The used market can either be a gold mine or a money pit, depending on the car you pick. Pick an old German sedan, and you’re committing financial suicide, which is why many used car buyers look toward Japanese manufacturers, like Toyota or Honda. These manufacturers are known for producing some of the most reliable cars ever, with plenty of examples that cross the magical 500k-mile mark with just routine maintenance. And when you think about Toyota vs. Honda reliability, Toyota stands at the top.
That’s why Toyota cars are often considered the safest choice in the used market. Whether you pick an old rusty Corolla or a shiny late model RAV4, you know you’re getting one of the most reliable cars out there. That’s Toyota consistency, and among all the dependable cars that Japanese manufacturers make, some stand out as the most reliable Toyota cars ever made. Here are ten such cars, which score at least 86 out of 100 reliability scores.
2018 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 86/100
The 2018 Toyota Prius isn’t the prettiest car out there; it has a cartoon-like exterior that’s weirdly angular, which won’t please everyone. Look past the sheet metal, though, and you’ll find a practical, frugal hatch that’s known for its urban comfort. It can return up to an EPA-estimated 58 miles per gallon in its most efficient Prius Two Eco trim. This efficiency does trade in performance, though, resulting in a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of over 10 seconds. Still, it’s the elder of the hybrid segment and should be a dependable companion for years to come.
Toyota Reliability
The 2018 Toyota Prius belongs to the brand’s most reliable generation, which fixed many things that were wrong with the earlier third-generation models. Thanks to that, and the fact that Toyota has been making hybrid powertrains for decades, this Prius is largely free of any common problems, except for some electrical niggles and windshields randomly cracking. You can pick one up for as low as $15k today, just be sure to get it inspected once by a professional.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $408 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: Not Available
- Total Recalls: 2
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2020 Toyota Highlander
Reliability Score: 86/100
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size three-row SUV that can carry your family and your stuff, thanks to its spacious cabin and cargo space. Sure, it may not be as value for money as the Kia Telluride of its time, but it more than makes up for it with its reliability. And you can still expect goodies like standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an available 12.3-inch display and JBL sound system. In terms of performance, it comes with either a 295-horsepower V6 or a 243-horsepower hybrid four-cylinder.
Toyota Highlander Reliability
For $20k, it’s hard to beat the Highlander. It’s still relatively new, so it hasn’t been worn out by time yet. Plus, RepairPal suggests the car has lower-than-average maintenance costs and should be easy to live with in the long run. Whatever issues it does have, like infotainment glitches, AC malfunction, or potential gas tank fill volume issues, stem from its first year redesign. Apart from that, you need not worry about anything else; it’s still one of the most reliable SUVs of its time, especially for the price.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $489 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,225 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 4
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2022 Toyota Corolla Cross
Reliability Score: 86/100
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offers the good ol’ Corolla experience but in a small-SUV format. Sitting between the C-HR and RAV4, the Corolla Cross heavily borrows its interior from the standard Corolla, but thanks to its larger dimensions, it is roomier and has a much better cargo hold. As standard, it features a square infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims also feature some fancy bits, including heated front seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and faux leather upholstery.
Toyota Corolla Cross Reliability
With a J.D. Power reliability score of 86 out of 100, the Corolla Cross stands as one of the most reliable Toyota SUVs, with low maintenance costs, which beats the industry average by $2,335 over a ten-year period. However, you should look out for some common problems, like premature brake wear, CVT transmission issues, or dead batteries. Owners also complain about noise and low refinement, sinking manual seats, and some fit and finish issues. Pick a well-taken care of one, and it should be dependable for the long haul, nonetheless.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: Not Available
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,831 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
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2021 Toyota Tacoma
Reliability Score: 87/100
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a terrific option for those looking for a used Toyota pickup truck that’s also dependable. This mid-size pickup truck, lovingly called the Taco, has earned a cult following today, thanks to its balance of truck practicality and off-roadability. It’s far from perfect, though. The four- and six-cylinder engines, with 159 or 278 horsepower, aren’t very impressive, and the interior may feel plasticky. That’s why the Tacoma isn’t for everyone, but those who are looking for a reliable mid-size pickup truck and don’t mind sacrificing luxury and performance for it.
Toyota Tacoma Reliability
It’s a relatively new model, so it should cost you between $21k to $36k in the used market in 2026. According to RepairPal, it has lower-than-average ownership costs, and CarEdge backs this up by estimating a ten-year ownership cost that beats the industry average by $2,694. A common issue with the Taco is its gear hunting, resulting in hesitation or jerking, and soft throttle response. Owners claim this can be fixed with an OTT tune, so account for that if you’re serious about fixing those issues for good.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $478 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,931 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
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2013 Toyota Tundra
Reliability Score: 88/100
Taking things up a notch is Toyota’s full-size pickup truck, the 2013 Toyota Tundra. It didn’t sell as much as the Ford F-Series, but it has proven itself to be quite a dependable workhorse over the years. Toyota sold this truck in multiple cab and bed configurations, along with three engine options, including a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 with a max towing capacity of 10,400 pounds. If you’re patient, you can also find a four-wheel drive model or one with the optional TRD off-road package, which includes Bilstein shocks and forged alloy wheels.
