# The 10 Best Used Cars of 2026 (Highest Reliability + Lowest Ownership Costs)

*Published May 2026 · Data source: OwnerKeep reliability database*

![The 10 Best Used Cars of 2026 (Highest Reliability + Lowest Ownership Costs)](./img/hero_10-best-used-cars-2026.jpg)

These ten vehicles — drawn from **1877 reliability reports** across model years
2014–2022 — earn the highest composite scores in our database. They share a common profile:
strong long-term reliability, low annual maintenance, and minimal owner-reported issues
past the 100k mile mark.


## The Ranking at a Glance

![Ranking chart](./img/chart_10-best-used-cars-2026.png)



## Full Ranking Table

| Rank | Vehicle | Reliability Score | Est. Annual Cost | Minor Watch-Outs |
|------|---------|------------------|------------------|------------------|
| 1 | [2022 Toyota 4Runner](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-toyota-4runner) | **96/100** (A+) | $400/yr | HVAC System (Blower Motor) (minor); Infotainment System (minor) |
| 2 | [2018 Toyota Land Cruiser](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2018-toyota-land-cruiser) | **96/100** (A+) | $600/yr | Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) (moderate); Secondary Air Injection System (moderate) |
| 3 | [2018 Lexus Lx](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2018-lexus-lx) | **96/100** (A+) | $600/yr | Active Height Control (AHC) System (major); Brake System Components (moderate) |
| 4 | [2022 Honda Civic](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-honda-civic) | **93/100** (A) | $400/yr | Infotainment & Electrical (minor); CVT Transmission Quirks (moderate) |
| 5 | [2019 Toyota Prius](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-toyota-prius) | **93/100** (A) | $400/yr | 12V Auxiliary Battery (moderate); Brake Actuator Assembly (major) |
| 6 | [2021 Toyota Avalon](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2021-toyota-avalon) | **93/100** (A) | $400/yr | Infotainment System (minor); Front Suspension Bushings/Components (moderate) |
| 7 | [2021 Lexus Es](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2021-lexus-es) | **93/100** (A) | $400/yr | 12V Battery System (moderate); Infotainment System (minor) |
| 8 | [2020 Lexus Rx](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2020-lexus-rx) | **93/100** (A) | $400/yr | Infotainment System (minor); HVAC Blower Motor (moderate) |
| 9 | [2022 Lexus Gx](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-lexus-gx) | **93/100** (A) | $400/yr | Infotainment System (minor); Automatic Running Boards (optional) (moderate) |
| 10 | [2019 Toyota Tundra](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-toyota-tundra) | **93/100** (A-) | $500/yr | Secondary Air Injection System (SAIS) (moderate); AC Blower Motor (minor) |

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## Methodology

We analyzed **1877 individual vehicle reliability reports** from OwnerKeep's database, restricted to model years 2014–2022. Each report combines:

- Reliability score (0–100, derived from aggregated owner issues + known failure patterns)
- Risk level (low / moderate / high)
- Estimated annual maintenance cost (midpoint of reported range)
- Top risk areas (engine, transmission, electrical, etc.) with severity
- NHTSA recall data where applicable

Rankings prioritize reliability score (high = good), then tiebreak on lowest annual maintenance cost.

One model year per nameplate was kept to prevent a single vehicle (e.g., the Ford F-150) from dominating the list across consecutive years.

## Full Breakdown — Each Vehicle

### 1. [2022 Toyota 4Runner](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-toyota-4runner)

![2022 Toyota 4Runner](./img/v_toyota-4runner.jpg)

**Reliability Score:** **96/100** (A+) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $400-600

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner stands as a bulletproof fortress on wheels, an unwavering testament to old-school durability in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. If you prioritize absolute mechanical longevity and rugged capability above all else, this is one of the safest used vehicles you can buy, confidently shrugging off hundreds of thousands of miles with proper care.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- HVAC System (Blower Motor) (minor)
- Infotainment System (minor)
- Frame Rust & Corrosion (major)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-toyota-4runner)

### 2. [2018 Toyota Land Cruiser](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2018-toyota-land-cruiser)

**Reliability Score:** **96/100** (A+) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $600-900 (for routine services, assuming no major issues)

The 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser is not just a vehicle; it's a testament to unwavering durability and capability, representing one of the absolute safest long-term investments in the luxury SUV segment. Its legendary reliability means major mechanical failures are exceedingly rare, allowing you to buy with supreme confidence for years of worry-free ownership, provided you can handle the running costs.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) (moderate)
- Secondary Air Injection System (moderate)
- Fuel Pump Module (Premature Failure) (major)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2018-toyota-land-cruiser)

### 3. [2018 Lexus Lx](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2018-lexus-lx)

**Reliability Score:** **96/100** (A+) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $600-900 (includes oil changes, tire rotations, cabin filters, plus occasional brake service)

