lane-keeping assist system, which makes it safer.
Overall, the Civic is reliable, efficient, and easy to live with. It won’t blow anyone away with flashy stuff, but it works well day-to-day, and that’s exactly why UK drivers still love it.
The Audi A3 is a hatchback that looks smart and is comfortable to drive at the same time. The interior feels well put together, and the tech is useful without being overcomplicated. Whether you’re crawling through traffic or cruising on the motorway, it stays quiet and smooth, and it really gives you confidence behind the wheel. According to Parkers, it’s the 8th most reliable car in the UK for 2025, which is not bad at all.
The 1.5-litre engine is a good mix of power and fuel efficiency, and the suspension soaks up bumps nicely. Audi’s reliability has slipped a little overall, but most A3 owners don’t run into serious problems, and it tends to last a long time if you look after it.
If your current Audi is getting on a bit, selling it is easy, and you could upgrade to a newer A3 without much hassle.
After much research and reviewing people’s feedback, we finally listed the most reliable cars in the UK. There is a list of cars, from executive saloons to compact SUVs, that you can easily pick the best one from.
However, keep in mind that reliability can depend on how a car is driven and maintained. A model praised for durability still needs regular care. So, always check the service history and consider a test drive before making your final choice.
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