TopSpeed ranks the most reliable car engines
TopSpeed ranks six of the most reliable car engines: Toyota 2TR-FE leads, followed by Honda K24 and Toyota A25A-FXS, plus Nissan VQ, Toyota 1GR-FE and Honda J35
TopSpeed has published a ranking of six of the most reliable car engines, reinforcing the dominance of Japanese manufacturers in longevity. The Toyota 2TR-FE takes the top spot for sheer endurance: it can cover more than 400,000 kilometers without a major overhaul. This unit was fitted to second- and third-generation Toyota Tacoma pickups.
In second place is Honda’s 2.4-liter K24, used in the Accord, Odyssey, and CR-V. Its straightforward design and long service life have made it a favorite among mechanics worldwide. Rounding out the top three is Toyota’s A25A-FXS, found in hybrid versions of the latest-generation RAV4.
Fourth and fifth go to the time-tested Nissan VQ V6 and Toyota 1GR-FE V6—muscular yet undemanding powerplants. Completing the list is Honda’s J35 V6, regarded as one of the brand’s standout engines.
The lineup looks logical: for decades, Japanese brands have prioritized dependability, and their engines still set the benchmark for balancing performance with staying power—unlike many modern turbo units built around a shorter life cycle.