For the past two years, Consumer Reports has favored Tesla’s Model 3, but the journal is poised to crown a new champion. According to Consumer Reports, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E has dethroned the Model 3 as its EV Top Pick. According to the editors, the Mustang crossover is not only “more practical,” but also boasts “much easier” first-year reliability and a “far easier” infotainment system that doesn’t take numerous steps for basic functions.
A smoother ride and less noise are also beneficial. The Mach-E also benefited from Ford’s BlueCruise driver assistance technology, which now contributes toward vehicle rankings owing to a more effective driving monitoring system. Tesla’s Autopilot has been punished for operating when the driver is distracted.
Because of its sports car-like performance, long-range, charging network, and technology, Consumer Reports still recommends the Model 3. However, the publication was unable to suggest the Model Y, the Mach-direct E’s competitor, as an EV Top Pick. Tesla’s SUV-like ride is “far worse” in terms of reliability than the rest of the lineup, and it’s considerably worse than the Model 3.
This isn’t going to sit well with Tesla, which has had a tumultuous history with Consumer Reports in the past. The two have had a falling out over test results, and CR has temporarily removed several model recommendations. It does, however, highlight continuing doubts about Tesla’s dependability.
In recent months, the electric vehicle manufacturer has issued a slew of recalls, and owners have repeatedly complained about construction quality flaws. This may or may not have cost Tesla the lead, but it certainly didn’t help its prospects. With any new product, there will almost always be some teething problems, and electric vehicles are no exception. Owners of current EV models have reported some “serious difficulties,” according to Consumer Reports’ most recent reliability survey, which is happily covered under warranty.
According to Consumer Reports, some electric vehicles, such as the Audi E-Tron, Kia Niro EV, and Tesla Model Y, “had more than their share of difficulties.” Some E-Tron owners, for example, reported electrical failures in the drive system and problems with power equipment. Owners of the Niro mentioned other issues, such as a motor bearing that needed to be changed.
As a result, the E-Tron and Niro are no longer recommended by Consumer Reports. Audi and Kia have stated that they are working to resolve the reported issues. Owners of the Model Y, on the other hand, have complained about build quality. Some people were worried about the paint. Others had alignment concerns, and some were unable to close the car’s rear hatch. According to Consumer Reports’ current brand reliability rankings, Tesla ranks 25th out of 26 automakers.
Other EV reliability projections have been influenced by the poll. Consumer Reports currently lacks information on the Porsche Taycan from its members. However, based on reports concerning other new EVs, it reduced its dependability projection for that car from average to below average. As a result, the Taycan is no longer recommended. Despite the fact that the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Mercedes-Benz EQC haven’t been tested, the organization has decreased their reliability projections for both to below average.
