A good car warranty protects you from expensive repairs and allows you to drive with peace of mind, no matter whether you are buying a brand-new car or a used car. Warranties nowadays are quite diverse; there are standard ones and those with extensive protection for several years.
When buying a car, it is best to check the warranty by VIN. This way, you will know whether the protection is still covered, has expired, or is limited. This article will discuss the best car warranty for brand-new and used cars in 2025.
Types of New Car Warranties
Before buying a car, it is helpful to know what types of warranties are available on new vehicles. They are provided by the manufacturer and cover certain parts and services.
Here are the four main types of new car warranties:
1. Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
This is the most extensive warranty. It protects almost all components on the car except wear-and-tear parts like tires and brake pads. Most bumper-to-bumper warranties are good for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
2. Powertrain Warranty
These are the transmission, engine, and drivetrain, the components actually propelling the car. Powertrain warranties are longer-lived than bumper-to-bumper coverage, extending to as much as 5 years or 60,000 miles.
3. Corrosion (Rust) Warranty
Warranty protects the vehicle from body and metal component rust damage. It usually lasts for 5 to 7 years.
4. Roadside Assistance
Some car manufacturers do have roadside service as part of their warranty. They cover flat tires, dead batteries, and towing on breakdowns.
Car Brands with the Best Car Warranties
There are some brands that provide better coverage than others. Below are the ones that surpass the industry average. Looking for the best new car warranty in 2025? Look for the following:
1. Kia
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Powertrain: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Kia is famous for providing one of the best vehicle warranties in the marketplace. Its industry-leading 10-year powertrain warranty surpasses all others in the mass market.
2. Hyundai
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Powertrain: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Hyundai matches Kia with outstanding protection and includes an additional 5 years of unlimited-mile roadside service.
3. Genesis
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Powertrain: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Genesis, which is the luxury arm of Hyundai, provides high-end services like valet maintenance and, therefore, is among the best car warranties for luxury vehicles.
4. Mitsubishi
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Powertrain: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Mitsubishi's warranty matches Hyundai and Kia, providing you with great long-term value
5. Fisker
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 6 years / 60,000 miles
- Powertrain: 10 years / 100,000 miles
A newer EV brand, Fisker, impresses with long coverage and a solid commitment to electric vehicle reliability.
6. Rivian
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Powertrain: 8 years / 175,000 miles
The new EV maker, Fisker, specializes in long-range and has a strong focus on electric car reliability.
Brands with Above-Average Warranties
While not industry leaders, the following brands still offer above-average warranties, giving buyers peace of mind with extra years or benefits:
Acura
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Powertrain: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Acura does its luxury cars nicely, with adequate roadside assistance coverage.
Cadillac
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Powertrain: 6 years / 70,000 miles
It offers great protection and comes with top-of-the-line concierge services.
Infiniti
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 4 years / 60,000 miles
- Powertrain: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Infiniti sets itself apart with an extra 10,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper protection.
Jaguar
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Powertrain: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Jaguar covers all scheduled maintenance within the warranty term.
Lexus
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Powertrain: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Lexus maintains its reputation with good service and strong resale value.
Tesla
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Powertrain (Battery/Drive Unit): 8 years / 100,000–150,000 miles
Tesla warranties emphasize battery health, which is key to long-term operation.
Lincoln
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Powertrain: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Lincoln also provides pickup and delivery service during maintenance.
Best Used Car Warranties
If you're considering a used car, the best used car warranty can provide added protection. Here is what you can expect:
1. Basic Used Car Warranty
Usually provided by dealers, this offers extensive repairs for a brief span (usually 30–90 days).
2. Extended-Length Warranty
This is purchased independently and is longer-term, similar to new car warranties. It's a great choice for peace of mind.
3. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Warranty
Offered on inspected vehicles by dealers. They are above-average protection for used cars and may provide bumper-to-bumper protection.
4. Implied Warranty
Legally required in some places, this means the vehicle must at least work as expected. It does not cover repairs but protects against fraud.
5. Aftermarket Accessory Warranty
If you've installed accessories like a stereo or spoiler, this warranty also covers such accessories. It is normally offered by the accessory manufacturer or installer.
6. Replacement Parts Warranty
Covers the replacement of individual parts in repairs. They are temporary but handy for new parts.
What Are Extended Warranties?
An extended warranty is an additional coverage plan that starts when the original manufacturer's warranty ends. These plans continue to cover some parts and systems for a longer period, depending on what you pay. You can buy an extended warranty from:
- The manufacturer (for new or CPO cars)
- Third-party warranty providers
Benefits of Extended Warranties
- Peace of mind after factory warranty.
- It comprises extensive repairs like the engine and transmission.
- Available for both the brand-new and pre-owned vehicles.
What are the Things to Consider
Though extended warranties are great if you plan to keep your vehicle long-term or drive a lot of miles, they come at a cost. Here are some things to note:
- Cost: Long-term warranties are expensive. Shop around to compare prices before buying.
- Coverage: Read and understand all that is excluded and covered.
- Reliability: If your car is known to be reliable, there might not be a need for an extended warranty.
Conclusion
If you're buying a used or new car, choosing the best car warranty protects you against costly expenses. From luxury companies like Hyundai and Kia to great extended warranties on pre-owned vehicles, there are numerous great choices available in 2025.
For informed choices, you may use our Vehicle history report to find out if the original warranty on a car is still active and what is covered. This helps you plan for any future costs in repairs and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Car Warranty
New cars typically come with a minimum of a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. That is the industry standard.
All of these brands, namely Kia, Hyundai, Genesis, and Mitsubishi, have a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with still longer powertrain coverage.
Yes, most warranties begin from the original date of purchase. On a used vehicle, any existing factory warranty is transferred to you unless otherwise stated.
In 2024 and continuing into 2025, Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis are consistently listed to provide the top car manufacturer warranty with as much as 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection.
