Hybrids continue to lead in reliability, while plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles are improving, according to a new study by Consumer Reports.
The published 2025 Automotive Report Card showed the same level of problems in hybrids as in non-hybridsbased on reliability and owner satisfaction data from Consumer Reports member surveys.
“Today's hybrid models deliver the same reliability as conventional gas vehicles despite their added weight,” said Jake Fisher, executive director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in a statement. , and it's more fun to drive than its gasoline-only counterparts.”
2025 Volvo XC60
While that's encouraging, it's also worth noting that in the 2023 reliability survey, hybrids registered 26% a few problems than non-hybrids, so this result is worse for hybrids than last year. EVs and plug-in hybrids go in the opposite direction, however.
EVs are always very problematic there are internal combustion models, which have 42% more problems on average, but that's down from 79% more problems last year. Plug-in hybrids went from 146% more problems than non-hybrid vehicles last year to 70% more this year.
2025 Rivian R1T and R1S
Like last year's survey, reliability varied not only by powertrain but also by brand. Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Toyota hybrids received top reliability scores, while the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid improved enough in reliability to earn a recommendation from CR. The Rivian R1S and R1T, and the Ford F-150 Lightning, received above and below average reliability ratings, respectively. Rivian was also the brand with the lowest reliability rating.
Other surveys have also noted more problems with plug-in vehicles. In its 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study, JD Power found that EVs and plug-in hybrids had more problems than hybrids in the first three years of ownership, and owners of EVs also reported more problems than the company's new car industry average. . 2024 First Qualitative Research.