BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer some of the best luxury SUVs, such as the highly-popular X3, X5, GLC, and GLE. However, when it comes to reliability, these German premium car brands lag behind another automaker: Lexus. According to J.D. Power, the most reliable luxury SUV isn’t a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. It’s the 2023 Lexus RX. 

2023 Lexus RX is the most reliable luxury SUV, according to JD Power

When automotive customers choose which luxury SUV to buy, common considerations are the design, driving dynamics, interior space, comfort level, and premium features and technologies. However, another crucial factor is reliability. A reliable model is more likely to last longer and require fewer repairs. It will also help provide optimal performance and safety. 

And for luxury SUV reliability, the best choice isn’t a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. The most reliable luxury SUV is the midsize 2023 Lexus RX, says J.D. Power. It earned this title following the recently released 2023 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Along with taking the top spot for premium SUVs, the RX tied with the Toyota C-HR for the best reliability for all vehicle types. 

Some BMW and Mercedes-Benz models fared well in the VDS for specific vehicle segments. For example, for the subcompact luxury SUV segment, the BMW X2 earned the top spot, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA placed second and the BMW X1 placed third. However, for overall premium SUV reliability, the Lexus RX is the best. 

Lexus RX: Fewer problems in Vehicle Dependability Study

The reason why the 2023 Lexus RX was named the most reliable luxury SUV is it did well in the 2023 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. For the VDS, J.D. Power collected surveys from thousands of vehicle owners over the previous 12 months. Owners reported various problem areas, such as the powertrain, driving experience, exterior, interior, controls, seats, climate, infotainment, and driving assistance.

The RX had fewer problems than any other premium SUV, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz models. As a result, it earned the most reliable luxury SUV honor.

Given the reputation of Lexus for high-level reliability, the honor for the RX is not surprising. For the Vehicle Dependability Study, J.D. Power named Lexus the most reliable car brand. The data analytics company awarded other Lexus models as well — including the Lexus NX earning the top spot for compact luxury SUV reliability. Also, the GX placed second behind the RX for the midsize premium SUV segment. 

Redesign for the 2023 RX

The Lexus RX is even better for the 2023 model year with its superb redesign. Built on the new Global Architecture-K platform, it features a stylish new exterior with a new grille and lighting elements. Also, with the new platform, the fifth-generation model is lighter — while providing more storage space and rear legroom. Additionally, the cabin is more modern — and features a sleek new center console and a larger 14.0-inch touchscreen.

On the performance front, the redesigned RX offers a new engine lineup. The most powerful of the bunch is the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid system in the 500h F Sport Performance trim. It delivers 367 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, helping the 500h F Sport accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. There’s also the first-ever 450h+ plug-in hybrid model, which gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 84 MPGe combined mpg. 

The 2023 Lexus RX is a luxury SUV with high-level reliability. It’s the most reliable luxury SUV in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, beating models from all other automakers, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.