Newer isn’t necessarily better, especially when it comes to cars and how reliable they are. Keep that in mind when reviewing Consumer Reports latest “Auto Reliability Survey.”
Updated models or entirely new replacements for outdated models certainly attract a lot of attention when they hit the auto show circuit or dealer showrooms; however, they often come with new technology or applications that can be prone to problems.
“When you redesign a new vehicle, often you get better fuel economy, better safety, potentially better features,” said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing for Consumer Reports. “But if you want … reliability, your best bet is to wait a year or two until those initial growing pains have been worked out.”
(Tesla takes another slap as Consumer Reports faults latest Autopilot update)
In the Consumer Reports brand reliability rankings, Lexus took the top spot, while its parent company, Toyota, was third. Mazda was second. Here are the 10 most reliable vehicles for 2020:
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Toyota Prius Prime
- Toyota Prius
- Lexus GX
- Hyundai Kona
- Mazda CX-3
- Lexus NX
- Toyota 4-Runner
- Mazda CX-9
- Lexus GS
Korean brands Genesis, Hyundai and Kia ranked fifth, sixth and ninth, respectively. They topped rival Japanese brands Nissan (11th), Honda (12th), Infiniti (13th) and Acura (28th).
(Subaru, Lexus top J.D. Power’s 2019 Brand Loyalty Study)
“There is no gap anymore between the Korean manufacturers and the Japanese,” Fisher said. “Their reliability is equal.”
Conversely, there 10 least reliable vehicles for 2020 are:
- Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon (same body style, different badging)
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Jeep Wrangler
- Alfa Romeo Giulia
- Volkswagen Atlas
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Acura MDX
- Tesla Model X
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Chevrolet Traverse
Cadillac ranked last among the 30 brands included in the survey while Fiat Chrysler Automobiles brand Alfa Romeo was second to last.
(Germans, Japanese Struggle as Koreans Expand Lead in Power Initial Quality Survey)
The study was based on surveys of owners of more than 400,000 current-generation vehicles made within the past three years. Those owners evaluated safety systems, vehicle infotainment, engine performance and other aspects of the cars and trucks.
When a Chinese vehicle makes the “best” list it’ll be time to throw in the towel. The American OEMs have been in 2nd place since the 60s; Are we stupid or just don’t care? I can’t believe it’s either.