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- The automakers with the best new car warranties are Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and Mitsubishi.
- While the standard factory warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, these four brands offer a factory warranty of five years or 60,000 miles.
- A new car warranty covers your vehicle in the event of a manufacturer’s defect.
In the world of new car warranties, it’s standard to find factory coverage for three years or 36,000 miles. However, some manufacturers have warranties that go above and beyond. To determine the best new car warranty, we researched all major auto brands and found which ones provide the highest levels of bumper-to-bumper coverage and powertrain protection.
We’ve spent over 1,475 hours researching, mystery shopping, surveying past customers, and reading hundreds of online reviews for car warranties. We’ll go in-depth on some of our recommended car warranty companies below.
What New Car Has The Best Warranty?
We’ve looked at all major car brands to determine which ones provide the best coverage. Here are the top 10 manufacturers, plus the warranties offered by each:
| Manufacturer | Bumper-to-Bumper
Warranty | Powertrain Warranty | Hybrid/EV Battery
Warranty | Corrosion
Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai | 5 years/
60,000 miles | 10 years/
100,000 miles | 10 years/
100,000 miles | 7 years/
unlimited miles |
| Kia | 5 years/
60,000 miles | 10 years/
100,000 miles | 7 years/
unlimited miles | 5 years/
100,000 miles |
| Genesis | 5 years/
60,000 miles | 10 years/
100,000 miles | 10 years/
150,000 miles | 7 years/
unlimited miles |
| Mitsubishi | 5 years/
60,000 miles | 10 years/
100,000 miles | 10 years/
100,000 miles | 10 years/
100,000 miles |
| Jaguar | 5 years/
60,000 miles | 5 years/
60,000 miles | 8 years/
100,000 miles | 4 years/
50,000 miles |
| Infiniti | 4 years/
60,000 miles | 6 years/
70,000 miles | 7 years/
unlimited miles | 7 years/
unlimited miles |
| Lincoln | 4 years/
50,000 miles | 6 years/
70,000 miles | 8 years/
100,000 miles | 5 years/
unlimited miles |
| Lexus | 4 years/
50,000 miles | 6 years/
70,000 miles | 8 years/
100,000 miles | 6 years/
unlimited miles |
| Cadillac | 4 years/
50,000 miles | 6 years/
70,000 miles | 8 years/
100,000 miles | 4 years/
50,000 miles |
| Acura | 4 years/
50,000 miles | 6 years/
70,000 miles | Varies | 4 years/
50,000 miles |
Top 5 Best New Car Warranties
We’ll take a closer look at the top five best new car warranties below, offering more details on their powertrain coverage and bumper-to-bumper warranty terms along with any extra perks:
1. Hyundai
Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
Hyundai has consistently been at the top of the list for the best new car warranty in recent years. Its factory warranty provides great bumper-to-bumper and powertrain protection. Combine that with high vehicle reliability ratings and Hyundai gives the competition a run for its money.
In addition to its bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage, Hyundai offers the following coverage types and perks for its new vehicles:
- Anti-perforation warranty for 7 years/unlimited miles
- 24-hour roadside assistance for 5 years/unlimited miles
- Replacement parts and accessories limited warranty for 1 year/12,000 miles
- Federal emission defect and performance warranty for 8 years/80,000 miles
- California emissions control systems warranty for 7 years/70,000 miles
- Hybrid and electric vehicle battery warranty for 10 years/100,000 miles
Read more: Hyundai warranty
2. Kia
Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
Kia was once known as a budget manufacturer, but it has quickly become one of the top brands in the industry. Not only are Kia cars and SUVs affordable, but the warranty is similar to that of its sister brand, Hyundai. It features the same bumper-to-bumper coverage as Hyundai, lasting five years or 60,000 miles. Plus, Kia provides powertrain protection for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
One of the main differences is that Kia has shorter term lengths for roadside assistance and corrosion. See below for more information on some of the additional warranties and coverages offered by Kia:
- Anti-perforation warranty for 5 years/100,000 miles
- 24-hour roadside assistance for 5 years/60,000 miles
Read more: Kia warranty
3. Genesis
Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
Genesis is the luxury offshoot of Hyundai, so its reputation is strong. The automaker ties with Hyundai and Kia for term lengths with five years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper protection and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection. This makes Genesis one of the best new vehicle warranty providers on the market.
