The Most Reliable Car Will Soon Be Killed
J.D. Power recently released its annual Vehicle Dependability Study, highlighting the most reliable cars and automotive brands. However, the 2023 study has an unexpected result. According to owners, the most reliable car is the Toyota C-HR subcompact crossover. It tied with the Lexus RX luxury SUV for overall reliability. Unfortunately, the C-HR won’t be around much longer — Toyota discontinued the reliable SUV in North America.
The Toyota C-HR is the most reliable car of 2023
The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) ranks the most reliable cars according to the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). A lower PP100 score demonstrates higher reliability. With an average of 111 problems per 100 vehicles, the Toyota C-HR is tied with the Lexus RX as the most reliable car of 2023. For comparison, the automotive industry average is 186 PP100. In addition to taking the top spot for all vehicles, the C-HR won for most reliable small SUV.
Reliability is a crucial consideration for automotive shoppers. A more dependable car translates to fewer problems and costly repairs — as well as longevity, better safety, and fewer hassles. Also, J.D. Power has decades of experience evaluating vehicles. It’s a respected authority, so the VDS’s findings carry a great deal of weight.
Toyota discontinued the C-HR in the United States and Canada
Earning the most reliable car title is bittersweet for the C-HR. Toyota announced it’s killing the C-HR in the United States and Canada in 2023. The automaker still sells the 2022 version of the subcompact SUV, but it won’t produce a 2023 model for the North American market.
The C-HR has been a rare miss for Toyota, especially for its SUV lineup. Most of the auto giant’s SUVs sell well, including the Corolla Cross, RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, and Sequoia. However, C-HR sales have been relatively low.
Toyota created the C-HR with a unique angular design and budget-friendly price to appeal to younger buyers. Also, as the smallest SUV in the lineup, it could be a gateway to the brand’s larger SUVs and pickup trucks. However, that strategy didn’t work.
Also, the C-HR faces competition from within the Toyota lineup. The slightly larger Corolla Cross debuted in 2022. It’s superior in many ways, including available all-wheel drive and better performance and fuel economy. Plus, the Corolla Cross benefits from sharing the name with the iconic Corolla sedan. So, when choosing between the two subcompact crossover SUVs, more customers pick the Corolla Cross.
As a result of its unpopularity, the C-HR is on the chopping block in the U.S. and Canada. However, Toyota will still sell it in other markets.
Other Toyota models earned reliability awards
Given its unpopularity and discontinuation, the C-HR’s win for the most reliable car in the J.D. Power study is somewhat surprising. However, overall, Toyota has a well-deserved reputation for reliability. And the J.D. Power VDS Awards reflect that fact.
In addition to the C-HR’s awards, Toyota ranks as one of the most dependable car brands in 2023, placing seventh in the VDS Study. Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus, took the top spot for reliability.
Another winning Toyota model is the Highlander. It earned the award for the most reliable three-row midsize SUV. Meanwhile, the 4Runner placed third in the segment. Also, J.D. Power named the Corolla the second-most reliable compact car.
