Two American Brands Enter CR Top Ten; Stellantis Falls Behind
Consumer Reports recently released its 2026 Automotive Brand Report Card, revealing significant shifts in rankings among American automakers. Notably, two American brands have successfully entered the top ten, while the iconic Stellantis brand appears to be lagging behind.
Lincoln’s Ascent
Lincoln, the luxury division of Ford, made a remarkable leap in the rankings, jumping 17 spots to secure seventh place. This improvement is attributed to enhancements in reliability, setting Lincoln apart from its domestic counterparts.
Tesla’s Record High
Tesla also made headlines by climbing from 18th place to 10th in the overall rankings, marking its best performance to date. This leap signifies Tesla’s increasing dominance in the market, outpacing brands such as Mini, Kia, and Nissan.
Overall Brand Performance
While Lincoln and Tesla showcased impressive growth, many other American brands struggled. The rankings reflect the average scores of various brands based on road tests, safety evaluations, and owner satisfaction.
- Cadillac is ranked 17th.
- Chevrolet slipped to 24th.
- GMC and Jeep ranked poorly, with Jeep finishing last for three consecutive years.
- Rivian and Alfa Romeo also found themselves near the bottom of the list.
Top Brands of 2026
Japanese automakers continue to dominate the brand rankings, holding most of the top positions. Subaru leads the pack for the second year in a row, followed closely by:
- BMW
- Porsche
- Honda
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Hyundai
- Acura
Reliability Rankings
In a separate category focusing solely on predicted reliability, Toyota earned the top spot, with Subaru and Lexus close behind. The predicted reliability rankings highlight brand performance based on consumer feedback about vehicle issues. Lincoln, despite its overall top-10 placement, ranked lower at 20th for reliability.
Reliability Scores
Here are the top brands for predicted reliability in 2026:
| Rank | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota | 1 |
| 2 | Subaru | 2 |
| 3 | Lexus | 3 |
| 4 | Honda | 4 |
| 5 | BMW | 5 |
Electric Vehicle Reliability Trends
Consumer Reports noted a growing reliability gap among electrified drivetrains. Hybrid vehicles, like the Toyota RAV4, demonstrated fewer issues compared to traditional gas engines. In contrast, electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) reported higher rates of problems.
Despite these challenges, some EV models are showing signs of reliability improvement as they age. However, the inherent complexity of EVs might contribute to the reliability inconsistencies seen across different brands.
As consumer preferences evolve, American automakers must navigate these challenges and strive to enhance both performance and reliability. With brands like Lincoln and Tesla leading the charge, the future of American automotive manufacturing looks promising, albeit competitive.
