Consumer Reports’ latest reliability findings are in, we share which brands deliver the most reliable cars, trucks, and SUVs in 2026—based on comprehensive survey data from hundreds of thousands of CR members. We break down how major automakers, including Toyota, Tesla, Subaru, Rivian, BMW, Mazda, and Honda, compare; how EVs and plug-in hybrids stack up against traditional gas models; which used cars offer the most dependable performance; and whether luxury brands truly provide an advantage over their mainstream counterparts. We also address why some automakers place the gas cap on the passenger side of their vehicles and offer advice on simple maintenance tasks you can perform yourself to help reduce car-related expenses.
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 – Introduction
00:30 – New Car Reliability
02:51 – Used Car Reliability
05:57 – Big News
06:40 – Cars Least Expensive to Maintain
08:22 – EVs/ Plug-in Hybrids Reliability
10:04 – Hybrid Vehicle Reliability
11:34 – Owner Satisfaction
13:18 – Importance of Car Reliability
15:27 – How CR Gathers Reliability Data
19:55 – Question #1: Why do some car manufacturers put the gas cap on the passenger side and others on the driver side?
23:09 – Question #2: Which simple maintenance tasks can car owners perform on their own to help reduce car-related expenses?
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Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
Reliability of 5 to 10 year-old cars
Most and Least Loved Car Brands
5 – 10 Most Reliable Cars
How Car Brands Stack Up On Lifetime Repair Cost
10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
Car Reliability and Owner Satisfaction Guide
Consumerreports.org/Talkingcars
