Toyota vs Honda Reliability 2026: Which Brand Is More Reliable?

Toyota is slightly more reliable than Honda, but the gap is small: in J.D. Power's 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study, Toyota ranked 8th with 134 problems per 100 vehicles and Honda ranked 10th with 139. The model year matters more than the badge. The costliest problems sit in a few Honda years, such as the 2013 to 2017 Accord CVT and the 2017 to 2019 CR-V 1.5L turbo, while 2015 and newer Camrys and 2019 and newer RAV4s are low-risk buys.

Below, we compare Camry vs Accord and RAV4 vs CR-V, then the maintenance costs, repair bills and resale value you can expect from each brand.

Toyota vs Honda: The Short Answer

Toyota edges out Honda, but barely. J.D. Power's 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study counts the problems owners report per 100 vehicles, so a lower score is better. Toyota scored 134 and ranked 8th. Honda scored 139 and ranked 10th. That is 5 more reported problems per 100 cars for Honda, a gap most owners will never notice.

Toyota owners are also slightly less likely to visit a dealer for repairs in the first three years. Both brands' luxury divisions, Lexus and Acura, score even better.

• Toyota wins on: predictability, slightly lower maintenance costs, hybrids and resale value on SUVs.
• Honda wins on: driving feel, refinement and slightly better resale on the Accord vs the Camry.
• The real risk with either brand: a few model years with known transmission or engine problems. Check the year before you buy.

Camry vs Accord: Reliability and Common Problems

Toyota Camry: Strengths and Weak Spots

The 2015 to 2026 Camry has fewer engine problems than the Accord of the same years. Its weak spots are minor: some 2018 to 2020 owners report occasional shifting hesitation from the eight-speed automatic. The one big bill is the hybrid battery on 2012 to 2015 Camry Hybrids, which may need replacing at 100,000 to 150,000 miles for $3,000 to $5,500.

Our Toyota Camry problems by year guide covers every model year.

Honda Accord: Strengths and Weak Spots

The Accord is the more engaging sedan to drive, and the 2.0L turbo (2018 and newer) is responsive and efficient. Its biggest weak spot is the CVT in 2013 to 2017 models. Failure rates were highest in 2013 and fell each year through 2017, and a CVT replacement costs $3,500 to $5,000.

The 2018 1.5L turbo can suffer oil dilution, where fuel mixes into the engine oil. Spark plug fouling on turbo models costs $300 to $600 to fix. Check our Honda Accord common problems by year guide for failure rates by year.

Verdict: The Camry Is the Lower-Risk Sedan

A 2015 or newer Camry is the more predictable used sedan. If you prefer the Accord, look at 2022 or 2023 models, avoid the 2018 1.5L turbo, and budget for transmission work on any 2013 to 2017 Accord with a CVT.

RAV4 vs CR-V: SUV Reliability Compared

Toyota RAV4: Strengths and Weak Spots

The RAV4's 2.5L engine has a proven record, and our Toyota RAV4 problems by year guide rates 2019 to 2024 as the best recent years. Known issues on the 2019 to 2022 generation are small: front-end clunking on rough roads (bushings cost $400 to $800), sunroof rattles and infotainment glitches that software updates usually fix.

The big-ticket item is the hybrid battery, at $4,000 to $6,000 out of pocket. Toyota extended the hybrid battery warranty to 10 years or 150,000 miles on 2020 and newer models. Excessive oil consumption is an older problem, tied to 2006 to 2012 RAV4s with the 2.4L engine.

Honda CR-V: Strengths and Weak Spots

The CR-V is a dependable SUV with a comfortable, efficient drive. Its known problems sit in the 2017 to 2022 generation: oil dilution on the 1.5L turbo, worst in 2017 and 2018, and spotty CVT reliability. Honda's fix for oil dilution is a free software update at the dealer, but an engine damaged by it can cost $4,000 to $6,000 or more.

CVT repairs on these years run $2,000 to $3,500. The 2015 to 2016 CR-V and the 2022 model are the safest used picks. Our Honda CR-V problems by year guide has the full year list.

