In a surprising shake-up of automotive reliability rankings, Subaru has emerged as the most reliable car brand in Consumer Reports’ 2024 survey, unseating longtime leaders Toyota and Lexus. This report, based on extensive data from over 300,000 vehicles sold between 2000 and 2025, highlights Subaru’s steadfast approach to reliability as a winning formula in an industry often obsessed with rapid innovation.
The Secret Behind Subaru’s Reliability
Unlike competitors chasing cutting-edge technologies and design overhauls, Subaru has taken a conservative yet effective route, maintaining consistency across its models. According to Steven Elek, Consumer Reports’ car data analytics head, “Subaru vehicles benefit from the carryover of parts across several model years, reducing the likelihood of new issues cropping up.” This strategy seems to resonate well with consumers, as six out of seven Subaru models surveyed received average to above-average reliability ratings.
Interestingly, Subaru’s sole electric vehicle, the Solterra, fell short of expectations with a below-average score, suggesting the brand still has room for improvement in the EV space. Despite this, the company’s overall reliability score of 68 out of 100 solidified its top position.
Toyota and Lexus Slide Down the Rankings
Toyota, a reliability stalwart, and its luxury division Lexus, dropped to second and third places, respectively. Toyota’s decline was influenced by below-average performances from models like the Tacoma, Tundra, and its bZ4X electric SUV. Lexus fared slightly better but still couldn’t outpace Subaru.
Toyota and Lexus achieved average reliability ratings of 62 and 65 out of 100, respectively. These figures underline the growing challenges faced by automakers transitioning to EVs while managing the expectations set by their internal combustion engine models.
More EVs, Mixed Results
This year’s rankings featured more electric vehicles (EVs) than ever, reflecting the industry’s pivot toward sustainable transportation. However, reliability remained inconsistent across brands. Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y earned average ratings, while Rivian posted a dismal 14 out of 100, placing it among the least reliable automakers.
U.S. Brands Struggle in Reliability
Among U.S. automakers, the results were a mixed bag. Jeep and GMC tied at an average reliability score of 33, while Cadillac trailed with a mere 27. Notable exceptions include the Ford Mustang, which scored well above average, and the Chevrolet Trailblazer, which earned an above-average rating.
Other Key Movers
While the top five brands—Subaru, Toyota, Lexus, BMW, and Porsche—remained unchanged, Audi made a noteworthy leap from 12th to 6th place. Infiniti also climbed six spots to secure 10th position, reflecting improvement in their model reliability.
Sticking to What Works
Subaru’s ascent to the top is a testament to the power of sticking to proven methods in an industry fixated on rapid evolution. It wasn’t flash or innovation that won the day for Subaru, but a commitment to reliability and consistency.
The 2024 Consumer Reports rankings not only underline the shifting dynamics in the automotive world but also highlight how the interplay between innovation and reliability continues to shape consumer preferences. For now, Subaru stands as the new gold standard in dependability, setting a high bar for its competitors to follow.
