Subaru has surpassed Toyota and Lexus to become the most reliable car brand of 2024. Discover how Subaru’s consistent approach and proven technology earned it the top spot in Consumer Reports’ rankings.
For decades, Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus have been synonymous with reliability, consistently earning top rankings from Consumer Reports. Their vehicles, revered for durable engines and dependable performance, have been the go-to choice for consumers seeking peace of mind. However, 2024 marks a turning point in the automotive industry: Subaru has claimed the title of the most reliable car brand, dethroning these longtime leaders.
This historic achievement highlights Subaru’s focus on consistency, incremental updates, and proven technology—a strategy that has propelled the smaller automaker to the top of Consumer Reports’ reliability rankings.
Consumer Reports’ latest reliability rankings are based on comprehensive surveys of drivers owning vehicles from model years 2000 to 2024. The organization analyzed responses addressing 20 common vehicle issues, including transmission performance, engine reliability, and in-car electronics. Subaru’s vehicles consistently scored high across these categories, earning the brand its first-ever number-one ranking.
According to Steven Elek, data analyst at Consumer Reports, Subaru’s strategy of sharing reliable components across its models has been pivotal. “By carrying over dependable systems and making fewer incremental changes during redesigns, Subaru minimizes the risk of introducing new problems,” he explained.
While Toyota remains a highly reliable brand, its ambitious redesigns and new engine technologies have introduced challenges. Since 2022, Toyota has rolled out hybrid and turbocharged engines in popular models like the Tundra, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser. These innovations, however, have been accompanied by numerous recalls.
For example, the 2022 Tundra has undergone 10 recalls, including a costly replacement of over 100,000 twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engines. Additionally, Toyota’s bZ4X electric vehicle—closely related to Subaru’s Solterra—received below-average reliability ratings, further impacting the brand’s overall performance in the rankings.
Subaru’s approach to vehicle development emphasizes gradual improvements over radical changes. The 2025 Forester redesign, for instance, received widespread praise for maintaining the model’s trusted reliability while incorporating subtle enhancements.
This conservative strategy allows Subaru to avoid the pitfalls of untested innovations. As Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports, noted, “Even within high-ranking brands, individual models can vary in reliability. Subaru’s consistency across its lineup is what sets it apart.”
Subaru’s Forester, Impreza, Outback, and Crosstrek have all achieved above-average reliability ratings, cementing the brand’s reputation. However, the electric Solterra—developed with Toyota—remains an exception, with below-average reliability predictions.
While Subaru has ascended to the top, Toyota and Lexus still hold strong second and third positions in reliability rankings. Their challenges underscore a broader trend in the automotive industry: the importance of balancing innovation with dependability.
Asian automakers, including Subaru, Toyota, and Lexus, continue to dominate the reliability charts, followed by German brands. Domestic automakers, however, lag behind in maintaining consistent performance across their lineups.
Subaru’s rise to the top of Consumer Reports’ reliability rankings is a testament to the brand’s dedication to consistency and quality. By prioritizing proven components and measured innovation, Subaru has earned the trust of consumers and set a new benchmark for reliability in the automotive industry.
As the competition heats up, this shift signals a changing landscape where reliability and trust remain key drivers of success.