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What is the best Lexus model made?

Many observers regard the Lexus LC 500 as the brand’s best current model—a dramatic grand tourer that fuses strong performance with eye-catching design. The true “best” depends on what you’re after: speed and style, luxury and tech, practicality, or electrification.

To help readers weigh the field, this article surveys the leading Lexus models across major criteria, from driving dynamics to interior comfort and efficiency, as of 2025.

To frame the discussion, here are the primary Lexus models that most often enter the conversation as the brand's best—spanning performance, luxury, practicality, and electrification.

LC 500 and LC 500h — the driving halo: a dramatic grand tourer with a powerful V8 (LC 500) or hybrid setup (LC 500h) and a clear focus on driving dynamics and design.

LS — flagship sedan: the pinnacle of luxury, technology, and refined ride quality for long-distance comfort.

RZ 450e — the electric frontier: Lexus’s first dedicated electric SUV, representing the brand’s push into electrification with contemporary powertrain tech and interior refinement.

RX and NX — everyday practicality: best-selling crossovers that balance reliability, cargo space, and modern technology for daily use.

LX — large luxury SUV: premium cabin, serious presence, and off-road capability in a luxury package.

ES — comfort-focused mid-size sedan: smooth ride, generous standard equipment, and strong value proposition.

In short, for pure driving emotion, the LC 500 remains the benchmark; for luxury and tech, the LS leads; for electrification, the RZ 450e is Lexus’s most relevant step forward; for everyday practicality, RX or NX deliver the best balance of value and usefulness, while the LX represents the brand’s top-tier capability and refinement.

Performance halo: LC 500 and LC 500h

The LC family sits at the apex of Lexus engineering today. The LC 500 uses a naturally aspirated V8 to deliver a sonorous, high-revving soundtrack and strong on-road performance, while the LC 500h pairs a hybrid system with the same bold styling for efficiency without sacrificing sportiness. Both cars emphasize precise steering, balanced chassis dynamics, and a cockpit that communicates the car’s intent as a driver’s machine rather than just a luxury ride.

What defines the experience

These models are crafted to deliver a cohesive blend of speed, agility, and luxury, with attention to materials, fit-and-finish, and a driver-centric interior. They remain relatively exclusive and pricey, which limits everyday practicality but elevates their status as marquee showcases for the brand.

Flagship luxury and technology: LS

The LS is Lexus’s appointed flagship, designed to deliver exquisite ride quality, abundant cabin space, and the latest in driver-assistance and comfort tech. The interior emphasizes quiet refinement, with premium materials and careful sound insulation, while the technology suite aims to simplify ownership and elevate long trips, from passenger comfort to infotainment and safety features.

Why buyers choose it

If you prioritize a serene, opulent cabin, chauffeur-level comfort for rear-seat passengers, and extensive standard equipment, the LS is the strongest argument for Lexus as a luxury prestige brand rather than a sporty one.

Electric frontier: RZ 450e

Lexus’s first dedicated battery-electric SUV, the RZ 450e, marks the brand’s step into full electrification. It emphasizes refined ride quality, crisp interior appointments, and efficient packaging, with an emphasis on everyday usability, charging convenience, and a tranquil cabin that remains true to Lexus’s quiet luxury ethos.

What to expect

Expect typically smooth, linear acceleration from electric motors, a quiet ride, and the latest connectivity and driver-assistance features. Range and charging performance can vary by wheel size and configuration, but the RZ 450e represents Lexus’s commitment to electrified mobility without sacrificing its signature refinement.

Practical all-rounders: RX, NX, ES

The RX, NX, and ES represent the core of Lexus’s mainstream lineup. These models prioritize comfort, reliability, and daily usability, while still offering modern technology, strong resale value, and a premium feel. They’re the models most non-enthusiasts consider when buying their first Lexus or upgrading from older sedans and SUVs.

Why they matter

For buyers who want a dependable, well-appointed vehicle with comfortable ride quality and generous cargo or passenger space, these models deliver consistency and value without the premium-price badge of the halo cars.

Off-road prestige: LX

The LX stands as Lexus’s most capable SUV, combining a large, luxurious interior with genuine off-road competence and a commanding road presence. It targets buyers who want premium comfort with the ability to tackle adverse terrain or long overland trips without sacrificing refinement.

Who should consider it

If you routinely travel with family or equipment in rough terrain, or you simply want the grandest SUV experience in the Lexus lineup, the LX is the benchmark for size, luxury, and capability in one package.

