What small reliable car do you recommend?

I'm looking for a small reliable car, cheap to run, tax and insure. I may use it for towing a 750kg lightweight caravan. What do you suggest?

Asked on 16 February 2026 by Nikki

Answered by Matt Robinson
A Toyota Yaris Cross could be a good option. It has an excellent reliability record, and it should prove cheap to run, but it would only work if your caravan is braked—the braked tow capacity of the car is 750kg, but it can only haul unbraked loads of 550kg. Alternatively, you could opt for a Hyundai Kona, which still has a great reliability record and low running costs but can tow unbraked loads of up to 750kg and braked up to 1300kg, albeit with some variation depending on the version.
Similar questions
I'm a single person who does low mileages around 5000 miles a year. I'm after a reliable and low maintenance car for up to £3000. What should I buy?
Can you recommend a small car with biggish boot that will cost me around £2500 - it will be used mainly for local journeys and transporting paintings up to 100cmx100cm. My annual mileage is low. Ideally...
We are looking to replace our Ford Fusion. My wife likes the car as it has a flat boot which means she doesn't have to lift up heavy items (usually her golf bag & trolley) from the well. Annual mileage...
Related models
Easy and fun to drive. Hybrid power means it is cheap to run. Generous equipment levels.