Most Reliable Luxury Cars and SUVs: BMW and Lexus Lead the Rankings

Each year, the experts at J.D. Power release their Vehicle Dependability Study, a data‑driven look at how often owners report problems after three years of ownership, and among the 2026 results is a report about which luxury cars and SUVs deliver the most trouble‑free experience. Premium brand offerings that stay out of the shop tend to offer a blend of refined engineering, thoughtful features, and build quality that pay dividends over time.

In this roundup, we spotlight the standout 2023 models across German, Japanese, and American luxury marques that earned strong dependability scores and expert praise in the J.D Power study for their mix of comfort, technology, and everyday usability. If long‑term reliability matters as much as luxury, these picks represent some of the best ways to spend your money without frequent visits to a service bay.

Pros: The Audi Q3 stands out in the subcompact luxury SUV class thanks to its sharp styling, a high-tech interior, and standard all-wheel drive that enhances its appeal and reliability. Its roomy second row and available tech make the cabin feel more premium than its compact footprint suggests.

Cons: Performance is adequate but not thrilling; even the 45 TFSI engine delivers only modest acceleration, and the ride can feel unsettled over rough pavement. Hard plastics in some areas slightly undercut the upscale feel, and rivals offer larger cargo areas and more engaging driving dynamics.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $20,000
• Safety Rating: Mostly good IIHS ratings, NHTSA five-star overall rating
• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
• Fuel Economy: 21-22/28-29 mpg city/highway

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 Audi Q3

Pros: BMW’s benchmark 3 Series blends solid reliability with sharp handling and a refined interior, making it a continued standout in the compact luxury car segment. Generous standard tech and safety features add convenience, while available driver aids enhance usability without overcomplicating the experience.

Cons: Drawbacks include tighter rear seats and cargo space, plus fuel economy and some older iDrive tech lag behind competitors. Despite these minor compromises, the 3 Series remains a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and luxury.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $26,500
• Safety Rating: Mostly good and superior IIHS ratings, NHTSA five-star overall rating (gas-only models)
• Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and electric motor, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six
• Fuel Economy: 24-25/33-34 mpg city/highway inline-four, 68-73 mpg-e hybrid, 16-23/23-32 mpg inline-six

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 BMW 3 Series

Pros: The BMW 4 Series pairs dynamic performance with upscale styling, offering engines from the turbo-four 430i to the potent M440i inline-six. Rear- or all-wheel drive and the eight-speed automatic deliver confident acceleration, while the Gran Coupe adds practicality with extra trunk space and rear legroom.

Cons: Its polarizing exterior, firm ride in performance trims, and snug rear seats may not appeal to everyone. Still, the 4 Series delivers strong build quality and technology that reinforces its premium credentials.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $30,000
• Safety Rating: Not rated
• Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and electric motor
• Fuel Economy: 23-25/33-34 mpg city/highway inline-four, 16-24/22-32 mpg inline-six and motor

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 BMW 4 Series

Pros: The BMW X4 blends coupelike styling with SUV practicality, offering robust turbocharged engines, engaging handling, and a premium interior with abundant tech. It feels more athletic than many traditional SUVs, making it a strong choice for drivers who value performance and luxury.

Cons: Its sloping roofline reduces rear headroom and cargo space, and some rivals offer more intuitive infotainment or a more spacious feel. Its firm ride in sport trims may also limit comfort for some.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $32,000
• Safety Rating: Not rated
• Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and electric motor, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six
• Fuel Economy: 21/25 mpg city/highway inline-four, 13-16/18-22 mpg inline-six

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 BMW X4

Pros: The BMW X6 impresses with its bold, coupelike profile, strong turbocharged engines, and luxurious interior tech. Confident handling and composed ride quality help it feel sportier than other, more typical midsize luxury SUVs.

Cons: Rear headroom and cargo space are compromised by the sloping roofline, and the ride can lean toward the firm side in sportier trims. While the tech suite is comprehensive, it’s not always the most intuitive.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $43,500
• Safety Rating: Not rated
• Engines: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8
• Fuel Economy: 21/25 mpg city/highway inline-six, 13-16/18-22 mpg V-8

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 BMW X6

Pros: The Buick Enclave earns praise for its attractive design and serene, smooth ride. Its spacious third-row legroom and generous cargo capacity give it a real edge among three-row luxury SUVs, plus modern safety tech and a peppy 310-hp V-6 powertrain round out its strong daily-use appeal.

Cons: Many of the Enclave’s best features are tied to higher trims, driving up the price without necessarily matching the premium feel of luxury rivals. The interior doesn’t feel as upscale as rivals, and its fuel economy and overall value proposition lag slightly in a crowded segment.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: $24,000
• Safety Rating: Mostly good IIHS crashworthiness ratings, NHTSA five-star overall rating for AWD, four stars for FWD
• Engine: 3.6-liter V-6
• Fuel Economy: 17-18/25-26 mpg city/highway

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 Buick Enclave

Pros: The Cadillac XT4 offers practicality and value for an offering in the subcompact luxury SUV class, with a spacious, versatile interior, user-friendly tech, and comfortable daily driving. Its small footprint makes it easy to maneuver in urban environments.

Cons: The turbo-four engine can feel strained under load, and interior materials and infotainment lag more upscale competitors. Acceleration and overall refinement are modest compared with rivals.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $20,500
• Safety Rating: IIHS good rating in original moderate overlap front test
• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
• Fuel Economy: 22-23/29-30 mpg city/highway

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 Cadillac XT4

Pros: The Cadillac XT5 blends a roomy, comfortable cabin with intuitive tech, smooth turbo-four acceleration, and premium interior touches. Its spacious passenger and cargo areas make it practical for families and commuters.

