In a groundbreaking development, the automotive world witnessed a non-Japanese contender rise to the top of Consumer Reports' (CR) annual Auto Brand Report Card Rankings for the first time ever. The esteemed German luxury automaker, BMW, managed to gracefully surpass last year's victor, Subaru, clinching the coveted title for 2023. This landmark achievement was fueled by CR’s road test scores, reliability, and owner satisfaction survey results, marking BMW's first triumph in these prestigious rankings.
BMW's Rise to the Top
BMW climbed two spots from last year to claim the number one position thanks to excellent road test scores and solid results in CR’s reliability and owner satisfaction surveys, leading to its top ranking.
While expressing his thoughts on the rankings, Senior Director of Automotive Testing at Consumer Reports Jake Fisher stated, “It’s not surprising to see it (BMW) at the top of our brand rankings," as the German automaker has consistently developed high-performing, feature-packed, and dependable models.
He went on to emphasize the strong performance of non-luxury brands, adding, "But non-luxury brands like Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda have also consistently ranked high over the past few years, ensuring that consumers don’t have to sacrifice affordability to get a high-quality car."
Consumer Reports’ Testing and Ranking Methodology
In the comprehensive 2023 Brand Report Card, CR rigorously evaluates a total of 32 automotive brands. By conducting over 50 scientifically driven tests on each vehicle—including braking, handling, comfort, convenience, and fuel economy—CR meticulously calculates a road-test score for every model tested.
But the process doesn't end there! CR combines this road-test score with data on predicted reliability, owner satisfaction gathered from member surveys, crucial safety features, and available crash-test results. This fusion of data culminates in the Overall Score for each model. To rank the brands, CR then calculates the average Overall Score across a brand's entire lineup of models.
Through this scrupulous testing methodology, CR ensures an unbiased evaluation of vehicles, empowering consumers with the knowledge they need to make well-informed decisions on their car purchases—adding a touch of confidence and excitement to the car-buying process.
Top 10 Brands in the 2023 Report
1. | BMW | Rising to the top, BMW has demonstrated its commitment to performance, safety, and reliability across its entire lineup. |
2. | Subaru | Despite losing its top position, Subaru continues to provide excellent vehicles, maintaining its spot in the top three. |
3. | MINI | Climbing five positions this year, Mini has made significant improvements in its vehicles, earning its place in the top three. |
4. | Lexus | Consistently a top performer, Lexus remains a reliable choice for consumers seeking a luxury brand. |
5. | Honda | Honda's reputation for reliability and high-quality vehicles keeps it among the top-ranked brands. |
6. | Toyota | Known for its fuel efficiency and long-lasting cars, Toyota continues to be a top choice for car buyers. |
7. | Genesis | Making the most significant leap of 12 positions, Genesis is now a formidable contender among luxury car brands. |
8. | Mazda | Mazda's focus on driving dynamics and reliability has kept it in the top ten list. |
9. | Audi | Audi's luxurious interiors and advanced technology have secured its spot in the top ten. |
10. | Kia | Climbing eight positions, Kia's commitment to quality, safety, and value has resonated with consumers. |
In addition to the top-ranking brands, several new inductees made their way onto CR's list this year, showcasing the ever-evolving automotive landscape. Some notable newcomers to the rankings include Ford Maverick Hybrid, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Lexus NX350h, and Tesla Model 3.
Although CR's list features a variety of impressive automotive brands, it is important to note that some of them have not lived up to expectations. One such example is Jaguar, which found itself ranked 30th, showing that a luxury label doesn't necessarily equate to satisfaction.
Sitting just below Jaguar at number 31 is Jeep, a brand often beloved by its owners despite persistent issues, which earned some of the lowest scores in road tests. Last but not least is Land Rover, which has fallen three spots from its position last year, landing at the very bottom of the ranking (32) due to disappointing test results.
Performance of Domestic Auto Brands
Among American car manufacturers, Buick led the pack, securing the 12th spot. Hot on its heels were Dodge (15th place) and Lincoln (16th place), the latter leaping forward by 10 ranks. Tesla also made strides, climbing six positions from last year to land at 17th place, owing to improved reliability.
Nevertheless, not all domestic brands experienced success. Chrysler, for instance, plummeted 12 spots due to the subpar reliability of the Pacifica Hybrid minivan, according to Consumer Reports. These rankings suggest that while some American brands are steadily advancing in terms of performance and dependability, others still need to up their game to stay competitive in the market.
CR Green Choice Designees: Toyota Leads the Way
Toyota clinched the title for the highest number of CR Green Choice designees (9) for the second consecutive year. These vehicles are deemed to be among the most eco-friendly and lowest-emission passenger cars available. Despite the brand's measured adoption of all-electric vehicles, they boast a variety of clean and fuel-efficient hybrids, including the Prius, Corolla Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid.
Marta Tellado, president, and CEO of Consumer Reports, said, “This year, auto brands are offering more choices with fewer emissions. Everybody should have access to safe, affordable vehicles that go further on a gallon of gas or no gas at all.”
Navigating the Car-Buying Process Amid Challenges
In the rollercoaster ride of car-buying, Tellado recognizes the bumps and sharp turns faced by automotive enthusiasts in these trying times. The formidable trifecta of the pandemic, supply chain snags, and chip shortages have joined forces to drive prices sky-high, put the brakes on inventory, and stretch wait times for those itching to get behind the wheel of a new vehicle.
But fear not, as Tellado spots rays of hope breaking through the clouds, signaling a gradual improvement in the car market landscape. Championing the cause of guiding consumers through this labyrinth, Tellado underscores CR's unwavering dedication to providing impartial, trustworthy insights and wise counsel.
"It's a tough time to be a car buyer, but our mission is to help people make the best possible choice when purchasing a new vehicle," Tellado said.
Maintaining their rigorous approach, CR sources test cars anonymously from dealers, avoiding the slippery slope of accepting free samples from automakers for any ratings or evaluations. With their tireless testers clocking an impressive 500,000 miles annually, CR's assessment of each vehicle's performance is nothing short of exhaustive and robust.
A New Era in Automotive Excellence: The Takeaway for Car Buyers
Consumer Reports' list of top brands serves as a beacon of insight for car enthusiasts and buyers alike. In the 2023 edition, it's clear that excellence, dependability, and safety can be found across a diverse range of price tags. From the opulent world of luxury brands like BMW to the value-packed domains of Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda, there's a perfect match for every wallet.
As the automotive landscape continuously adapts and surmounts its obstacles, Consumer Reports remains unwavering in its dedication to equipping consumers with essential information. With this knowledge in hand, car buyers can navigate the twists and turns of their vehicle purchasing journey with confidence and ease.