Alternatives to Honda and Toyota

If you are looking for a dead reliable sedan, it’s most likely going to be a Honda or Toyota. Although these two Japanese brands almost hold a dominant position in this segment, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other viable alternatives. For this list, we are focusing on reliable sedans that aren’t a Honda or Toyota that have been produced in the last five years or so.

Outside the two Japanese leaders of reliable sedans, rival Asian brands such as Mazda, Subaru, Kia, Nissan, and Hyundai are all attendees on our list. We spent time researching every sedan produced by these brands within the last five years to find the absolute best and most highly rated entries. Curious to know which received the highest score? Let’s find out!

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources. Models are listed from the lowest J.D. Power quality and reliability score to the highest.

2020 Mazda3

J.D. Power 100-Point Score: 82/100

Base Trim Engine: 2.5L Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 186 hp
Base Trim Torque: 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Make: Mazda
Model: Mazda 3 Sedan
Segment: Midsize Sedan

A well-known, reliable alternative to the Honda and Toyota sedan standard is the 2020 Mazda3 Sedan. For the 2020 model year, this Japanese sedan received 82/100 in the Quality & Reliability category.

Rear end of a Mazda 3 driving through the woods

Mazda’s secret to success has been keeping things simple and easy, and the 2020 Mazda3 Sedan is the perfect embodiment of that ethos. While by no means perfect, the 2020 Mazda3 is fun to drive, offers a nice interior, and is one of the most reliable Mazda models you can still buy today.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Sleek design Some luxury feel without luxury prices Near-bulletproof 2.5-liter inline-four	No manual option Rear seat spaciousness Relatively small trunk

2025 Subaru Outback

J.D. Power 100-Point Score: 82/100

Base Trim Engine: 2.5L H4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission: 8-speed CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 182 HP @5800 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 176 lb.-ft. @ 4400 RPM
Fuel Economy: 22/29 MPG
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 26/32/28 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Lead acid battery
Make: Subaru

While Subaru may list this model as an SUV, we all know that the 2025 Subaru Outback is a wagon (aka a sedan), and a functional one at that. The Subaru Outback has displayed impressive quality in recent years, acquiring an 82/100 overall score for the 2023-2025 model years.

The Outback speaks to the good taste of its buyer, without radiating an air of ostentation.

– Lyndon Conrad Bell, TopSpeed journalist

Rear shot of the 2023 Subaru Outback on rocky terrain

While the Subaru Outback only received an 80/100 in the Quality & Reliability category, its 89/100 in Dealership Experience and 85/100 in Resale bump this Subaru wagon up a couple of tiers. While a Subaru is seldom as reliable as a Toyota, the Outback is one of the most well-rounded Subaru models still available new today.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Last of the wagons The optional Turbo engine is great and not available on other Subaru models Better than most SUVs at “SUV things”	The non-turbo model is lethargic The interior is fine, but boring Invasive driver aid systems

2024 Subaru Legacy

J.D. Power 100-Point Score: 82/100

Base Trim Engine: 2.5L Flat 4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission: Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
Base Trim Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 182 hp
Base Trim Torque: 176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Economy: 27/35 MPG
Make: Subaru
Model: Legacy
Segment: Midsize Sedan

Infotainment & Features

9 /10

If you are looking for more of a traditional sedan and still enjoy what Subaru has to offer, there is the 2024 Subaru Legacy. Just like the Outback wagon, the Legacy sedan managed an 82/100 overall score for the 2023-2025 model years.

What the Legacy can be proud of, though, is a meticulously well-put-together interior. In our review, we found that everything in the cabin feels premium and pleasant to the touch.

– Sergiu-Denis Avram, TopSpeed journalist

The Subaru Legacy also received an 80/100 in the Quality & Reliability category, as the Outback and Legacy share common powertrains, including the powerful turbocharged engine found in the Sport and Touring XT trims. An additional benefit of the Legacy is that it offers the same AWD capability as other Subaru models while offering better rear legroom than the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.

