Consumer Reports’ Least Reliable Midsize SUVs: No EVs in Sight

Consumer Reports recently released its list of the five least reliable midsize SUVs on the U.S. market. Notably, not a single electric vehicle made the cut—a development that may surprise some but aligns with broader industry trends. Below, we break down the key questions and answers about this ranking, the vehicles involved, and what it means for buyers.

What did Consumer Reports reveal about midsize SUV reliability?

Consumer Reports published a list identifying the five midsize SUVs with the lowest reliability scores based on its comprehensive surveys and testing. The ranking is part of the organization’s annual auto reliability report, which evaluates vehicles on factors such as engine and transmission issues, electrical systems, and owner satisfaction. Reliability scores are given on a scale of 1 to 100, with higher numbers indicating fewer problems. The list has generated buzz because it includes only traditional gasoline-powered models—no electric vehicles appear among the least reliable. This absence highlights the growing dependability of EVs, even as some conventional SUVs struggle.

Consumer Reports’ Least Reliable Midsize SUVs: No EVs in Sight — Source: cleantechnica.com

Which SUV was ranked as the least reliable?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee took the bottom spot with a reliability score of just 29 out of 100. This puts it far below the average midsize SUV, which typically scores around 50–60. Owner reports cite persistent issues with the transmission, infotainment system, and drivetrain. The Grand Cherokee’s low score reflects long-standing concerns about Jeep’s quality control, especially in models with advanced technology or towing packages. Despite its popularity, the Grand Cherokee’s reliability has been a consistent weak point in Consumer Reports’ evaluations.

How does the Mazda CX-70 rank in reliability?

The Mazda CX-70 earned a reliability score of 32 out of 100, placing it second from the bottom. While Mazda has generally improved its reputation in recent years, the CX-70—a new model—has suffered from early teething problems. Common complaints include electrical glitches, especially with the advanced driver-assistance systems, and occasional engine roughness. The CX-70’s score is a reminder that even brands with strong overall reliability can stumble with a new launch. Mazda is reportedly rolling out software updates to address many issues.

Why are there no electric vehicles on this list?

The absence of EVs from the list is unsurprising to industry observers. Electric powertrains have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines, which reduces the chance of mechanical failures. Additionally, EVs from established automakers tend to have more mature software and simpler transmissions. While some EV models have faced battery or software recalls, overall their reliability ratings in Consumer Reports’ data have been competitive. Moreover, most EV SUVs are still relatively new to the market, so they may not have accumulated enough long-term data to appear on such lists. Still, this ranking reaffirms that conventional SUVs remain prone to complex engine and transmission issues.

What scale does Consumer Reports use to measure reliability?

Consumer Reports uses a 1-to-100 scale, with 100 being the most reliable. Scores are derived from member surveys covering 17 potential problem areas, including engine, transmission, brakes, electronics, and climate systems. The organization also factors in road-test results and owner satisfaction data. A score below 40 is considered poor, while above 70 is excellent. Most midsize SUVs fall in the 40–65 range. The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 29 and Mazda CX-70’s 32 are alarmingly low, indicating that owners should expect frequent visits to the shop.

What does this list tell us about EV vs. ICE SUV reliability?

The list underscores a growing reliability advantage for electric SUVs over their gasoline counterparts. While no EV is immune to problems, the fact that none appear among the least reliable suggests that EV powertrains are generally more dependable. This is partly because EVs have fewer components that can fail—no timing belts, exhaust systems, or complex multi-speed transmissions. However, it’s important to note that EV reliability can vary by manufacturer, and newer models may have software bugs. Overall, shoppers prioritizing trouble-free ownership may want to consider an EV SUV, but they should still research specific models independently.