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Tesla has dominated the EV segment for years, with successful vehicles like the Model 3, Model S, and Model Y. With its established electric vehicle technology, one might think that Tesla is tops for reliability in the segment. There’s also Toyota. It has a long history of dependability — and now offers the bZ4X electric crossover SUV. However, the most reliable electric car isn’t a Tesla or Toyota, according to Consumer Reports. It’s the 2023 Kia EV6 crossover SUV.

2023 Kia EV6 is the most reliable electric car on Consumer Reports list

Close-up view of red 2023 Kia EV6, most reliable electric car, not a Tesla or Toyota, says Consumer Reports
2023 Kia EV6 | Kia

For automotive shoppers choosing which electric car to get, reliability is an important factor. A reliable EV is less likely to break down and have expensive repairs. This results in a lower ownership cost — as well as fewer hassles. Dependability also translates to longevity, with a vehicle more likely to stay on the road for many years. Other benefits include safety and consistent performance. 

And for EV reliability, the best choice isn’t a Tesla or Toyota, according to Consumer Reports. The most reliable electric car is the 2023 Kia EV6 crossover SUV. 

Per Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports created a list of the most reliable EVs, which followed its annual Auto Reliability Survey. The Kia EV6 earned the top spot, followed by the Tesla Model 3 and the Nissan LEAF. 

Here are the 10 most reliable electric cars, according to Consumer Reports:

  1. 2023 Kia EV6
  2. 2023 Tesla Model 3
  3. 2023 Nissan LEAF
  4. 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5
  5. 2023 Tesla Model Y
  6. 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
  7. 2023 Volkswagen ID.4
  8. 2023 Tesla Model S
  9. 2023 Chevy Bolt EV
  10. 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV

Tesla is well-represented on the list. Along with the Model 3, the Model Y earned the fifth spot, while the Model S placed eighth.

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X, Toyota’s only electric vehicle currently available in the United States, didn’t make the list. However, as an all-new model, the bZ4X is likely still being tested by Consumer Reports. We’ll have to see if things change when CR shows the results of the next Auto Reliability Survey later this year. However, for now, the organization lists the Kia EV6 as the best EV for reliability.

Kia EV6: Fewest problems in Auto Reliability Survey

Seats in 2023 Kia EV6, most reliable electric car, not a Tesla or Toyota, says Consumer Reports
2023 Kia EV6 | Kia

Consumer Reports releases an Auto Reliability Survey each year. For the most recent one, CR received owner surveys for over 300,000 vehicles, including for the EV segment. These owners identified problem areas, such as the brakes, engine, paint, electric system, noises, and leaks.

In these surveys, the 2023 Kia EV6 had fewer problems than other electric cars, including the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. Consequently, Consumer Reports named the EV6 the most reliable electric car. Also, as mentioned, there likely wasn’t enough data on the Toyota bZ4X for the most recent Auto Reliability Survey.

Another factor is that Consumer Reports, overall, hasn’t tested many EVs compared to other vehicle segments. For example, the Chevy Bolt EV and the Chevy Bolt EUV made the top 10 list of most reliable electric cars — despite the organization rating them low for reliability. Also, per USA Today, the Bolt EV earned an ignominious spot on CR’s most unreliable car list — placing fifth.

2023 EV6: High-level reliability from a dependable car brand

While Tesla still has a dominant market share for electric vehicles, Kia has made big waves in recent years. Along with the EV6, there’s the Niro EV crossover SUV, as well as the upcoming EV9 midsize SUV. The South Korean automaker has achieved advances in electric vehicle technology, which helps for reliability.

Conversely, Toyota has been late to go all-electric, focusing more on hybrids instead. The bZ4X is a step forward, but Toyota has a long way to go.

Furthermore, the Kia brand is strong for reliability. Consumer Reports also created a list of the most reliable car brands. And Kia made the top 10 reliability list, placing ninth. Toyota placed first, but that’s due to its lineup of dependable gas-powered models. Additionally, Tesla isn’t in the top 10, rating lower for dependability.

According to Consumer Reports, the most reliable electric car isn’t a Tesla or Toyota. It’s the 2023 Kia EV9. For electric vehicle shoppers that desire high-level reliability, the EV9 is an excellent pick.

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Staff Writer, Producer - SUVs

Mark Putzer

With seven years of experience writing in the automotive industry prior to joining MotorBiscuit in 2021, Mark’s work can be found on dealership websites across North America. A Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison sent Mark into the wilderness for environmental studies. Here, he discovered a passion for driving off-road trucks and SUVs off the beaten path.

During his extensive international travels, Mark developed an affinity for foreign cars and international automotive markets. Inspired by the industry-wide push toward environmentally-friendly EVs and hybrids, Mark covers topics about recent advances in the automotive industry, in addition to everything from off-road concepts to emerging EV technology.