Consumer Reports: Hybrid more dependable than gas

[Joe Mac]

That hybrids are more reliable should come as a surprise to no one. The Toyota Prius has been proving this for two decades.

True but for some reason they have the worst drivers

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[mtd14]

True but for some reason they have the worst drivers

Prius drivers have nothing on lifted truck drivers or giant SUV drivers. Obviously not every that drives one is a bad driver, but the confidence of these drivers combined with the difficulty of driving a larger car can be a disaster.

 

[Scott Asheville]

Here's a hint for those who never took a class in statistics or worked as an engineer - Consumer Reports pretty much violates every rule ever written about the sound collection, processing and presentation of statistical data (starting with a self-selecting survey population).

I once (only once) watched a Consumer Reports video where CR staffers talk cars. Well I watched the first ten minutes because it was too painful to continue. It's Thanksgiving so I'll be nice. Let's just say they don't overly impress. They come across as a bunch of toaster disassemblers talking about something they don't understand, don't love, will never love, and will never understand. Good luck using them as your bible of automotive reliability.

I think they mean well at CR. I just don't think they get cars all that much (I'm not sure they understand toasters either). They just see washing machines with wheels.

 

[FriarPop]

Engadget: Consumer Reports finds hybrid cars are more reliable than gas-only models.
https://www.engadget.com/consumer-reports-hybrid-reliability-ev-phev-170003341.html?src=rss

funny the experts disagree, hybrids will suck in 10 years when it breaks.

 

[JBryant]

This will get your head spinning. Reminds me of posted reviews on just about ANY product - you name it, or also for any place of business. If you have 20 reviews, 18 could be positive, but the other 2 call it (or the business) garbage. If you have 20 reviews and 18 are negative, the other 2 will think it is the best thing ever made. The joys of the internet. People should get what they want, well in this case, what they can, enjoy it and let the professionals like CR write what they want. If you read enough postings and/or responses even on this forum, someone always has to be totally opposite of the others.

 

[Red Ryder]

Hybrid vs. ICE, my experience:

I have purchased twelve new vehicles in my life, none of them turbocharged and none with any sort of electrified drivetrain except for the Maverick.

The Maverick has been the only one of those to strand me with <20,000 miles on the odometer.

Yes, the no-start/no-power issue.

 

[Badmfmike]

I am at 100k on my hybrid maverick. Only major issue was the CV shafts that went out way early. The Atkinson engine should last like a diesel. Will let you know in another 100k miles.

 

[Gunnar88]

Not all hybrids are created equal, thats for sure. The Mac is my first and I would own a C-max and a Toyota. My brother had an early civic and it was wonky AF and he now has Crosstrek plug in and it is a backwards engineered junky pos.

 

[The Real Maverick]

For the most part the hybrid recalls have been been for minor tweaks. Software updates. Improvements. Preventative actions.

The trucks have not been breaking down in any significant numbers.

In three years mine has never not started on the first try or ever thrown a code or malfunction lamp 40k miles in.

 

[22_Mich_Mav]

Great movie

 

[Escapologist]

The fact that CR currently like Nissan, who hasn't made a vehicle that will last 10 years in years except prev gen Frontiers and Pathfinders, should be all you need to know. Even 5 is a bit of a stretch for Nissan more recently.

A conventional drivetrain may well outlast a hybrid, but a conventional drivetrain is a port fuel injected naturally aspirated motor, head and block the same material, fixed cam, non-interference belt driven timing, and the transmission is either manual or fully hydraulic automatic specced for at least 20% higher than the torque output of the motor.

Since the described vehicle has been a unicorn for the last dozen years, and direct injection, complex multi clutch electronically controlled transmissions, variable valve timing, timing drives that are stretchy, weary and failly, etc etc are the order of the day in "normal" cars.... then hybrids get a sporting chance...

However, some manufacturers have combined the fail of GDI, the additional expense and failure probability of a turbo, and the complex multi clutch electronic automatic and packaged it with a hybrid system too.... several with all or part of that are "problem child" hybrids... and being a hybrid gets the blame.

Anyway, I picked the drivetrain for my Escape PHEV as being one of the most reliable in the industry, and I would prefer a hybrid Mav.

 

[K5Blazer]

Hybrids lessen the wear and tear on components from standstill starts. So yes, in that respect they tend to be more reliable.

Small turbo fours on the other hand……..

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