When you decide to purchase a new car, one of the things that you should take into consideration when choosing which manufacturer to buy it from is the warranty. A new car warranty is a promise that if something goes wrong with the car, the manufacturer will take care of it without any cost to you.
With so many different makes and models available, how do you find out which car manufacturer has the best warranty? It takes some research, and you need to determine what parts of a warranty are important for you and your driving habits. Take a look at some warranties and what they offer.
What Is a Warranty?
A new car warranty is a guarantee from an automaker against workmanship errors and defects. An original factory warranty automatically comes with a new car at no cost to the buyer. Most manufacturers use warranties as a promise to their customers that their vehicles will perform as expected without any problems for a certain number of years or a certain number of miles.
The industry standard for factory warranties is often three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, for a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Powertrain warranties usually last for at least five years or 60,000 miles, but several car manufacturers exceed these standards.
Hyundai
Hyundai provides some of the best warranty coverage out of all car manufacturers. This automaker was the first to provide a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and they continue to offer better coverage than other manufacturers for their bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties.
Hyundai has a:
- Five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Three-year/36,000-mile no-cost maintenance
- Complimentary navigation map updates
- Five-year/60/000-mile roadside assistance with towing to the nearest Hyundai dealership and trip interruption insurance
In addition to these common warranty items, Hyundai also covers items that are not commonly covered by a factory warranty. You’ll also get:
- Three-year/36,000-mile audio system coverage
- Three-year/36,000- mile paint coverage
- Three-year/unlimited mile or lifetime warranty for hybrid batteries
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi vehicles come with warranties that rival Hyundai and Kia. You’ll get:
- Five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Seven-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion/perforation warranty
- Five-year/60,000-mile restraint system coverage
- One-year/12,000-mile free adjustment period
Mitsubishi also offers roadside assistance, which includes towing, flat tire service, jump starts, and emergency fuel delivery. The Mitsubishi Road Assist+ mobile app provides information to owners with contact information if they run into a mechanical breakdown.
Kia
Kia is another top performer when it comes to its warranties. All new Kia models come with:
- Five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Three-year/36,000-mile paint coverage
- Three-year/36,000-mile original battery coverage
New Kia models also come with roadside assistance for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. The program includes lockout service, flat-tire assistance, towing, trip interruption benefits, and jump-starts.
Genesis
Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury brand, and new Genesis models come with many of the same benefits and warranties as Hyundai models, but with some extras too. Every new Genesis vehicle has:
- Five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty
- 10-year/100,000 powertrain warranty
- Three-year/60,000-mile paint coverage
- Three-year/36,000-mile battery coverage
- Three-year/36,000-mile Genesis Service Valet
- Five-year/60,000-mile audio, navigation, and Bluetooth system warranty
- Seven-year/unlimited mileage rust-through perforation coverage
Genesis also provides a 24-hour roadside assistance plan that covers alternate transportation if needed if your vehicle breaks down, travel interruption reimbursement, and flat tire service. This program lasts for five years and has unlimited miles.
Infiniti
You can expect above-average protection with the warranty that comes with a new Infiniti vehicle. This manufacturer offers a longer warranty term than many other automakers, although the roadside assistance is shorter than some luxury car models.
- Four-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
- Six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Four-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance
Cadillac
Cadillac has a generous warranty term with coverage that exceeds the average for most automakers. They stand out with the length of the roadside assistance coverage.
- Four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
- Six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Six-year/70,000-mile roadside assistance
Cadillac’s roadside assistance includes towing to the nearest Cadillac dealership. You can access services by phone or by using OnStar, which is a button right in the vehicle.
Acura
Acura offers a new vehicle warranty that works the same as a bumper-to-bumper warranty, and it also has a warranty for its 12-volt electric batteries. The Acura warranties include:
- Four-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty
- Six-year/70.000-mile powertrain warranty
- Five-year/unlimited mile rust perforation warranty
- 15-year/150.000-mile seat belt limited warranty
- Four-year/50.000-mile accessories limited warranty
Acura also offers a roadside assistance plan with lockout service, battery jump-starts, fuel deliveries, emergency towing to an Acura dealership or a licensed mechanic, and flat-tire service.
Lexus
Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand. New Lexus models come with:
- Four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
- Six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery and hybrid component warranty
Lexus owners also benefit from a four-year roadside assistance package starting on the purchase date.
Volvo
Volvo simplifies its warranty by combining the bumper-to-bumper and the powertrain warranty into one. Every new Volvo comes with:
- Four-year/50,000-mile limited basic and powertrain warranty
- 12-year/unlimited mile corrosion protection
- AS complimentary service plan covering the first three factory scheduled maintenance services, including software updates, diagnostics, and alternative transportation.
What Makes the Car Manufacturer With the Best Warranty Stand Out?
The best warranties have coverage that lasts for a long time and covers all major parts, systems, and components. Bumper-to-bumper coverage covers almost everything in a car and will most likely cover any mechanical issues, although there are usually exclusions with a bumper-to-bumper warranty. The following parts are typically not covered:
- Upholstery
- Glass
- Lights
- Wear-and-tear items such as wiper blades or brake pads
- Emission components
- Trim
A powertrain warranty is another significant benefit because the engine and its components carry a significant cost if it needs repairs. Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and Mitsubishi all offer this coverage for up to 100,000 miles, making them stand out from most other automakers. Free maintenance services are another factor that can make a group of warranties stand out, along with battery warranties.
Warranties offer peace of mind to drivers when they purchase a new car. The promise from the manufacturer means when you purchase a new vehicle, you won’t have any out-of-pocket expenses if you run into mechanical issues.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
