For years, Toyota and Lexus were the gold standard for car reliability. But this year, Subaru has officially taken the top spot as the most reliable car brand, according to the latest rankings from Consumer Reports. The analysis looked at data from over 300,000 vehicles, and the message is clear: Subaru is playing the long game—and it’s paying off. While flashy tech and EV buzz often steal headlines, Subaru’s strategy is surprisingly simple. They’ve built their reputation not by innovating constantly but by sticking with what works.
A Win for Simplicity Over Flash when it comes to reliable cars
Subaru scored 68 out of 100 for reliability, edging out both Toyota and Lexus. The secret? Consistency. Rather than rolling out brand-new tech or engines with every redesign, Subaru tends to refine and reuse its most dependable parts across multiple models and generations. That means fewer unexpected issues and more predictable performance over time.
In contrast, Toyota’s score dipped, largely due to reliability issues in its latest Tacoma and problems with some of its new EVs. Lexus also dropped slightly, though it still ranks high overall. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less change leads to more trust on the road.
EVs Make a Mark—but often aren’t as reliable
One of the most interesting takeaways from the report is that more electric vehicles made the list this year than ever before. But while they’re gaining in popularity, EVs still lag behind traditional gas-powered cars in reliability. Startups like Rivian scored near the bottom, and even some established automakers are still working out the kinks in their new electric models.
What are the most unreliable car brands?
Are you thinking about buying a new car, and do you want to know which brands you should avoid? Don’t worry; we have included a list of the top 3 most unreliable car brands of the past few years. These include:
- Jeep
- GMC
- Rivian
Their scores were dragged down by persistent issues with new tech, build quality, and drivetrain consistency—particularly in newer or less-tested models. For now, if you’re looking for a reliable car, Subaru might just be your safest bet.
