Toyota scored 66 out of 100 points to reclaim the top spot in Consumer Reports’ 2026 brand reliability rankings, ending Subaru’s brief reign as America’s most reliable automaker. Subaru dropped to second place with 63 points, while Lexus rounded out the top three at 60. With vehicle prices still sky-high and 41% of buyers prioritizing long-term dependability over flashy features, this shift carries real weight for your wallet.
Toyota’s Model-by-Model Improvements Tell the Real Story
The 2026 Camry jumped from average to above-average reliability, while the redesigned Tacoma recovered from its below-average 2024 stumble to above-average status. Even the Tundra, previously plagued by V6 engine issues and recalls, now rates as average—a significant improvement. Strong performers like the Land Cruiser and 4Runner bolstered Toyota’s overall score.
Only Toyota and Subaru managed above-average brand ratings, highlighting how tough the reliability game has become. Honda landed fourth at 59 points, while BMW cracked the top five at 58—breaking the typical Japanese monopoly on reliability leadership.
Tesla jumped from 17th to ninth place, powered by the Model 3 claiming the top EV spot and the Model Y dominating both EV SUV and overall electric vehicle categories. The electric automaker reduced body and electrical issues that previously plagued their vehicles.
What These Rankings Mean for Your Next Car Purchase
Subaru’s slip doesn’t signal decline—the Impreza still ranks as the most reliable vehicle overall, while the Crosstrek takes third place across all categories. The BRZ, WRX, and Forester Hybrid all earned above-average marks.
Traditional hybrids continue outperforming plug-in hybrids and pure EVs, explaining why models like the F-150 Hybrid and Carnival Hybrid top their respective categories. Cars average 58 points on Consumer Reports’ 100-point reliability scale, while pickups lag at just 44 points.
Mazda’s dramatic fall to 14th place illustrates how quickly fortunes change. The CX-70 and CX-90 plug-in hybrids suffered poor reliability ratings, with the CX-90 PHEV ranking 18th out of 20 midsize three-row SUVs.
Japanese brands maintain their stranglehold on dependability, with U.S. brands averaging just 41 points compared to their Asian counterparts. For car shoppers weighing reliability against cutting-edge tech, these rankings provide crucial guidance in an era where every purchase decision carries five-figure implications for long-term ownership costs.
