what cars share the same parts

[DeLucille]

Many cars share parts because manufacturers use common platforms and modular architectures to reduce costs. This practice, known as platform sharing, means vehicles from the same parent company—and sometimes even different brands—can have identical engines, transmissions, infotainment systems, and other key components. For example, the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform is the foundation for dozens of models across Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, and Škoda.

The primary benefit for you is lower long-term ownership costs. Shared parts are more widely available, which can lead to cheaper repairs and easier maintenance. When a component is used in millions of vehicles, aftermarket suppliers also produce affordable alternatives.

Here are some of the most well-known examples of platform and part sharing:

Vehicle Platform/Architecture	Parent Company	Example Models Sharing Parts
Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)	Toyota	Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry, Lexus ES
Volkswagen Group MQB	Volkswagen AG	Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3, Škoda Octavia, SEAT León
GM VSS-F Platform	General Motors	Chevrolet Trax, Buick Envision, Cadillac XT4
Ford C2 Platform	Ford	Ford Focus, Ford Kuga/Escape, Lincoln Corsair
Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi CMF	Alliance	Nissan Rogue, Mitsubishi Outlander, Renault Kadjar
Hyundai-Kia N3 Platform	Hyundai Motor Group	Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Kia Seltos

This strategy extends beyond just the chassis. You'll often find the same engine, like the GM Ecotec series, in a Chevrolet Equinox and a Cadillac XT4, or the same infotainment system in a Ford F-150 and a Lincoln Navigator. Even luxury brands like Lexus and Acura share fundamental components with their Toyota and Honda counterparts, respectively, though they often feature more premium materials and sound insulation. When considering a used car or planning for future repairs, researching its platform siblings can give you a significant advantage.

[StChristopher]

Think about car companies like big families. Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury? They're siblings. Toyota and Lexus? Parent and child. They share a lot under the skin to save money. My old Ford Focus had a part break, and the mechanic found a cheaper, identical part from a Mercury Milan. It's a huge win for your wallet. Always ask your mechanic if a part from a more common "sibling" car will fit—it often does and costs less.

[MalachiAnn]

As a guy who's spent plenty of time in his own garage, I look for cars known for shared parts. My daily driver is a Volkswagen Golf, but I know it shares everything from sensors to suspension pieces with the Audi A3. It means I can sometimes find Audi-grade parts for a VW price if I shop around. It's not just German cars, either. The Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner are legendary for this; a huge aftermarket exists because so many components are interchangeable. It makes owning and modifying these vehicles much more straightforward and affordable.

[EllieFitz]

From a purely financial standpoint, platform sharing is a key factor in minimizing depreciation and repair costs. When you buy a car from a large automotive group, you're buying into a vast ecosystem of parts. A Cadillac XT4 will inherently have lower maintenance costs than a more exclusive luxury SUV because its core components are shared with high-volume models like the Chevrolet Equinox. For a savvy buyer, prioritizing vehicles with high degrees of part commonality is a smart strategy for long-term value retention and predictable ownership expenses.