Key Takeaways:
– Subaru hops to the top spot in the most reliable car brands for 2024.
– German brands BMW and Audi make a surprising appearance in the top ten.
– American brands miss out on the top ten.
– Evaluation based on Consumer Reports reliability surveys.
– Mazda’s ranking affected negatively by its CX-90 SUV issues.
– Hybrid models often score lower than their gas-only counterparts for reliability.
When choosing a car, reliability is a key factor both for new and used buyers. In an effort to guide potential car buyers, Consumer Reports released a list of the 22 most reliable car brands for 2024.
Subaru Reigns Supreme
The Japanese car manufacturing giant, Subaru, though unexpectedly, tops the list with a reliability score of 68 out of 100. Other brands belonging to the same nation, such as Toyota and Lexus, usually dominate reliability rankings. Subaru’s top position primarily owes to outstanding performances from its Forester and Impreza models, except for the all-electric Solterra, which scored below average.
Lexus Close Behind
Snagging the second spot is Lexus, Toyota’s luxury sub-brand, with a reliability score of 65. The longevity of Lexus vehicles is evident in a 288,000-mile Lexus GX journey from New York to Alaska and back which only necessitated an oil change. A commendable performance indeed, as four of the seven models offered by the company scored above average, while the remaining three hit the average mark.
Toyota Takes Third
Toyota, often lauded for its unmatched reliability, ranks third in 2024, with a reliability score of 62 out of 100. Despite the recall of around 100,000 trucks and SUVs, for engine faults earlier this year, 11 models from Toyota scored either well above or above average, a strong showing nonetheless.
Honda Secures a Respectable Fourth Place
Next up is Honda, taking the fourth spot in the most reliable car brand list with a reliability score of 59 out of 100. Honda, like Toyota, is famous for high longevity, often crossing the hundred-thousand-mile mark with minimal maintenance. Three Honda models scored above average, while seven scored average.
Honda’s Luxury Sub-brand Acura Follows
Acura, a luxury sub-brand of Honda, is next on the list with a reliability score of 55 out of 100. With only five models in the market, two sedans and three SUVs, Acura managed to score one above-average model.
Mazda Makes the Cut
Mazda secures the sixth position in the list with the same reliability score as Acura, 55 out of 100. Despite scoring lower due to issues with the CX-90 SUV, Mazda is appreciated for its robust build, performance, and longevity.
Audi Breaks Stereotypes
Surprisingly, German brands, usually not synonymous with reliability, enter the list with Audi securing the seventh place with a score of 54 out of 100. However, it should be noted that this list references issues reported on new cars and it’s not uncommon for the reliability of such vehicles to wane over time.
BMW Also Makes an Appearance
Entering immediately after Audi, BMW is the eighth most reliable car brand of 2024. While it’s encouraging to see another German brand on the list, it’s worth noting that their X5 hybrid model scored lower compared to its gas-only counterpart on reliability.
Korean Brands Kia and Hyundai Round out the Top Ten
Kia, once the mockery of the industry, slides into the ninth place. This Korean brand is recognized for affordability and the attractive design of its GT models. Hyundai, another Korean brand, and Kia’s sister company, close the top ten. Thanks to its robust ten-year, 100,000-mile warranty, excellent design, and commendable driving experience, Hyundai has gained enormous popularity over the past decade.
While Subaru, Lexus, and Toyota lead the pack, BMW, Audi, Kia, and Hyundai pleasantly surprise car buyers with their inclusion in the top ten. Unfortunately, American brands failed to reach the top while hybrid models often proved less reliable than their gas-powered counterparts. Despite a few unpredictable rankings, this list remains a valuable tool for potential car buyers in 2024.