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Some luxury brands are all about flash—big screens, fancy stitching, and repair bills that make your wallet cry. But according to J.D. Power’s 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study, two luxury brands stand out for actually lasting. Lexus topping the list? No shock there. But Buick? The brand your grandpa drove is back, and it’s outlasting some of the biggest names in the game. If you want a premium ride without endless trips to the repair shop, these two luxury brands are looking like your dependable best bet.

Why dependability matters more than ever

Today’s cars are packed with tech—touchscreens, driver assists, and smartphone integrations. But all that fancy tech brings more headaches down the road. J.D. Power found that software-related issues made up nearly 1 in 10 of all vehicle complaints. The biggest offenders? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which increased to 8.4 problems per 100 vehicles from 6.3 PP100 last year. Built-in Bluetooth (4.6 PP100) and Wi-Fi (2.4 PP100) weren’t far behind.

Meanwhile, new models struggled. Vehicles redesigned for 2022 averaged 241 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), while older designs averaged 196 PP100—a major difference. If you want a trouble-free ride, sticking to a proven dependable model–luxury or not–is the smarter move.

J.D. Power’s study analyzed responses from 34,175 original owners of 2022 model-year vehicles, measuring their experiences after three years of ownership. It covered 184 specific problems across nine categories, including powertrain, infotainment, climate systems, and driving experience. A lower PP100 score means a more reliable car.

Lexus is still the king of reliability

Lexus has dominated J.D. Power’s rankings for three years straight. The Lexus/Toyota family won six model-level awards, with standouts like the Lexus GX, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Avalon—which ranked as the most dependable model overall. Toyota and Lexus keep things simple: durable, well-tested cars without excessive tech gimmicks.

Buick is the biggest dependable luxury surprise

Buick might not get the luxury hype of BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but that’s part of its appeal. It skips overly complex features and focuses on comfort and dependability. In 2025, Buick outperformed every mass-market brand, proving that premium quality doesn’t have to come with premium repair bills.

The most dependable vehicle models you can buy–luxury and not

If you want a reliable car that won’t leave you stranded, start with these top-ranked models:

  • Toyota Avalon – The most dependable vehicle overall.
  • Lexus GX – Rugged, luxurious, and built to last.
  • Toyota Camry – America’s favorite sedan for a reason.
  • Buick Encore GX – A premium small SUV with solid dependability.
  • Chevrolet Silverado – One of the most reliable full-size trucks.

A luxury car isn’t much fun if it spends more time in the shop than on the road. Lexus and Buick proved that dependability still matters. Want stress-free driving? Stick with a brand that backs up its reputation with real-world reliability.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer who brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Henry covers Ford models daily, including the F-150. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. He’s an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts. Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont.