Best New Car Warranty (2026)

Our top 10 picks for the best new car warranties in 2026

We selected our top 10 picks for the best new car warranties based on the length of each automaker’s bumper-to-bumper warranty period, which provides comprehensive coverage. We then used less comprehensive coverage, such as powertrain, anti-perforation and electric vehicle (EV) coverage, as tirebreakers.

We also gave preference to years covered rather than mileage when necessary. All coverage durations are given in terms of time and mileage, with coverage ending when the vehicle crosses either threshold. All warranty information is accurate as of April 21, 2026.

Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Genesis and Kia all earned the top spot for bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties. All four of these automakers offer bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles, along with powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

To put these warranties in perspective, many new car warranties come with 3 years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.

Otherwise, Tesla has the longest corrosion coverage, while Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Genesis and Kia are tied for the longest hybrid/EV batteries.

What do new car warranties cover?

New car warranties typically offer different types of coverage, such as:

Bumper-to-bumper coverage

Bumper-to-bumper coverage, also known as basic or limited vehicle coverage, provides comprehensive coverage. This typically covers most car components that fail due to manufacturing defects, but it doesn’t cover normal wear-and-tear items.

Powertrain coverage

Powertrain coverage covers components like the engine, transmission, drive shafts, powertrain control module (PCM), turbocharger, supercharger, drive axles, and timing belt or chain. However, their related sensors and electronic components are typically covered by a bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Anti-perforation coverage

Also known as a corrosion warranty, this coverage protects you from paying for repairs needed due to rust. If you plan to drive your vehicle for more than five years in a state with salty roads or seawater, you’ll likely want as much corrosion coverage as you can get.

Hybrid/EV battery coverage

This typically guarantees that your traction battery will continue working through the warranty term and retain at least 70% battery life after a certain period of time.

» MORE: What does an EV warranty cover?

What makes a good car warranty?

When comparing and contrasting warranties, it helps to pay attention to the following:

Length of warranty

It generally makes sense to prioritize longer warranties, even if you plan to sell your car before the warranty expires since a warranty can help your vehicle retain its value. Warranty terms often stick to a pattern that equates one year with roughly 10,000 to 12,000 miles, but it’s worth paying attention to the exact ratio if you don’t drive an average amount.

For instance, if you drive more than 12,000 miles per year, you’ll likely reach your mileage limit before your time limit, so it makes sense to look for a warranty that has higher mileage. Likewise, if you don’t drive that often, you’ll run out of time on your warranty before you run out of miles, so it’s a good idea to prioritize a warranty with a term ratio that provides extra years.

Coverage provided

Bumper-to-bumper warranties are generally the most desirable warranties since they provide comprehensive coverage. However, how much an automaker will cover with this type of warranty may vary from automaker to automaker, so it can be worth comparing parts coverage between companies.

Hybrid/EV battery coverage

Owning a hybrid or electric vehicle out of warranty can be risky since the cost of replacing the traction battery can be thousands of dollars. It’s smart to check how long your battery and related components are covered if you plan to drive a hybrid or EV long term.

Complimentary maintenance

More new vehicles offer complimentary scheduled maintenance with their warranties, which typically covers oil changes, tire rotations and other recommended service items for one to three years or a certain number or miles.

Do you need an extended warranty for a new car?

Even the best new car warranties will eventually expire, and getting an extended auto warranty can help you avoid big repair bills down the line. However, extended warranties typically cost around $1,000 per year for bumper-to-bumper coverage.

“The immediate out-of-pocket expense for a service contract can be viewed as a disadvantage; however, having the option to include it in your payment makes the cost minimal,” said Gretchen Seidel, an automotive industry expert. “If you have to make a claim on a service contract it can save you money that you would otherwise have to front immediately.”

Extended auto warranties are available from both automakers and third-party extended car warranty companies, and there are enough plan options available to fit a variety of needs. However, coverage can vary widely among companies.

For instance, Ronald, a reviewer from Kentucky, experienced vastly different amounts of parts coverage between companies.

“My warranty was running out on my car and I thought I had full coverage, but [I found] out I didn't. The coverage that I had only covers the motor, the transmission and something else, as opposed to the coverage that I got from [an extended warranty]. It covers my electrical and everything else.”

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