Consumer Reports Vehicles Statistics in US 2026 | Key Facts

Consumer Reports Vehicles in the US 2026

The automotive landscape in the United States has reached a pivotal moment in 2026, with Consumer Reports releasing its most comprehensive annual automotive assessment to date. Based on data collected from approximately 380,000 vehicles—representing a remarkable 27 percent increase over the previous year—this year’s findings reveal critical insights that every car buyer needs to know. The organization’s rigorous testing methodology, combined with extensive member surveys covering model years from 2000 to 2025 and early 2026 models, provides an unprecedented look at vehicle quality, reliability, and safety across the industry. With the average new car price surpassing $50,000 for the first time in American history, making informed purchasing decisions has never been more crucial for consumers navigating today’s challenging automotive market.

Consumer Reports continues its mission as an independent nonprofit research and testing organization, purchasing approximately 50 new vehicles annually for evaluation at its state-of-the-art 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut. The organization conducts more than 50 distinct tests on each vehicle after a 2,000-mile break-in period, measuring everything from acceleration and braking to handling and safety systems. This year’s report introduces groundbreaking changes, including a new Safety Verdict rating system and enhanced digital platforms that make comparing vehicles more intuitive than ever. The 2026 data encompasses 31 car brands evaluated across multiple criteria, with findings that examine 20 potential trouble areas reported by vehicle owners over the previous 12 months. These comprehensive statistics provide American consumers with the most reliable, unbiased information available to guide their purchasing decisions in an increasingly complex automotive marketplace.

Interesting Facts About Consumer Reports Vehicles in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Annual Automotive Report Card, December 2025

The 2026 Consumer Reports automotive survey represents the organization’s most extensive data collection effort in its nearly 90-year history. The massive sample size of 380,000 vehicles provides unprecedented statistical reliability, allowing Consumer Reports to predict future vehicle performance with remarkable accuracy. This year’s 27 percent increase in survey responses demonstrates growing consumer engagement and the heightened importance of reliable automotive information in an era where the average transaction price has crossed the $50,000 barrier. The data reveals a fundamental shift in the American automotive market, with electrification becoming mainstream—evidenced by the fact that every single vehicle on the Top 10 Picks list is either a hybrid or available as one, or is a fully electric vehicle.

The comprehensive nature of Consumer Reports’ testing methodology sets it apart from manufacturer-sponsored reviews and other automotive publications. By purchasing 50 new vehicles annually at retail prices and subjecting them to more than 50 rigorous tests at their 327-acre facility, the organization maintains complete independence and objectivity. The 2,000-mile break-in period before formal testing begins ensures that vehicles are evaluated under real-world conditions rather than optimized factory settings. The examination of 20 distinct trouble areas reported by actual owners over 12 months provides insights that short-term professional reviews simply cannot capture. With 31 brands evaluated and typical sample sizes of 200-300 responses per model year, the statistical foundation underlying Consumer Reports’ recommendations gives consumers confidence in their automotive purchasing decisions during this challenging economic period.

Consumer Reports 2026 Overall Brand Rankings in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Overall Brand Report Card Rankings

Subaru’s achievement as the number one overall brand in 2026 marks its second consecutive year at the top and third time in five years, solidifying its reputation for delivering exceptional value to American consumers. The Japanese automaker’s success stems from its strategic use of proven components across its model lineup and conservative approach to vehicle redesigns, which minimizes reliability issues. Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports’ senior director of auto testing, specifically notes that while Subaru models provide good performance and comfort, they excel in areas not immediately apparent during test drives, including cutting-edge safety systems and superior emergency handling capabilities. The brand’s consistent reliability, combined with standard all-wheel-drive systems across most models, makes it particularly attractive to consumers seeking dependable transportation.

BMW’s second-place finish represents a remarkable achievement for a European luxury brand, earning recognition as the most reliable European manufacturer with all of its tested models achieving average or better reliability scores. The German automaker has successfully challenged the conventional wisdom that luxury vehicles inevitably suffer from reliability issues. Lincoln made the most dramatic improvement in the 2026 rankings, climbing 17 positions to reach seventh place—the largest single-year gain of any brand. This historic jump came primarily from significant reliability improvements across its lineup. Meanwhile, Toyota reclaimed the top reliability ranking after improvements in the Camry, Tacoma, and Tundra models addressed previous concerns, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to continuous quality enhancement and its ability to quickly resolve manufacturing issues identified through consumer feedback.

Consumer Reports Reliability Rankings in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Reliability Rankings

Toyota’s ascension to the top reliability ranking in 2026 demonstrates the effectiveness of its methodical approach to vehicle manufacturing and continuous improvement processes. After experiencing reliability setbacks with redesigned models in recent years, Toyota systematically addressed issues in the Camry sedan and Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks. The Camry, which had dropped to average reliability following its 2025 redesign, rebounded impressively with a reliability score jumping from 56 to 74 in just one year. This rapid improvement showcases Toyota’s engineering prowess and commitment to quality. The brand now boasts six models among the 10 most reliable vehicles, including the Crown, which ties with the Honda Accord for second-best in the midsized sedan category. The rest of Toyota’s lineup achieves average or better reliability, with strong performance from the new Land Cruiser and redesigned 4Runner SUVs.

Tesla made significant strides in reliability, climbing to 9th place in the brand rankings—a remarkable achievement for a relatively young automaker focused on electric vehicle technology. The Model Y emerged as the most reliable electric vehicle in Consumer Reports’ testing, with continuously improving reliability that makes it increasingly attractive to mainstream consumers. However, the Cybertruck remains the brand’s weak point with a below-average reliability score. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Jeep finished dead last in the 2026 rankings, scoring poorly across brand reliability, road test performance, and owner satisfaction. Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury division, suffered a dramatic fall to 21st place with not a single model achieving average or better predicted reliability—a concerning development for the brand that had previously shown promise. Mazda’s fall from the top 10 to 14th place stems primarily from problematic plug-in hybrid powertrains in the CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs, illustrating the challenges manufacturers face when introducing new electrification technologies.

Consumer Reports 2026 Top 10 Picks in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Annual 10 Top Picks, February 2026

The 2026 Top Picks list marks a historic milestone in Consumer Reports’ automotive testing: for the first time ever, every single recommended vehicle is either a hybrid, available as a hybrid, or a fully electric vehicle. This unprecedented shift reflects the maturation of electrified powertrains and their increasing advantages over traditional gasoline-only vehicles. Alex Knizek, director of auto test development at Consumer Reports, notes that drivers would be hard-pressed to realize they’re operating a hybrid when driving these vehicles, as the technology has become so refined and transparent. The hybrid versions consistently deliver quicker acceleration, quieter cabins, and significantly improved fuel economy that translates to lower long-term ownership costs—benefits that far outweigh their modest price premiums.

Three newcomers joined the Top 10 list in 2026: the Honda Civic, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Ford F-150. The Honda Civic’s inclusion represents recognition of both its gas-only excellence and the exceptional performance of its hybrid variant, which adds 50 horsepower (reaching 200 hp total) while achieving 44 mpg overall—11 mpg better than the standard version. The Ford F-150’s appearance marks the first time a full-sized pickup truck has scored high enough to earn Top Pick status in years, thanks to substantial reliability improvements and strong performance from its hybrid powertrain. Notably absent from this year’s list is the Toyota RAV4, not due to quality concerns but because the latest model wasn’t available in time for testing. The Subaru Forester continues its remarkable streak with 13 consecutive years on the list, now enhanced by a new Toyota-sourced hybrid powertrain that delivers 40 percent better fuel economy than the gas version while maintaining the model’s signature full-time all-wheel-drive system.

Consumer Reports Vehicle Safety Rankings in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Safety Verdict Rankings, February 2026

Consumer Reports introduced a completely new Safety Verdict rating system in 2026, providing consumers with a more comprehensive understanding of vehicle safety beyond traditional crash test results. The innovative system combines three critical components: vehicle on-road behavior (including braking and emergency handling), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test results, and the mandatory inclusion of key driver-assist features across all trim levels. Vehicles are classified into three categories: Basic (meeting bare minimum federal standards), Better (several above-minimum criteria but potentially missing some features), and Best (comprehensive safety across all areas). Dr. Emily Thomas, associate director for car safety at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center, emphasizes that consumers shouldn’t have to pay extra for a safer car, which is why eligibility for the highest rating requires standard equipment of highway-speed automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning on all trims.

Mazda claimed the top spot in brand safety rankings, followed closely by Genesis and Acura, with all three brands demonstrating that safety excellence doesn’t require compromise. The Subaru Forester earned recognition as the single safest vehicle overall, combining excellent crash protection with superior crash-avoidance technology and user-friendly controls. Notably, large SUVs and pickup trucks are largely absent from the highest safety rankings because their greater mass results in longer braking distances and reduced ability to evade obstacles—a physics reality that technology cannot fully overcome. Modern Volvo models, despite the brand’s historical safety leadership, failed to achieve the top category due to overly complicated touchscreen-based controls that detract from the intuitive operation Consumer Reports requires for the Best rating. At the bottom of the rankings, Mitsubishi, Jeep, and Land Rover struggle with incomplete safety technology deployment across their lineups and inconsistent crash test performance.

