These are the most reliable cars of 2021

Once again, Consumer Reports has published its annual reliability study. This time, a long list of models has been added. This data is collected through questionnaires completed by owners. During the data collection, car owners are asked about any breakdown and/or problem they have experienced with their cars over the last twelve months in areas such as the engine, transmission, bodywork and even the electrical system.

The reliability score averages between 41 and 60 points on a scale from 0 to 100 points. The highest score in 2021 was achieved by Lexus, which earned 76 points, followed by Toyota with 71, Infiniti with 69, and Honda and Subaru with 66 points respectively. Among the best-rated models, the Ford Mustang Mach-E also stands out.

Which are the most reliable cars of 2021?

It should be noted that in this study the most reliable models tend to be saloons, compact cars, estates, coupés and even convertibles, with an average of 57 points. By contrast, pick-ups and MPVs averaged 43 points. SUVs, for their part, reached 50 points. It is worth mentioning that models such as the Audi Q7, the BMW X3, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Kia Niro and the Volvo XC60 have noticeably improved their reliability compared with the previous edition of the reliability study.

Likewise, there are also models whose reliability has declined, such as the Jeep Gladiator, the Hyundai Santa Fe, or the Chevrolet Bolt. In this edition, surveys covered more than 300,000 vehicles. This year has been somewhat more complex than previous editions, because due to the pandemic, many users have seen prices rise considerably and their cars take longer to arrive. Everything points to the shortage of microchips becoming one of the key reasons for the slowdown in production.

Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports’ senior director of automotive testing, has stated that “due to the decline in car and parts inventories, vehicle reliability is more important than ever. Since some problems do not develop immediately, our reliability ratings look back up to three years of the model’s history. The best choices are those that are consistently free of problems year after year.”

Predicted reliability is a key element in the overall score of the study. It is calculated by combining a vehicle’s performance in our road tests, reliability ratings and owner satisfaction drawn from our exclusive automated surveys, along with the inclusion of blind-spot warning, front crash prevention and pedestrian detection systems.