Additional coverage and perks offered by Genesis include:
- Complimentary service valet and diagnostic check for 3 years/36,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles
- 24/7 enhanced roadside assistance for 5 years/unlimited miles
Read more: Genesis warranty
4. Mitsubishi
Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
Mitsubishi is another automaker that offers a long bumper-to-bumper warranty on its vehicles, as coverage lasts for five years or 60,000 miles. It also offers a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the powertrain warranty lowers to five years or 60,000 miles for secondary owners. Other warranties provided through Mitsubishi for its new vehicles include:
- Anti-corrosion and perforation limited warranty for 7 years/100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance plan for 5 years/unlimited miles
- Manufacturing adjustment warranty for 1 year/12,000 miles
Read more: Mitsubishi warranty
5. Jaguar
Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
A luxury brand that started in the United Kingdom, Jaguar has been in the auto business for almost 90 years. It offers a bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranty that lasts for five years or 60,000 miles in addition to perks that are often found with luxury manufacturers. Extra coverage and benefits afforded to Jaguar models include:
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance for 5 years/60,000 miles
- 24/7 roadside assistance for 5 years/60,000 miles
- Electric battery warranty for 8 years/100,000 miles
Read more: Jaguar warranty
6. Infiniti
Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 4 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand, offers warranties for its fairly reliable vehicles. In fact, RepairPal ranks the automaker ninth out of 32 car brands for reliability. Coverage that comes with an Infiniti warranty includes:
- Corrosion coverage for 7 years/unlimited miles
- Seat belt warranty for 10 years
- Federal Emission Defect Warranty for 4 years/60,000 miles
- Federal Emission Performance Warranty for 2 years/24,000 miles
Read more: Infiniti warranty
7. Lincoln
Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
Lincoln is rising through the ranks of the luxury automobile world quickly as its SUVs and sedans gain more popularity. While Lincoln offers term limits on new warranties that are similar to other automakers, there’s no denying that the coverage of its vehicles is among the best. Below is some additional coverage that comes with a Lincoln warranty:
- Safety restraint systems warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles
- Corrosion coverage for 5 years/unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance for life to original owners or 6 years/70,000 miles for secondary owners
- Hybrid unique components warranty for 8 years/100,000 miles
Read more: Lincoln warranty
8. Lexus
Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
Lexus is another reliable automaker that serves as the luxury brand for Toyota. Much like Toyota, it has received a reputation for being one of the most reliable vehicles money can buy. RepairPal ranks the brand seventh out of 32 car brands for reliability. Extra coverage that comes with a Lexus warranty includes:
- Hybrid warranty for 8 years/100,000 miles
- Corrosion perforation warranty for 6 years/unlimited miles
- Service parts warranty for 1 year/unlimited miles
Read more: Lexus warranty
9. Cadillac
Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
Cadillac warranties cover the entire vehicle except for routine maintenance and a small list of exclusions. This, combined with its long powertrain term limits, makes it stand out from other luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. While not the highest-ranked luxury brand on our list, it’s still a viable option for those wanting protection against unexpected breakdowns.
Additional coverage that comes with a Cadillac warranty includes:
- Roadside assistance for 6 years/70,000 miles
- Corrosion protection for 4 years/50,000 miles
- Rust-through protection for 6 years/100,000 miles
Read more: Cadillac warranty
10. Acura
Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
Acura offers several warranties for new vehicles to ensure that you have protection against repair costs from unexpected mechanical difficulties. Whether you have an SUV or sedan from Honda’s luxury and performance division, here are a few additional coverage options you have access to with an Acura warranty:
- High-voltage battery capacity warranty for 8 years/100,000 miles
- Seat belt warranty for 15 years/150,000 miles
- Rust perforation warranty for 5 years/unlimited miles
- Replacement 12-volt battery for 100 months
Read more: Acura warranty
List of New Car Warranties
See below for a breakdown of new car warranties from other popular auto manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty | Powertrain Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Honda | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Nissan | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Ford | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Tesla | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Volkswagen | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Chevrolet | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Jeep | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Buick | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Dodge | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
What Is A New Car Warranty?
