Hybrid vehicles are leading the latest U.S. auto satisfaction rankings, with the 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Automobile Study finding that hybrid owners report higher satisfaction than gasoline and electric vehicle owners.
Hybrids Lead Satisfaction Rankings
According to the 2026 ACSI Automobile Study, hybrid owners posted an ACSI score of 80 out of 100. Gasoline vehicle owners followed with a score of 78, while EV owners recorded 72.
The study examines the real-world ownership experience rather than focusing solely on the appeal of a new vehicle. Factors include technology, dependability, driving range or distance, resale value and overall ownership experience.
Driving Distance and Resale Value Show a Wider Gap
ACSI also examined two issues that can remain important well beyond the initial vehicle purchase: how far a vehicle can travel on a full tank or charge and its expected future resale value.
Among mainstream brands, hybrid owners gave the highest scores in both categories, while EV owners ranked lowest.
| Fuel Type | Driving Distance | Expected Future Resale Value |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 76 | 75 |
| Gasoline | 74 | 71 |
| EV | 64 | 63 |
ACSI noted that driving-distance and resale-value scores tend to move together, indicating that owners associate greater driving distance with stronger future resale value.
Luxury EVs Narrow the Gap
The results were closer among luxury brands, although hybrids still posted the highest scores for driving distance and expected future resale value.
| Fuel Type | Driving Distance | Expected Future Resale Value |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 74 | 75 |
| Gasoline | 72 | 72 |
| Electric (EV) | 71 | 71 |
Luxury EVs performed more closely to gasoline vehicles in both categories, but hybrids remained ahead of both.
How the 2026 ACSI Study Was Conducted
Unlike vehicle reviews, the ACSI study measures feedback from actual owners. For the 2026 edition, researchers surveyed 6,699 drivers across the country between July 2025 and June 2026.
Participants rated their real-world ownership experiences with major brands, covering areas including comfort, performance, technology, reliability and resale value. ACSI combines those responses into a score out of 100, allowing brands and fuel types to be compared.
EV Satisfaction Shows Signs of Progress
Although EVs recorded lower satisfaction scores than hybrids and gasoline vehicles in the study, the report also found that more electric vehicle owners are continuing to use the technology and recommending it to others.
The findings indicate that while EV satisfaction scores remain behind those of hybrids and gasoline vehicles, confidence among EV owners is increasing.
