For years, used-car shoppers have been conditioned to believe reliability begins and ends with Toyota and Honda. Those brands still earn their reputations honestly, but the data for 2026 tells a slightly different story — and it points to an unexpected winner from Detroit.

According to U.S. News’ latest used-car rankings, the Chevrolet Sonic now holds the title of the most reliable used car shoppers can buy in 2026. Even more surprising, it also ranked as one of the best overall values on the used market.

Why reliability rankings don’t always tell the same story

Most reliability discussions focus on automakers as a whole rather than individual models. Consumer Reports, for example, surveys hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners each year, asking about problems experienced across vehicles ranging from brand-new to decades old. That data is then used to predict reliability across each brand’s entire lineup.

For 2026, those rankings looked familiar. Japanese brands once again dominated the top spots, with Toyota, Subaru, Lexus, and Honda leading the pack. On a brand-wide level, that outcome wasn’t surprising.

But brand averages don’t always reflect how individual models perform — especially smaller, simpler vehicles designed with cost and efficiency in mind.

How the Chevy Sonic rose to the top

When U.S. News evaluated used vehicles individually rather than by brand reputation, the results shifted dramatically. The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic earned a standout reliability score of 93 out of 100, tying it with the Nissan Maxima. Where the Sonic pulled ahead was in total cost of ownership.

Maintenance, repairs, and day-to-day operating expenses for the Sonic are significantly lower than most vehicles that score this highly. That combination — strong reliability paired with inexpensive upkeep — is what ultimately pushed it to the top of the rankings.

In other words, the Sonic didn’t just prove dependable. It proved affordable to keep dependable.

Detroit’s quiet reliability rebound

The Sonic’s success also reflects a broader trend that often gets overlooked. General Motors has recently outperformed every other Detroit automaker in Consumer Reports’ reliability data. While Chevrolet and Cadillac landed mid-pack overall, Buick finished near the top — a sign that GM’s simpler platforms are benefiting the most from improved engineering and quality control.

Cars like the Sonic don’t rely on complex drivetrains or cutting-edge tech, and that simplicity works in their favor as vehicles age. Fewer systems mean fewer expensive failures, which matters far more to used buyers than badge prestige.

Warranty coverage adds even more value

For shoppers concerned about long-term ownership, many used Chevy Sonics still qualify for Chevrolet’s certified pre-owned program. Vehicles under a certain age and mileage threshold can receive extended powertrain coverage reaching up to six years or 100,000 miles from the original sale date, along with complimentary maintenance for a limited time.

That kind of factory-backed protection only strengthens the Sonic’s position as a low-risk, high-value used purchase.

A larger, more premium alternative

Drivers who want more space or a more upscale driving experience may still prefer something larger than a subcompact. The Nissan Maxima remains a strong alternative for those buyers, offering a more powerful engine, a roomier interior, and a more refined feel overall.

Many used Maximas also retain extended powertrain coverage depending on model year and mileage, making them a solid option for shoppers willing to trade lower operating costs for added comfort and performance.

The takeaway

The Chevy Sonic’s top ranking doesn’t mean Toyota and Honda are suddenly unreliable. It does mean that reputation alone no longer tells the full story. When real-world ownership costs and model-specific data are factored in, unexpected vehicles can rise to the top.

For buyers focused on reliability, affordability, and long-term value — rather than brand loyalty — the Chevy Sonic’s #1 ranking makes a lot more sense than it first appears.