Consumer Reports Reports: Hybrid Cars Are The Most Reliable Among Electrification Vehicles

JAKARTA The latest Consumer Reports report reveals an interesting fact: hybrid cars (HEVs) are now named the most reliable vehicles compared to other electrification categories.

The findings of an independent nonprofit organization in the United States that provides product research and testing as well as services to help consumers make this right purchase decision confirms that hybrid technology is ripe, even its reliability is now equivalent to conventional gasoline cars.

In the report, quoted on Wednesday, September 10, it was stated that the average hybrid car only experienced the same number of problems as internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, although the system was more complex. On the other hand, pure electric cars (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) still face serious challenges about reliability.

However, not all hybrids are created the same. Models from Asian manufacturers actually dominate the top rankings, such as Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Toyota. Some of the most considered reliable are the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. In the three-line SUV segment, the Kia Sorento Hybrid leads, followed by the Hybrid Toyota Highlander.

On the other hand, this report also reveals a number of models that are considered problematic. Ford F-150 Hybrid is in the spotlight as the least reliable model, with repeated complaints about transmission and battery. The same thing is experienced by Ford Escape Hybrid, whose performance is considered far behind compared to the conventional version.

For the plug-in hybrid category (PHEV), the results are more diverse. On average, PHEV experiences 70 percent more problems than ICE. Although superior to being able to travel short distances using electric power, the combination of two driving systems increases the risk of interference. In fact, several models such as Mazda CX-90 PHEV are recorded to have a poorer reliability than non-hybrid versions.