Subaru has officially taken the crown as the most reliable car brand, according to Consumer Reports’ annual ratings. This marks the first time that Subaru has surpassed Toyota, which has long held the top spot in reliability rankings. The shift in rankings can be attributed to Toyota’s introduction of new powertrains in its latest vehicles, which have led to a decrease in overall reliability.
The annual survey conducted by Consumer Reports gathers data from owners and internal testing on hundreds of thousands of vehicles spanning from 2000 to 2024 model years. The survey covers a wide range of potential issues experienced by owners, including transmission problems, electric motor issues, climate control malfunctions, and in-car electronics such as touchscreen interfaces and infotainment systems.
Subaru’s success in the reliability rankings can be attributed to its conservative approach to vehicle redesigns. The brand has focused on making incremental updates with proven parts shared across its lineup, similar to the strategy that Toyota and Lexus have employed in the past. Subaru’s redesigned vehicles, such as the 2025 Forester, have received praise for their reliability and performance.
On the other hand, Toyota has undergone a significant overhaul in its lineup, with almost every vehicle being redesigned in recent years. The introduction of more efficient, smaller displacement turbo and hybrid engines has led to some reliability issues, particularly with models like the Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks.
Despite these challenges, Toyota still ranks third overall in reliability, with Lexus coming in second. However, 15 other brands were not rated due to insufficient data. Rivian, a newcomer in the automotive industry, ranked last in reliability due to reported problems with its R1T pickup truck, including issues with paint, trim, and EV charging systems.
Overall, Asian brands continue to dominate the reliability rankings, with German brands following closely behind. Buick, the highest-ranking domestic brand, sits in 11th place, showcasing the importance of a conservative and incremental approach to new model releases.
In conclusion, while brand rankings can provide guidance to consumers, it is essential to consider the reliability of specific models before making a purchase decision. With Subaru surpassing Toyota as the most reliable brand, it is clear that a focus on proven technology and incremental updates can lead to long-term success in the automotive industry.
