Every year, various organizations conduct calculations to determine which cars break down the least and have covered the most mileage before breaking down. Criteria for reliability also include factors such as ease of repair and durability with proper maintenance.
When compiling our ranking, we primarily used data from TÜV (Technical Inspection Association) and DEKRA (German Automotive Inspection Association). Both organizations provide the most objective data as they collect statistics not from owner reviews but from technical experts' data. Reports from British Warranty Direct (insurance company data), American Consumer Reports (owner reviews with very broad coverage), and American J.D. Power, which compiled its own reliability rating for cars during their first three years of service, were also utilized.
1. Mercedes-Benz GLC
In the latest "TÜV Report 2022" study, the Mercedes-Benz GLC crossover series took the prestigious first place. According to the rating, it can travel 54,000 km without breakdowns. And only 1.5% of cars have any malfunctions; in other cases, the mileage without breakdowns is even higher! Indeed, this is impressive.
This luxury crossover has been in production since 2008 and has undergone technical upgrades and restyling during this time. Inside the Mercedes-Benz GLC is an incredibly modern and comfortable cabin, characterized by one of the highest safety standards, while outside, it is a compact, neat, and luxurious car for various types of trips.
2. Volkswagen T-Roc
Another crossover worthy of being considered the most reliable car in the world. In the TÜV rating, it ranks 3rd and has the following indicators: the average mileage at which only 2.2% of breakdowns are detected is 37,000 km. Not bad, especially considering the safety of the crossover and its quality "filling."
The all-wheel-drive Volkswagen T-Roc has been in production since 2017. During this time, it has been loved and appreciated not only in Europe but also in China. Interestingly, in 2020, Volkswagen began production of the T-RocAC7 model, which is a convertible. Yes, during the pandemic, demand for such cars turned out to be quite high.
3. Audi A1
In the B class (compact cars), the Audi A1 became one of the most reliable, surpassing many "Japanese" and "Americans." The three-door hatchback has small dimensions with a comfortable cabin and a restrained, calm exterior. According to the TÜV rating, it can travel an average of 32,000 km without breakdowns. The percentage of the latter is only 2.9.
The Audi A1 entered the global market in 2010 but failed to gain the expected popularity even in its home country. Despite this, demand for the car has been steady all these years (precisely because of its reliability). And in 2014, a sporty modification, the S1, was released.
4. Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz, also known as the Fit, has been in production since 2001 and continues to this day. It has been appreciated in all parts of the world: Asia, Australia, North America, and even Africa. According to the TÜV rating, the Honda Jazz has a 2.9% breakdown rate with an average mileage of 27,000 km. In its class, it often became the leader in various rankings.
The advantages of the Honda Jazz can be listed endlessly. Despite its compactness, it has a powerful and economical engine, a spacious and comfortable cabin, excellent handling, and, as we have just found out, high reliability. It is often chosen not only as new but also as a used car. Interestingly, hybrid versions of the model as well as electric cars were produced.
5. Dacia Duster
The compact crossover Dacia Duster is a favorite among Russians, and not without reason: small dimensions and a maximally comfortable cabin are combined with safety and a decent price. The TÜV report states that these cars have a not very small breakdown rate (11.4%), but are capable of covering an average of 47,000 km without them. This is almost as much as the leader of the rating.
The car has been produced since 2010 in two countries: Romania and Russia. Interestingly, in 2013, the Nissan Terrano appeared on the markets of Russia and India, which in its technical characteristics is an exact copy of the Duster. The difference lies only in some exterior details.
6. Mazda 3
In the golf class, the Japanese have no equals: they easily surpassed the European and American automotive industry, presenting the best options under the "face" of Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Toyota. The Mazda 3 stands out in European rankings, while the Toyota Prius leads in America. Cyprus belongs to Europe, so let's focus on the Mazda 3: at an average of 36,000 km, it encounters only 6% of breakdowns.
This car is the first for the company that satisfies not only the demand for affordability but also for comfort and attractive appearance. Thus, a whole direction emerged, which to this day combines the features of sports, business, and economy classes. Yes, it sounds strange, but in reality, just look at how good the Mazda 3 looks and how much it is loved worldwide!
7. Honda CR-V
This crossover regularly appears in numerous global rankings: for comfort, safety, popularity, and power. So it easily and effortlessly entered the TOP of reliable cars. According to TÜV, the Honda CR-V can cover 66 thousand kilometers before 7.3% of its owners encounter any technical malfunction.
The Honda CR-V is inherently spacious and comfortable, with good handling, stylish design (especially in recent generations), and excellent technical characteristics. This powerful and beautiful car is suitable for both long trips and city cruises. Many consider it the safest car and therefore choose it as a family vehicle.
8. Lexus GS
The premium sedan Lexus GS is released by one of the most reliable manufacturers in the world. Indeed, the Lexus brand, produced by the Toyota Motor Corporation, has repeatedly become a leader in reliability and safety ratings. Interestingly, the Lexus GS did not enter the German list of reliable cars, but took the top spots among British and American researchers.
The Lexus GS has been produced in Japan since 1991. Much has changed over this time, but the essence remains the same. It is a comfortable, stylish, and powerful car with internal sound insulation, a presentable interior, and very convenient handling. The fourth generation of the model looks truly luxurious, and its price is quite attractive for a business-class car.
9. BMW X5
It would be impossible not to mention another reliable and monumental "German" in our review. The BMW X5 immediately gained great popularity after its release, which is not surprising: style, power, and excellent technical characteristics attracted the attention of the whole world. In the TÜV rating, the car is in the middle of the list with indicators of 5.3% breakdowns at an average mileage of 60 thousand kilometers. And this is more than the leader of our rating!
The BMW X5 is famous for its variety of engine types. This provides scope for choice and expands the boundaries of demand for it. Since 2018, the fourth generation of the BMW X5 has been produced, which is distinguished by increased safety, new design, and ultra-modern electronics.
10. Mercedes-Benz SLK
Another Mercedes in our selection, but it stands alone as it proudly represents the leader in reliability among all sports cars. This luxurious convertible outperformed such "giants" as the Porsche 911 and Audi TT. In the TÜV rating from 2017, it held the first place with 2.9% breakdowns per 41 thousand kilometers, but did not enter the 2022 rating as it was discontinued in 2016.
The SLK is a luxury roadster with a characteristic elongated hood and open top. Today, it can be confidently purchased on the secondary market without worrying that it will require a lot of repairs. It rightfully occupied prize places in the lists of the most reliable cars for several years in a row - it will continue to delight its owner with its smooth ride and lack of constant repair requirements.
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Photos: Flickr
