Tesla climbs to No. 10 in Consumer Reports’ 2026 auto brand rankings

The electric-car maker jumped from 18th place to 10th on the 2026 Consumer Reports Brand Report Card, released on Thursday. The list evaluates more than 30 auto brands based on road tests, safety results, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction.

Consumer Reports said Tesla benefited from keeping its core models stable and improving them through over-the-air software updates rather than major redesigns. The approach, the agency said, helped the vehicles become more reliable over time.

Tesla’s powertrain performance continues to score well among electric vehicles, although the Cybertruck received a below-average reliability score due to its new technologies, including a 48-volt electrical system and steer-by-wire controls.

While Tesla’s ranking improved, Consumer Reports noted that much older Tesla models, those on the road for five to ten years, still rank at the bottom of all brands for long-term reliability.

At the top of the 2026 rankings, Subaru held the No. 1 position, followed by BMW, Porsche, Honda and Toyota. At the bottom were Jeep, Land Rover, GMC, Dodge and Alfa Romeo.

Rivian, another EV maker, rose five spots to No. 26 but remains among the least reliable brands surveyed. Still, Rivian owners reported the highest satisfaction, reflecting strong enthusiasm among early adopters.

Among U.S. brands, Lincoln posted the biggest improvement, rising 17 spots to No. 7 after stronger reliability results. The Ford brand ranked No. 18 overall but improved to No. 11 in reliability, its best showing in 15 years. Cadillac led General Motors brands at No. 17.

Consumer Reports also said hybrid vehicles continue to outperform both traditional gasoline cars and electric vehicles in predicted reliability, with only three out of roughly 30 hybrids scoring below average.