Consumer Reports ranked the five least reliable midsize SUVs in the United States, and none are electric vehicles. The Jeep Grand Cherokee scored lowest at 29/100 reliability, followed by the Mazda CX-70 at 32/100.
The absence of EVs from this bottom-five list reflects a broader pattern in automotive reliability data. Traditional internal combustion engine vehicles dominate the least-reliable categories, while electric SUVs have demonstrated comparable or better reliability ratings in midsize segments. This data point challenges persistent consumer concerns about EV durability and complexity.
Jeep's Grand Cherokee has faced documented transmission issues, cooling system failures, and electrical problems across multiple model years. The Mazda CX-70, a newer entry to the compact crossover market, reported engine and transmission defects early in its production cycle.
Consumer Reports bases reliability ratings on owner surveys and repair records across thousands of vehicles. A score below 40/100 indicates "much worse than average" performance. The organization tracks specific problem areas including powertrain, electrical systems, climate control, and suspension components.
Electric vehicles have historically been excluded from early reliability rankings due to limited ownership data. As EV adoption accelerates, Consumer Reports now includes electric and plug-in hybrid models in its assessments. Recent data shows Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 performing at or above average reliability for their segments.
The finding reinforces that battery electric powertrains do not inherently compromise reliability compared to traditional engines. EVs eliminate thousands of moving parts associated with combustion engines, reducing failure points in transmissions, fuel systems, and exhaust components. Thermal management systems and battery packs represent new complexity, but manufacturers have addressed early generation issues through design iterations.
This Consumer Reports assessment provides concrete evidence for consumers weighing EV reliability against conventional alternatives