Consumer Reports 2026 reliability scores are in ...

[Altitude]

Most of this, especially in bigger areas like powertrain and engine scored solid green. How did it end up with a lower overall score?

+1. I’m having a hard time seeing how the detailed ratings aggregate to the summary ones.

I just assigned a score of 1 to each red ball in the MY25 column, a score of 2 to each yellow ball, and a 3 to each green ball. They average out to 2.82. Not sure what color that would be, but it’s not the next-to-worst one on the scale, which is what the overall rating is.

Seems like some categories carry more weight than others. Maybe in the fine print.

 

[RideWithYanu]

+1. I’m having a hard time seeing how the detailed ratings aggregate to the summary ones.

I just assigned a score of 1 to each red ball in the MY25 column, a score of 2 to each yellow ball, and a 3 to each green ball. They average out to 2.82. Not sure what color that would be, but it’s not the next-to-worst one on the scale, which is what the overall rating is.

Seems like some categories carry more weight than others. Maybe in the fine print.

We aren’t meant to question Consumer Reports’ methodology, we are meant to accept it as an absolute truth above reproach. /s

 

[PC3]

+1. I’m having a hard time seeing how the detailed ratings aggregate to the summary ones.

I agree. Granted, there are some legitimate issues, but given the amount of green, unless the things that are wrong are catastrophic, it seems a little heavy handed. On the one hand, CR is a fact-based opinion, but on the other, people rely on that opinion for purposes of resale. So, dropping the hammer seems unduly punitive, especially when a very similar vehicle from same manufacturer is scoring in the 90s. Would like to know more.

 

[Altitude]

I agree. Granted, there are some legitimate issues, but given the amount of green, unless the things that are wrong are catastrophic, it seems a little heavy handed. On the one hand, CR is a fact-based opinion, but on the other, people rely on that opinion for purposes of resale. So, dropping the hammer seems unduly punitive, especially when a very similar vehicle from same manufacturer is scoring in the 90s. Would like to know more.

I remember a similar situation in 2016 when I bought a new Tahoe. CR rated the Tahoe average but the Yukon above average in several areas. Those vehicles are mechanically equivalent, not similar, and are built in the same factories in Arlington, TX on the same lines by the same people using the same machinery and parts. Any difference in reliability would be hard to explain.

 

[Esquire]

... and the Land Cruiser scores a mediocre 53 out of 100.
Frankly, no surprise here. There are already several reports of premature transmission failures, and the amount of cheap plastic in the cooling system is mind boggling (plastic parts in cooling system are a disaster waiting to happen as they become brittle and rarely last more than 100k miles, leading to a massive coolant leak and bye-bye engine).

Sounds like Toyota didn't pay-off CR.

What kind of Casper Milk Toast reads Consumer Reports and takes anything they write as remotely accurate?

If you actually a Land Cruiser, you better sell asap for whatever you can get for it and consult CR for your next minivan.

 

[GrayBeard]

CR seems to be very reliable for some things, and uses logic that is...illogical for others. Much to Altitude's point above:

+1. I’m having a hard time seeing how the detailed ratings aggregate to the summary ones.

I just assigned a score of 1 to each red ball in the MY25 column, a score of 2 to each yellow ball, and a 3 to each green ball. They average out to 2.82. Not sure what color that would be, but it’s not the next-to-worst one on the scale, which is what the overall rating is.

Seems like some categories carry more weight than others. Maybe in the fine print.

At the end of the day, if you're researching a new buy, great. Take CR for what it's worth. You might want to ask Suzuki's opinion though...

If you already own a LC (or anything for that matter), the only sample size you are worried about is "1"...yours.

 

[WookieBait]

That’s weird.. dont they have the same hybrid system and engine ?

Not all of them are hybrid and would have a different transmission if not hybrid. They also are not full time 4wd. A little different, but very similar for sure.

 

[TakaraLC]

Honda Passport 97 out of 100.

And 2026 4runner that has the same engine and transmission with LC scored 95... So it definitely is not the transmission issues that brought the score down as you suggested.

It probably is the squeaking breaks, that register as a break system issue on paper, and has a major hit on reliability based on their scoring system. In reality, it is not a reliability issue since it does not impact breaking performance.

 

[basicxj]

I agree. Granted, there are some legitimate issues, but given the amount of green, unless the things that are wrong are catastrophic, it seems a little heavy handed. On the one hand, CR is a fact-based opinion, but on the other, people rely on that opinion for purposes of resale. So, dropping the hammer seems unduly punitive, especially when a very similar vehicle from same manufacturer is scoring in the 90s. Would like to know more.

I agree with your points.

With that said, Consumer Reports ratings are also something that will ebb and flow as a model's production goes along.

In 2010, I bought a new VW Tiguan, second model year of a new design. While the Consumer Reports rating (favourable at that time) wasn't the deciding factor, it did give me some comfort in my decision. As time went on and piece after piece on that vehicle pooped the bed, and the selling dealer did collateral damage trying to fix some of the issues that arose, I was left with an unreliable piece of that wasn't fit for purpose before the 2 year mark. After trying to resolve some of the issues with the manufacturer and selling dealer, it was labelled as a "one off" lemon and ultimately bought back and exchanged for a 2012 model plus additional cash. The 2012 only had some cosmetic updates over the 2009-2010. Big mistake- the 2012 I got had a pretty big malfunction right out of the gate. In its defence, it held up for six months before random parts started failing (four months longer than the 2010). By year four, I had to drop it like it was hot before the warranty ended. Much to my surprise, Consumer Reports edited their initial favourable review to something closer to a crapshoot. I still think that is too much praise for the VW Tiguan.