The 2018 Lexus LX is an absolute titan of dependability, making it one of the safest bets in the luxury SUV segment for long-term ownership. Its legendary Toyota Land Cruiser underpinnings ensure bulletproof reliability, delivering peace of mind that few competitors can match. If you prioritize durability and minimal repair headaches above all else in a full-size luxury SUV, this vehicle should be at the very top of your list.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Active Height Control (AHC) System (major)
- Brake System Components (moderate)
- Infotainment System (minor)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2018-lexus-lx)

### 4. [2022 Honda Civic](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-honda-civic)

![2022 Honda Civic](./img/v_honda-civic.jpg)

**Reliability Score:** **93/100** (A) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $400-600

The 2022 Honda Civic is undeniably one of the most dependable compact cars you can purchase in the used market. With its strong reputation for longevity and minimal major defects, this vehicle represents a safe and smart investment, making it a cornerstone of stress-free ownership.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Infotainment & Electrical (minor)
- CVT Transmission Quirks (moderate)
- Paint Quality & Trim Durability (minor)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-honda-civic)

### 5. [2019 Toyota Prius](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-toyota-prius)

**Reliability Score:** **93/100** (A) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $400-600

The 2019 Toyota Prius is unequivocally one of the most dependable and cost-effective used vehicles you can acquire, offering exceptional longevity and minimal surprises. This generation solidified its reputation for near-bulletproof hybrid technology, making it an intelligent choice for discerning buyers prioritizing hassle-free ownership and outstanding fuel efficiency.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- 12V Auxiliary Battery (moderate)
- Brake Actuator Assembly (major)
- LED Headlight Failure (moderate)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-toyota-prius)

### 6. [2021 Toyota Avalon](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2021-toyota-avalon)

**Reliability Score:** **93/100** (A) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $400-600

The 2021 Toyota Avalon is an undisputed champion of reliability in the full-size sedan segment, offering exceptional peace of mind. Its proven powertrains and quality construction ensure a worry-free ownership experience, making it a stellar long-term investment. This vehicle sets a high bar for dependability, rarely encountering significant mechanical issues during its lifespan.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Infotainment System (minor)
- Front Suspension Bushings/Components (moderate)
- Hybrid Battery Degradation (Hybrid Models) (major)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2021-toyota-avalon)

### 7. [2021 Lexus Es](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2021-lexus-es)

**Reliability Score:** **93/100** (A) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $400-600

The 2021 Lexus ES is one of the most dependable luxury sedans you can own, boasting an exceptional track record for longevity and minimal unexpected repairs. It represents a smart long-term investment for drivers prioritizing comfort and hassle-free ownership, making it an easy recommendation in the used market.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- 12V Battery System (moderate)
- Infotainment System (minor)
- Interior Trim/HVAC (minor)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2021-lexus-es)

### 8. [2020 Lexus Rx](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2020-lexus-rx)

**Reliability Score:** **93/100** (A) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $400-600

The 2020 Lexus RX stands as a benchmark for reliability in the luxury SUV segment, offering unparalleled peace of mind and significantly lower long-term ownership costs compared to its European rivals. This is a vehicle you can confidently purchase, knowing major mechanical failures are exceedingly rare with proper care, making it an excellent investment for dependable luxury.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Infotainment System (minor)
- HVAC Blower Motor (moderate)
- Suspension Bushings/Components (moderate)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2020-lexus-rx)

### 9. [2022 Lexus Gx](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-lexus-gx)

**Reliability Score:** **93/100** (A) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $400-600

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 is an absolute fortress of reliability in the luxury SUV segment, carrying forward Toyota's legendary durability with premium finishes. This is a vehicle you can confidently purchase for decades of dependable service, requiring only routine maintenance to outlast nearly anything else on the road.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Infotainment System (minor)
- Automatic Running Boards (optional) (moderate)
- KDSS System (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) (moderate)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-lexus-gx)

### 10. [2019 Toyota Tundra](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-toyota-tundra)

**Reliability Score:** **93/100** (A-) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $500-750

The 2019 Toyota Tundra stands as a fortress of reliability in the full-size truck segment, offering unparalleled peace of mind for buyers seeking a long-term workhorse. While its design may be dated, its robust powertrain and legendary build quality translate into minimal unexpected breakdowns and significantly lower long-term ownership stress compared to competitors. This is one of the safest used truck investments you can make, built to tackle hundreds of thousands of miles with proper care.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Secondary Air Injection System (SAIS) (moderate)
- AC Blower Motor (minor)
- Power Sliding Rear Window Motor (minor)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-toyota-tundra)

## Citations

All data in this study comes from OwnerKeep's reliability database (**1877 individual year-make-model reports, 2026**). To cite this study:

> OwnerKeep. "The 10 Best Used Cars of 2026 (Highest Reliability + Lowest Ownership Costs)". May 2026. https://ownerkeep.com/studies/10-best-used-cars-2026

Any of these are safe buys if the individual example has been well maintained. Check service records and run a pre-purchase inspection.

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*Want your specific year-make-model fully analyzed? Run a free reliability check at [OwnerKeep.com](https://ownerkeep.com/).*
