Predicting which new car will still be running smoothly after a couple of decades and several hundred thousand miles is no easy task.
Design flaws and weaknesses often take years to surface. If you’re in search of a vehicle with the potential for exceptional longevity, it might seem like the best approach is to simply hope that diligent maintenance will keep whichever car you choose on the road.
However, there is a way to increase your chances of long-term reliability by opting for cars that have already built a reputation for durability.
These reputations are based on how older models have fared over time. Of course, mechanical updates, production inconsistencies, or even pure misfortune could mean that a brand-new version won’t perform as well.
With that in mind, here are 10 of the longest-lasting cars for 2023. We’ve organized them according to their base price. (And if you’re looking for information on SUVs or pickup trucks, note that this list is focused solely on passenger cars.)
1. 2023 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has earned worldwide recognition as a compact car known for its longevity. Many of the 1990s models in the U.S. have found their way to developing countries, where they continue to operate reliably despite harsh conditions.
The 2023 Corolla remains a straightforward and dependable vehicle.
While it comes equipped with modern safety and infotainment features, its base engine is a no-frills 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that Toyota has kept unchanged since 2019.
Buyers can also opt for a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, the same kind that has cemented the Toyota Prius as a staple of reliability.
The Corolla may not lead its class in fuel efficiency (especially in non-hybrid form), sportiness, speed, or luxury, but it offers a comfortable and capable ride built to last. With a starting price of $21,700, it stands as the most affordable long-lasting car on this list.
2. 2023 Honda Civic
The Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are often mentioned together, and for good reason. These two Japanese compact cars have spent decades proving their reliability. However, they each have distinct characteristics.
Throughout its history, the Civic has been designed with driving enjoyment in mind. It’s built for owners who want to hold onto their car for the long haul and actually enjoy the experience.
While the Corolla is a slightly more budget-friendly option, the Civic provides a more engaging driving dynamic.
Even the base 2023 Honda Civic, priced at $23,750, offers responsive handling, a refined dashboard, and one of the most spacious backseats in its category.
Unlike some compact cars that quickly feel cramped as a family grows, the Civic remains practical for years, allowing owners to fully benefit from its durability.
While higher trims with turbocharged engines offer a livelier performance, the simpler 2.0-liter 158-horsepower engine found in base models may prove to be even more enduring.
3. 2023 Subaru Legacy
Stepping up to the mid-size segment, the 2023 Subaru Legacy comes with a starting price of $24,395 only slightly more than the compact Honda Civic. Despite its affordability, this spacious and comfortable all-wheel-drive sedan is built to last.
The Legacy’s base engine, producing 182 horsepower, has undergone only minor updates in over a decade, with no changes at all since 2020.
This extended production period has given Subaru ample time to refine its reliability. Its standard all-wheel-drive system makes it a dependable choice for navigating harsh winter conditions.
While the Legacy may not be the most thrilling car to drive, it excels at avoiding the kind of surprises that come with unexpected mechanical failures, ensuring long-term dependability.
4. 2023 Hyundai Sonata
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size sedan that stands out for offering an appealing combination of affordability, upscale styling, and comfort.
However, beyond its aesthetics and features, the Sonata proves to be a durable vehicle particularly when equipped with one of its well-established powertrains, such as the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder or the gas-electric hybrid.
Among the options, the hybrid is our top recommendation. If longevity is your priority, you’ll appreciate the Sonata Hybrid’s impressive EPA rating of up to 52 mpg in mixed driving, delivering fuel savings year after year.
Compared to the standard 31 mpg Sonata, the hybrid could save you hundreds of dollars annually, particularly if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, where its efficiency shines.
Additionally, Hyundai backs the Sonata with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, ensuring that the most expensive components will hold up for at least a decade. The trade-off?
The Sonata isn’t known for especially dynamic steering or handling. The base model starts at $25,100, while the hybrid version has a starting price of $28,100.
5. 2023 Toyota Camry
The inclusion of the 2023 Toyota Camry on a list of long-lasting cars comes as no surprise. Much like its smaller sibling, the Corolla, this mid-size sedan prioritizes simplicity over chasing the latest trends.
