Ranking: The Most Reliable Car Brands of 2026

Consumer Reports magazine annually calculates reliability scores for new cars based on surveys of experts and readers. Car owners provide detailed feedback on issues and technical problems experienced during use.

In the latest study, experts analyzed approximately 380,000 vehicles. This allowed them to identify consistent reliability patterns across brands, models, and powertrains. The overall results help compare cars and distinguish between gasoline, hybrid, and fully electric models.

In 2026, Japanese brands occupied six of the top seven spots.

Leader: Toyota (66 points) remains a favorite among most car owners. Following are Subaru (2nd place, 63 points) and Lexus (3rd, 60 points). These manufacturers are known for engineering philosophy, long-lasting models, and time-tested technology.

Toyota vehicles, when properly maintained, are designed to exceed 300,000 km, thanks to strict quality control and simplified powertrains that reduce the likelihood of breakdowns.

Honda (4th) and Nissan (6th) also scored highly, confirming Japan’s leadership in long-lasting and reliable car technology.

European brands mostly ranked in the middle. BMW (5th) achieved the best result among them, surpassing some Japanese competitors. Audi (13), Volvo (15), Volkswagen (16), and Mercedes-Benz (19) scored around 40 points, indicating lower reliability.

Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla (9th) showed the greatest improvement, rising eight positions. This progress is attributed to the high reliability of Model 3 and Model Y, which have become even more durable after years of structural improvements.