Most reliable small cars 2025
Small cars have to put up with a lot. They must be up to the challenge of dealing with potholes, roundabouts, regular gear changes, stop-start traffic and speed bumps, so it pays to buy something reliable.
Fortunately, today's small cars are more reliable than ever, which is remarkable when you consider that they're built to strict budgets. Drivers expect them to offer the same level of dependability as larger cars with more expensive price tags, not to mention a strong safety rating and a long list of standard equipment.
Here, we've created a list of some of the most reliable small cars you can buy today, many of which are backed by long warranties. It's no surprise that our list features cars built by Japanese and South Korean manufacturers.
These are the most reliable cars according to the results of the 2025 Honest John Satisfaction Index, the result of 6000 readers having their say on their experiences of owning a car.
1. Honda Jazz
Reliability rating: 96.81%
There's an inherent cleverness about the Honda Jazz which amplifies this small cars's appeal beyond its latest victory in the 2025 Honest John Satisfaction Index as the most reliable small cars. Launched in 2020, this latest generation adds a dash of desirability to go with the reliability, including a supremely practical interior with its rear Magic Seats and an impressively meagre thirst from its petrol-electric hybrid system. There's even a more rugged looking Honda Jazz Crosstar for those who crave more of an SUV look for their compact five-door.
2. Toyota Yaris Cross
Reliability rating: 94.38%
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Toyota's Yaris Cross is one of the burgeoning group of small SUVs that rivals cars likes the Ford Puma and Renault Captur. Toyota's reputation for reliability helps the Yaris Cross net second place for reliability with our readers and means it's likely to be one of the most dependable choices. Its 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system also ensures it should be one of the cheapest to run, which could be enough to make you think twice about buying a small electric car.
3. Renault Captur
Reliability rating: 94.35%
Take a likeable and efficient to run small hatchback - in this instance the Renault Clio - and give it a taller, more spacious SUV body et voila! It's the Renault Captur. The higher seating position ensures it's easier to get in and out of, but the Captur's not so large as to suffer a big dent in its fuel economy, helped by its clever petrol-electric hybrid system. Our readers rated those virtues along with its sense of safety as well as scoring it highly for reliability.
4. Kia Picanto
Reliability rating: 94.09%
Kia's small car range isn't as diverse as it once was but it's dinkiest Kia Picanto model is a firm favourite with HonestJohn.co.uk readers. Backed by a reassuring seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, the Kia Picanto is a grown-up feeling small car with high levels of equipment, sprightly performance and a delicious gearchange action to complement its excellent fourth place in our reliability rankings.
5. Toyota Yaris
Reliable car score: 93.57%
The appeal of the Toyota Yaris remains strong. It may not be the cheapest small car you can buy, but its smart looks and high-tech interior almost make it feel like you're driving a little Lexus. It's a feeling that's backed up by its quiet hybrid system and standard-fit driving aids. Amazingly you can expect to achieve up to 68.8mpg according to the claimed figures with the Yaris Hybrid doing its best to stay in electric mode at low speeds. All that, plus it being one of the most reliable small cars you can buy - and Toyota's second in the top five - cements its appeal.
6. Dacia Sandero
Reliability rating: 93.55%
Given that Dacia is Renault's budget brand it's easy to assume that its Dacia Sandero small hatchback might not be manufacturered with the same car and attention as the closely related Renault Clio. True, it's not as plush inside nor is the on-board technology as up-to-date but our readers have rated the Dacia Sandero highly for its reliability whereas the Renault doesn't appear in this list. Add in fine value plus practicality and the Dacia's appeal shines even brighter.
7. Suzuki Swift
Reliability rating: 93.33%
Suzuki has fostered a sound reputation for producing soundly engineered small cars over the past four decades, with the popular Suzuki Swift very much at its heart. Our readers' feedback in the 2025 Honest John Satisfaction Index highlights many of the Suzuki Swift's virtues beyond its strong reliability recording including impressively low fuel consumption and excellent service from the Suzuki dealer network.
8. Ford Puma
Reliability rating: 92.00%
Given that the Ford Ka and Ford Fiesta are no more, the compact Ford Puma SUV is now Ford's smallest model. Not only is it larger than its hatchback forebears, it's also proving to be more reliable, with eighth place in the small car reliability league while the Ford Fiesta is fourth from bottom. Our readers also tell us that they appreciate the Puma's practicality - demonstrated by its MegaBox under the boot floor - and a feeling of safety while driving.
9. MINI Hatch
Reliability rating: 91.95%
MINI Hatch is the official name of the previous-generation 3- and 5-Door hatchbacks that most people ended up simply calling MINI Cooper. BMW's now seen fit to adopt that as the actual name of the latest models, making it all much simpler to understand. One of the most enjoyable small cars to drive, the littlest MINIs also boast impressive reliablility according to our readers as well as a satisfying ownership experience overall, but there's no ignoring that they aren't the most practical of small cars.
10. Hyundai i10
Reliability rating: 89.74%
Sister car to the Kia Picanto, the Hyundai i10 is one of the most compact vehicles in our round-up of the most reliable small cars. The five-door city car nonetheless offers an impressive amount of room for passengers inside, so even adults should find the rear seats acceptable for more than just short trips. Hyundai’s well-proven technology also means the affordable Hyundai i10 boasts a good reputation for reliability, something backed up by the South Korean firm’s highly regarded five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Our readers scoring it sufficiently well for the final spot in this dependability league.
Which small car is the most reliable?
We'd look no further than the Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris, both of which finish at or near the top of the reliability charts year in, year out. . Both cars are built by manufacturers with an excellent reputation for reliability. Alternatively, consider the likes of the Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto which are backed by long manufacturer warranties.
Which is the most reliable and cheapest small car?
The Dacia Sandero has, for years, been the cheapest new car you can buy in Britain. This makes the fact that it’s also one of the most reliable cars in the hands of Honest John readers all the more commendable. Early Sanderos dating back to 2013 are now available for outstandingly small amounts of money on the secondhand market. It’s a great option if you want a reliable small car, but don’t want to spend a fortune.
Are small hybrid cars reliable?
Toyota has proven that hybrid systems can be extremely reliable. Self-charging hybrid technology has been fitted to millions of cars around the world, with no major issues being reported. An evolution of the system pioneered with the Toyota Prius more than a quarter-century ago is used today by the Yaris Hybrid, which enjoys the same peerless reputation for dependability.
What small automatic is best?
