Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Tesla Enters Consumer Reports’ 2026 Top 10 as EV Reliability Trails

Consumer Reports credits incremental refinements over major redesigns for the improvement.

Overview

  • Tesla ranked 10th overall with an overall score of 72, the only electric-vehicle brand in the top 10.
  • Tesla’s brand reliability placed ninth with a score of 50, with Cybertruck the only Tesla model rated below average.
  • The move up from 18th last year is linked by CR to steadier designs and over-the-air updates rather than major redesigns.
  • Consumer Reports data show EVs have about 80% more problems than gasoline vehicles, while hybrids are the most reliable with roughly 15% fewer issues than ICE models.
  • Subaru and BMW tied for first overall in the 2026 rankings, and Rivian rose to 26th but remains near the bottom with the lowest reliability among brands.