Reliability is paramount when purchasing a vehicle, whether it’s brand new or pre-owned. Ensuring your car stands the test of time can save you from considerable stress and unexpected repair costs. Consumer Reports has released its comprehensive list of the Most Reliable Cars 2024, offering valuable insights for prospective buyers. This ranking serves as an excellent starting point for anyone prioritizing dependability in their next vehicle.
Consumer Reports’ reliability assessments are derived from extensive owner surveys. Subscribers report on their vehicle experiences, detailing any problems encountered. This wealth of data allows Consumer Reports to compile an annual ranking of car brand reliability.
The top echelon of reliable brands largely features familiar names like Toyota, Mazda, and Honda, brands consistently recognized for their build quality. However, the 2024 rankings also present some surprises, with German manufacturers such as BMW and Audi securing spots within the top 10 most reliable cars 2024. Notably absent from the top 10 are American brands in this year’s Consumer Reports survey.
Top 10 Most Reliable Car Brands in 2024
Here are the top 10 brands that excelled in Consumer Reports’ 2024 reliability study, highlighting the most reliable cars 2024 on the market:
1. Subaru
CR Reliability Score: 68/100
Topping the list of most reliable cars 2024 is Subaru. While Japanese automakers are often associated with reliability, Subaru’s first-place position is noteworthy, typically overshadowed by Toyota or Lexus. Subaru, renowned for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Boxer engines, impressed Consumer Reports. The Forester and Impreza models earned above-average reliability scores, with the majority of the lineup ranging from average to above average. The Solterra EV, a joint venture with Toyota, was the only model to receive a below-average score.
2. Lexus
CR Reliability Score: 65/100
Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, secures the second spot in the rankings of most reliable cars 2024. Lexus is synonymous with powertrain reliability. Consumer Reports indicates that most of Lexus’ models achieved above-average scores, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for dependable luxury vehicles.
3. Toyota
CR Reliability Score: 62/100
Toyota, a name virtually interchangeable with reliability, lands in third place among the most reliable cars 2024. Despite its strong reputation, Toyota’s overall score was impacted by below-average ratings for models like the Tundra and the bZ4X electric vehicle. A significant engine recall earlier in the year likely contributed to this ranking. However, Consumer Reports still acknowledges that a substantial number of Toyota models performed exceptionally well in terms of reliability.
4. Honda
CR Reliability Score: 59/100
Honda, another Japanese auto giant, claims the fourth position in Consumer Reports’ assessment of most reliable cars 2024. Similar to Toyota, Honda is celebrated for producing vehicles capable of enduring high mileage with routine maintenance. Honda had a significant number of models achieving average or above-average reliability scores in the survey.
5. Acura
CR Reliability Score: 55/100
Acura, Honda’s luxury counterpart, closely follows in the reliability rankings for most reliable cars 2024. Acura offers a focused lineup of sedans and SUVs, with one model achieving an above-average reliability score. The brand’s new EV, the ZDX, utilizes GM battery technology, but Consumer Reports did not specify if this impacted Acura’s overall reliability score.
6. Mazda
CR Reliability Score: 55/100
Mazda, another Japanese manufacturer, ranks sixth in the list of most reliable cars 2024. While not as ubiquitous as Toyota or Honda, Mazda has cultivated a strong image for durable vehicles and robust powertrains. The CX-90 SUV, particularly the hybrid variant, received below-average reliability ratings, seemingly affecting Mazda’s overall standing.
7. Audi
CR Reliability Score: 54/100
Audi’s presence in the top 10 most reliable cars 2024 is somewhat unexpected. German brands are not traditionally associated with top-tier reliability. Audi is one of only two European brands to make the top 10. It is important to note that these reliability rankings are based on issues reported in new cars, and long-term reliability for European vehicles can sometimes be a concern.
8. BMW
CR Reliability Score: 53/100
BMW is the second European brand featured in Consumer Reports’ top 10 most reliable cars 2024. Similar to Audi, BMW’s inclusion is surprising given the general perception of German car reliability. BMW produces a range of highly-regarded vehicles. The X5 hybrid model reportedly scored lower in reliability compared to its gasoline-only counterpart, a trend observed with several hybrids in the Consumer Reports study.
9. Kia
CR Reliability Score: 51/100
Kia is the first Korean brand to appear in the top 10 list of most reliable cars 2024. Kia has transitioned from being a budget-focused brand to a significant player in the mainstream car market, known for producing well-designed and affordable vehicles. Kia’s rise in reliability reflects its overall improvement in vehicle quality.
10. Hyundai
CR Reliability Score: 50/100
Rounding out Consumer Reports’ top 10 most reliable cars 2024 is Hyundai, Kia’s sister brand. Hyundai, mirroring Kia’s trajectory, has gained considerable popularity in recent years. This is attributed to its comprehensive warranty, appealing designs, and improved driving dynamics. Hyundai’s inclusion in the top 10 further solidifies the advancements made by Korean automakers in vehicle reliability.
Consumer Reports Most Reliable Cars for 2024: Full Ranking
- Subaru
- Lexus
- Toyota
- Honda
- Acura
- Mazda
- Audi
- BMW
- Kia
- Hyundai
- Buick
- Nissan
- Ford
- Genesis
- Volvo
- Chevrolet
- Tesla
- Volkswagen
- Jeep
- GMC
- Cadillac
- Rivian
Source: Consumer Reports
Note: Reliability scores and rankings are based on Consumer Reports’ 2024 Car Reliability Study.
Choosing a reliable vehicle remains a crucial factor for car buyers. Consumer Reports’ study of the most reliable cars 2024 provides a valuable resource for navigating the automotive market and making informed decisions. These rankings underscore the brands currently leading in vehicle dependability, helping consumers prioritize reliability in their next car purchase.