A new car warranty, also known as a factory warranty, is a contract between you and the car manufacturer. This contract states that any defects in your new vehicle will be repaired or replaced within a certain time frame or mileage. This ensures that your new car is protected and guaranteed to remain at a certain quality level as long as you take care of it. This typically means having all of your warranty work performed at a dealership.
Keep in mind that new car warranties don’t cover the costs associated with wear and tear items or routine maintenance, such as brake pad and wiper blade replacements or oil changes. Typically tires are on the list of part exceptions, even with a bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Car warranties can extend beyond what’s offered by the manufacturer. Once your factory warranty term expires, you can get extended warranty coverage through the automaker or from an independent company. Third-party providers also offer used car warranties if you’re a secondary vehicle owner.
What Makes A New Car Warranty Good?
To make a decision on the best new car warranty, consider the following criteria:
- Length: Factory warranties come with limits, and most new car warranty terms cover a certain number of years and miles. You’ll no longer be covered once one of these milestones is reached, so better warranties generally have longer terms. In most cases, powertrain warranties have longer terms than bumper-to-bumper coverage because they’re more basic warranties that cover fewer components.
- Inclusions: New car warranties often feature a list of what’s included. Examine this and make sure you understand which parts are and aren’t covered in case of a defect.
- Exclusions: You should also look at the list of exclusions if applicable, as these parts won’t be covered by the manufacturer if something goes wrong. Bumper-to-bumper warranties tend to come with the most coverage, so the list of exclusions will be relatively short. You should receive protection for everything from your car’s transmission and alternator down to its navigation and audio systems.
- Additional benefits: Some new car warranties only feature a few perks, but others have numerous benefits. Look for roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage as you search for the best new car warranty. Some manufacturers provide free oil changes and towing as well.
Is An Extended Warranty On A New Car Worth It?
Car owners with a factory warranty from one of our top-rated brands may feel that they have enough protection, but it’s important to think about your vehicle in the long term. Even if your manufacturer warranty lasts longer than most, it’s not going to last forever. It can often be cheaper to purchase an extended car warranty before your factory coverage expires.
Here are some of the benefits of investing in extended protection:
- Peace of mind: Even though newer cars are less likely to have issues than used cars, an extended warranty guarantees that covered repairs will be paid for, minus your agreed-upon deductible.
- Easier to sell: If you plan to sell your car and have a transferable warranty in place, your vehicle could be more attractive to shoppers. This can help you sell it faster, and possibly add some value.
- Extra perks: Many extended auto warranties include roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and other benefits related to car repairs.
Can You Buy An Extended Warranty After Purchase?
When it comes time to purchase an extended warranty plan, you have plenty of options available, like signing up for the factory-backed vehicle service contract at the dealership. If you’re thinking of doing this, it’s wise to take the following factors into consideration:
- You’ll end up paying more in interest if you bundle the extended warranty costs into your car loan.
- With manufacturer-backed warranties, you generally have to use a dealership service center for repairs. This doesn’t allow for much flexibility.
If you don’t want to go through a dealership, there are many reputable third-party car warranty companies that provide exceptional coverage – often at a fraction of the price. Take a look below at the results from our consumer extended auto warranty survey, which compares initial purchase prices of third-party warranties to those of dealership warranties.
How We Rank The Best Extended Car Warranties
When ranking third-party extended auto warranties, we look at a provider’s strengths and weaknesses across five key categories. Our overall scores take into account a warranty provider’s industry standing, coverage, cost, transparency, and customer service reviews. We’ll go into more detail on each category below.
