The Toyota Camry has long been shorthand for bulletproof dependability, yet recent reliability data shows several models edging past it. I look at four cars that now score even higher, using owner statistics and expert testing to explain why they are rated more reliable than The Toyota Camry while still offering the same easygoing, everyday usability.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is the clearest example of a car now rated more reliable than the Toyota Camry. One detailed reliability roundup notes that the Corolla’s track record is so strong that it belongs on a short list of Cars More Reliable the Camry, reflecting fewer serious issues per hundred vehicles. With well over 50 m units sold worldwide, Toyota has had decades to refine the platform, parts supply, and quality control.
That scale matters for owners, because a car built in such huge numbers tends to have cheaper parts, more independent mechanics who know it inside out, and a deep pool of real-world reliability data. In practice, the Corolla’s simpler four-cylinder powertrains and conservative engineering give it fewer complex systems to fail than larger sedans. For buyers who want Camry-like comfort but prioritize long-term durability and low running costs, I see the Corolla’s reliability edge as a compelling reason to downsize only slightly.
Crown
The Crown has quickly emerged as a higher-rated alternative to the Camry for drivers who want hybrid efficiency without sacrificing durability. Reliability rankings based on owner surveys report that, Thanks to its hybrid system and all-wheel drive, the Crown achieved a higher rating than the Camry, with fewer powertrain and electrical complaints over time. That advantage is tied to Toyota’s latest hybrid components, which are shared with other high-scoring models and have already logged millions of miles in real use.
Independent buyer guides aimed at older motorists reinforce that message, noting that if you want to go green without making the jump to an EV, the Crown is your car and that All of the sedan’s engine options are hybrids, with many trims offering AWD for extra security on bad roads. One analysis of retiree-friendly cars highlights that combination of traction, fuel savings, and low reported defect rates as a reason the Crown is better suited than a Camry for drivers planning to keep one vehicle well into retirement.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES, which shares core architecture with Toyota’s midsize sedans, consistently posts reliability scores that outpace the Camry’s already strong numbers. In a brand-wide assessment of long-term dependability, Lexus is ranked number 1 with a score of 77, ahead of mass-market rivals such as Toy, and that advantage flows directly into models like the ES. The list of Lexus Models that contribute to this rating includes the ES and ES Hybrid, both of which use proven drivetrains tuned for longevity rather than outright performance.
Because the ES is engineered as a luxury car, it benefits from tighter quality control and more conservative component sharing, which reduces the chance of widespread defects. For shoppers, the implication is straightforward: a used ES with similar mileage often shows fewer major repairs than a comparable Camry, despite offering more comfort and features. I see that as a strong argument for buyers willing to pay a modest premium up front in exchange for lower risk of big repair bills later.
Ford Fusion (late-model used)
The Ford Fusion, particularly in its final model years, has quietly built a reputation for durability that can surpass the Camry in specific owner surveys. A detailed look at American sedans highlights late-model Fusions as examples of domestic cars that have matched or exceeded Japanese rivals in real-world reliability, especially when maintained on schedule. While the Fusion is no longer in production, its later four-cylinder and hybrid variants benefit from years of incremental fixes that addressed earlier trouble spots.
For used-car shoppers, that history means a well-documented Fusion can deliver Camry-level peace of mind at a lower purchase price, particularly in regions where domestic parts and service are cheaper. I find that the key is focusing on 2017 to 2020 examples with clean service records, which align with the period when owner data shows the fewest serious mechanical issues. In those cases, the Fusion’s reliability record, combined with its safety ratings and comfortable ride, makes it a credible alternative for buyers who might otherwise default to a Camry.
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