A new report from Consumer Reports has found that hybrid cars are more reliable than electric vehicles, but EVs are improving at a slower rate. The report, which combined various factors such as road test results, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and crash test results, ranked the top-rated brands for reliability.
For the first time, Subaru takes the top spot, surpassing perennial leaders Toyota and Lexus. Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota also scored high in terms of reliability. However, EVs still lag behind hybrids and gas-powered vehicles.
Plug-in hybrids performed better than battery-electric vehicles, with 70% more problems than pure hybrids and gas-powered vehicles. Battery-electric vehicles showed a 42% increase in problems compared to hybrids and gas-powered vehicles, but this improvement is significant, as it indicates that EVs are getting closer to hybrid-like reliability.
Some of the most reported issues with EVs were related to powertrain or build quality, particularly with legacy automakers new to EV technology. Owners of Tesla’s Model X complained about incorrectly attached trim and misaligned doors, while Rivian R1T owners reported issues with doors and tailgates.
Subaru’s slow redesign process is credited for its high reliability rating. The brand shares reliable components across their model line, reducing the risk of new problems when redesigning vehicles.
Toyota and Lexus lost their top spot due to complaints about quality issues in certain models, such as the Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks, and average scores for the Lexus RX. Tesla scored poorly in its newer models, with owners reporting build quality issues, suspension problems, and climate system issues.
Rivian’s reliability rating is low, but it surprisingly tops consumer satisfaction rankings. According to Consumer Reports, Rivian owners are satisfied with their purchases due to aspects of the Rivian experience beyond just reliability.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/edgarsten/2024/12/05/consumer-reports-study-reveals-new-reliability-leader-evs-improving