Toyota, a brand known for its reliability, has a few surprises in its lineup. Two of its top-selling models, which you might not expect, are among the least dependable. Discover these unexpected findings here.
Which Toyota models are the most reliable?
I recently reported on the most reliable car brands, and it's not a surprise that Toyota makes the most dependable vehicles. Check out my complete report here. However, not all Toyota models in its lineup get the highest reliability marks.
A recent report from iSeeCars reveals the most and least reliable Toyota models. First, I'll cover the ten most reliable Toyota models and then the ten least in the iSeeCars ranking.
iSeeCars says, "Toyota is perhaps the best brand for reliability, as a number of its models are ranked number one in their categories. We show comprehensive iSeeCars ratings for each brand's models, along with the rankings and Reliability scores. We believe multiple factors should be considered when buyers seek the best vehicle. Two of these factors are safety and resale value, both of which are included in our rating system."
The top ten Toyota reliability ratings for the 2024 model year and their reliability score.
- Toyota Tundra (hybrid) - 10 / 10
- Toyota Sequoia (hybrid) - 10 / 10
- Toyota FJ Cruiser - 10 / 10
- Toyota Land Cruiser - 9.9 / 10
- Toyota Avalon - 9.8 / 10
- Toyota Sequoia - 9.7 / 10
- Toyota Highlander (hybrid) - 9.5 / 10
- Toyota 4Runner - 9.4 / 10
- Toyota Tundra - 9.3 / 10
- Toyota Tacoma - 9.2 / 10
- Toyota Camry - 8.9 / 10
As you can see, three Toyota models scored a perfect 10 / 10. Also interesting is that two of the top models are hybrid trim levels, and three hybrids make up the top ten models.
How is the iSeeCars score calculated?
The reliability score is meticulously calculated based on the latest research and analysis by iSeeCar's data science team. This data analysis, which includes over 12 million new and used vehicles in its Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings, provides a comprehensive and reliable assessment of each vehicle's reliability.
How long do Toyota vehicles last?
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
I also reported on the 6 Toyota vehicles that will go 250,000+ miles. Check out my report here.
Surprisingly, the top-selling Toyota RAV4, Toyota Corolla, and Toyota Prius are not among the top models on the longevity list. Which Toyota models last the longest?
iSeeCars says, "The highest ranked vehicles, Toyota's Tundra and Sequoia, are four times more likely to reach a quarter-million miles, while the Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, Highlander Hybrid, and Honda Ridgeline are three times more likely to reach 250,000 miles compared to the average vehicle."
I've listed the top ten models and show the percentage of their chance of lasting 250,000 plus miles. Note: The overall average of all cars is 8.6%. The top six Toyota models far exceed those percentages. There's also one from its luxury division, Lexus.
- Toyota Tundra - 36.6%
- Toyota Sequoia - 36.4%
- Toyota 4Runner - 26.8%
- Toyota Tacoma - 26.7%
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid - 25.9%
- Honda Ridgeline - 25.8%
- Chevrolet Suburban - 22.0%
- Toyota Avalon - 22.0%
- Lexus GX - 20.7%
- Chevrolet Silverado - 18.8%
Where does Toyota rank among all automakers for longevity? Here are the top seven automakers and their percentage to last 250,00+ miles compared to the average car. The overall average of all cars is 8.6%.
- Toyota 17% (2.0x)
- Honda 13.6% (1.6x)
- Ram 11.5% (1.3x)
- GMC 11.4% (1.3x)
- Chevrolet 10.5% (1.2x)
- Lexus 9.7% (1.1x)
- Ford 9.5% (1.1x)
Toyota ranks number one overall in this important category. Is it a surprise that Toyota is the world's number one selling automaker maker? Toyota sold 11.2 million vehicles worldwide in 2023. This is the fourth year in a row that Toyota has held the top spot. Note: Toyota's sales include vehicles from its Daihatsu and Hino brands.
Here are the next-tier reliable Toyota models according to the iSeeCars analysis.
The Toyota reliability rating for the 2024 model year and their reliability score.
- Toyota Camry - 8.9 / 10
- Toyota Highlander - 8.9 / 10
- Toyota Venza (hybrid) - 8.9 / 10
- Toyota Prius (hatchback) - 8.9 / 10
- Toyota Camry Hybrid - 8.9 / 10
- Toyota Prius c - 8.7 / 10
- Toyota Sienna - 8.7 / 10
- Toyota RAV4 - 8.5 / 10
- Toyota Corolla - 8.5 / 10
- Toyota Yaris - 8.5 / 10
- Toyota Avalon Hybrid - 7.8 / 10
Ok, now for the two least reliable Toyota models according to the iSeeCars analysis.
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - 6.2 / 10
- Toyota Prius Prime - 5.7 / 10
I was surprised that these two Toyota models ranked significantly lower than the automaker's other models.
Here are key facts about the Toyota Prius Prime hatchback.