Consumer Reports EV and Hybrid Performance in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Automotive Report Card – EV/Hybrid Analysis

The 2026 Consumer Reports data reveals a clear reliability hierarchy among powertrains, with traditional hybrid vehicles (those that don’t require plugging in) emerging as the most reliable powertrain option available to American consumers. These hybrids experience approximately 15 percent fewer problems than comparable gasoline-only vehicles while delivering superior fuel economy and performance. Of the roughly 30 hybrid models for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data, only three—the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid, and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid—received below-average predicted reliability scores. This exceptional track record demonstrates that hybrid technology has matured significantly, with automakers like Toyota and Honda refining their systems over more than two decades of production.

In stark contrast, all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids continue to present significant reliability challenges, with Consumer Reports data showing they experience 79 percent more problems than traditional gasoline vehicles. The survey identified seven of the ten least reliable vehicles as either EVs or PHEVs, with common issues involving EV batteries, charging systems, and electric drive motors. Jake Fisher attributes these problems to the relative newness of the technology and aggressive introduction of new EV models without adequate testing periods. However, Fisher notes encouraging signs that some EVs are improving as they age and manufacturers gain experience. More than a dozen EVs now achieve average or better reliability scores, including models from Tesla, Ford, Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, and Hyundai. The Tesla Model Y stands out as the most reliable electric vehicle, with continuously improving reliability making it increasingly competitive with traditional vehicles, while the Rivian R1T pickup truck occupies the unfortunate position of least reliable vehicle overall.

Consumer Reports Least Reliable Vehicles in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Least Reliable Vehicles Analysis

The Rivian R1T electric pickup truck’s position as the least reliable vehicle in Consumer Reports’ 2026 survey represents a significant setback for the emerging electric truck segment and highlights the challenges faced by startup automakers entering the highly competitive automotive market. While Rivian has earned praise for innovative design and impressive off-road capabilities, the R1T’s reliability issues underscore the complexity of manufacturing vehicles at scale. The Genesis GV60, despite its precise handling and smooth ride, earned a predicted reliability grade of only 21 out of 100, with a history of multiple recalls from 2023 to 2025, including a critical 2023 recall addressing rear integrated drive axle fracture risks that could cause sudden power loss and accidents.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid demonstrates how advanced technology can negatively impact reliability even in well-established vehicle platforms. Consumer Reports lauds the minivan for matching the drivability of competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, and it achieved an impressive road test score of 84 out of 100. However, its predicted reliability score of only 28—significantly lower than the Sienna’s 59 and Odyssey’s 43—reveals serious concerns with its powertrain and in-board electronics that offset its excellent performance in suspension, steering, brakes, and climate control systems. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV received a reliability score of 22, with Consumer Reports giving both its turbocharged powertrain and transmission grades of only 1 out of 5 for the 2024 model, citing issues with major engine components including turbochargers, timing chains, cylinder heads, and gaskets that sometimes required complete engine replacement. These findings illustrate that even established manufacturers with strong overall reputations can struggle when introducing complex new technologies.

Consumer Reports Testing Methodology in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Testing Methodology

Consumer Reports’ commitment to purchasing all test vehicles anonymously at retail prices distinguishes its methodology from virtually every other automotive publication and ensures complete editorial independence. By spending millions of dollars annually to acquire approximately 50 new vehicles through normal dealer channels, the organization guarantees that tested vehicles match what consumers actually receive, rather than specially prepared press fleet vehicles that manufacturers optimize for reviews. Each vehicle undergoes a 2,000-mile break-in period driven under typical conditions before formal testing begins at the organization’s 327-acre Auto Test Center in Colchester, Connecticut. This extensive facility features multiple test tracks, specialized equipment for measuring acceleration, braking, handling, noise levels, and fuel economy, plus facilities for evaluating everything from headlight performance to climate control effectiveness.

