Every year, car buyers eagerly await Consumer Reports’ rankings of the best car brands. These rankings are based on a combination of road-test scores, safety ratings, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction. In 2025, the results are in, and there’s a new leader at the top.
Subaru takes the crown
For years, BMW dominated the rankings, but this time, Subaru has claimed the number one spot. According to Consumer Reports, Subaru edged out BMW by a single point in its average overall score. The brand’s reputation for reliability, safety, and strong road-test performance helped it secure the top position. Subaru’s approach to vehicle design—iterating on previous models rather than making drastic changes has contributed to its consistent reliability.
BMW and Lexus hold strong
BMW, now in second place, remains a top contender thanks to its high-performance engines, luxury interiors, and advanced technology. The brand consistently scores well in road tests, particularly for acceleration, braking, and handling. Lexus, which moved up to third place, is praised for its exceptional build quality and dependability. As noted by WCVB, Lexus has long been a favorite among consumers looking for a balance of luxury and reliability.
Porsche and Honda round out the top five
Porsche and Honda complete the top five rankings. Porsche’s vehicles are known for their precision engineering and driving experience, while Honda continues to deliver reliable and fuel-efficient cars that appeal to a broad audience.
Why these brands ranked best
Consumer Reports evaluates car brands based on road-test performance, reliability, safety ratings, and owner satisfaction. Subaru’s rise to the top is largely due to its strong reliability and safety scores. The brand refines its models rather than making drastic changes, which helps maintain consistent performance. Subaru vehicles also excel in road tests, offering balanced handling, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features.
BMW and Lexus maintain their positions due to their high-performance engines, luxury features, and advanced technology. Lexus, in particular, is known for its exceptional build quality and dependability, making it a favorite among consumers looking for a reliable luxury car.
Porsche secured fourth place due to its precision engineering and driving experience, while Honda ranked fifth for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and reliability. Honda models tend to have fewer mechanical issues over time, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Big movers and surprises
One of the biggest surprises this year is Audi, which jumped six spots to land in sixth place. The brand’s improvements in reliability and owner satisfaction contributed to its rise. On the other hand, Mini and Acura lost positions due to lower predicted reliability scores. Buick also slid four places to 17th, partly because of lower road-test scores for its new Envista model.
Cadillac saw a significant drop, falling seven spots to 21st. According to Consumer Reports, this was largely due to the below-average reliability of its Lyriq EV.
The brands to avoid
While some brands climbed the rankings, others struggled. Dodge, GMC, Land Rover, Rivian, and Jeep ranked at the bottom due to poor reliability and owner satisfaction scores. As highlighted by WCVB, these brands have consistently faced issues with mechanical failures, expensive repairs, and lower-than-average road-test results, making them risky choices for long-term ownership.
What this means for car buyers
With car prices at record highs and interest rates still elevated, buying a new vehicle is a major financial decision. Consumer Reports’ rankings help buyers make informed choices by highlighting brands that consistently perform well.
Even within high-ranking brands, not all models are created equal. As noted by Consumer Reports, Toyota, for example, has models like the Camry that score highly, while others, like the Tacoma, receive lower ratings for road tests and predicted reliability.
Final thoughts
Subaru’s rise to the top of the rankings is a testament to its commitment to reliability and safety. BMW and Lexus continue to dominate the luxury segment, while Porsche and Honda maintain their strong reputations. Meanwhile, brands like Audi are making impressive gains, while others, such as Cadillac and Buick, face setbacks.
For car buyers, these rankings serve as a valuable guide in choosing a vehicle that offers the best combination of performance, reliability, and satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for a sporty ride, a dependable family car, or a luxury vehicle, the 2025 Consumer Reports rankings provide a clear picture of which brands are leading the way.