- Average Lifespan (years): 13.6
- Average Lifespan (miles): 146,196 miles
- Typical Miles Driven per Year: 9,425 miles
- Probability of Reaching 200k Miles: 15.4%
Here are key facts about the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
- Average Lifespan (years): 12.2
- Average Lifespan (miles): 148,119 miles
- Typical Miles Driven per Year: 10,262 miles
- Probability of Reaching 200k Miles: 17.7%
What does Consumer Reports say about Toyota's reliability?
According to a new report from Consumer Reports (by subscription), the Toyota brand of vehicles ranks as the second most reliable automaker. Lexus is ranked number one. This ranking, the first-ever brand ranking for used cars, is a significant milestone in the automotive industry.
Why are Lexus and Toyota consistently ahead of the rest?
Consumer Reports says, "Brands like Lexus and Toyota have a history of conservative redesigns, incrementally improving their entire product line, rather than introducing many all-new systems," says Steven Elek, Consumer Reports' senior automotive data analyst.
I like the new brand ranking for used cars. For this analysis, they use 5- to 10-year-old models. At the same time, its new car reliability ranking is based on CR's analysis of the latest three years of reliability, along with brand history and factors such as shared componentry.
Toyota isn't perfect.
In August, Toyota had a stop-sale on the Grand Highlander and the Lexus TX and had to purchase back nearly a dozen from consumers.
Kent Rice, group vice president of Toyota Motor North America's quality division, told Automotive News (by subscription) that the two large crossovers failed a random NHTSA audit involving the vehicles' side-curtain shield airbags in May. Toyota plans to fix consumers' vehicles and restart idle production in Indiana by the end of October.
"We make mistakes, right? It's a difficult, complex business. It's only about what do we need to do to get this right for the customer. This is our opportunity to put our values into action. In May, NHTSA conducted a random compliance audit of the Grand Highlander to determine whether it met Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. "We failed," Rice said.
It's Your Turn
How reliable is the Toyota model you drive? Click the red 'Add new comment' link below and let us know.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Toyota
My 2013 Toyota Tundra has…
My 2013 Toyota Tundra has 121,000 miles on it and I have had to replace the Ring and pinion, rack and pinion, and wiring harness(due to mice or chipmunks). Otherwise it’s been pretty good.
I have a Toyota 2001 Toyota…
I have a Toyota 2001 Toyota Solara with 138K miles and I love this car! I don’t intend to get rid of it even though I have been approached by different people interested in purchasing it. I also have a 2024 Camry but still will not sell the Solara!
Got the gen3 tundra on Jan…
Got the gen3 tundra on Jan 11 2022
Have nearly 110k miles with original motor
No major issues other than 1 coil pack that failed & 2 coil packs replaced at 80k spark plug service because they seemed poorly built (cautionary replacement)
Just 2 brake jobs, 2 sets of tires, 10 oil changes, spark plugs, serpentine belt, 1 round of fluid swap for diffs/transfer case at 100k, & a few air filters has allowed me to easily reach 110k on my gen3 tundra
Go toyota!
I am currently on my 13th…
I am currently on my 13th Toyota vehicle, I have owned Camrys Corollas Tacomas 4Runners and T-100 + Tundras also a Scion.
I have only ever had 1 costly repair in 40 yrs. when my 19' 4 runner needed a new throttle body and i'm chalking that up to being my lucky 13th Toyota.
I have owned Hondas Mercedes Chevys Fords Mercury and Dodges even an AMC and none of them held a candle to the reliability and resale value of any of my Toyotas.
My sister breifly stepped out of the Toyota family for a Subaru and had nothing but problems with the car and the dealship, she is back in a Toyota now.
Driving a 2009 RAV4 Limited…
Driving a 2009 RAV4 Limited 6 cyl w/235,000 and going strong. This replaced a 2007 which was superb until my wife was hit and car was totaled. My 2016 Corolla is at 92,000 and not a single problem. When we buy again, it will be a TOYOTA.
Interesting considering the…
Interesting considering the Prius prime hasn't existed that long and I highly doubt you can find a new generation Tundra with that many miles. Didn't they just have to recall or replace the motor on the entire first year of Tundras? Didn't the Tacoma just have a massive issue with it's 8 speed transmission? Smells like BS to me.
I don't think even Toyota…
I don't think even Toyota consider the FJ cruiser a 2024 model, given that they discontinued it in 2014.
True. That goes for the…
True. That goes for the Avalon being gone a couple of years, too. Was the less-than-trustworthy AI used for this article? The credibility of this article takes a hit when it includes two vehicles that were no longer being produced as of 2024.
2022 RAV 4 Limited…
2022 RAV 4 Limited. Purchased 04/22, currently has 8700 miles. No mechanical issues.
Drove my 2008 Tundra 200…
Drove my 2008 Tundra 200,000km for 14 years and never fixed anything. Just did oil, tires, brakes and regular servicing. And it is still running great as a company vehicle for an employee.
I have had numerous Toyotas and always had great experience with them. Usually only got rid of them because of appearance.
Now have a 2022 tundra. Some recalls and am apparently getting a new engine courtesy of Toyota. Love the truck. Drives like a Lexus.
