For many car customers, dependability is just as important as safety since it affects long-term expenses, convenience and resale value. Although most modern cars are built to last — the latest S&P Global report puts the average age of U.S. vehicles at 12.8 years — it’s always a good practice to spend your money on a brand that has a reputation for reliability.
However, not every brand is chock-full of models in it for the long haul. If you’re looking to buy a 2026 car, Consumer Reports recommended starting with brands that have strong names, but narrowing in on models that are known expressly for their reliability and that meet your unique driving requirements.
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With that in mind, GOBankingRates asked some auto experts what buyers should look for and which 2026 models will last at least a decade.
Also see the five cheapest luxury cars to maintain over 10 years.
What To Look For in a 2026 Car
Exceptional quality control and minimal redesign changes are important. However, Justin Dugan, brand ambassador at Turn5 Inc. and AmericanTrucks.com, was quick to point out that if you’re buying based on reliability, you should be looking a models built on established platforms that can be trusted to have sturdy major components, like powertrains.
“You will want to consider models from the year 2026 that are built using mature platforms rather than entirely new ones, which essentially represent improved models that often come with fewer model cycle shocks,” Dugan said. “The reasoning behind this approach states that the manufacturer has invested years in developing said platforms.
“As a direct result of this development, you can be assured that the retained powertrains will be more reliable and less prone to visits to the mechanic,” he said. “A durable car/truck has the foundations of a good powertrain and easy maintenance from a reputable manufacturer.”
Here are four 2026 models to target, according to experts.
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Honda CR-V
Honda has long been a top performer when it comes to reliability. Justin Fischer, an automotive analyst and expert at CarEdge.com, recommended the 2026 Accord, CR-V and Civic, saying they are all “winners in terms of value and going the distance.”
Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.com, singled out the CR-V. “The CR-V is a great vehicle for many different needs,” Musson said. “It’s big enough for a small family, but small enough to be easily maneuverable. Honda Sensing is Honda’s safety suite that not only keeps passengers as safe as possible during a crash, but also helps prevent crashes.”
Toyota Sienna
“Toyota is the king of reliability, and you really can’t go wrong with any of their 2026 models,” Fischer said. “But Toyota has taken note as their reputation has continued to climb, and has adjusted prices higher across much of the lineup for 2026.”
However, Fischer said that “you could make the argument that you get what you pay for. Top picks for 2026 are the Toyota RAV4 (all new for 2026), Toyota Camry and the Highlander Hybrid.”
All Toyotas are robust, but Musson is all-in on the unheralded Sienna. “When you want the space of a full-size SUV but the comfort and fuel efficiency of a car, the Sienna is a great choice, especially with the AWD option,” she said. “Toyotas, like Hondas, are made to last. They require regular maintenance, but as long as you keep up with that, they’ll typically last well over a decade.”
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
According to CarEdge’s list of 10 reliable cars for 2026 guide, there are a couple of reliable hybrids you shouldn’t discount if you’re looking for a new car. One was the Kia Sorrento; the other was the Hyundai Elantra.
“In recent years, Hyundai and Kia have made noticeable gains in long-term durability, and we’re seeing more of those vehicles hold up well beyond the 100,000-mile mark,” according to Randy Barone, vice president, business development at ACV Auctions.
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid specifically earned a top reliability score from Consumer Reports amid some stiff competition.
Lexus LS
“If the goal is longevity, begin with a car brand that has fewer than the average number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100),” Dugan said. “Those car brands known for their dependability will be a plus point if you are interested in models from the 2026 model year.”
According to J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, many brands are still struggling with disruptions from the pandemic, but for the third consecutive year, Lexus ranked the highest overall in vehicle dependability.
“As I often tell customers, you usually get tired of a Lexus (or Toyota) long before the vehicle gets tired of you. Their combination of engineering, reliability and long-term cost of ownership puts them at the top of any longevity discussion,” Barone said.
The LS sedan will be discontinued after 2026, but it gets well-deserved kudos from Musson. “It has built a reputation for being one of the longest-lasting vehicles available,” she said. “If you’re looking for a luxury car that provides a comfortable ride and a beautiful interior, the LS is a great candidate.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 2026 Cars That Will Last for a Decade, According to Car Experts
