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Meanwhile, in the Consumer Reports study, which ranked individual models based on its latest online survey of owners covering more than 330,000 vehicles from the 2000 to 2023 model years

(including some 2024 models), Toyota captured four of the five top spots in reliability. “Legacy automakers like Toyota don’t make massive changes to their power trains,” explained Linkov_.

“They build very solid and not very flashy vehicles.” Furthermore, the survey favors established models and doesn’t include completely new entries. “We look at three years of model data, in

order to give it a prediction going forward. If it’s an all-new model, we won’t give it a prediction.”_ From Consumer Reports, number one for expected reliability was the 2024 Toyota

4Runner. It’s a midsize SUV that can go off-road and accommodate a third-row seat, but its combined mileage is unimpressive (17 mpg) and it’s not inexpensive, ranging from $40,705 to

$55,170, depending on options. Number two in the Consumer Reports survey was the 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid. With a gas engine supported by an electric power pack that recharges while driving,

the Camry Hybrid offers excellent fuel economy (a combined 47 mpg). Priced from $26,420 to $36,845, it features a design that’s familiar to most buyers and delivers a comfortable, if

predictable, ride. Number three in Consumer Reports’ ranking of reliability was the gas-only 2024 Toyota Camry. Somewhat surprisingly, the midsize traditional Camry sedan fell behind its

hybrid brethren. “A regular hybrid is very reliable and can actually be better than an entry-level gas version in many ways,” explained Consumer Reports’ Linkov. “The electric motor fills in

some of the gaps, so the gas engine doesn’t have to strain, and hybrid tech has been around longer now.” Number four on the list was the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime. The Prime version of this

compact SUV is a plug-in hybrid, which means you can charge it and run on electric power only up to 42 miles, and then switch to the gas-powered engine when needed. That gives it an overall

mileage rating of 72 mpg. It ups the price, however, ranging from $43,690 to $47,560. Number five on Consumer Reports’ reliability hit parade was the 2024 BMW X5. The luxury midsize SUV has

smooth and balanced handling, and a whisper-quiet interior that has endeared it to owners. The BMW X5 also has reasonable gas mileage for its class (23 mpg combined), but it is also priced

accordingly, from $65,200 to $122,300. OTHER CARS THAT MAKE THE GRADE Dependability isn’t the exclusive domain of Toyota and BMW. In the top 10 of the most reliable vehicles for Consumer

Reports was the 2024 Subaru Forester. The Forester is a compact SUV that comes standard with all-wheel-drive (making it the unofficial state car of winter-weary places like Vermont) and an

overall mpg rating of 28 miles. It’s also more modestly priced, ranging from $27,095 to $37,395, depending on options. At the other end of the scale, if you’re looking for a more luxurious

ride, Consumer Reports’ reader surveys put the 2024 Acura RDX in the top 10 for reliability. The luxury compact SUV has a reputation for cosseting drivers, but you’ll pay for the privilege:

$44,350 to $54,150 depending on the trim level. And when you are looking for performance, according to the J.D. Power report, the most reliable premium brands are Porsche and then BMW.