For individuals navigating the current car market with new vehicle prices averaging around $48,000, the stakes are high. Making informed decisions based on more than guesswork is crucial to ensure long-term vehicle performance, satisfaction, and safety. Consumer Reports (CR), a trusted non-profit organization dedicated to research, testing, and consumer advocacy, has released its latest brand-level performance data and resources on CR.org/cars to empower car buyers in making the most intelligent choices for their individual needs and budgets.
The newly published 2025 Automotive Report Card from CR delivers a comprehensive analysis. This report synthesizes exclusive road test scores from over 200 new vehicles, in-depth reliability data and owner satisfaction insights gathered from member surveys, and critical safety performance evaluations to determine overall car brand rankings. Furthermore, visitors to CR.org/cars can explore detailed brand profiles, revealing rankings for new car reliability, used car reliability, owner satisfaction, road test performance, and maintenance and repair expenses. CR members gain even deeper access, unlocking “Recommended” new and used models for each brand and the ability to filter by powertrain type, drivetrain, and seating capacity.
Jake Fisher, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center, emphasizes the importance of thorough research in the car buying process, stating, “Buying a new car is a big expense and one that requires a lot of research to arrive at the best choice. Our new experience at CR.org makes that research easier by presenting exclusive unbiased data and insights on everything from reliability to cost of ownership in a streamlined way that’s simple to navigate.”
The Reliability of Hybrid, Electric, and Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains
The report highlights the consistent reliability of hybrid powertrains. Remarkably, hybrids now exhibit problem rates comparable to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, a significant achievement considering their technological complexity. The U.S. Department of Energy reports a surge in hybrid vehicle popularity, with a 53 percent sales increase in 2023.
CR’s latest survey data indicates improved reliability for both electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) as these technologies mature. Problem rates for EVs and PHEVs relative to ICE vehicles have approximately halved since the previous survey.
Currently, EVs experience 42 percent more problems than ICE cars on average, a notable improvement from last year’s 79 percent. PHEVs now show 70 percent more problems than ICE cars on average, down from a significant 146 percent in the prior survey. ICE vehicles and hybrids remain the most dependable vehicle types overall.
Hybrid technology’s advancements have led to exceptional fuel efficiency without compromising reliability. “Today’s hybrids deliver reliability that is similar to conventional gas cars despite their added complexity,” Fisher noted. “CR’s tests have shown that they’re also often quieter, quicker, and more pleasant to drive than their gasoline-only counterparts.” Top-performing hybrids from manufacturers like Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Toyota consistently achieve high reliability scores across various categories.
While some EVs and PHEVs demonstrate slow reliability improvements, others are progressing positively. Models like the Rivian R1S and R1T, and the Ford F-150 Lightning, still exhibit below-average to well-below-average reliability. However, the Volvo XC60 PHEV stands out with improved reliability and has earned a CR recommendation this year.
Subaru Achieves Top Reliability Ranking, Asian Brands Lead the Way
For the first time, Subaru has secured the number one position in CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey, surpassing Lexus and Toyota, brands that have traditionally dominated the top spots. CR experts attribute Subaru’s rise to its measured approach to vehicle redesigns and the consistent use of reliable components across its model range. The Subaru Solterra electric SUV is the only model in their lineup with a below-average predicted reliability score.
The findings of CR’s survey were revealed at a recent online news conference hosted by the Automotive Press Association in Detroit.
Although Lexus (now second) and Toyota (third) are not at the very top for the first time since 2020, Asian automakers continue to demonstrate strong reliability. Honda (fourth), Acura (fifth), Mazda (sixth), Kia (ninth), and Hyundai (tenth) all feature within the top 10.
The complete report and detailed brand reliability rankings are accessible here.
Annually, CR surveys its members about potential issues encountered with their vehicles over the preceding 12 months. This year’s survey encompasses 20 problem areas, ranging from engine and electric motors to transmission and in-car electronics. Consumer feedback is used to generate predicted reliability ratings for new cars across major mainstream models. This year, data was collected from approximately 300,000 vehicles spanning model years 2000 to 2024, including initial data from some 2025 models.
“While brand rankings can guide you to the showroom, it is critical to look at reliability for specific models before making a purchase decision,” Fisher advised. “Even within high-ranking companies, there can be significant variation in reliability.”
Reliability predictions for 2025 models are based on each model’s reliability performance over the past three years, provided there have been no significant redesigns. If model-specific data is insufficient for a given year, CR uses the brand reliability score to inform the new car prediction. Due to revisions in this year’s survey questions and methodology, direct comparisons to brand reliability data from previous years are not possible.
Subaru Excels as Top Overall Brand
Subaru also claims the top position in CR’s 2025 Auto Brand Report Card Rankings, achieving this for the first time since 2022 and narrowly surpassing BMW by a single point. These rankings are determined by the average Overall Score, combining CR’s road-test scores, predicted reliability and owner satisfaction data, and safety assessments for all models from each automaker.
Following Subaru and BMW, the top 10 overall brands include Lexus, Porsche, Honda, Audi, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, and Infiniti. Notably, half of the top 10 overall brands are mainstream, demonstrating that high-quality vehicles are accessible without luxury car price tags.
CR’s comprehensive report on top car brands is available here.
Rivian leads in CR’s owner satisfaction survey, and achieves a mid-range average road test score. However, below-average predicted reliability continues to impact the EV manufacturer, placing it second to last in the overall brand rankings.
For further details on CR’s 2025 Automotive Report Card findings, visit CR.org/cars or engage with Consumer Reports on social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram @consumerreports.
About Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability Surveys
Consumer Reports’ latest Annual Auto Reliability Surveys gathered data from car owners regarding approximately 300,000 vehicles spanning model years 2000 to early 2025. CR’s reliability predictions are formulated based on overall reliability data from the preceding three model years, provided the vehicle design remains consistent. For models redesigned in 2024 or 2023, data from one or two years is utilized. CR’s reliability assessments are based on annual data collected from car owners concerning problems experienced with their vehicles in the past 12 months. CR’s team of statisticians, researchers, and testers analyze problem areas to generate an overall reliability score for each model and year. Significant problem areas that could lead to costly repairs are weighted more heavily. Additional information is available at www.CR.org.
