Lexus has been around since 1989 as Toyota’s luxury division, shocking the world’s major luxury auto makers out of their complacency with the now iconic LS400 sedan. Almost four decades on, Lexus has shifted most of its focus to SUVs, and has offerings spanning subcompact city crossovers to full-size three-row luxury vehicles. Lexus directly competes with premium European and American brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Genesis, Volvo, and Acura.
And thanks to its close relationship with parent company Toyota, it has largely managed to avoid the reliability pitfalls that many luxury automakers face when basing their models on low-volume platforms that haven’t always benefited from extensive real-world development.
Lexus models share their core platform architecture, electrical framework, and hybrid and internal combustion powertrains with Toyota, which often results in class-leading durability. But which Lexus SUV is the most reliable of them all, and how does it compare to its stablemates?
2026 Lexus RZ
Chase Bierenkoven
Chase Bierenkoven
Chase Bierenkoven
- Base MSRP: $47,395
| Model | Lexus RZ | |
| Engine / Powertrain | Single Electric Motor (FWD) Dual Electric Motors (AWD) | |
| Power | 221 hp -402 hp | |
| 0-60 mph | 4.1-7.1 seconds est | |
| Fuel Economy | 95 to 126 Combined MPGe | |
| Estimated Range | 229 – 301 miles | |
The Lexus RZ competes in the luxury midsize electric SUV segment, taking on competitors like the Genesis GV60, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Tesla Model Y. Built on Toyota’s dedicated e-TNGA platform, it shares several major components with the Toyota bZ4X/bZ and Subaru Solterra, but has been suitably modified to cater to Lexus buyers accustomed to a higher level of tech and luxury.
For 2026, the RZ has undergone a welcome refresh, with larger battery packs, more performance and the addition of a 401-hp 550e range-topper. Its Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability score is class leading, with most rivals falling well short. The BMW iX comes closest, while The Audi Q4 E-Tron scores close to the bottom of the table.
The mechanically similar Subaru Solterra also scored less than the RZ, but the pre-updated 2025 Solterra models were highly rated for reliability, so teething issues on the latest models are clearly causing some durability issues. The Toyota bZ (originally called bZ4X) was also rated relatively low for 2026, and both the Subaru and Toyota had dismal durability for the 2023-2024 model years, while the RZ has not.
So, the RZ scores higher than any of its direct rivals, as well as its mechanical siblings, but how does it fare compared to the rest of the Lexus SUV range?
The Lexus SUV Range – Reliability Rankings
Lexus
Lexus
Lexus
Based on the latest Predicted Reliability scores from Consumer Reports, the RZ tops the durability rankings for all Lexus SUVs, but it is a close-run thing. The RX, NX Hybrid and UX aren’t far behind, and once again highlight the benefits of being based on proven technologies.
However, even though Toyota’s hybrid systems are the most durable out there, when it comes to the Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, owners have encountered a variety of issues from drained 12v batteries to poor cold-weather range and aside from the GX, the worst performing models are either Hybrids or PHEVs.
Chase Bierenkoven
Lexus
Lexus
Lexus is currently rated near the top amongst luxury brands, and part of this has to do with its impressive new and used car reliability figures. The Lexus RZ has only been in production since 2023, but its sold reliability scores so far indicate that it may well continue to provide many years of trouble-free service. If you are in the market for an all-electric luxury SUV, this one is certainly worth taking a look at.
Research Note:
To evaluate long-term dependability objectively, our vehicle reliability scores are based on Consumer Reports data. Consumer Reports is widely regarded as one of the most trusted sources in automotive evaluation because it operates as an independent, non-profit organization that accepts no corporate sponsorship or advertising.
Its predicted reliability scores are calculated using data gathered from annual surveys filled out by hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners detailing real-world mechanical repairs and electrical faults.
For exact scores on the models mentioned please visit consumerreports.org.
About the author
John Tallodi
Senior Editor