Car buyers valuing peace of mind have a familiar champion returning to the throne this year. After a brief hiatus, Toyota has officially dethroned Subaru to reclaim the number one spot in Consumer Reports’ prestigious annual vehicle reliability rankings. This major shift signals a return to form for the Japanese giant following recent manufacturing hurdles.
Toyota And Subaru Battle For The Reliability Top Spot
The fight for the title of the most reliable car brand has been a tight race for years. Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru constantly trade places on the podium in what industry experts call a reliability musical chairs. Toyota secured the victory this year primarily by fixing lingering issues in their truck and sedan segments.
The data shows a significant turnaround for specific Toyota models that previously struggled. The Toyota Tundra is a prime example of this engineering correction. The truck suffered from severe manufacturing woes after introducing a new platform and engine in 2022.
However, the latest report indicates Toyota engineers have successfully ironed out these wrinkles. The 2026 model year Tundra posts much higher reliability scores than its predecessors. This proves that legacy automakers can effectively course-correct even after a rocky product launch.
Sedans also played a massive role in pushing Toyota back to the number one ranking. The Toyota Camry saw a boost in scores for the 2025 model year. It now sits as the second-most reliable sedan in the entire study. It is tied with the Honda Accord and trails only the Toyota Crown.
Toyota logo on car grille representing vehicle reliability ranking
Hybrids Outperform Electric Vehicles In Durability Metrics
One of the most striking findings in the new report is the gap between hybrid engines and fully electric powertrains. Consumers looking for a car that starts every morning without fail should look closely at hybrids. Consumer Reports found that 28 out of 30 hybrid models studied achieved average or better reliability ratings.
This is a stunning statistic that highlights the maturity of hybrid technology. Automakers have had decades to perfect the gas-electric combination. In contrast, fully electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are dragging down the average.
Below is a breakdown of the reliability divide found in the 2025 study:
| Vehicle Type | Reliability Trend | Notable Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Hybrids | High / Very High | Proven technology, minimal battery issues. |
| Electric Vehicles | Below Average | Charging ports, software glitches, build quality. |
| PHEVs | Low | Complex powertrains combining gas and EV flaws. |
Newer EV models are struggling to match the build quality of their gasoline counterparts. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are popular cars but suffer from specific technical failures. Owners frequently report issues with the integrated charging control unit (ICCU) which can leave drivers stranded.
Domestic brands are also facing significant headwinds in the EV sector. The Cadillac Lyriq and Chevrolet Blazer EV landed at the bottom of the rankings. These vehicles have been plagued by software gremlins and electrical system faults since their debut.
Tesla Climbs The Ranks While Other EVs Face Struggles
There is one major outlier in the electric vehicle segment this year. Tesla managed to jump eight spots to secure ninth place overall. This upward movement is largely driven by the stable production of the Model 3 and Model Y.
While Tesla has often been criticized for panel gaps and paint quality, their core electrical systems are stabilizing. Fewer owners are reporting catastrophic drive unit failures or battery issues compared to previous years. However, the brand is not without its flaws.
The Tesla Cybertruck remains a sore spot for the company regarding quality control. The angular truck continues to suffer from below-average reliability ratings. Despite the Cybertruck issues, the reduced rate of software and exterior complaints across the rest of the lineup helped Tesla climb the ladder.
Other startup manufacturers did not fare as well in the analysis. Rivian and Lucid are still categorized as producing unreliable vehicles overall. This is common for younger car companies that are still learning the complexities of mass manufacturing.
How Reliability Scores Impact Your Buying Decisions
Understanding how these scores are calculated can help you make a smarter purchase. Consumer Reports does not just guess which cars are good. The organization collected detailed data on over 380,000 vehicles ranging from the 2000 to 2025 model years.
Experts analyze 17 potential trouble spots on every vehicle. These range from minor nuisances like squeaky brakes to major disasters like transmission failure. The severity of the problem is weighed heavily in the final score.
“A faulty infotainment screen is annoying, but a blown engine destroys your finances. Our scoring system reflects that reality.”
The data reveals a consistent truth about buying new cars. First-year models are risky investments. Consumer Reports warns that even second-year models like the Mazda CX-90 and CX-70 remain unreliable as the factory works out bugs.
If you need a vehicle right now, the safest bet is a model that has been in production for at least three years. Or, stick to the brands that have proven they can maintain quality over decades. Right now, that list is topped by Toyota.
