For many residents of Sydney, a car is an essential everyday need. A new car is a worthwhile investment used for going to work, to picking up groceries, and running other errands. But you can still prioritise luxury when choosing from the top car brands.
This guide will explore ten major car manufacturers with the best reliability records, including luxury car brands. Read on to explore elements like performance, fuel economy, and entertainment options.
Mitsubishi
To find the most reliable top car brands in Australia, let’s first look at Mitsubishi. The name, Mitsubishi, translates into “three diamonds,” immediately demonstrating Mitsubishi’s excellence. Mitsubishi vehicles can last a long time with proper maintenance and feature excellent performance specs.
The Mitsubishi Mirage comes packed with plenty of driver assistance and safety features, making it an excellent option as brand new or second-hand. While its tiny three-cylinder engine doesn’t scream high-octane performance, for an everyday vehicle, the Mirage easily delivers.
Kia
The Korean car company, Kia, has exploded in popularity in recent years, including right here in Sydney, Australia. The Kia brand has many different styles and sizes, making it easy to find a vehicle that works best for your needs.
Many consumers choose Kia when they want a reliable and fuel-efficient SUV. For some of the highest safety ratings in Australia, the Kia Carnival stands tall. This minivan with an SUV-inspired blueprint also has a 3.5-litre V-6 engine, producing 290 horsepower.
Mini
Size isn’t everything, and the Mini brand demonstrates this with its small cars. The Mini brand demonstrates some of the highest reliability features in Australia, and many Mini car owners are very vocal about their vehicle’s ability to sustain natural wear and tear.
While the Mini brand might be too small for some consumers, for many, the Mini is right up their alley. The brand has developed a huge following. Alongside their reliability, the Mini company also demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction, resolving issues very quickly.
Hyundai
Hyundai is another Korean company that specialises in vehicles like hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs. First established in 1967, Hyundai proudly sits as the fourth-biggest vehicle manufacturer, easily making it a top car brand. Hyundai vehicles pass reliability tests with flying colours.
Mazda
Another Japanese automotive company, Mazda, produces vehicles in various styles, including:
• SUVs
• Sedans
• Hatchbacks
The main allure of Mazda vehicles is that they combine wonderful fuel economy with many sports and safety features. This unique blend makes Mazda vehicles family-oriented while providing similar excitement associated with high-performance cars.
For small cars, the Mazda 3 features incredible safety ratings, such as a 98% rating for adult protection and an 89% rating for children’s protection. For small SUVs, the Mazda CX-30 features similar safety ratings.
Suzuki
Consumers and experts alike have always praised Suzuki as a top car brand for its fuel economy and affordability. While Suzuki has a mixed record regarding reliability, the brand has made dramatic strides in recent years. For 2020, Canstar surveyed 2,500 vehicle owners and compiled a list demonstrating ten of the most reliable automobile manufacturers in Australia.
While far from a comprehensive study, the results demonstrated that Hyundai, Mazda, Subaru, and Suzuki ranked the highest, with a five-star tie. Nevertheless, you should still check a model and its year’s specific reliability and safety ratings before buying a Suzuki. However, for fuel efficiency and affordability, it’s hard to go wrong with buying a Suzuki.
Mercedes-Benz
The same Canstar study also had Mercedes-Benz tie with other manufacturers like Toyota and Kia at four stars. Many commonly associate the Mercedes-Benz brand with a company that focuses on innovative infotainment systems and next-level luxury and performance. However, the Mercedes-Benz brand also demonstrates high reliability scores.
Models like the Mercedes B-Class have a 96% adult protection rating and a 92% child protection rating. Mercedes-Benz’s ratings remain consistent across different-sized SUVs and cars. To keep children safe, Mercedes-Benz outranks the rest of the competition with these models:
• Mercedes-Benz EQC
• Mercedes-Benz EQA
• Mercedes-Benz B-Class
• Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
• Mercedes-Benz GLA
Lexus
Lexus is another popular luxury car brand that features impressive reliability and overall quality. Besides their sleek builds, numerous entertainment features, and smooth operations, consider a Lexus for its safety features.
Instead of a car to cruise around in, the Lexus GX makes for an excellent SUV. This model features a 4.6-litre V-8 engine that can crank out 301 horsepower, making off-road driving a breeze. Despite its rugged nature, the inside of the Lexus GX is also comfortable and quiet.
Toyota
Many consider Toyota to be the role model when it comes to vehicles and their reliability. For top car brands that feature top-notch reliability scores, it’s hard arguing with a brand that drivers use in places worldwide.
Since Toyota models can handle extreme temperatures, they’re capable of handling your daily commute to work. As a company, Toyota has very strict quality assurance, ensuring every model demonstrates the best performance and durability capabilities.
Dacia
If you want a reliable vehicle that’s also affordable, Dacia is an excellent option. Dacia vehicles feature excellent lifespans, and many taxi and rental services use these models. Their reliability means you won’t have to worry about getting from point A to point B. Although, these aren’t available in the Australian market, but fall under the Renault manufacturer.
What Safety Features Should I Prioritise When Buying a New Car?
Depending on your needs, you may prioritise certain safety features over others. However, most consumers and experts alike recommend prioritising the five following safety features:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB), equipped with rear and forward collision avoidance
- Lane-keep assistance
- Anti-lock brakes
- Traction control and stability systems
- All available airbags
For Electric Cars, Which Ones Are the Most Reliable?
While traditional petrol-fueled vehicles still dominate the automotive industry, electric cars are quickly catching up. For overall reliability, safety, and performance, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia Niro EV6 are some of the most reliable vehicles.
For Sports Cars, What Reliable Models Should I Choose?
Driving a sports car can provide many thrills for car owners, but driving an unreliable sports car can quickly ruin the experience. Furthermore, sports cars often tend to cost more, so you want to ensure you’re buying a model that can stand the test of time.
For reliable sports cars from the top car brands, some excellent options are:
• Mazda MX-5
• Audi TT
• Subaru BRZ
What Cars Currently Have the Highest Safety Ratings?
With data provided by the ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program), vehicles with the highest safety ratings for 2022 included:
• Subaru Outback
• Genesis GV80
• Toyota Mirai
• Mazda MX-30
• Kia Carnival
• Toyota Kluger
• Audi A3
• Toyota Yaris
• Kia Sorento
• SEAT Leon
Improve Your Vehicle’s Reliability and Safety with Regular Checkups
Buying a reliable vehicle with an excellent safety rating can keep you and your family safe on the road. However, you should also let our Sutherland Automotive crew regularly service your vehicle.
For over 15 years, we’ve provided our services throughout Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. Our expert mechanics are well-equipped to handle all top car brands, including European brands.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction means you can have peace of mind every time you visit. Call our Sutherland Automotive team at (02) 9545 3051 to make an appointment at our Kirrawee workshop today!