However, it remains a well-engineered vehicle that offers comfort, efficiency, and, in its latest form, an unexpectedly enjoyable driving experience.
The Camry may not boast the highest-quality interior materials, the largest trunk, or the most advanced infotainment graphics. It also isn’t the cheapest mid-size sedan, with a starting price of $26,320.
However, whether you opt for the budget-friendly and fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, the refined and powerful V6, or the fuel-saving hybrid, you can trust that the Camry is built for longevity.
With proper maintenance and a bit of luck it has the potential to stay on the road for decades.
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6. 2023 Honda Accord
Much like the comparison between the Civic and the Corolla, the 2023 Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry take different approaches to mid-size sedans.
Honda prioritizes sharp handling and a more refined interior, while Toyota focuses on effortless comfort and mechanical simplicity. Despite these differences, both vehicles are built for long-term durability.
The newly redesigned Accord retains its four-cylinder and hybrid powertrains from the previous generation.
Honda now reserves its base gas-only engine for value-conscious buyers, while upper trims are exclusively hybrid models.
As we’ve noted before, if your budget allows, the hybrid is the better choice it has a strong track record for longevity and delivers significant fuel savings over time.
In the Accord’s case, the hybrid also offers a more engaging driving experience. The gas-powered Accord starts at $27,295, while the well-equipped Accord Hybrid begins at $31,345.
7. 2023 Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius has long been known as a slow, quirky hatchback that excels in fuel efficiency and durability. For 2023, a complete redesign aims to retain its best qualities while addressing its past shortcomings.
With striking new styling, the latest Prius is sure to turn heads, and its revamped powertrain finally injects some much-needed energy into its performance all while maintaining fuel economy above 50 mpg.
Despite these improvements, the core attributes that have made the Prius a long-lasting vehicle remain intact.
The redesign does come with a few trade-offs, including a smaller backseat, reduced cargo space, and a more limited rearward view.
However, unless Toyota has inadvertently introduced an unforeseen mechanical issue, the Prius will continue to be a reliable and fuel-efficient option only now, it’s a car that more people will enjoy driving and admiring.
8. 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda introduced the original Miata more than 30 years ago as Japan’s response to the fun but notoriously unreliable European roadsters.
The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata continues to embody that spirit delivering pure driving enjoyment while proving to be a car that can keep running strong for years.
This two-seat, rear-wheel-drive convertible was last redesigned in 2016, with engine enhancements in 2019 that added extra power.
It’s not the most spacious car, and there are more powerful options available at its $28,050 starting price.
However, for those who prioritize a pure, engaging driving experience, the saying remains true: Miata Is Always The Answer. And that sentiment extends to the question of which cars are built to last.
9. 2023 Chrysler 300
Chrysler hasn’t traditionally been regarded as a manufacturer of long-lasting vehicles on par with Honda and Toyota.
However, the 2023 Chrysler 300 has earned a solid reputation for reliability no doubt aided by its more than a decade on the market without major mechanical overhauls.
As a full-size sedan with a starting price of $34,995, the 300 offers a robust selection of V6 and V8 engines, plush seating, and surprisingly engaging handling.
It serves as a more budget-friendly alternative to luxury-branded sedans while maintaining a degree of old-school charm.
Though its interior technology and design are no longer cutting-edge, and its crash-test ratings have begun to lag behind, the 300’s lack of complex, high-maintenance components means fewer costly repairs down the road something many modern luxury cars can’t claim.
10. 2023 Lexus ES
For those seeking a large luxury sedan that delivers long-term reliability while maintaining a modern and upscale feel, the 2023 Lexus ES is a compelling choice.
With a starting price of $41,940, it commands a premium over some competitors but comes well-equipped with an array of standard features.
Like many of the most durable cars, the ES offers a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, which we consider the best option.
With an EPA rating of 44 mpg in mixed driving and Lexus’s meticulous efforts to minimize engine noise, the hybrid provides an exceptionally refined and efficient ride.
However, some buyers may prefer to spend the next couple of decades behind the wheel of the smooth 3.5-liter V6 or opt for the base four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive for added capability.
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