Every year, J.D. Power has a Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which showcases the most reliable cars and automotive brands. However, in 2023, the study has an unexpected result. According to J.D. Power, the most reliable car is the Toyota C-HR subcompact SUV, which is tied with the Lexus RX luxury SUV for overall reliability. The C-HR won’t be around for much longer, though, for it will soon be killed in the North American market.

Toyota C-HR is the most reliable car, according to JD Power

The 2023 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study ranked the most reliable cars according to the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). A lower PP100 score demonstrates higher reliability. And with an average of 111 problems per 100 vehicles, the Toyota C-HR is tied with the Lexus RX for the title of the most reliable car. In comparison, the automotive industry average is 186 PP100. Along with the top spot for all vehicles, the C-HR earned the most reliable small SUV award. 

Reliability is a crucial consideration for automotive shoppers. A more reliable car translates to fewer problems and costly repairs — as well as longevity, better safety, and less hassles. Also, J.D. Power has decades of experience evaluating vehicles. It’s a respected authority, so the findings of the 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study carry a great deal of weight. 

Toyota C-HR will be discontinued in the United States and Canada

Earning the most reliable car title is bittersweet for the Toyota C-HR, though. Toyota announced that it will kill the C-HR in the United States and Canada in 2023. The automaker still sells the 2022 version of the subcompact SUV, but it won’t produce a 2023 model for the North American market.

The C-HR has been a rare miss for Toyota, especially for its SUV lineup. Most of the automaker’s SUVs sell well, including the RAV4, Corolla Cross, Highlander, 4Runner, and Sequoia. However, sales of the C-HR have been relatively low.

Originally, Toyota created the C-HR to appeal to younger buyers — particularly with its unique angular design and budget-friendly price. Also, as the smallest SUV in the lineup, it could be a gateway to Toyota’s larger SUVs — as well as its pickup trucks. However, that strategy didn’t work. 

Also, the C-HR faces competition from within the Toyota lineup. The slightly larger Corolla Cross debuted in 2022. It’s superior in multiple ways, including available all-wheel drive and better performance and fuel economy. Plus, the Corolla Cross benefits from sharing the name with the iconic Corolla sedan. So, when choosing between the two subcompact crossover SUVs, customers more often buy the Corolla Cross.

As a result of its unpopularity, Toyota will discontinue the C-HR in the U.S. and Canada. However, it will still be available in other international markets.

Other Toyota models that earned reliability awards

Given its unpopularity and soon-to-be discontinuation, the Toyota C-HR earning the most reliable car award for the 2023 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study is somewhat surprising. However, overall, Toyota has a much-deserved reputation for high reliability. And the J.D. Power awards reflect this. 

In addition to the awards for the C-HR, J.D. Power ranks Toyota as one of the most dependable car brands in 2023 — placing seventh. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, took the top spot for reliability. 

Another Toyota model honored by J.D. Power is the Highlander midsize SUV. It earned the most reliable three-row midsize SUV award, while the 4Runner placed third for the segment. Also, J.D. Power named the Corolla the second-most reliable compact car.