Cars With the Lowest Maintenance Costs in 2025

In 2025, the cars that typically deliver the lowest maintenance costs include the Toyota Corolla, Camry, Prius, and RAV4 (including their Hybrid variants); Honda Civic, Accord, and CR‑V; Mazda3 and CX‑5; Lexus ES and RX; Hyundai Elantra and Tucson; Kia Forte and Soul; and mainstream EVs such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Tesla Model 3/Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6. These models stand out because they pair strong reliability with simple, proven drivetrains, widely available parts, and long service intervals. Below, we explain why these vehicles are inexpensive to keep, how hybrids and EVs change the maintenance equation, and which trims and years are smart buys.

How We Identified Low-Maintenance Cars

Maintenance cost is driven by reliability, parts pricing, service complexity, and how often scheduled items come due. We evaluated brands and models that consistently perform well in recent reliability studies (Consumer Reports, J.D. Power) and ownership-cost trackers (e.g., RepairPal) through the 2021–2025 model years. We also weighed real-world fleet experience, warranty coverage, and the maturity of powertrains (proven engines and transmissions tend to be cheaper to keep long-term).

Gasoline Cars With Consistently Low Maintenance Costs

Compact and Small Cars

The following compact cars are known for straightforward mechanicals, affordable consumables (brakes, filters, tires), and strong reliability records, which together keep maintenance needs light and predictable.

• Toyota Corolla (including Corolla Hatchback): Simple drivetrains, long service intervals, and excellent parts availability.
• Honda Civic: Strong reliability and easy service access across model years and trims.
• Mazda3: Reliable Skyactiv engines and generally modest maintenance needs.
• Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte: Improved reliability plus long warranties reduce out-of-pocket costs early in ownership.
• Toyota Yaris (used, discontinued in the U.S. after 2020): Very low-cost upkeep where available.

These models are common, which keeps parts plentiful and labor times familiar for independent shops—two key reasons their maintenance costs remain among the lowest in the segment.

Midsize Sedans

Midsize sedans benefit from robust, non-turbo four-cylinder engines, timing chains (not belts), and conservative engineering that translates to minimal routine upkeep.

• Toyota Camry: Renowned for durability; routine items are inexpensive and widely available.
• Honda Accord (2.0L hybrid and 1.5L/2.0L gas): Strong reliability; hybrid variants further trim routine service needs.
• Mazda6 (used, discontinued after 2021 in the U.S.): Solid reliability record and reasonable maintenance demands.
• Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5: Competitive reliability and long warranties help keep early maintenance costs down.

These sedans typically avoid complex hardware and feature well-understood parts, keeping annual maintenance predictable and affordable compared with many rivals.

Small SUVs/Crossovers

The most popular small SUVs blend car-like simplicity with upright packaging, and the best of them minimize scheduled maintenance while offering reliability that mirrors their sedan counterparts.

• Toyota RAV4 (including RAV4 Hybrid): Proven TNGA platform, robust hybrid system, and easy serviceability.
• Honda CR‑V (including Hybrid): Strong reliability with widely available parts and service expertise.
• Mazda CX‑5: Durable engines and straightforward service items keep costs contained.
• Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage: Long warranties and improved reliability; routine service remains modest.
• Subaru Crosstrek (2.0L/2.5L non-turbo): Generally low-cost upkeep; prioritize non-turbo engines for simplicity.

Because these SUVs share engines and components with high-volume sedans, consumables are common and maintenance is typically inexpensive, especially on non-turbo, front-wheel-drive or simple AWD variants.

Minivans

Minivans can be pricier to repair after many years due to sliding-door mechanisms and heavy use, but a few mainstream picks still keep routine maintenance in check.

• Toyota Sienna (Hybrid-only, 2021+): Uses Toyota’s proven hybrid system; reduced brake wear thanks to regenerative braking.
• Honda Odyssey: Long-running V6 and robust transmissions; routine service is straightforward.

For families seeking low maintenance, these vans offer mature platforms and widely available service expertise that help contain costs over time.

Hybrids That Keep Maintenance Low

Modern hybrids reduce wear on brakes and often on engines thanks to electric assist. Toyota, in particular, has a long track record, and hybrid battery warranties typically span 8–10 years (Toyota hybrid batteries are covered for 10 years/150,000 miles on recent models in the U.S.).

