Electric cars are generating a lot of attention, but the ones that still have a gas tank are the most reliable.
According to a new study from Consumer Reports magazine, hybrid cars are the most reliable automobile category. The cars, which have been on the market for a quarter-century, have settled into a sweet spot for many drivers -- simpler and less prone to break down than high-tech electric vehicles, yet offering better fuel economy.
Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing for Consumer Reports, said in an interview that the hybrid is just as quiet and quick to drive as the regular version. Electric vehicles are unreliable. Most of the people are below average.
Toyota and its Lexus luxury line are the top ranked brands in the magazine's latest rankings, both of which have multiple hybrid models. According to the annual survey of more than 300,000 vehicles, the electric car market leader is 19th.
Fisher said before releasing survey results at a meeting of the automotive press association that a lot of automakers don't have a lot of history building electric powertrains.
It is an improvement from a year ago, when the brand ranked second to last. Among the most reliable in the EV market is its drivetrains.
Ford is an example of both the promise and pitfalls of hybrid and electric vehicles. Consumer Reports found that owners of the Mach-E had trouble getting their cars to take a charge. The new Maverick compact pickup truck, which has a hybrid engine that averaged 37 miles per gallon, is expected to have above average reliability.
The Bolt and Bolt EUV finished below average due to battery problems. Similar battery pack, electric drive system and charging system issues still make the Kona Electric subpar.
Mercedes-Benz was the lowest ranked brand due to the glitchy loading of its models with leading edge technology.
The EV go awry is where some of the luxury- branded vehicles are. They are trying to add all this new technology very quickly, and sometimes it isn't ready.
Not all hybrid vehicles are created the same. The plug-in hybrid has had issues with their heating and cooling systems. The plug-in version of the RAV4 Prime has a lower score than the hybrid version.
Fisher likened the evolution of the hybrid to a science project.
34% of prospective car buyers said they would consider a hybrid for their next car, up from 27% in 2019. The Lexus NX small SUV was one of the top-performing hybrid vehicles.
The sweet spot seems to be hybrids. You don't have to change your way of life like you would with an EV.
With the help of a person.
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