Toyota’s long reign as the king of reliability just hit a speed bump. This year, Consumer Reports ranked two brands above it: Lexus and Subaru. Lexus? That’s basically Toyota in a fancier suit. But Subaru? That’s unexpected. Here’s how it happened—and what it means for your next car.

Consumer Reports gathers data from over 300,000 owners, tracking everything from minor annoyances to major mechanical failures. Each brand’s “predicted reliability” score is based on past reliability trends and real-world issues–such as recalls. Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru have historically ranked at the top. But this year, Toyota dropped while Subaru pulled ahead.

Lexus reliability stays legendary…thanks to Toyota DNA

Lexus ranking ahead of Toyota isn’t surprising. It’s Toyota’s luxury arm, sharing engines, platforms, and parts with its mainstream sibling. That means Camry-like dependability wrapped in an upscale package. But why is Lexus technically more reliable? Maybe its owners treat their cars more gently. Maybe Lexus uses a few higher-end components. Or maybe it’s just a quirk of Consumer Reports’ data. Either way, Lexus remains a smart bet for buyers who want Toyota reliability with extra comfort.

Subaru takes #1 by keeping things simple

Subaru’s reputation has always been a mix of rugged durability and mechanical quirks. The brand’s signature flat-four engine layout, which requires two head gaskets instead of one, has long been blamed for reliability issues. But Subaru has tightened things up. The Forester and Impreza both earned “well above average” reliability scores, while models like the Crosstrek, Legacy, and Outback ranked “above average.” Subaru’s secret? Conservative engineering. Instead of radical redesigns, it makes small tweaks and sticks with proven components.

Toyota reliability slips due to truck and EV trouble

Toyota’s reliability score didn’t plummet—it just had a rougher year than usual. The redesigned Tacoma and Tundra trucks landed below average. The all-electric bZ4X also had its share of problems. Coincidentally, Subaru’s one weak spot was the Solterra—essentially a rebadged Toyota bZ4X. If Toyota had nailed these models, it might still be on top.

Toyota may have slipped, but it’s still a solid choice. Subaru’s rise proves that even brands with a spotty reputation can turn things around. And Lexus? It just keeps delivering bulletproof luxury. Whether you’re after a family SUV or a premium sedan, these three brands remain the safest bets in the industry.


Toyota may have dropped to third, but it’s far from unreliable. It just had a tough year with trucks and EVs. Lexus remains rock-solid, and Subaru impressed. Bottom line? Toyota still builds dependable cars—just not the most dependable this year.