1987 Mazda 626 LX, 277,000…
1987 Mazda 626 LX,
277,000. Only oil changes and tires. Never in the engine for anything. Drove all of those miles in 7 years.
2000 Nissan Xterra, made it over 320,000. Went through 4 family members before we sold it to a neighbor kid. All systems go except an exhaust manifold crack later in life. But this vehicle had off-road events in its lifetime.
2018 Toyota Landcruiser,
Only 40,000 miles. Nothing wrong with it yet. Weekend drive about or Road Tripper. Looking at another Landcruiser for next model year and keep this one clean and shiny.
Current everyday ride is 2015 Honda Pilot, 170,000. Damn what an expensive car. Regular maintenance and I have still had over $4500 expenses twice in the last 10 years. I am a facilities consultant so it sees a variety of surface conditions but no off-road activity just expensive failures. I do enjoy the seat comfort the driving experience but oh so expensive to keep it maintained
I currently drive a 2000…
I currently drive a 2000 Toyota Solar with 298,764 miles. I have driven it for about 9 years now. Great car!
I own a 2024 Tundra Limited…
I own a 2024 Tundra Limited. No issues mechanically - Excellent Vehicle!! However........the only dislike I have is the exterior sensors are best turned off in the winter. Now where I live - 30 Celsius is a common winter temperature. The sensors, not - 30 Celsius compliant. This winter I will turn all exterior sensors off.
We have a 2017 Highlander…
We have a 2017 Highlander XLE and it is mint. There have been zero problems since we purchased it new except for maybe quickly wearing brakes. It only has 108 000 km on it and still on its original tires. We will keep it for a few years more before considering purchasing a new Toyota.
5th Gen 4Runner should be…
5th Gen 4Runner should be tops on the list for reliability. Your ratings are incorrect
You don't even mention the…
You don't even mention the beautiful new Toyota Crown. There are No more Avalons in production.
I have previously owned a…
I have previously owned a 2005 Corolla S that had 306,000 miles and had only had two things replaced on it when insurance totaled it out. I owned it almost 9 years. I currently own a 2005 Camry LE (a year and a half) with 199,412 miles and a 2013 Corolla LE (9 years, 9 months) with 247,648 miles and neither have had any major problems so far! Toyota ROCKS!!!
My 2008 Toyota Sienna made…
My 2008 Toyota Sienna made it to 315,000 miles. Only general maintenance performed. Then, the transmission decided to go to sleep. We bought a 2024 Toyota Sienna and love it!
I own a 2018 Prius Prime…
I own a 2018 Prius Prime with over 150000 km. I paid Nothing in repair just regular maintenance. I was unpresently surprised to see that Prius Prime was listed as one of two least reliable Toyota. Really?
This is the first “article”…
This is the first “article” I’ve ever read that had anything significantly negative to say about the RAV4. I doubt the author’s integrity and he likely has some agenda. I’ve never heard of anyone not being completely happy with their RAV4.
My husband and I drive a…
My husband and I drive a 2016 Corolla S with 263,000+ miles. We bought it used in 2016 from Enterprise Car Rental & Sales with 14,000 miles. Outside of basic maintenance and oil changes, it continues to run smoothly with no issues.
My 2010 Prius IV is the best…
My 2010 Prius IV is the best vehicle I've ever owned. 'Handles great, gets excellent gas mileage (averaging 50 mpg.) and has only had a couple glitches with the onboard computer during the 14 years I've had it.
'Looking forward to ordering a new one (20×4 or 2025) next week!
I'm interested in the…
I'm interested in the Corolla Cross. I don't see any info. What is your take on this vehicle. Should I wait for the 2025?
I drive a 2010 Toyota RAV4 4…
I drive a 2010 Toyota RAV4 4 Cylinder it has 214,000 miles and running strong!!
I am a decades owner of…
I am a decades owner of Toyota vehicles. My all time favorite was the Solara hardtop. They were discontinued, and no one can tell me why. I purchased a 2010 Camry that’s near ready to turn 170,000 miles and good to go for another 50,000. I LOVE my Toyotas. They keep me safe, save me money on repairs, and prove incredibly reliable, dependable, and affordable. My dream car is a Lexus, built like a tank. As I age, safety, not only for me but for others, in the event of an accident is one of my top priorities. Kind regards, LuAnne Cori
My daily driver is still the…
My daily driver is still the 2002 LX 470 Lexus That I bought brand new. 22 years and 240,000 miles and still runs as good as it did brand new. 5,000 miles servicing and always garage kept. It’s a true work horse, pulling my trailer loaded down with everything you can think of , never had a problem and everything still works properly. Can’t think of any other vehicle I would want. Don’t think you’ll see anything new today last like this LX has for me.
I have a 2010 Toyota Camry…
I have a 2010 Toyota Camry with 194,000 miles on it and it runs like it's brand new! I take good care of it and it takes good care of me. In the 11 years I've owned it I haven't had any serious repairs bills.
I have a 2020 Rav 4 hybrid…
I have a 2020 Rav 4 hybrid with 90,000 miles. Best car ever! This is my 3rd RAV 4 and my first hybrid. No problems at all!