Strengths	Weaknesses
One of Subaru’s most affordable models More spacious than the equivalent Subaru SUV The optional turbocharged engine is a lot of fun	The base model engine is just boring The exterior design is plain The infotainment is okay at best

2022 Nissan Altima

J.D. Power 100-Point Score: 83/100

Base Trim Engine: 2.5L Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission: Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 188 hp
Base Trim Torque: 180 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Economy: 28/39 MPG
Make: Nissan
Model: Altima
Segment: Midsize Sedan

Infotainment & Features

8 /10

The first Nissan on our list is the 2022 Nissan Altima, the highest-rated Altima model of the last five years. For the 2022 model year, this Japanese sedan received 84/100 in the Quality & Reliability category.

The backbone of the Nissan Altima‘s reliability has come as a result of its tried-and-true 2.5-liter inline-four engine that is also efficient and decently powerful. Top-trim models offered a more powerful turbocharged engine, but we’d avoid those, as there are several recalls and known ongoing and unresolved issues with these engines.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Everything you could ask for out of an economy four-cylinder engine Solid fuel economy Blends into traffic like a chameleon	The turbocharged models have unresolved and documented issues Interior quality is low It should drive better than it does

2024 Hyundai Elantra

J.D. Power 100-Point Score: 83/100

Base Trim Engine: 2.0L Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission: Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 147 hp
Base Trim Torque: 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Economy: 32/41 MPG
Make: Hyundai
Model: Elantra
0-60 MPH: 8.1 seconds (2.0L)

Infotainment & Features

8 /10

The first Korean vehicle on our list is the 2024 Hyundai Elantra, which has shown increased reliability in the last two model years. For the 2025 and 2024 model years, this Korean sedan received 86/100 in the Quality & Reliability category.

Hyundais have had this sensation of solidity and quality that you normally don’t find in the lower spectrum of the automotive industry. And this new Elantra is no exception.

– William Clavey, TopSpeed journalist

2025 Hyundai Elantra 32 — 2025 Hyundai Elantra rear 3/4 shot

The 2.0-liter inline-four found in the Hyundai Elantra, among many other compact Hyundai models, has proven to be a solid power unit with impressive fuel economy and decent performance. The optional combination of the 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission found in the N Line trim turns the Elantra’s sporty feel up to 11 and is a viable alternative for thrill seekers who still want decent reliability.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Base engine fuel economy The optional turbocharged engine is great fun Well-equipped standard features	Base engine acceleration is poor Road noise is prevalent Not as “fancy” as some other Hyundai models

2021 Mazda6

J.D. Power 100-Point Score: 83/100

Base Trim Engine: 2.5L Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 187 hp
Base Trim Torque: 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Make: Mazda
Model: Mazda 6 Sedan
Segment: Midsize Sedan

One of the best non-Toyota or Honda mid-sized sedans you can buy is the 2021 Mazda6 Sedan. 2021 was the final model year of the Mazda6, and during this final year, this Japanese sedan managed an 83/100 overall score.

The Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter inline-four has been the foundation of Mazda’s reliability, and the third-generation Mazda 6 Sedan was only offered with this particular engine (until 2018, when the optional turbo engine was introduced). Sadly, Mazda discontinued the Mazda6 because nobody was buying it (relative to the success of Mazda SUVs like the Mazda CX-5).

Strengths	Weaknesses
Drives smaller than it looks The base engine offers solid economy and performance An optional turbocharged engine is available	No manual model available after 2019 It isn’t as comfy as it should be Mazda should have made a wagon variant

2025 Subaru Impreza

J.D. Power 100-Point Score: 83/100

Base Trim Engine: 2L H-4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission: CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 152 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 145 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
Base Trim Battery Type: Lead acid battery
Make: Subaru
Model: Impreza Hatchback
Segment: Compact Hatchback

Next up is the 2024 Subaru Impreza, which is now solely offered as a hatchback model. Reliability has been solid in recent years, where Subaru’s hatchback achieved an 82/100 in the Quality and Reliability category for both the 2024 and 2025 model years.

