We already know Japan-made cars are reliable, butLexusalways takes the top spot for reliability and customer satisfaction. Following the unveiling of the2026 Lexus ESwith hybrid and electric powertrains, we thought this would be a good time to test the brand’s current lineup and find the most reliable Lexus you may buy new.
Lexus is a luxury car manufacturer headquartered in Japan. As the premium branch of Toyota, its cars often top the charts for reliability, owner satisfaction, and tend to hold their value well over time. Offering elegant sedans to fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs and full-fat performance cars, Lexus serves as a great alternative to Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
Lexus serves as the luxury division of Toyota, providing elegant vehicles with a traditional Japanese flair. Despite using high-quality materials, robust mechanical components and building some models by hand, many drivers think Lexus cars are for old people, choosing more common brands instead – even if thetrim is falling off.
These reliable Lexus models are a solid investment, and with a mix of sedans, SUVs, and performance cars, there’s a car for everyone. This list isn’t extensive. Some Lexus models haven’t been scored by J.D. Power, so they are not included below. This could be because so few are produced, or not enough data exists yet.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Lexus and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power.
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7Lexus NX: 80/100
Even with the lowest score on this list, theLexus NXis more reliable than most luxury SUVs, with a respectable high score of 80 onJ.D. Power. Between trims and powertrains, there are 11 versions of the NX competing with cars like the Volvo XC60 and BMW X3.
Lexus NX 250 performance specs
Reliability score
Everything about the NX is driver-centric, with the large touchscreen angled towards the driver for ease-of-use, and important buttons placed to the left of the center console. Unless you opt for the plug-in hybrid version at an eye-watering starting MSRP of $62,415, we think the NX is the best value Lexus SUV for space, performance, and efficiency.
6Lexus TX: 81/100
The Lexus TX is a new model for the brand, based on the popular Toyota Grand Highlander. However, Lexus refused to dilute this prestige model with the less expensive hybrid engine offered by Toyota, and increased prices on entry-level trims after just a few months on sale.
Lexus TX 350 performance specs
Still, it justifies the price tag with an upscale and thoughtfully arranged cabin, with ample room in all three rows—a rarity in many large SUVs. The materials are consistent with Lexus’s premium reputation, and, though it’s too new to have long-term data, initial owner feedback and J.D. Power’s assessments suggest promising reliability ahead.
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5Lexus UX: 85/100
The UX is the baby in the Lexus SUV family, creating an affordable access point to a life of luxury. Comfort is the selling-point of this compact SUV, with premium grades offering adaptive suspension, but it’s cramped inside. There’s marginally more headroom than a sedan, but that’s about it. These tight dimensions also mean the Lexus UX has one of the smallest trunks in its class at 17.2 cu. ft.
Lexus UX 300h performance specs
2.0-liter hybrid
However, it’s ideal if you mostly do short, solo trips with little-to-no luggage required. It’s nimble, easy to park, and is one of themost fuel-efficient hybrid SUVson sale today, and there’s afully-electric Lexus UXavailable. A new UX 300h has been added for 2025, bringing more power and up to 43 MPG combined.
4Lexus RX: 85/100
One of the longest-standing Lexus SUVs, the RX has proven to be a favorite among buyers. Now, sharp LED lights, large alloys and a sloping roofline bring a touch of elegance to this otherwise tough vehicle. Also sharing underpinnings with Toyota, the RX uses the same bulletproof powertrain as the RAV4 with a few Lexus refinements.
Lexus RX 350 performance specs
Prices for a new Lexus RX seem steep, but even base models get fancy technology, such as keyless entry, heated front seats, and a powered tailgate. Plus, it has more cargo space than typical mid-size SUVs, and isn’t far off the BMW X5.
3Lexus IS: 88/100
As the base entrant to the Lexus sedan range, the IS is an overlooked mid-size sedan with a striking design and attractive starting price. That said, you could implant a 5.0-liter V8 engine into it from the factory, creating a 472-horsepower track-ready monster in the IS 500 F Sport Performance guise.
Lexus IS 300 performance specs
As nice as the stacked quad exhausts and V8 rumble are, the F Sport only has a small target audience. The sensible 2.0-liter IS 300 is the one most drivers will buy, though both score 88 for reliability.
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2Lexus ES: 88/100
The Lexus ES is a luxury executive sedan that could substitute a full-loaded Toyota Camry. Since it wears a prestige badge, the ES challenges premium cars like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. A remodeled ES for 2026 was recently unveiled, which takes the fight to BMWs front door.
Lexus ES 250 performance specs
Sticking with the current model, there’s an overwhelming choice of 15 powertrains, from the 203-horsepower gas-only all-wheel-drive ES 250, to a 215-horsepower hybrid in the ES 300h. You also get a lot more standard equipment for a reasonable starting price of $43,215 compared to German rivals.
1Lexus LC 500: 92/100
Arguably one of the sexiest vehicles ever designed, the Lexus LC is also one of the most reliable. Any score over 80 is great, to be rated at 92 is simply incredible. The LC is available as a V6 hybrid, or a throaty 5.0-liter V8 spitting out 471 horsepower.
Lexus LC 500 performance specs
5.0-liter V8
You have to drive the LC 500 V8 to understand its $101,000 asking price. I mean, you can get similar performance for less in a Ford Mustang. But the Lexus just feels different. It is seriously up there with Aston Martin in terms of quality and appeal, where it suddenly seems cheap in comparison.
