Many hybrids rank as most reliable of all vehicles, Consumer Reports finds

By Nick Godt Published December 7, 2024

many hybrids rank as most reliable of all vehicles evs progress consumer reports cr tout cars 0224 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

For the U.S. auto industry, if not the global one, 2024 kicked off with media headlines celebrating the “renaissance” of hybrid vehicles. This came as many drivers embraced a practical, midway approach rather than completely abandoning gas-powered vehicles in favor of fully electric ones.

Now that the year is about to end, and the future of tax incentives supporting electric vehicle (EV) purchases is highly uncertain, it seems the hybrid renaissance still has many bright days ahead. Automakers have heard consumer demands and worked on improving the quality and reliability of hybrid vehicles, according to the Consumer Reports (CR) year-end survey.

Recommended Videos

The survey gathered data from owners of about 300,000 vehicles of the 2022 to 2024 model years. It found many hybrid vehicles stand out as the most reliable vehicles offered on the market. And as a category, hybrids are now considered by drivers to be as reliable as non-hybrid gas cars.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The survey covers 20 potential problem areas, including engines, transmissions, electric motors, leaks, and infotainment systems.

“Today’s hybrids deliver reliability that is similar to conventional gas cars despite their added complexity,” says Jake Fisher, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center.” CR’s tests have shown that they’re also often quieter, quicker, and more pleasant to drive than their gasoline-only counterparts.

Consumer Reports says the best hybrids available come from Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Toyota, and have all earned top reliability scores across several categories.

Fully hybrid vehicles combine a gas engine, battery, and electric motor for improved fuel economy, compared with regular gas-engine vehicles. And a key advantage over electric vehicles is that hybrid drivers don’t have to worry about searching for available EV chargers.

That being said, EVs have also gained in consumer appreciation in terms of reliability. Drivers surveyed by Consumer Reports still found EVs from the past three model years to have 42% more problems than gas-only cars. But that’s a significant improvement from last year’s survey when EVs were found to have 79% more problems than gas-only cars.

Topics

Freelance reporter

Nick Godt has covered global business news on three continents for over 25 years.

Cars

Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Kia EV9: Electric SUV sisters battle it out

Hyundai Ioniq 9 driving

The long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 9 is finally on its way. Hyundai has taken the wraps off a production-ready version of the electric SUV, showing a modern vehicle that could well be the electric SUV to beat when it finally rolls out to the public. But it will have to contend with Hyundai’s sister company in order to truly gain the title of best electric SUV in its price range. The Kia EV9 has been a go-to option for a few years now.

But is one of these SUVs actually better, or are they just different? We put the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the Kia EV9 head to head to find out.
Design
There are some similarities in the designs of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the Kia EV9, but they also look a little different. First, the similarities. Both vehicles are clearly SUVs, with larger blocky shapes. But, while the Kia EV9 has straight lines and sharper angles, the Ioniq 9 is a little curvier, with a rounded roofline and sculpted curves in the side panels.

Cars

Find Ford gifts for everyone on your holiday list, no really

Ford Accessories used while camping for holiday gifts

When you're shopping for holiday gifts, auto and Ford accessories probably don't cross your mind, at least not initially. Unless, of course, you're planning some gift ideas for the car enthusiast you know. But actually, Ford has a lot of different gift options even for those who aren't big into cars and vehicles. I know, it's an odd proposal but hear me out. From electronics and exterior accessories to truck bed augments, interior gear, and even outdoor-friendly gear -- like for camping -- Ford has a ton of options. Just to provide some examples, first aid safety kits, truck bed camping tents, portable fridges, pet-friendly seat mats, even dashcams, keyless entry systems, and beyond.

You never know, you could find the perfect gift in Ford's accessories lineup.
Shop Now

Cars

Costco, Electrify America add EV-charging stations in three states

costco electrify america add 50 ev charging stations in three states ea chargers 1280

Costco, which had abandoned offering EV charging 12 years ago, is getting serious about resuming the service.

Over a month ago, the big-box retailer once again put its brand name on a DC fast-charging station in Ridgefield, Washington, that was made by Electric Era .