• Toyota Prius (and Prius Prime): Benchmark reliability; minimal routine service and excellent parts support.
• Toyota Corolla Hybrid and Camry Hybrid: Prius-like durability wrapped in familiar sedan formats.
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Popular, efficient, and generally inexpensive to maintain versus non-hybrids.
• Honda Accord Hybrid and CR‑V Hybrid: Strong reliability with reduced brake wear from regeneration.
• Kia Niro Hybrid/Plug‑in Hybrid and Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (used): Efficient drivetrains with low routine service needs.

If you prioritize low maintenance with strong fuel economy, these hybrids combine mature technology with long warranties that help safeguard major components through typical ownership periods.

EVs: Lowest Routine Maintenance, With a Few Caveats

Battery-electric vehicles eliminate oil changes, spark plugs, and many transmission services. Routine maintenance mainly involves cabin/air filters, coolant checks, brake fluid intervals, and tires; however, expect higher tire wear on some EVs due to weight and torque.

• Nissan Leaf (especially later models): Simple, proven design; inexpensive routine service.
• Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV (many 2020–2022 units received battery replacements under recall): Very low routine upkeep and widely available used inventory.
• Tesla Model 3 and Model Y: Minimal scheduled maintenance; factor in tire wear and higher collision repair/insurance costs.
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Low routine maintenance and strong warranties; watch tire and alignment care.
• Volkswagen ID.4: Simple maintenance schedule; ensure software updates are current.

EVs typically deliver the lowest routine maintenance costs of any powertrain, but owners should budget for tires and be mindful that out-of-warranty repairs—though infrequent—can be pricier due to specialized parts and limited independent repair options in some regions.

Luxury Cars With Surprisingly Low Maintenance

Most luxury brands carry higher maintenance and repair costs, but a few emphasize reliability and parts commonality with mainstream siblings, which helps keep routine expenses in check.

• Lexus ES and RX (also NX/UX): Toyota-based hybrids and gas engines with excellent reliability and long service intervals.
• Acura TLX and RDX: Honda-based engineering; fewer maintenance surprises than many European luxury rivals.
• Genesis G70/G80 and GV70/GV80: Competitive reliability; early ownership supported by complimentary scheduled maintenance on newer models.

For luxury buyers who value predictability, Lexus and Acura are standout choices, with Genesis increasingly competitive thanks to warranty and maintenance programs.

Model Years and Trims: What To Target

Choosing the right year and trim can lower maintenance over time. In general, pick common engines without turbos where possible, avoid first-model-year redesigns if you’re risk-averse, and favor trims with smaller wheel/tire packages to reduce replacement costs.

• 2021–2025 Toyota Corolla/Camry/RAV4 and 2023–2025 Prius: Strong reliability and modern safety tech with low upkeep.
• 2020–2025 Honda Civic/Accord/CR‑V: Mature platforms and broad parts availability.
• 2019–2025 Mazda3/CX‑5: Reliable Skyactiv drivetrains with modest maintenance.
• 2019–2025 Lexus ES/RX: Toyota-derived components keep maintenance reasonable.
• Used Chevy Bolt/Leaf (2019–2022+): Low routine maintenance; verify recall work and battery health.

These windows capture models after early-production teething issues while ensuring parts availability and established service procedures that help maintain low costs.

What Keeps Maintenance Costs Low

The factors below explain why certain cars consistently cost less to maintain over time, independent of brand reputation alone.

• Simple, proven powertrains: Non-turbo engines and conventional automatics or well-tested CVTs reduce complexity.
• High production volume: Common models have cheaper parts and more technicians familiar with repairs.
• Timing chains, not belts: Eliminates expensive belt replacements on most modern Japanese models.
• Long, transparent service intervals: Clear schedules and fewer “time-based” items limit shop visits.
• Strong warranties and battery coverage (hybrids/EVs): Limits exposure to big-ticket components in early years.

If a vehicle pairs these traits with strong reliability data, chances are its maintenance costs will stay below class averages throughout ownership.

Ownership Tips to Keep Costs Down

Regardless of model, smart maintenance habits can meaningfully trim your annual spend and extend vehicle life.

• Follow the severe vs. normal service schedule correctly; don’t overservice, but don’t postpone fluids either.
• Use high-quality aftermarket parts when appropriate to cut costs without sacrificing reliability.
• Rotate tires on schedule and keep them properly inflated to reduce premature wear—especially on EVs.
• Choose smaller wheel sizes when possible; replacement tires are cheaper and ride quality improves.
• Find a reputable independent shop familiar with your model; labor rates can be significantly lower than dealerships.

These steps lower routine expenses, prevent avoidable repairs, and preserve resale value—key ingredients in overall low cost of ownership.

