For years, Toyota has been synonymous with reliability, often topping industry rankings and owner surveys. However, the latest brand reliability report from Consumer Reports for 2024 has stirred the pot, placing Subaru at the coveted number one position. Does this mean Toyota has lost its crown as the Most Reliable Toyota and car brand overall? Let’s delve into the details of the report and see what it reveals about Toyota’s standing.
Consumer Reports, a non-profit organization renowned for its rigorous testing and consumer advocacy, analyzed data from over 300,000 vehicles sold between 2000 and 2025 to compile its 2024 reliability rankings. The study considers various factors, including owner satisfaction, safety ratings, road test performance, and crucially, predicted reliability. This reliability score is derived from assessing 17 potential trouble areas, ranging from minor issues to major mechanical failures reported by car owners over the past 12 months.
Consumer Reports brand reliability ranking for car manufacturers, highlighting Subaru at the top and Toyota’s position.
It’s important to note that some brands, like Alfa Romeo and Land Rover, were not included in the report due to insufficient data for at least two current models. This highlights the comprehensive data-driven approach of Consumer Reports in determining car brand reliability.
Subaru Takes the Lead, But What About Toyota Reliability?
While Subaru claimed the top spot with an average reliability score of 68 out of 100, pushing Toyota and its luxury arm Lexus from their usual perch, it’s crucial to understand the nuances. Lexus secured the second position with a score of 65, and Toyota followed closely behind with 62. These are still exceptionally high scores, indicating that Toyota and Lexus vehicles remain highly reliable.
Steven Elek, head of Consumer Reports’ car data analytics program, pointed out that Subaru’s reliability boost isn’t due to groundbreaking new technology, but rather a consistent approach of carrying forward proven parts across model years. This suggests that sometimes, sticking to what works is a winning strategy for most reliable Toyota competitors.
The report assesses reliability based on member surveys detailing problems experienced in 17 trouble areas, ranging from minor annoyances to significant engine or transmission issues. The severity of these issues is weighted to generate a reliability score out of 100. This score, combined with owner satisfaction surveys and internal testing, shapes the overall model scores and brand rankings.
Subaru’s achievement as the most reliable car brand in Consumer Reports’ annual rankings, surpassing Toyota and Lexus.
Electric Vehicles and Toyota’s Performance
This year’s report is notable for including more electric vehicles than ever before. While the reliability of EVs is a growing concern for consumers, the findings are brand-dependent. Interestingly, six out of the seven Subaru models evaluated, all powered by internal combustion engines, received average or above-average reliability ratings. The only Subaru model that underperformed was the Solterra EV, which was co-developed with Toyota.
This brings us to Toyota’s EV performance. According to the report, the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, and the all-electric Toyota bZ4X SUV all scored below average in reliability. These models negatively impacted Toyota’s overall brand score, preventing it from retaining its top position as the most reliable Toyota manufacturer.
High reliability ratings for the majority of Subaru’s model range, contrasting with the mixed performance of Toyota’s lineup in the Consumer Reports study.
American Brands and Reliability
On the other end of the spectrum, several American brands struggled in the reliability rankings. Jeep and GMC both scored an average reliability rating of 33, Cadillac at 27, and Rivian at the bottom with 14. In contrast, some US models like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Ford Escape performed well, achieving above-average or average reliability.
Consumer Reports highlighted that within US brands, there’s a wide range of reliability performance, with some models and brands significantly lagging behind the top performers like Subaru, Lexus, and Toyota.
Subaru’s diverse range of vehicles, all contributing to the brand’s high average reliability score in the Consumer Reports rankings.
Conclusion: Toyota Remains a Highly Reliable Choice
While Subaru has taken the top spot in Consumer Reports’ 2024 reliability report, it’s crucial to maintain perspective. Toyota and Lexus remain in the top three, demonstrating their continued commitment to building dependable vehicles. The slight dip in Toyota’s ranking appears to be influenced by the below-average performance of a few specific models, including their new EV, the bZ4X.
For consumers seeking the most reliable Toyota, the broader picture remains positive. Toyota’s long-standing reputation for quality and durability is still firmly intact. While this report offers valuable insights, it’s essential to consider long-term reliability trends and individual model performance when making purchasing decisions. Toyota continues to be a strong contender in the reliability race, and future reports will reveal if they reclaim their top position.
Source: Consumer Reports