The point? Their reliability scores on newish models start off as a prediction, and are far from something you could take to the bank. If the vehicle's reliability isn't true to their prediction, they'll retroactively modify their take on it during production.

 

[TakaraLC]

I remember a similar situation in 2016 when I bought a new Tahoe. CR rated the Tahoe average but the Yukon above average in several areas. Those vehicles are mechanically equivalent, not similar, and are built in the same factories in Arlington, TX on the same lines by the same people using the same machinery and parts. Any difference in reliability would be hard to explain.

Well guess what, they rated 2026 4runner as 95. It is built in the same plant as LC and shares same engine and transmission lol.

 

[TakaraLC]

Not all of them are hybrid and would have a different transmission if not hybrid. They also are not full time 4wd. A little different, but very similar for sure.

I believe they all have the same 8 speed transmission.

 

[TheMightyGoose]

... and the Land Cruiser scores a mediocre 53 out of 100.
Frankly, no surprise here. There are already several reports of premature transmission failures, and the amount of cheap plastic in the cooling system is mind boggling (plastic parts in cooling system are a disaster waiting to happen as they become brittle and rarely last more than 100k miles, leading to a massive coolant leak and bye-bye engine).

You should tell this to the guy who’s already put 110,000+ miles on a 2024 without any issues.

 

[Area 51]

Cant wait to the see Trumped V8 version yet to come.
Everyone will be going back to big power engines, global warming and all the rest is over, yippeee.
Back to basics.

 

[WookieBait]

And 2026 4runner that has the same engine and transmission with LC scored 95... So it definitely is not the transmission issues that brought the score down as you suggested.

It probably is the squeaking breaks, that register as a break system issue on paper, and has a major hit on reliability based on their scoring system. In reality, it is not a reliability issue since it does not impact breaking performance.

View attachment 54520

It's not the same transmission for most of the 4runners...

 

[WookieBait]

I believe they all have the same 8 speed transmission.

Nope,
2024 4Runner and Tacoma transmissions:
L580F - Hybrid models
AL80F - Non-Hybrid models - 4WD
AL80E - Non-Hybrid models - 2WD

Land Cruiser transmission:
L580F - all models (Land Cruiser only comes in Hybrid)

 

[Bad1975]

Pretty sure all those transmissions are the same 8 speed unit, the difference is L580F has Hybrid MG unit attached up front (L5) and married transfer case in the rear (F), (A) is no Hybrid MG up front (traditional longitudinal configuration) with the same rear configuration and the last one (E at he end) has a different tail shaft as there is no transfer case attached. The actual transmission other than the external case design (fluid ports running in the case to the hybrid clutch pack) and front and rear (input/output) shafts are different but otherwise the meat and potatoes are the same (gears, valve bodies, solenoids, filter, etc.).

I don't think Toyota or any other manufacturer would have three different 8 speeds running at the same time. Transmissions are made by Aisin and they only have two 8 speed basic configurations on the market a longitudinal and transversely mounted 8 speeds and 3 or 4 different series (80, 81, 82 & F8).

 

[WookieBait]

Pretty sure all those transmissions are the same 8 speed unit, the difference is L580F has Hybrid MG unit attached up front (L5) and married transfer case in the rear (F), (A) is no Hybrid MG up front (traditional longitudinal configuration) with the same rear configuration and the last one (E at he end) has a different tail shaft as there is no transfer case attached. The actual transmission other than the external case design (fluid ports running in the case to the hybrid clutch pack) and front and rear (input/output) shafts are different but otherwise the meat and potatoes are the same (gears, valve bodies, solenoids, filter, etc.).

I don't think Toyota or any other manufacturer would have three different 8 speeds running at the same time. Transmissions are made by Aisin and they only have two 8 speed basic configurations on the market a longitudinal and transversely mounted 8 speeds and 3 or different series (80, 81, 82 & F8).

Your speculation is based off what facts? Surely the hybrid model transmissions would be built or spec'ed differently to handle the torque. Or are you suggesting that the non hybrids are severely overbuilt?

 

[LCOceans]

Many of these outfits that rate items for sale are often biased. Honestly who gives a shit? Can't recall driving by a Toyota Dealership recently and seeing a sea of LandCruiser or 4Runner vehicles available for sale. In the words of our champion Hilary Clinton, " At this point what difference does it make?" I'm very happy with my Toyota I-Max propelled vehicles. I say we create a new thread entitled; what 's the OP's next anti-LC250 thread going to entail?

Toyota Tundra engine teardown - video posted while you were sleeping.

 

[Gasherbrum]

Consumer Reports sometimes comes across like that spinster aunt at a kids birthday party who goes around confiscating second pieces of cake and telling everyone to quiet down.

 

[TakaraLC]

Your speculation is based off what facts? Surely the hybrid model transmissions would be built or spec'ed differently to handle the torque. Or are you suggesting that the non hybrids are severely overbuilt?

Those are all the same transmission with same gear ratios etc. if you have evidence against it post it here for us to see. Otherwise stop speculating.