Subaru has secured the top spot in Consumer Reports' 2026 brand rankings for the second consecutive year, based on a survey of 380,000 vehicles. Tesla climbed eight positions to reach No. 10, marking its highest ranking ever due to improved reliability in models like the Model Y and Model 3. BMW took second place, while Lincoln made the largest gain by jumping 17 spots to No. 7.
Consumer Reports released its 2026 Brand Report Card on December 5, 2025, evaluating 31 automotive brands on road-test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. The survey drew from data on 380,000 vehicles spanning 25 model years, the largest sample in the organization's history.
Subaru earned the No. 1 overall ranking for the second year running, praised for consistent reliability through shared proven parts. "While Subaru models provide good performance and comfort, they also excel in areas that may not be immediately apparent during a test drive," said Jake Fisher, CR's senior director of auto testing. "They share proven parts that help assure consistently great reliability."
BMW placed second overall and led the luxury segment. The top 10 included Porsche in third, Honda fourth, Toyota fifth, Lexus sixth, Lincoln seventh, Hyundai eighth, Acura ninth, and Tesla tenth. Tesla's ascent from No. 18 reflected fewer major design changes and over-the-air updates enhancing powertrain reliability, particularly in the Model Y and Model 3, which overcame prior build quality issues. However, the Cybertruck scored below average due to new technologies like steer-by-wire controls, and older Tesla models from five to 10 years ago remain among the least reliable.
Lincoln's 17-spot climb to No. 7 stemmed from improved reliability in its aging lineup. In contrast, Audi fell 10 places to No. 16 after reliability woes with the Q4 E-Tron and the discontinuation of the dependable A4. Chrysler dropped nine spots, hampered by below-average reliability in its sole minivan offerings. The bottom five comprised Dodge, GMC, Land Rover, and Jeep.
Hybrids outperformed electric and conventional vehicles in predicted reliability, with only the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid, and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid scoring below average among about 30 analyzed. Traditional U.S. brands like Ford (No. 18 overall, but 11th in reliability—its best in 15 years) and GM divisions (Cadillac 17th, Buick 20th, Chevrolet 24th, GMC 29th) trailed Asian competitors. Rivian rose five spots to No. 26 but continued facing low reliability scores despite high owner satisfaction from early adopters.
As consumers retain vehicles longer, reliability increasingly influences purchases, benefiting dealers with proven brands while challenging those with riskier ones through enhanced service and warranties.