Toyota Tundra Reliability
Why did we pick such an old truck? Because it’s the most reliable of the Tundras, according to J.D. Power, with average ownership costs and the potential to be on the road for a million miles. Some common issues include excessive rust (it’s an old truck!) or water pump failure. The 5.7-liter V8 is infamous for secondary air pump failure, which can be a costly repair, so watch out for that. Apart from that, you can get a well-maintained Tundra for as low as $12k on the used market, which is a bargain for how dependable the truck is.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $642 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: Not Available
- Total Recalls: 6
2018 Toyota RAV4
Reliability Score: 88/100
Oh, America’s favorite SUV. It had to be here. The RAV4 dates back more than two decades and is one of the pioneers of the compact crossover segment, and it’s in its most reliable avatar in the 2018 model year. It adds to that dependability with a spacious cabin, straightforward controls, and modern features, including a touchscreen and advanced safety tech. It is known for its easy-going character, powered by a gas or hybrid engine, which may not be the fastest but should get the job done. This is the kind of car that is ideal for a one-car garage.
Toyota RAV4 Reliability
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 is the last of the fourth-generation RAV4s, so Toyota had already ironed out most of the issues with the model during its launch, making it one of the most reliable Toyota SUVs in the used market. Still, some common issues that many owners bring up are transmission hesitation or rough shifting, engine oil burning, and premature brake wear. We even found some reports of steering column clicking, battery draining, or water pump leaks. If you’re looking for a newer RAV4, you can jump to the 2022 model, which has a J.D. Power reliability rating of 87/100.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $424 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,005 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 3
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2021 Toyota 4Runner
Reliability Score: 88/100
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner can either be the perfect SUV or quite the opposite, depending on what you’re looking for. For instance, it gets an inefficient V6 engine that feels old-school and not-so-refined, it’s said to be clumsy on the road, and the interior is plasticky. Still, the 4Runner manages to be an incredible SUV for those looking for adventure, as it’s one of the most rugged SUVs in its segment, thanks to its body-on-frame design and off-road-oriented options. According to owners, it’s a worthy competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, too.
Toyota 4Runner Reliability
The Toyota 4Runner is the kind of SUV that can survive the apocalypse, if you only take care of it. It’s easily one of the most reliable Toyota SUVs, with lower-than-average ownership costs, and CarEdge says it has a 16.61 percent chance of needing a major repair, which is eight percent better than the average SUV in its class. Even the common issues are limited to rough shifting, premature rust, and soy-based wiring, inviting some rodents once in a while. If you want to save some money, you can also go for the 2017 model, which has the same rating but is a bit old.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $514 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,322 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1
2014 Toyota Camry
Reliability Score: 92/100
The 2014 Toyota Camry is a no-nonsense sedan that’s all about space and comfort, with enough power to keep up with most cars on the road. During its time, it was the best-selling passenger car in America, too, standing out as being the pragmatic option in the segment. Despite its age, you can expect ten standard airbags, Bluetooth connectivity, and an available JBL sound system. It was powered by a 178-horsepower four-cylinder and a 268-horsepower V6, along with a frugal hybrid powertrain that returned up to 43 miles per gallon.
Toyota Camry Reliability
The Camry’s sensibilities extend beyond its space and comfort to reliability, as it’s consistently ranked as one of the most dependable sedans you can buy. It has seriously cheap maintenance costs, and repairs are less severe and less frequent. The only major issue is the U706E transmission on the four-cylinder engine, which was prone to shuddering. It was fixed under a recall, so make sure it was honored. Other than that, the Camry is the kind of car you can buy and forget about maintaining it (though you shouldn’t!)
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $387 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: Not Available
- Total Recalls: 4
2019 Toyota Corolla
Reliability Score: 92/100
Like the Camry, the 2019 Toyota Corolla is synonymous with reliability, and the only reason it’s in second place here is its age. It’s affordable, packed with plenty of standard features and driver-assistance tech, excels in crash test ratings, and offers class-leading rear legroom. This isn’t for driving enthusiasts, though; its engine isn’t the most lively or economical, and the interior quality is said to remind you of its price tag. But for $12k starting in the used market, the Corolla is hard to beat if you’re looking for a dependable daily driver.
Toyota Corolla Reliability
The Corolla is one of the most reliable Toyota cars today, and it has a RepairPal 4.5 out of 5 reliability score, with excellent ownership costs and low severity of repairs. Even though major issues are uncommon, they include infotainment glitches, CVT hesitation, water peaks, and fuel pump failure, the last of which was covered under a recall. You can also save some money with a 2013 Toyota Corolla, which gets an 89 out of 100 reliability score, or spend a bit more for the newer 2022 Corolla, which gets an 87 out of 100.
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2021 Toyota Avalon
Reliability Score: 92/100
The 2021 Toyota Avalon was the brand’s most reliable sedan before it was discontinued a few years ago, and it’s an excellent choice in the used market. It is powered by either a 3.5-liter V6 producing 301 horsepower or a 215-horsepower hybrid powertrain. On the inside, it’s surprisingly modern, packed with plenty of standard features, roomy cabin space, and a handsome design. And you can find one that suits your requirements, too, starting with the comfort-oriented XLE and Limited trims or the more sporty XSE and TRD models.
Toyota Avalon Reliability
The 2021 Toyota Avalon belongs to the model’s fifth and last generation we saw in the US; it debuted in 2019 and had most issues ironed out by 2022. So, with a “Best” J.D. Power score of 92 out of 100, the Avalon is the most reliable used Toyota car you can buy from the last decade. Like the Camry and Corolla, even this car has relatively low maintenance costs, and common issues are limited to infotainment glitches, inconsistent transmission, and occasional battery drainage.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $463 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: Not Available
- Total Recalls: 2