Summary

Deciding the “best” Lexus depends on what you value most. For driving drama and immediate impact, the LC 500 family remains the strongest argument for the brand’s sport-luxury identity. For luxury leadership and tech sophistication, the LS is hard to beat. For a future-focused, zero-emission option, the RZ 450e signals Lexus’s electrification path. For everyday practicality and value, the RX, NX, and ES cover the essentials with reliability and refinement, while the LX stands as the pinnacle of luxury and capability in an oversized package. Taken together, Lexus offers a spectrum where there isn’t a single best model for everyone—but multiple bests, tailored to different driver needs.

What is the best Lexus model ever made?

The best Lexus is subjective, but many sources point to the Lexus LS 400 as the most significant car ever made by the brand, due to its role in establishing Lexus's reputation for reliability, luxury, and quality. Other top contenders often cited include the LS 430 for its combination of reliability and luxury features, and certain high-performance models like the SC300 for its sports car credentials.
Top contenders

1990 Lexus LS 400: Often considered the definitive "best" Lexus, this model is praised for its groundbreaking launch and ability to directly compete with established luxury brands.
- Why it's considered the best: It introduced Lexus to the world with features like advanced sound-dampening and a plush ride, setting the standard for future models. It is widely regarded as one of the most reliable cars ever built, with some reaching over one million miles, notes CarBuzz and HotCars.
Lexus LS 430: A strong contender, this model is highly regarded for its durability and luxury, building on the LS 400's legacy.
- Why it's considered the best: It's praised for being even more DIY-friendly than its predecessor, featuring a reliable engine, luxurious materials, and advanced comfort features like heated and massaging rear seats in its Ultra Luxury trim.
Lexus SC300: This is the top pick for those who prioritize performance and driving dynamics in a luxury coupe.
- Why it's considered the best: It shared a platform with the iconic Toyota Supra and was available with a powerful engine and a manual transmission, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.

Other notable models

Lexus GX 460: Praised for its rugged, body-on-frame construction and V8 engine, making it a reliable off-road and family vehicle with long-term durability, says PA Auto Sales.
Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance: A modern, high-performance sedan that earns a place on lists of top Lexus sedans.
Lexus GS F: A powerful, track-focused sedan that represents Lexus's push into high-performance vehicles.

What is the top model of Lexus?

The top Lexus models are the flagship LX 700h SUV and the LS 500h sedan, which represent the pinnacle of the brand's luxury and performance, while the most popular model by sales volume is the RX SUV. The LX 700h is the brand's flagship SUV, while the LS is its flagship sedan, and both are available in performance hybrid variants.

You can watch this video to learn more about the new Lexus LX700h: 1mRoads UntraveledYouTube · Nov 15, 2025
Flagship models

Lexus LX 700h: The flagship luxury SUV, known for its combination of off-road capability, luxury, and performance.
Lexus LS 500h: The flagship sedan, which is a pinnacle of luxury performance and innovation.

What Lexus model is the best?

As of 2024, the Lexus RX is the brand's most popular and best‐selling model worldwide. Key points: Sales leadership: The RX has been Lexus's top seller since its introduction in 1998, consistently outselling other Lexus models across global markets, especially in the US, Canada, and China.

Which Lexus IS model is most reliable?

The most reliable Lexus IS models are generally the IS 350 from the third generation (2014-2021) and newer, which avoids the reliability issues found in the earlier IS 250's V6 engine. The IS 350 F Sport is a particularly strong choice due to its reliable, naturally aspirated V6 engine and smooth transmission. For the seventh generation IS, the 2022, 2023, and 2024 models are considered reliable choices, especially the gas-powered versions.
Most reliable Lexus IS models

IS 350 (Third Generation: 2014-2021): The most reliable choice is the non-AWD IS 350 model from this generation, which features the updated and more efficient 8-speed automatic transmission.
IS 350 F Sport: The 350 F Sport is considered a reliable sports sedan due to its naturally aspirated V6 engine and smooth, durable transmission, even at high mileage.
Seventh Generation (2022, 2023, 2024): Recent models from this generation have strong reliability scores, with the 2024 model having a particularly high rating from JD Power.
Older IS Models: While many Lexus models are reliable, earlier IS models, particularly the IS 250, had more reported reliability issues compared to the IS 350.

Why these models are reliable

Engine: The naturally aspirated V6 engine in the IS 350 is known for its durability.
Transmission: The 8-speed automatic transmission in the third-generation IS 350 is also highly reliable.
Overall quality: Lexus IS models benefit from Toyota's reputation for building reliable vehicles, and recent models maintain that strong reputation.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.