Key Nuances and Caveats

Some general rules help explain outliers and set expectations before you buy.

• Turbos and AWD add complexity: More parts to service or replace; FWD and non-turbo trims typically cost less to maintain.
• European luxury brands often cost more: Excellent to drive but typically pricier for parts and labor past warranty.
• EV maintenance is low, but insurance and tires can be higher: Consider total ownership cost, not just oil changes.
• Hybrids are reliable from leading brands: Battery coverage is long; brake wear is often lower than on gas-only cars.

Understanding these trade-offs helps you match the right vehicle to your budget and usage patterns, minimizing surprises over time.

Summary

If you want the lowest maintenance costs in 2025, stick with high-volume, reliability-focused models: Toyota Corolla, Camry, Prius, and RAV4; Honda Civic, Accord, and CR‑V; Mazda3 and CX‑5; and Lexus ES/RX for entry luxury. Hyundai and Kia compacts and small SUVs also offer low early ownership costs, aided by long warranties. For the lowest routine service overall, consider mainstream EVs such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Tesla Model 3/Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6—keeping in mind tire and insurance factors. Opt for simple, proven powertrains, avoid oversized wheels, and follow the maintenance schedule, and you’ll keep your annual costs comfortably below class averages.

What car brand has the lowest maintenance cost?

What Cars Are Cheapest to Maintain?

• Toyota Corolla.
• Toyota Prius.
• Honda Fit.
• Mitsubishi Mirage.
• Toyota Yaris.
• Honda Civic.
• Nissan Sentra. The Nissan Sentra is another budget-friendly sedan that’s both dependable and relatively cheap to maintain.
• Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 is the company’s first entry on this list.

What car brands have free maintenance?

Which Brands Offer Complimentary Maintenance?

• BMW Ultimate Care. Term Length – 3 Years / 36,000 Miles (whichever comes first) as outlined in the vehicle’s Maintenance booklet.
• Cadillac Certified Service.
• Chevrolet Complete Care.
• FordPass Rewards.
• GMC Pro Grade Protection.
• Honda Service Pass.
• Jaguar EliteCare.
• Jeep Wave®

What is the best maintenance free car to buy?

There is no truly “maintenance-free” car, but models known for extremely low maintenance costs and high reliability include the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, Lexus RX, and Subaru Outback. For even lower costs over time, especially on luxury vehicles, the Tesla Model 3 is a leading choice, while the Toyota Camry is consistently ranked among the best for overall low maintenance and repair costs. 
Top Recommendations for Low Maintenance

• Toyota Corolla: . Opens in new tabA global best-seller due to its reliability, sturdy design, and uncomplicated engine, often requiring minimal repairs even after hundreds of thousands of miles. 
• Toyota Prius: . Opens in new tabAn excellent hybrid option known for eco-conscious drivers, featuring a simple dual-engine system and cost-saving benefits. 
• Honda Civic: . Opens in new tabA champion of long lifespan and affordability, the Civic is known for its durability and minimal repair needs, leading to one of the lowest ownership costs. 
• Lexus RX: . Opens in new tabThis luxury SUV combines premium build quality with the reliability and low repair costs often associated with Toyota, a brand known for least maintenance. 
• Subaru Outback: . Opens in new tabOffers a practical, versatile, and dependable all-weather experience with affordability in mind for ownership costs. 

Electric Vehicles with Low Maintenance 

• Tesla (particularly the Model 3): Tesla vehicles, especially the Model 3, are ranked as having some of the lowest maintenance and repair costs over the first 10 years of ownership.

Key Factors for Low Maintenance

• Simplicity: Cars with fewer complex features and uncomplicated engines tend to have fewer things that can go wrong. 
• Reliability: Brands like Toyota and Honda have a long-standing reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles. 
• Parts Availability and Cost: Readily available and affordable parts, a hallmark of models like the Toyota Corolla, contribute to lower ownership costs. 

Which car is most low maintenance?

Best Low-Maintenance Cars in India for 2025

1. Maruti WagonR. Price: ₹5.52 lakh and up.
2. Maruti Alto K10. Price: ₹3.99 lakh.
3. Maruti Dzire. Ex-showroom Price (Delhi) is ₹9.45 lakh onwards.
4. Maruti Swift. Price (Delhi) ex-showroom: ₹6.7 lakh and up.
5. Maruti S-Presso.
6. The Hyundai I20.
7. Honda City.
8. Tata Nexon.