Verdict: Close, With a Hybrid Edge for Toyota

The RAV4 Hybrid has the edge over the CR-V Hybrid. For a used SUV, the safest picks are a 2019 or newer RAV4 or a 2022 or newer CR-V. Both models rank among the most reliable SUVs of 2026.

Toyota vs Honda Maintenance and Repair Costs

Routine Maintenance: Toyota Is Slightly Cheaper

Toyota costs a little less to keep on the road. Over 10 years, Toyota owners spend about $4,600 on maintenance and repairs, versus about $4,850 for Honda owners, according to YourMechanic data.

Our cheapest cars to maintain ranking puts the average yearly maintenance bill at $520 for a Toyota and $550 for a Honda. Toyota parts are also easy to find. A RAV4 water pump costs about $150 at an independent shop and about $250 at the dealer. For the full picture, see our guide on the true cost of car ownership.

Why Maintenance Matters More Than the Badge

The biggest predictor of long-term reliability isn't the badge on the grille. It is whether the car was serviced on schedule.

• Change the oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, as your owner's manual sets for your model and year.
• Service the transmission fluid every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. It costs about $150 and helps prevent a transmission failure that can top $6,000.
• On a 1.5L turbo CR-V or Accord, check the oil level between changes. On a 2017 to 2019 CR-V, confirm the dealer applied Honda's oil dilution software update.
• Keep every service receipt. A full record helps resale and supports any repair claim.

Big-Ticket Repairs: What Breaks and What It Costs

Toyota and Honda share most of the same expensive failures. These are the repairs that hurt most once the factory warranty ends.

Protect the biggest repairs on this list. CoverageX's Essential plan covers the engine, transmission and drivetrain, the parts behind the largest bills in this table. The Signature plan adds electrical systems, air conditioning and suspension. CoverageX pays the repair shop directly, so you pay only your deductible. Get an instant quote with your year, make and model, or call 1-800-258-3413.

Resale Value: Toyota Holds On a Little Longer

Here's where Toyota's reliability advantage becomes financially tangible.

A three-year-old RAV4 with 40,000 miles retains about 67% of its original value. A comparable CR-V in the same condition retains about 64%. That might sound tiny, but on a $35,000 SUV, that's roughly $1,050 in your pocket.

Sedans tell a different story. A three-year-old Camry retains about 59% of value; a comparable Accord retains about 60%. Accords sometimes hold value slightly better because they're seen as more fun to own, which appeals to a specific buyer demographic.

The hybrid premium: RAV4 Hybrids command a bigger resale premium than CR-V Hybrids, largely because the RAV4 Hybrid's reliability reputation is more established and marketing has been stronger.

For long-term owners (5 to 10+ years), both brands depreciate similarly, but Toyota tends to hold stronger in years 3 to 6, which is when most people sell.

The takeaway: Toyota SUVs hold value better, the Accord and Camry are close to even, and a full service record is worth more at trade-in than the badge.

Toyota or Honda: Which Brand Fits Which Driver

Owners point the same way as the data. Toyota owners report more peace of mind, while Honda owners are happier with how their cars drive. Pick the brand that matches your priorities.

Choose Toyota If

• You value predictability and peace of mind above all
• You plan to keep the car 10+ years
• You want the lowest expected maintenance costs
• Fuel efficiency is a priority (their hybrids are class-leading)

Choose Honda If

• You want a more engaging driving experience
• You plan to sell after 5 to 7 years
• You value refinement and features
• You're willing to pay slightly more attention to service intervals

Either Brand Works If

• You buy a model year with no known transmission or engine problem. Check the problems-by-year guides above first.
• You plan to keep a repair fund or extended coverage once the factory warranty ends.
• Reliability matters to you, but it is not your only factor.

Does a Toyota or Honda Need an Extended Warranty?

Often, no, at least not while the car is new. A Toyota or Honda that is still under its factory warranty, that you plan to sell within a year or two, or whose repairs you could cover from savings rarely needs extra protection. Our guide on when not to buy an extended warranty walks through these cases.

