Consumer Reports’ Customer Rankings Say This Automotive Brand Is Unexpectedly Comfortable

We are able to only imagine that it’s hard for automakers to shake certain reputations, which could also be favorable to those who have had some reliability issues, like Toyota. Regardless of a number of recalls, it’s generally viewed favorably for producing sturdy, reliable, and value-rich models. It’s gotta be tough for BMW, though, which has achieved notoriety for oil leaks, high-pressure fuel system issues, timing chains that wear out too quickly, and diverse other ills. Still, there are some solid old Bimmers on the market.

But what if, despite these flaws, owners still viewed these brands favorably, thus bolstering their reputations? Consumer Reports‘ owner satisfaction rankings from December 2025 highlight what motorists consider their vehicles, and a few of the results may shock folks. This is particularly true for individuals who pooh-pooh certain EV manufacturers, or have a scornful view of European cars. Well, in some cases, these rankings actually do legitimize such negativity.

But when it comes to overall comfort, a really recent manufacturer scores the very best, and even outshines the vast majority of its automobile-producing comrades in lots of other categories. We’re talking about Rivian, which Consumer Reports’ customer rankings show is unexpectedly comfortable, in addition to the highest dog in overall owner satisfaction. Let’s dive into why, in addition to highlight another interesting data from CR’s findings.

CR’s Jon Linkov says that “Rivian buyers proceed to inform us that they are very satisfied with their electric vehicles despite experiencing many problems.” Interestingly, the aforementioned Bayerische Motoren Werke claims the No. 2 spot on the rostrum of owner satisfaction — this could possibly be on account of the brand seemingly righting a variety of its past wrongs surrounding engine reliability. It ranks fifth out of 26 brands when it comes to reliability, in any case.

Rivian was top in overall satisfaction in 2025 despite being number 26 out of 26 in recent automotive reliability. The R1T and R1S — that are smarter and much more fun than the first-generation models – are considered to be comfortable, capable off-road, and fast amongst CR survey respondents. On the flipside, owners aren’t as keen on screen controls for essential functions and aggressive regenerative braking.

Zeroing in on reliability, Autoweek reported that Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing and cars strategy lead (does all of that fit on a business card?) said “it’s a chance to own a really capable pickup truck with some unique features and many performance. Early adopters are willing to place up with some growing pains, and problems usually are not putting them off.”

Along with CR’s overall findings, Rivian took the No. 2 spot behind Tesla in driving, ranked at the highest in comfort, No. 1 in usability, and fifth in cabin storage. Owners dig Rivians for his or her cozy seats, low noise inside, and ride comfort. The storage rating is strange, though — there is a storage cubby between the passenger compartment and bed within the R1T, dubbed the “Gear Tunnel,” and the R1S boasts a maximum cargo capability of 91 cubic feet. 

But which automakers would make the readership exclaim out loud, by themselves: “Ah-ha! I knew it!” Fear not, as Germany’s own Volkswagen ranks dead-last in CR’s usability rankings. This covers how easy it’s to make use of climate controls, select gears, fiddle with the infotainment system, amongst other things. It is also ranked twenty fifth out of 26 in owner satisfaction. Yikes. 

CR calls the controls and infotainment systems unintuitive, but at the least Volkswagen is sitting squarely in the midst of the brand new automotive reliability category, rating sixteenth. It helps that VW threw some physical buttons back on the steering wheel for 2025 — a part of the incremental improvements Volkswagen made to the 2025 GTI. Also, WV gets to thumb its nose at fellow German brand Mercedes-Benz, which sits at nineteenth.

If there’s one lesson to learn from Consumer Reports’ customer rankings saying that Rivian is unexpectedly comfortable, as well the winner in owner satisfaction, it’s that if consumers are stoked enough for a brand, they may also be moderately forgiving. Let this be a lesson to each other automaker on the market, especially those who Rivian is eyeing as competition.