What car is better than Honda?
There isn't a single car that's universally better than Honda. Depending on what you value—reliability, value, safety, or driving enjoyment—different models from other brands often outshine Honda in specific areas.
To determine what "better" means for car buyers, this article weighs common priorities and highlights standout models across reliability, ownership cost, performance, and technology. The goal is to help readers find an alternative that better fits their needs than a Honda car or SUV.
Reliability and long-term ownership
Representative models by brand
In reliability benchmarks, certain models repeatedly perform well, and shoppers often compare them against Honda equivalents. The models listed below are frequently cited for dependable ownership and lower maintenance surprises over the long run.
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Corolla
- Mazda CX-5
- Mazda3
- Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Sonata
- Kia Telluride
- Kia Sorento
In reliability surveys and owner reports, these models commonly outperform average benchmarks and earn praise for durable components and fewer trips to the repair shop over many years of ownership.
Value and resale
When total cost of ownership, depreciation, and warranty coverage matter most, several non-Honda models offer strong value and robust resale performance. This section highlights vehicles that tend to hold their value well.
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Prius
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia Telluride
- Tesla Model 3
These vehicles are often cited for high resale value, favorable warranty terms, or lower operating costs over time, which can translate into a lower total ownership expense compared with some Honda models.
Performance and driving dynamics
For drivers who prioritize engaging handling and a sporty driving experience, certain brands deliver a sharper feel than many Honda offerings. The following models are popular alternatives for a more spirited ride.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Toyota GR86
- Subaru BRZ
- Ford Mustang
These cars emphasize chassis balance, precise steering, and responsive acceleration, appealing to enthusiasts who want more driving excitement than typical Honda sport trims provide.
Safety and technology
In safety performance and advanced driver-assistance features, some brands deliver top-tier systems that may complement or surpass Honda’s offerings in certain trims. Consider these options for cutting-edge safety tech and user-friendly interfaces.
- Volvo XC40
- Volvo XC60
- Tesla Model Y
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Subaru Outback
These models frequently earn high safety ratings and come with advanced driver-assistance packages, which can be a deciding factor for buyers prioritizing protection and technology.
Summary
The short answer is that there isn’t a single car that is universally better than Honda across all metrics. The brands and models highlighted above excel in particular areas—reliability, value, performance, or safety—and can be better fits for specific buyers depending on what they most value in a vehicle. Shoppers should consider their priorities, test-drive multiple options, and compare total ownership costs to determine the best choice beyond Honda for their needs.
What is the #1 best car brand?
The #1 rated car brand depends on the criteria used, but based on recent reliability reports, Honda and Subaru are top contenders. For overall best brand according to U.S. News & World Report, it is Honda, while Consumer Reports and Team-BHP recently named Subaru the most reliable. A separate What Car? survey also ranked Honda #1 for reliability in 2025.
#1 rated car brands by different sources
- Honda: Named the best car brand for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report due to the strong performance of models like the Accord and Civic. It also topped the 2025 What Car? reliability survey with a 96.6% reliability rating.
- Subaru: Rated the most reliable car brand by Consumer Reports in its 2024 report.
- Toyota: Ranked highly for reliability by Consumer Reports and Team-BHP, coming in second and third, respectively.
- Lexus: Ranked second in reliability by Consumer Reports and Team-BHP.
The "best" car brand is subjective and depends on what consumers value, whether it's a combination of reliability, performance, safety, or other factors.
Which car is better than Honda?
Of 26 brands, Lexus and Toyota top the list with a commanding advantage over third-ranked Mazda. All three brands have consistently earned average or better reliability ratings over the years. Honda and Acura round up the top five.
Which brand is better than Honda?
Hyundai's dedication to environmentally-friendly transportation is evident in its range of hybrid models and electric models. With over 10 hybrid and electric models, our brand presents a more extensive and advanced lineup than Honda, which is still new to the fully electric vehicle market.
Who is Honda's top competitor?
Honda's biggest competitor is generally considered to be Toyota, particularly in North America, due to their direct competition across a wide range of vehicle segments and similar reputations for reliability and efficiency. However, other major competitors include Volkswagen, Ford, and Nissan, as well as value-focused brands like Hyundai.
Primary competitor
- Toyota: Often seen as Honda's main rival, especially in the U.S., both brands are direct competitors in sedans, SUVs, and hybrids.
- Strengths: Toyota is often perceived as having an edge in long-term reliability and build quality, partly due to its use of simpler, proven engine technology.
- Strengths: Toyota's hybrid technology is considered highly reliable and has a longer track record than many competitors.
- Strengths: Toyota models often have high resale values and lower maintenance costs over the long term.
Other major competitors
- Volkswagen: A major global competitor, especially in Europe.
- Ford: A significant competitor in the SUV and truck markets, particularly in North America.
- Nissan: Offers competitive models in many of the same segments as Honda, such as sedans and SUVs.
- Hyundai: A strong competitor, particularly known for its value, warranty, and increasing quality, especially in the sedan and SUV markets.
- Stellantis: A large global automaker with a portfolio of brands, making it a competitor in the overall automotive market.
- General Motors: Another major global automaker and a competitor in various segments.
- Xpeng, NIO, BYD: These are key competitors in the emerging EV market.
