For years, car enthusiasts have hailed Toyota as one of the most reliable brands, with its V8 engines in the late 1990s and early 2000s Tundra trucks being nearly indestructible. Similarly, Toyota’s six-cylinder engines for the 4Runner from the late 1980s to early 1990s earned a reputation for durability.
Consumer Reports has consistently ranked Toyota and its luxury division, Lexus, as the most reliable brand based on their surveys and testing. However, this year marks a significant shift as Toyota and Lexus have been dethroned, with Subaru taking the top spot.
Subaru, a smaller Japanese automaker with just nine models and limited hybrid and electric vehicle options, has claimed the crown of reliability. This is a historic achievement for Subaru, which has regularly placed in the top five but never held the number one position.
Consumer Reports gathered data from drivers who owned vehicles from the 2000 to 2024 model years, addressing 20 common issues such as transmission problems, engine performance, and in-car electronics. The rankings are based on the responses from these drivers and vehicle reviews.
Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports, emphasized the importance of looking at reliability for specific models within a brand. “While brand rankings can guide you to the showroom, it is critical to also look at reliability for specific models before making a purchase decision,” he said. “Even within high-ranking companies, there can be significant variation in reliability.”
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Subaru’s approach to vehicle design has played a significant role in its rise to the top. Unlike Toyota, which has faced challenges with radical redesigns and numerous recalls, Subaru has maintained a conservative approach. For example, the redesign of the 2025 Forester was well-received by customers. Subaru’s strategy involves making incremental updates and using proven parts across its models, reducing the risk of new problems.
Steven Elek, a data analyst for Consumer Reports, noted, “Subaru’s cars share many reliable components. This commonality means that when Subaru redesigns a vehicle, it can make fewer incremental changes by carrying over dependable systems. This reduces the risk of new problems.”
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Toyota, despite its strong reputation, has struggled with recent vehicle redesigns and recalls. Since 2022, Toyota has introduced new hybrid and turbo engines in models like the Tundra, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser. These new engines have experienced growing pains, leading to numerous recalls. For instance, the new Tundra has had 10 recalls since its 2022 model launch, including a costly decision to replace over 100,000 twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engines.
Toyota’s recalls have primarily affected the Sequoia, Tundra, Crown, Prius, and Corolla models. While recalls do not directly harm a brand’s reliability ratings, persistent issues can impact consumer trust. The bZ4X electric vehicle, related to Subaru’s Solterra, also received below-average reliability scores, contributing to Toyota’s decline in the rankings.
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Subaru’s consistent use of reliable components has resulted in high-reliability ratings for models like the Forester and Impreza. Other models, including the Outback, Ascent, Legacy, and Crosstrek, scored above average. The only exception is the Solterra, Subaru’s electric crossover built in partnership with Toyota, which received a below-average reliability prediction.
Despite the recent challenges faced by Toyota and Lexus, they still rank as the second and third most reliable brands, respectively. However, Subaru’s ability to maintain reliability through minor updates and a focus on proven technology has earned it the top position. This shift indicates a change in consumer trust and brand performance in the automotive industry.
Overall, Asian brands, followed by German brands, fared better in reliability than domestic automakers. Subaru’s rise to the top of the reliability rankings underscores the importance of consistent and incremental updates in maintaining consumer trust and vehicle reliability.