Extended coverage makes more sense when:

• You plan to keep the car well past its factory warranty and into six-figure mileage.
• You own or are buying a model year with a known weak spot, such as a 2013 to 2017 Accord CVT or a 2017 to 2019 CR-V 1.5L turbo.
• A transmission or engine bill of several thousand dollars would wreck your budget.

An extended car warranty, legally a vehicle service contract, pays for covered mechanical breakdowns after the factory warranty ends. It does not cover oil changes, brake pads, tires or other maintenance, and it does not cover problems that existed before you bought it. Learn how extended warranties work.

CoverageX Plans for Toyota and Honda Owners

Every plan includes 24/7 roadside assistance and towing. Coverage starts 30 days after purchase and after the car has been driven 1,000 miles. When a covered part fails, call the claims team before repairs start, and CoverageX pays the shop directly. See how to file a claim.

The price depends on your car, its mileage and the plan you choose, so a quote is the only way to know your cost. Our extended car warranty cost guide explains what drives the price.

Keeping your Toyota or Honda past the factory warranty? Get an instant quote for your year, make and model in about two minutes, or call 1-800-258-3413. There is no obligation, and you can cancel anytime. CoverageX does not offer vehicle coverage in California.

Toyota vs Honda Reliability: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Toyota or Honda more reliable?

Toyota is slightly more reliable. In J.D. Power's 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study, Toyota ranked 8th with 134 problems per 100 vehicles and Honda ranked 10th with 139. The model year matters more than the brand, so check the RAV4 or CR-V guide for the exact year you are looking at.

Is Toyota cheaper to maintain than Honda?

Yes, slightly. The average yearly maintenance bill is $520 for a Toyota and $550 for a Honda, according to our cheapest cars to maintain ranking. Toyota parts are also widely available, which keeps independent shop prices low.

Which lasts longer, Toyota or Honda?

Both last a long time with regular maintenance, and Toyota has a slight edge. A well-maintained Toyota regularly passes 200,000 miles, and Hondas are known for coping with less-than-perfect care better than most brands. Service history matters more than the badge. See how long cars last.

Should I buy a Toyota or Honda with high mileage?

Either can be a good high-mileage buy if the service history is complete. Toyota is the more predictable choice. With a high-mileage Honda, avoid 2013 to 2017 Accords with a CVT and 2017 to 2019 CR-Vs unless repairs are documented. Read buying a used car with 100,000 miles before you commit.

Which Honda years should I avoid?

For the Accord, be careful with 2013 to 2017 models with a CVT and the 2018 1.5L turbo; the 2003 and 2004 V6 and the 2008 are also weak years. For the CR-V, avoid 2017 to 2019, when oil dilution complaints peaked, and 2007 to 2009. The 2022 Accord and CR-V and the 2015 to 2016 CR-V are safer picks.

Which Toyota years should I avoid?

Toyota has fewer problem years. Watch for oil consumption on 2006 to 2012 RAV4s with the 2.4L engine, and plan for a hybrid battery replacement on 2012 to 2015 Camry Hybrids past 100,000 miles. A 2015 or newer Camry and a 2019 or newer RAV4 are low-risk choices. See Toyota Camry problems by year.

Do Toyota and Honda models still need extended coverage?

Not while they are new and under factory warranty. Coverage makes more sense if you keep the car past the factory warranty, buy a model year with known transmission or engine issues, or could not pay a repair bill of several thousand dollars from savings. If you plan to sell within a year or two, skip it.

What does an extended warranty cover on a Toyota or Honda?

It depends on the plan. CoverageX's Essential plan covers the engine, transmission and drivetrain, Signature adds electrical systems, air conditioning and suspension, Premium covers nearly all major systems, and Executive covers everything not listed as excluded. Maintenance, wear items like brake pads and tires, and pre-existing problems are not covered. Compare plans.

When does extended coverage start after I buy it?

CoverageX auto coverage starts 30 days after purchase and after the car has been driven 1,000 miles past its starting odometer reading. A problem that already exists when you buy the plan is not covered, so buy before something goes wrong. Roadside assistance and towing are included with every plan.