1 Compact Car Is the Most Reliable Hybrid of 2022, According to Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports recently published the results of its annual car survey, which included how reliable consumers have found different car brands and models. Although they’re still a relatively new category, hybrid models performed exceptionally well on the survey, enjoying high-reliability rankings across the board. However, one hybrid performed better than the rest. Which vehicle was the most reliable hybrid car of 2022, according to Consumer Reports?
How Consumer Reports assesses car reliability
Consumer Reports (CR) is known for its annual survey, which, in 2022, collected data on more than 300,000 vehicles. To shape that data into metrics the public can use, the publication develops a predicted reliability score that covers 17 different vehicle areas that often cause trouble. These areas include the engine, brakes, transmission, electronic systems, and suspension, among others.
Out of the many models and brands, Asian automakers from Japan and South Korea typically received higher scores than American, German, and British manufacturers. As for vehicle categories, hybrid cars were the most reliable, with hybrid and plug-in SUVs ranked as the third most reliable type of vehicle. So, which hybrid earned top honors?
The winner should be no surprise for those familiar with Toyota’s reputation for superior reliability. CR gave the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid the highest reliability score of all hybrids surveyed by a wide margin. It’s ranked as the most reliable hybrid.
A look at the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
With a starting MSRP of $21,550, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is affordable and an excellent and dependable car, albeit with a fairly mundane exterior and interior design. You won’t mistake it for a supercar with a more than 10-second 0 to 60 mph acceleration time. However, its hood hides an engine that performs well relative to the vehicle it’s in. Hybrids come with a 169-hp 2.0-liter engine and an electric system that helps it get a combined 48 mpg.
The interior is bland, with lots of hard plastic trim and relatively little cloth. However, the Corolla Hybrid has decent legroom in the front (42.0 inches) and the rear (34.8 inches). Additionally, the 13.1 cubic foot trunk is solid, if not stellar, for the segment. The Corolla Hybrid also comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a personal assistant feature, and over-the-air updates.
The Corolla Hybrid is quite safe, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA gave the 2022 model a perfect five stars out of five, while the IIHS gave it its Top Safety Pick+ distinction. The Corolla Hybrid comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and road sign assistance. These safety systems can reduce the risk of an accident, which, by keeping repair costs low, can help boost vehicle reliability.
What’s the least reliable hybrid vehicle?
Consumer Reports noted other interesting trends in its data. For example, full-size pickup trucks are the least reliable category, followed by electric vehicles. Accordingly, it makes sense that CR’s least reliable vehicle is a full-size hybrid truck. As per USA Today‘s coverage of the CR survey, that dubious distinction belongs to the Ford F-150.
While the F-150 Hybrid successfully replicates much of what Ford enthusiasts love about the model, it isn’t as reliable. Additionally, the non-hybrid version of the pickup isn’t much better. CR notes potential problems throughout the powertrain, from the engine to the transmission to the fuel and drive systems. With a starting MSRP range of $34,585 to $84,910, you could spend tens of thousands on repairs if your F-150 breaks down.
That’s not to say the F-150 is a bad vehicle. It wouldn’t be the U.S.’s best-selling truck if it were. It’s powerful, with the engine component generating 430 hp. It can tow up to 12,400 pounds. The F-150 Hybrid also offers much better fuel efficiency than other full-size trucks. Additionally, its equipped with features that make it ideal for work, from a tailgate that doubles as a workbench and a center console that offers a hidden desk.
Still, if you’re looking to replace a worn truck with a Ford F-150 Hybrid, keep its reliability score and likely high long-term ownership costs in mind.
