Discover the 2025 most reliable car brands, from Lexus to Tesla, and see which models excel in hybrid and EV reliability. Read the full ranking now!
Consumer Reports’ latest reliability survey has shaken up the midsize segment, as manufacturers pivot to electric and hybrid powertrains. While some familiar names stay at the top, others have slipped, and a few surprise entrants have surged.
Top Performers – Brands That Keep Their Promise
Lexus, Subaru and Toyota once again dominate the upper echelon of the 2025 reliability ranking. Their long‑standing platforms, proven engineering and conservative adoption of new tech translate into consistently high scores.
- Lexus – Leads with a blend of luxury comfort and minimal reported issues.
- Subaru – Strong in safety and durability, especially for all‑wheel‑drive models.
- Toyota – Reliable across its lineup, from compact hybrids to full‑size SUVs.
- Honda – Holds steady in the top five, though its latest Prologue EV fell short.
- BMW – The only premium European brand cracking the top ten.
Surprise Entrants – Who Jumped the Rankings?
American electric‑vehicle pioneer Tesla vaulted eight spots to land at #9, reflecting significant improvements in body‑work, paint quality and electronic components. The brand’s focus on fixing long‑standing “pain points” earned it a notable boost.
Falling Stars – Brands That Lost Trust
Japanese stalwart Kia showed a stark contrast: its Carnival Hybrid scored a high 72 points, while the Kona EV plummeted to 24 points, placing it among the least reliable. Honda’s new Prologue EV, despite the company’s overall strong reputation, received a below‑average 25 points due to numerous electric‑motor glitches.
Mazda experienced an eight‑position drop, primarily because its newly introduced CX‑70 and CX‑90 SUVs feature all‑new rear‑wheel‑drive platforms, engines and transmission systems that have not yet earned reliability credibility. Both gasoline and plug‑in hybrid variants suffered from battery and motor failures.
Hybrid vs. Electric – The Reliability Divide
Traditional non‑plug‑in hybrids emerged as the “bright spot” of the survey. They combine fuel efficiency with proven mechanical simplicity, out‑performing both pure‑gasoline models and complex EV/PHEV setups. Of the 26 brands evaluated, 13 of the lowest‑scoring models belong to the EV or PHEV categories, while no conventional hybrid made the blacklist.
Key Takeaways for Buyers
- Stick with legacy brands that have a track record of incremental innovation (Lexus, Toyota, Subaru).
- Consider traditional hybrids for a reliable, fuel‑saving experience without range anxiety.
- Be cautious with brand‑new EV platforms, especially from manufacturers transitioning away from proven architectures.
- Watch how Tesla continues to address quality issues; its recent gains suggest a possible shift in market perception.
For the most up‑to‑date details, visit Consumer Reports or check the full ranking at the link below.