2024_Subaru_ImprezaRS_45 — 2024 Subaru Impreza RS rear 3/4 shot

Part of the reason that this Subaru hatchback has higher reliability standards than other Subaru models is the fact that there is no top-trim turbocharged variant available. Instead, the “RS” trim returns as the fastest Subaru Impreza model, offering a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four that is utilized in a variety of other Subaru models.

Strengths	Weaknesses
As functional as any modern SUV Better looking than the Outback or Legacy Solid comfort levels	The base engine doesn’t spark joy The interior is boring and still has gloss black accents (bad) The new infotainment is okay at best

2024 Kia Forte

J.D. Power 100-Point Score: 85/100

Base Trim Engine: 2.0L Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission: Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 147 hp
Base Trim Torque: 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Economy: 30/41 MPG
Make: Kia
Model: Forte
0-60 MPH: 8.2 seconds (2.0L)

Infotainment & Features

8 /10

The highest-rated Kia sedan of the last five years is the 2024 Kia Forte. The final 2024 model year achieved an incredible 89/100 in the Quality and Reliability category, along with its 85/100 overall score.

The Kia Forte excels in more categories than it underachieves, and considering its low price, the overall value of this Kia sedan is undeniable. While there are many reliable sedans you could opt for, the Kia Forte is an often overlooked alternative that offers just about everything you could want in an affordable modern sedan.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Great bang-for-buck value Strong standard features The GT-Line and GT trims offer the turbocharged engine	Not the most comfortable sedan Kia’s first CVT is not the best Interior quality isn’t great

2023 Nissan Maxima

J.D. Power 100-Point Score: 86/100

Base Trim Engine: 3.5L V6 Gas
Base Trim Transmission: Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 300 hp
Base Trim Torque: 261 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Economy: 20/30 MPG
Make: Nissan
Model: Maxima
Segment: Full-Size Sedan

Infotainment & Features

6 /10

Despite being one of Nissan’s more luxurious and expensive options, the 2023 Nissan Maxima graces our list as a podium finisher. The final 2023 model year of this comfortable and well-equipped Nissan sedan received an extremely rare 93/100 in the Quality & Reliability category, along with its 86/100 overall score.

Simply put, the Nissan Maxima is one of the most reliable sedans (along with offering impressive standard features and luxury-like appointments). The foundation of the Maxima’s reliability comes directly from the standard 3.5-liter VQ35DE V-6 engine, which is one of the most reliable powertrains of all time.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Luxury car performance levels Comfortable and spacious Nissan’s iconic V-6 is as good as it gets	Infotainment setup still a bit disappointing Lackluster fuel economy Modified exhaust setups

2020 Nissan Sentra

J.D. Power 100-Point Score: 87/100

Base Trim Engine: 2.0L Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission: Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 149 hp
Base Trim Torque: 146 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Economy: 29/39 MPG
Make: Nissan
Model: Sentra
Segment: Compact Sedan

Infotainment & Features

8 /10

The highest-rated sedan that isn’t a Toyota or Honda is the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The affordable Nissan sedan has achieved impressive consistency in the last five years, and its highest rating is its 87/100 overall score in the 2020 model year.

Rear 3/4 shot of 2025 Nissan Sentra in blue parked

The sole powertrain available in the eighth-generation Nissan Sentra is Nissan’s 2.0-liter MR20DD inline-four, which is Nissan’s current gold standard found in several compact Nissan models. It may not be the most fun or the most comfortable sedan available, but the Nissan Sentra offers top-tier reliability that can rival any Honda or Toyota without breaking the bank.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Dead reliable powertrain Impressively affordable with low upkeep costs Packed with standard features	Disappointing infotainment No semblance of acceleration Overall lackluster performance