How We Rate Extended Car Warranties
To give you the most up-to-date information, we update our review standards several times each year. Our warranty research evaluates providers across the following categories:
Industry Standing
A warranty provider’s industry standing is one of the first things we consider when rating a company. If a provider has been in the industry for many years, holds high ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or has been awarded for its warranty services, we’ll likely score it highly in this category.
Coverage
We take into account a provider’s coverage levels and offered protection plans when calculating an overall rating. We examine its plan offerings, term and mileage limits, waiting periods for coverage, and extra perks such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and towing. We also consider if a company offers any unique coverage options that set it apart from other providers.
Cost
No one wants to break the bank when shopping for an extended warranty. We mystery shop, study sample contracts, consider deductible options, survey current warranty owners, and compare total costs when deciding on a rating for each provider. Companies that offer quality coverage at an affordable price will score well in this category.
Transparency
Our criteria for transparency is extremely straightforward. If a provider is forthcoming and offers sample contracts, detailed plan outlines, and a money-back guarantee to consumers, it’ll receive high marks in this area.
Customer Service
Good customer service when purchasing an extended warranty and responsiveness when dealing with the claims process are factors we look for in each provider. We consider whether a company offers a mobile app or online chat and take into account the ease of getting a quote. We pore over customer reviews from consumers like you when deciding on a rating.
Extended Warranty Options for New Cars
Learn more about three of our top-rated third-party extended warranty providers below:
Endurance: 4.6 Stars
Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Northbrook, Illinois
Coverage options: Six levels of coverage
Coverage terms: Up to 8 years/200,000 miles
Endurance scores highly across all five of our key review categories, earning it the title of Best Coverage from our team. It offers six levels of coverage to consumers, including one that’s a combination of extended warranty and maintenance coverage. Endurance plans also come with one free year of Endurance Elite benefits, including roadside assistance.
In addition, Endurance is unique because it offers direct-to-consumer warranties, which means the company handles all claims itself. It also allows car owners to choose from any repair shop that’s certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®) to get vehicle repairs done.
Read more: Endurance warranty review
CarShield: 4.5 Stars
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: St. Peters, Missouri
Coverage options: Six levels of coverage
Coverage terms: Up to 10 years/300,000 miles
CarShield is known for its high-mileage coverage and low prices, in addition to its extended warranty options for high-tech and luxury vehicles such as Audi and BMW models. We give it the award for Best Monthly Payments due to its flexible payment options for customers. CarShield also offers month-to-month plans, saving you from being locked into a warranty plan for longer than you’d like.
CarShield has solid reviews online from customers, and it’s also one of the few extended warranty providers that offers additional warranties for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Read more: CarShield review
CARCHEX: 4.4 Stars
Founded: 1999
Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland
Coverage options: Five levels of coverage
Coverage terms: Up to 10 years/250,000 miles
CARCHEX has been in the extended warranty business for over 20 years, offering five levels of coverage that can be broken down into over 20 different warranty contracts. You’ll find comprehensive coverage similar to your manufacturer’s warranty in addition to coverage plans that take care of your engine, transmission, and drive axles.
Additional perks of CARCHEX extended warranties are trip interruption services, 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, gas deliveries, and lockout services. CARCHEX holds endorsements from well-known industry giants like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.
Read more: CARCHEX review
Best New Car Warranty: Conclusion
Automakers Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis offer the best new car warranties on the market. Each manufacturer offers a 5-year or 60,000-mile new car limited warranty and a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Mitsubishi and Jaguar also offer better-than-average factory warranties on their new vehicles.
In any case, there are plenty of options to choose from if you want to continue coverage after your factory warranty expires. While many manufacturers offer their own extended warranty plans, protection from a third-party warranty provider can be cheaper, more flexible, and provide better benefits. We recommend getting quotes from multiple third-party extended car warranty companies to find a coverage plan that fits your needs.
Best New Car Warranty: FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best new car warranties: