For all their user-friendly benefits, however, automatic transmissions are more mechanically complex than a manual, meaning they can be the cause of some issues down the line.
To help you out with your search, we've put together a list of some of the most reliable vehicles on sale here in Australia in 2025 with an automatic transmission.
How to Determine New Car Reliability
For a clear and accurate picture of vehicle reliability, we're going to be compiling a mix of consumer reports with the most recent edition of the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study.
The study takes in data from 34,175 vehicle purchasers over the first three years of ownership, while ranking manufacturers and setting an industry average for problems per 100 vehicles manufactured and sold.
Lexus topped the most recent 2025 Dependability Study, followed by Mazda, Toyota, Kia and Honda, while Porsche and BMW topped the list of premium brands.
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Request a quote15 Most Reliable Automatic Cars in Australia 2025
Lexus NX
Lexus' spot at the top of the most recent dependability study asserts the premium, Japanese automaker at the pointy end of the segment when it comes to reliability.
Currently, all of Lexus' vehicle lineup on sale here in Australia transmits power to the wheels via a conventional torque-converter automatic transmission or an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT).
Mazda 3
While we could have mentioned a range of Mazda's vehicles, we'd argue the current-generation Mazda 3 is one of the best benchmarks for reliability on the market.
Mazda offers its sedan and hatchback range exclusively with a six-speed automatic, which has been around in one form or another for a decade. This means if it weren't a reliable transmission, we'd certainly know about it by now.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is a midsize SUV that certainly needs no introduction, remaining one of the most approachable and reliable family packages on the market.
The current, fifth-generation RAV4 has been around since 2019 and sits as the best-selling vehicle in Australia, meaning if there were widespread reliability issues with Toyota's e-CVT transmission, they would be very well-known.
Kia Sportage
Kia's Sportage range is offered with a choice of manual as well as seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions and a six-speed torque converter automatic.
When it comes to outright reliability, we think the Sportage with the six-speed automatic is the pick of the bunch for outright reliability, thanks largely to its less complex assembly over the dual-clutch transmission.
Honda CR-V
Honda is another company with a rock-solid reputation for reliability.
These days, Honda utilises a continuously variable transmission (CVT) across its full range of vehicles, though the iconic Civic Type R retains a six-speed manual.
Honda wouldn't transition its full passenger vehicle lineup to a CVT without confidence in its long-term reliability, meaning the latest, sixth-generation CR-V and its automatic transmission are more than likely going to offer long-term reliability without any major headaches, so long as you keep up with your service obligations.
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai's midsize SUV hero, the Tucson, comes with the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch as well as a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
In much the same way as its twin-under-the-skin, the Kia Sportage, we think opting for the Tucson with Hyundai’s six-speed automatic will likely prove the best option for long-term reliability, considering it's been around for quite some time now.
Toyota LandCruiser 300
Toyota's 'FR' ten-speed automatic made waves back in 2016 when it first debuted, showcasing a new, more efficient design and low-friction construction used inside the clutch to reduce clutch torque loss by up to 50 per cent.
The result is a tough, impressively efficient and lightweight transmission that can handle the LandCruiser 300's monstrous 700Nm of torque for years and years of punishment.
Toyota takes a seriously long time between LandCruiser generations, with the company well-aware every release needs to hold up to high expectations, meaning the company's ten-speed automatic is likely to outlive many rival transmissions.
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift is famed for its fun, pint-sized nature on the road, impressive fuel efficiency and of course, reliability from a brand celebrated for its relative mechanical simplicity and reliability.
While the latest-generation Swift is more complex than ever before due to its mild-hybrid powertrain, the platform itself enjoys a solid reputation when it comes to dependability and remains a pretty safe bet for trouble-free motoring.
Lexus GX
The Lexus GX sits as a more sophisticated and premium version of the latest-generation LandCruiser Prado, which means it's built to last.
The GX utilises the same 'FR' ten-speed automatic that was introduced back in 2016, which means it can handle the GX's 650Nm worth of torque and is designed to last for a long time, so long as you keep it serviced.
Isuzu MU-X
The Isuzu MU-X has been a favourite for adventurous Aussies, remaining one of the best-selling large seven-seat SUVs.
The MU-X shares its platform, engine and transmission lineup with the D-Max, meaning it's built tough enough to handle some serious turbo-diesel torque, which puts it on good stead for long-term reliability.
Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne puts power to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission that is built to handle a boat-load of power.
The 'ZF' transmission has been around for decades now and remains a slick, responsive, tough and reliable transmission that has earned a solid reputation for reliability in the premium, European segment.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is another well-recognised name with Australian buyers, an adventurous wagon that has been blazing the trail for the wider SUV segment ahead of mainstream adoption.
Subaru has been utilising a lineup of exclusively CVT units for its new vehicle lineup for a few years now, with no widespread complaints in terms of reliability so long as you keep it serviced on time.
BMW 3 Series
BMW ranked closely behind Porsche in terms of dependability in the premium segment, with the 3 Series sedan and wagon picking up a slick, ‘ZF’ eight-speed automatic that has earned a very solid reputation for reliability.
The 3 Series’ eight-speed automatic is more than capable of handling the 500Nm of torque served up by the M340i and has been in production in one form or another since 2008, meaning it would have been given the flick by now if it weren't reliable.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander range picks up an eight-speed CVT unit that has been well recognised for its durability over the Outlander's past two generations.
So long as you keep up with scheduled maintenance, owners can expect the Outlander's CVT to last a long time, though some mechanics advise an extra transmission fluid change every few years to keep things moving smoothly.
Toyota Camry
Our list wraps up with a seriously heavy-hitter, arguably the world's most famous sedan package, the Toyota Camry.
While the looks and technology inside the latest-generation Camry are completely new, a lot of the engine and running gear underneath, including the CVT automatic, have been carried over from the previous model, which, as you likely know, has been celebrated for its long-term reliability.
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