Cons: Handling lacks the sharpness of some rivals, and the ride can feel floaty at highway speeds. Fuel economy is average, and some interior materials don’t fully match the luxury expectations of its price point.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $24,000
• Safety Rating: Good IIHS crashworthiness ratings, NHTSA five-star overall rating
• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, 3.6-liter V-6
• Fuel Economy: 21-22/27-29 mpg city/highway inline-four, 18-19/25-26 mpg V-6

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 Cadillac XT5

Pros: The Cadillac XT6 shines as a three-row luxury SUV thanks to its spacious seating, refined interior, and a smooth V-6 that delivers confident daily driving. Generous tech and storage solutions make long trips comfortable.

Cons: Its comfort-focused handling may not satisfy drivers seeking athletic dynamics. Fuel economy is competitive but not class-leading, and rivals offer more luxurious cabins and cutting-edge infotainment.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $27,000
• Safety Rating: 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA five-star overall rating
• Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, 3.6-liter V-6
• Fuel Economy: 21/26-27 mpg city/highway inline-four, 18-19/25-26 mpg V-6

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 Cadillac XT6

Pros: The Genesis GV70 combines style, performance, and upscale interior quality, helping to make it a top offering in the compact luxury SUV segment. Smooth turbo-four and turbo-six engines, composed handling, and standard tech and safety features enhance everyday usability.

Cons: Its ride can feel firm in larger-wheel or sport trims, and its cargo space trails that of some competitors. Touch-sensitive controls, while modern, may be less intuitive than rival systems.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $29,000
• Safety Rating: 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA five-star overall rating
• Engines: 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four, 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6
• Fuel Economy: 22/28 mpg city/highway inline-four, 19/24-26 mpg V-6

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 Genesis GV70

Pros: The Lexus IS is the 2026 study’s most dependable model in the luxury segment, impressing with its eye-catching design, engaging handling, and a powerful V-8 in the IS500. Upscale interior materials and solid safety tech bolster its premium feel.

Cons: A tight rear seat, small trunk, and dated infotainment keep the IS from matching newer rivals, while base four-cylinder models feel underpowered. Its aging platform limits long-term appeal despite strong reliability.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $30,500
• Safety Rating: 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA five-star overall rating
• Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, 3.5-liter V-6, 5.0-liter V-8
• Fuel Economy: 21/31 mpg city/highway inline-four, 19-20/26-28 mpg V-6, 17/25 mpg V-8

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 Lexus IS

Pros: The Lexus GX pairs a quiet, comfortable ride with strong off-road capability and modern infotainment. Its body-on-frame construction and V-8 engine keep it one of the few true off-road-ready luxury SUVs.

Cons: Aging design limits fuel economy, passenger comfort, and interior space, making it less practical for everyday road use despite strong dependability.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $46,500
• Safety Rating: not IIHS tested, NHTSA four-star overall rating
• Engine: 4.6-liter V-8
• Fuel Economy: 15/19 mpg city/highway

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 Lexus GX

Pros: The Lexus RX blends a luxurious interior with modern tech and a broad powertrain lineup, including hybrid options. Improved rear legroom and a larger touchscreen make it competitive in the midsize luxury SUV segment.

Cons: Base models feel underpowered, and steering can be numb. A lack of a three-row option and some vibrations from four-cylinder powertrains temper its otherwise smooth ride.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $37,500
• Safety Rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA five-star overall rating except RX350 FWD, which earns four stars
• Engines: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, 2.5-liter inline-four and electric motors, 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four and electric motors
• Fuel Economy: 21-22/28-29 mpg city/highway gas model, 27-37/28-34 mpg hybrids, 76 mpg-e combined plug-in hybrid

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 Lexus RX

Pros: The Lexus UX is an efficient, well-built subcompact luxury crossover, with strong fuel economy, modern infotainment, and robust safety features. Its premium interior works well for city commuting.

Cons: Acceleration is modest, and second-row and cargo space are tight. While efficient and refined, the UX’s driving dynamics aren’t as engaging as some rivals.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $28,000
• Safety Rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA five-star overall rating
• Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four and electric motors
• Fuel Economy: 41/38 mpg city/highway

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 Lexus UX

Pros: The Mercedes-Benz GLA impresses with a stylish design, turbocharged power, and a surprisingly roomy interior for a subcompact luxury SUV. AMG variants add performance excitement without sacrificing refinement.

Cons: It’s not as engaging to drive as prior models, and some hard plastics reduce perceived quality. Optional tech and higher trims increase cost, while competitors may offer better value or interior refinement.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $23,000
• Safety Rating: Not rated
• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
• Fuel Economy: 19-24/25-34 mpg city/highway

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Pros: The Porsche Cayenne combines sports car performance with SUV versatility, offering turbocharged V-6 and hybrid-enhanced engines, engaging handling, and a refined interior. It feels athletic for its size, standing out in the luxury midsize SUV class.

Cons: Cargo space is limited, hybrid efficiency is modest, and options add significant cost, tempering overall value compared with more affordable rivals.

Specs:

• Approximate Price: From $50,000
• Safety Rating: Not rated
• Engines: 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6, 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 and electric motor, 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6, 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and electric motor
• Fuel Economy: 15-17/19-22 mpg city/highway gas models, 45-48 mpg-e combined E-Hybrids

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the 2023 Porsche Cayenne