The integration of member survey data with professional testing creates Consumer Reports’ unique value proposition. The 2026 survey collected responses regarding approximately 380,000 vehicles—a 27 percent increase over the previous year—covering model years from 2000 through 2025 and early 2026 models. This massive dataset, combined with typical sample sizes of 200-300 responses per model year, provides statistical confidence that few other organizations can match. Members report problems experienced during the previous 12 months across 20 distinct categories, including major systems like engines and transmissions as well as seemingly minor but frustrating issues with electronics, paint, and trim. Consumer Reports weights problem severity based on repair costs, safety implications, and vehicle downtime, creating predicted reliability scores ranging from 1 to 100 that forecast how new models will perform based on historical data from similar vehicles.

Consumer Reports Average Car Prices in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Pricing Analysis; Cox Automotive; TrueCar

The milestone of average new car prices exceeding $50,000 for the first time in U.S. history represents a fundamental shift in automotive affordability that has profound implications for American consumers. Phil Radford, president and CEO of Consumer Reports, emphasizes that this price pressure makes informed purchasing decisions more critical than ever, as consumers must ensure they’re making smart choices on vehicles that will hold up well over the long term. The data reveals alarming trends: vehicles priced under $30,000 now account for just 7.5 percent of total sales in late 2025, down from 10.3 percent a year earlier, while vehicles priced over $75,000 have begun outselling those under $30,000—a stark indicator of market polarization and the disappearance of affordable new vehicle options.

Despite this challenging pricing environment, Consumer Reports’ 2026 Top Picks list includes several vehicles that come in well below the $50,000 average, demonstrating that quality and value haven’t entirely disappeared. The Honda Civic Hybrid at $24,695, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid at $26,995, and Ford Maverick Hybrid at $28,145 all offer exceptional performance, reliability, and fuel economy at prices accessible to middle-class buyers. Alex Knizek specifically highlights this affordability aspect, noting that while some Top Picks do approach or exceed the $50,000 average (particularly luxury models like the BMW X5), many come in substantially lower. The Consumer Reports Build & Buy Car Buying Service, which connects consumers with certified dealers, helped buyers save an average of $2,860 off MSRP between October and December 2024, providing a valuable tool for consumers navigating high-price environments. However, with Bank of America data showing that median car payments have increased more than 30 percent compared to 2019 averages—outpacing even the price increases themselves due to higher interest rates and longer loan terms—the affordability crisis extends beyond sticker prices to total cost of ownership.

Consumer Reports Brand Performance Analysis in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Brand Analysis

Lincoln’s remarkable ascent of 17 positions to reach seventh place overall represents the largest single-year improvement in Consumer Reports’ 2026 rankings and signals a potential renaissance for the American luxury brand. This dramatic improvement stems primarily from substantial reliability gains across Lincoln’s lineup, demonstrating that focused engineering efforts and quality control improvements can yield rapid results. As the highest-ranked domestic brand, Lincoln now competes directly with established luxury leaders like Lexus and Acura, marking a significant achievement for Ford Motor Company’s premium division. The improvement provides hope that American manufacturers can compete on reliability with their Asian and European rivals when they prioritize quality and make necessary investments in engineering and manufacturing processes.

The stark contrast between BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the 2026 rankings—with BMW ranking fifth in reliability while Mercedes-Benz languishes in nineteenth—illustrates that European luxury brand performance varies dramatically and consumers cannot assume all premium manufacturers deliver comparable quality. BMW’s success, with all tested models achieving average or better predicted reliability, directly challenges the longstanding assumption that luxury vehicles inevitably suffer from reliability issues. Meanwhile, the fact that five of the top ten overall brands are mainstream rather than luxury marques proves that Consumer Reports’ highest recommendations don’t require luxury car pricing. Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Subaru, and other mainstream brands demonstrate that excellent reliability, strong road test performance, high owner satisfaction, and comprehensive safety can be delivered at accessible price points, making quality transportation available to a broader range of American consumers.

Consumer Reports Road Testing Process in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Testing Procedures

Consumer Reports’ comprehensive road testing regimen subjects each vehicle to more than 50 distinct evaluations that measure objective performance and subjective qualities important to daily driving. The testing begins only after vehicles complete the 2,000-mile break-in period, ensuring that engines, transmissions, and other mechanical systems have settled into normal operating conditions rather than the artificially tight tolerances of brand-new vehicles. Professional drivers with decades of experience conduct standardized tests on the organization’s private track, measuring acceleration times from 0-60 mph and passing acceleration at 30-50 mph and 50-70 mph using sophisticated timing equipment accurate to hundredths of a second. Braking tests from 60 mph to complete stop are conducted on both dry and wet surfaces, with multiple runs averaged to account for variables like temperature and tire conditions.

