Top 10: the most reliable 2026 models according to Consumer Reports
The American magazine Consumer Reports has just published its new annual ranking of car brands and models with the best predicted reliability. The ranking is based on a survey of owners and data on more than 380,000 vehicles from 2000 to 2025 (and a few from 2026), taking into account 20 categories of problems. A score is then assigned on a scale of 100.
Once again, 100% electric vehicles continue to prove slightly more reliable than plug-in hybrids, but less so than conventional hybrids and vehicles with internal combustion engines.
In terms of vehicle categories, cars (sedans, station wagons, hatchbacks) rank highest, followed by minivans and SUVs. Pickup trucks come in last.
Brands with the best predicted reliability for 2026
Consumer Reports tells us that Asian brands remain the champions of reliability. In fact, seven of the top 10 are Japanese or Korean. Toyota, Subaru, and Lexus take the top three spots. European brands come in second, led by BMW (5th overall), while their American rivals bring up the rear, with Buick once again occupying the highest position (8th). Tesla made the biggest leap, climbing from 17th to 9th place:
Now, here's what the bottom half of the table looks like, where Mazda finds itself after slipping from 6th to 14th place:
However, it is important to note that several brands were not considered this year because they either have too few models or there is insufficient data available about them. This is the case for Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Fiat, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lucid, Maserati, MINI, Mitsubishi, Polestar, and Porsche. Historically, most of these brands rank below average or even at the bottom of the list, with Porsche being one of the exceptions.
New vehicles with the best predicted reliability for 2026
In addition to brands, Consumer Reports also looks at individual vehicles. So which 2026 models have the best predicted reliability? We've compiled the top 10 below, and unsurprisingly, several Toyotas are once again on the list.
10. Lexus NX
Consumer Reports reliability score: 71
Consumer Reports reliability score: 81
8. Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid
Consumer Reports reliability score: 73
7. Honda Accord
Consumer Reports reliability score: 74
Consumer Reports reliability score: 74
Consumer Reports reliability score: 76
4. Toyota Crown
Consumer Reports reliability score: 78
Consumer Reports reliability score: 78
Consumer Reports reliability score: 79
Consumer Reports reliability score: 80
Consumer Reports concludes by reminding readers that it is always wise to avoid brand new models, which often experience problems in their first year. This applies to the Toyota RAV4, which was number one in 2025 but is absent from the 2026 rankings due to the new generation that is about to be launched.
