California electric-vehicle maker Rivian held on to the top spot in Consumer Reports’ annual most-loved vehicle models list, followed closely by BMW for the third consecutive year.

The ranking, based on customer survey data on about 380,000 vehicles across the 2023 to 2025 model years, includes those that most satisfied their owners. The nonprofit product tester also included a sprinkling of 2026 models.

Consumers were asked if they’d buy the same vehicle again, and the ratings centered on the percentage of respondents who felt very satisfied about their purchases. The group ranked the top 26 brands based on the results.      

Reliability Factor      

Though owner satisfaction doesn’t always correlate to reliability, the study found that more of the most satisfying brands are also ranked among the most reliable this year, perhaps reflecting cost-conscious consumers’ efforts toward affordability in an inflated market, Consumer Reports said.

No. 1 Rivian is a prime example, because as a 15-year-old automaker, its vehicles can come with more problems. Still, as a group Rivian owners are 85% satisfied with their choices. Warranties can bridge the satisfaction-reliability gap by covering a multitude of initial issues, the report points out.

Mercedes jumped the most in satisfaction this year, moving the German automaker from last place to No. 17 with a 59% satisfaction rating, while Subaru moved from eighth place to third on 69% satisfaction, a percentage point bump.

The rest of the most satisfying brands and their owner satisfaction ratings are: 

4. Tesla – 69%

5. Ford – 68%

6. Genesis – 66%

7. Lexus – 66%

8. Toyota – 65%

9. Honda – 64%

10. Chevrolet – 64%

11. Lincoln – 63%

12.  Hyundai – 62%

13. Cadillac – 62%

14. GMC – 61%

15. Kia – 61%

16. Ram – 60%

17. Mercedes – 59%

18. Volvo – 59%

19. Acura – 59%

20. Chrysler – 58%

21. Buick – 56%

22. Mazda – 55%

23. Nissan – 53%

24. Audi – 53%

25. Volkswagen – 52%

26. Jeep – 51%