While the reliability of hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles continues to outpace that of battery electric vehicles (EVs), the report from Consumer Reports indicates that EVs are steadily improving.
Interestingly, a Japanese brand that isn’t Toyota or Lexus was identified as the most reliable automaker, although reliability doesn’t always equate to owner satisfaction, according to the webcast presentation shared with members of the Automotive Press Association.
2025 Automotive Report Card Combines Key Metrics
Consumer Reports recently released its first-ever 2025 Automotive Report Card, which evaluates new and used vehicles by combining various factors such as road test results, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, collision warning and mitigation technology, and crash test performance.
This marks the first time these elements have been aggregated into a single, comprehensive report.
Hybrids Outperform EVs in Reliability
When comparing electrified vehicles, Consumer Reports found that plug-in hybrids were more reliable than battery-electric vehicles (EVs). However, this comparison uses a relative trend rather than a strictly positive outcome.
The report noted:
- Plug-in hybrids had 70% more problems than pure hybrids or gas-powered cars.
- This is a notable reduction from the 146% difference reported in last year’s study.
Battery-electric vehicles, meanwhile, showed slower improvements in reliability. They had 42% more problems compared to hybrids or gas-powered vehicles, reflecting only a 79% improvement from the previous year’s data.
Owners primarily reported issues related to batteries and build quality, contributing to the slow improvement rate of EVs.
Steven Elek, data analytics leader at Consumer Reports, commented during the webcast presentation, “So it seems like kinks are being worked out. It’s trending in the right direction, and there is improvement.”
Jake Fisher, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center, also weighed in, stating: “For the most part, hybrids and ICE vehicles are kind of at parity. There’s really not a detriment when it comes to hybrids.”
Which Brands Excel in Reliability?
According to the report, the highest-rated hybrid models came from brands such as Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Toyota. These manufacturers have consistently shown strong reliability in their hybrid platforms.
Common EV Problems
EVs are still struggling with reliability issues, and Consumer Reports highlighted recurring problems mostly linked to powertrains, build quality, and battery-related concerns. Many of these issues are prominent among newer electric vehicle models from legacy automakers transitioning into EV production.
Steven Elek noted that some problems stemmed from battery issues that sometimes necessitate full battery pack replacements.
Some notable issues for EV owners included:
- Tesla Model X: Owners reported issues like misaligned doors and incorrectly attached trim.
- Rivian R1T: Complaints about doors and tailgate functionality.
- Cadillac Lyriq and Chevrolet Blazer EV: Problems with climate control systems.
These insights underscore that while progress is being made, challenges with EV technology persist, especially for newer EV models from traditional automakers trying to integrate fully electric options into their lineup.