The 2026 testing program introduced enhanced methods for scoring cargo volume and interior space, making it easier for consumers to compare practical utility across different vehicle types. Ergonomics and control usability have taken on heightened importance in the new Safety Verdict rating system, as overly complicated touchscreen interfaces can automatically disqualify vehicles from the highest safety rating regardless of crash test performance. This emphasis on real-world usability reflects Consumer Reports’ understanding that safety features only work when drivers can easily and intuitively operate them. The organization’s insistence on evaluating driver assistance systems for both effectiveness and user-friendliness—rather than simply checking whether features exist—provides consumers with insights unavailable from specifications sheets. Fuel economy testing uses real-world driving conditions rather than relying solely on EPA estimates, typically yielding results that better predict what owners will actually experience in daily use.

Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction Metrics in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Owner Satisfaction Surveys

Owner satisfaction data from Consumer Reports’ 2026 survey reveals that consumers who purchase Subaru, Porsche, and Tesla vehicles report the highest likelihood of buying the same brand again, demonstrating that satisfaction stems from both reliability and the overall ownership experience. This “would buy again” metric provides crucial insights beyond objective reliability scores, capturing the emotional connection and practical contentment owners feel with their vehicles. Subaru’s dominance in satisfaction metrics aligns with its top overall brand ranking, proving that the company’s conservative engineering approach and focus on utility over flash resonates strongly with buyers. Porsche owners’ high satisfaction despite the brand’s premium pricing demonstrates that exceptional driving dynamics and brand prestige can justify luxury expenditures when backed by solid reliability. Tesla’s inclusion among satisfaction leaders, despite its mid-pack reliability ranking, suggests that innovative technology, the extensive Supercharger network, and the electric driving experience create strong owner loyalty.

At the opposite end of the satisfaction spectrum, Jeep, Dodge, and Land Rover struggle with owner satisfaction in direct correlation with their poor reliability scores. Jeep’s last-place finish across brand reliability, road test scores, and owner satisfaction creates a trifecta of poor performance that makes the brand difficult to recommend despite its iconic status and off-road heritage. The data demonstrates that brand image and marketing cannot compensate for fundamental quality issues, as frustrated owners dealing with repeated reliability problems and disappointing performance naturally express dissatisfaction regardless of the brand’s cultural cachet. Technology satisfaction metrics reveal that user-friendly interfaces significantly outperform feature-rich but complicated systems, validating Consumer Reports’ decision to penalize vehicles with overly complex touchscreen controls in its 2026 Safety Verdict ratings. Long-term ownership patterns show that buyers of highly reliable brands like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru tend to keep their vehicles longer, reducing the frequency of new car purchases and the associated financial burden—a practical benefit that compounds the value of reliability beyond immediate repair cost savings.

Consumer Reports Warranty and Maintenance Cost Analysis in the US 2026

Data source: Consumer Reports 2026 Cost of Ownership Analysis; General automotive industry data

The $800 to $1,000 annual average for maintenance and repair costs on vehicles five years or older represents a significant financial consideration that consumers must factor into total cost of ownership calculations. Consumer Reports data shows that this expense increases substantially as vehicles age beyond the typical three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty period, making reliability particularly important for buyers who plan to keep vehicles long-term or purchase used cars. New vehicle warranties provide substantial financial protection during the first several years of ownership, covering most repairs at no cost to owners and providing predictable budgeting. However, once warranty coverage expires, the reliability differences between brands become directly visible in owners’ repair bills, with unreliable vehicles potentially costing thousands of dollars annually in unexpected fixes.

The cost differential between maintaining luxury and mainstream vehicles extends beyond reliability issues to include substantially higher prices for parts, service labor rates, and specialized maintenance requirements. BMW and Lexus vehicles, despite earning strong reliability scores, still incur higher maintenance costs than comparable Honda or Toyota models due to premium parts pricing and dealer service rates. Electric vehicles generally enjoy lower maintenance costs than traditional gasoline vehicles because they eliminate oil changes, transmission service, and many other routine procedures required for internal combustion engines. However, Consumer Reports notes that when EV-specific components like batteries or electric motors do fail, repair costs can be extremely high, making the reliability of these systems critically important. Hybrid vehicles typically experience maintenance costs comparable to conventional vehicles for routine service, with the often-cited concern about expensive battery replacement proving less significant than many consumers fear, as most hybrid batteries last the life of the vehicle and are covered by extended warranties of eight years or 100,000 miles or more.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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