Several of BMW’s core models are either due for a facelift or full-scale replacement but that didn’t stop the German automaker from snatching first place for the first time in Consumer Reports’ annual list of top brands.
BMW climbed two spots to pole position, knocking previous winner Subaru into second place in CR’s Auto Brand Report Card Rankings. The annual competition rates automakers on the performance, safety and reliability of their vehicles based on Consumer Reports’ own independent tests and feedback accrued from member surveys.
“BMW builds many high-performing, full-featured, and reliable models, so it’s not surprising to see it at the top of our brand rankings,” said Jake Fisher, senior director of automotive testing at Consumer Reports. “But non-luxury brands like Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda have also consistently ranked high over the past few years, ensuring that consumers don’t have to sacrifice affordability to get a high-quality car.”
BMW sister brand Mini also scored well in the study, moving up five positions to third, while Asian brands dominated the remainder of the top 10, which consisted of Lexus, Honda, Toyota, Genesis, Mazda, Audi and Kia in that order. Twelfth-placed Buick was the best-performing domestic brand, followed by Dodge in 15th and Lincoln in 16th.
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Lincoln’s mid-pack score might not sound that impressive until you realize it climbed 10 places from last year, putting it comfortably ahead of luxury rivals Cadillac (24th) and Mercedes (26th). CR credits the improved reliability of Lincoln’s Corsair and Nautilus SUVs for its stronger showing in this year’s competition.
Tesla also improved its standing, moving up six places to 17th on the back of improved reliability, something British luxury brands Jaguar and Land Rover still struggle with. Jaguar finished in 30th place, one rung below Alfa Romeo, while 32nd-placed Land Rover saved Jeep the ignominy of propping up the chart for the second year running.
Consumer Reports also highlighted Toyota’s tally of nine low-emitting ‘CR Green Choice’ vehicles, noting that while the Japanese brand might have been slow to add fully electric vehicles to its range, its showrooms offer plenty of clean hybrids.