What year is the best Lexus SUV to buy?

There isn’t a single universal best year for every buyer. The ideal year depends on your model choice, budget, and tolerance for risk. In general, late‑model used Lexus SUVs offer a strong balance of reliability and value, while the newest model years bring the latest technology and safety features.

To help you decide, this guide outlines how year affects reliability, value, and features across Lexus’s popular SUV lineup (RX, NX, GX, UX, LX) and provides practical buying strategies for both used and new purchases.

Key considerations that shape the best year

Before diving into specific year ranges, consider these criteria that shoppers weigh most often when selecting a year:

• Reliability and maintenance costs. Lexus is renowned for longevity, but maintenance expenses rise as a vehicle ages.


• Depreciation and value. A well-chosen year can offer lower up-front cost and slower depreciation with solid resale value.


• Warranty coverage. New cars carry full factory warranties; Certified Pre‑Owned options extend warranty but with limits.


• Safety and technology features. Newer years bring advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and improved infotainment, though higher trims may be required for certain features.


• Recalls and service campaigns. Always check recall histories for the specific year and model you’re considering.


• Model-specific notes. Each Lexus SUV family has its own refresh cycles and reliability profile that can affect year-to-year desirability.

Understanding these factors helps translate a year choice into tangible value, comfort, and long-term ownership costs.

Used vs. new: buying strategy by goal

Note that your goal shapes the best year: value and reliability in the used market, or the latest technology and warranty in new purchases.

• Used-value window (rough guidance). Many buyers find the best balance in the 3- to 6-year-old range, when depreciation has slowed but modern features and proven reliability remain. For mid-generation RX and NX lines, this window is a popular sweet spot.


• New-year strategy. If you want the newest safety tech and the strongest factory warranty, aim for the current model year or one year after a major refresh. If you prefer to avoid potential first-year issues after a redesign, waiting for the second year after a generation change is common practice.


• Budget and maintenance reality. Older models typically cost less upfront but may require more frequent or costly maintenance; always verify full service history and consider a pre-purchase inspection.

Across these options, the best approach is to pick a Lexus SUV you want (RX, NX, UX, GX, or LX), decide whether you prefer used or new, and then select a year window that fits your budget and acceptable risk.

Model notes: a quick look by family

Lexus RX

The RX is known for comfort and long-term reliability. For used shopping, prioritize mid-generation models with solid maintenance history and verify transmission behavior and tire health. The RX generally offers strong resale value and a smooth ride.

Lexus NX

The NX is a compact option with efficient performance. Reliability has been solid, but some early models after refreshes have shown quirks with tech and hybrid systems. Look for well-documented maintenance history and consider newer used examples for updated infotainment and safety features.

Lexus GX and LX

GX is a rugged, body-on-frame SUV with proven off-road capability; LX is the full-size luxury option with high-end features. These models tend to hold value but can be more expensive to maintain, especially as they age. If selecting older GX or LX units, focus on service history and any major drivetrain or suspension work completed.

Summary

The best year to buy a Lexus SUV is not the same for everyone. For most buyers, a well‑maintained, 3–6‑year‑old used model offers a favorable balance of reliability, features, and price. If you want the latest technology and the strongest warranty, buy the current model year or wait one year after a major refresh to avoid potential early‑generation issues. Always verify reliability data, recall status, and a comprehensive service history for the specific year and model you’re considering, and consider a pre-purchase inspection to confirm condition before committing.

Which year of Lexus IS the most reliable?

The most reliable Lexus IS years are the 2022 model year and other models in the most recent generation (2021-present). For older models, the 2015 IS is noted for being reliable for its model year, while the first-generation IS 300 (2001) is also considered very durable. 
Newer models

• 2022 Lexus IS: Earned a high reliability score of 91/100 from J.D. Power and had no reported recalls or complaints to the NHTSA. 
• IS-350: The IS-350 model with its 3.5L V6 engine is particularly strong and durable. 
• 2021-present generation: The model redesign in 2021 created a sedan with exceptional reliability, making the newest versions good choices. 

Older models

• 2015 Lexus IS: This model year is highlighted for its reliability, though some fuel pump issues led to a recall. 
• 2001 Lexus IS 300: Has a reputation for longevity, with some owners reporting high mileage with only minor repairs. 
• 2010 Lexus IS 350: While having a few recalls, it is still considered relatively reliable by some sources, with a 4/5 rating from RepairPal. 

Things to consider

• 2007 Lexus IS 250: This year is often listed as one to avoid due to issues like premature carbon buildup in the engine. 
• 2015 Lexus IS 250: As mentioned, this model is reliable but has some recalls for fuel pump failures. The IS 350 is a better choice if you want more power. 

What's the best used Lexus to buy?

The best used Lexus to buy depends on your priorities, but popular choices include the Lexus RX for a reliable luxury SUV, the Lexus ES for a comfortable and dependable sedan, and the Lexus GS for a sportier and more performance-oriented sedan. For a high-end and durable luxury experience, consider the Lexus LS, especially older LS 430 or LS 460 models. 
By vehicle type
This video discusses the reliability of the Lexus RX and LS models: 49sThe Speed Freak ShowYouTube · Jun 26, 2025

• Best overall/SUV: The Lexus RX is consistently praised for reliability, comfort, and practicality. Specific models like the 2021 RX Hybrid are highly rated. The Lexus GX is another strong contender, particularly for those who need off-road capability. 
• Best sedan: The Lexus ES is a top pick for its comfort, luxury, and dependability, with models like the 2017 and 2021 ES being highly regarded. For a sportier driving experience, the Lexus IS or Lexus GS are excellent choices. The Lexus LS offers flagship luxury and is a benchmark for reliability, especially the LS 430 (2001-2006) and LS 460 (2007-2017) models. 
• Best coupe: The Lexus RC offers an aggressive design and powerful engine options. 
• Best hybrid: The Lexus CT Hybrid is a good option for those prioritizing fuel economy and reliability. 

Reliability and cost

• Many Lexus models are known for their high reliability, with some models consistently lasting over 100,000 miles with proper maintenance. 
• Some model years have more reported issues than others. For example, some RX 350 models from 2007, 2008, 2010, 2016, and 2017 may require more caution. 
• Older models, like the LS 430 and 460, are often cited for their long-term dependability, notes PA Auto Sales. 
• The 2018 Lexus LS is highlighted for having a low total cost of ownership, notes Lexus of Cerritos. 

What to look for when buying

• Maintenance history: Check for a consistent record of maintenance, as recommended by Lexus of Tampa Bay. 
• Vehicle history report: Obtain a vehicle history report to check for accidents or other issues. 
• Inspect the car: Carefully inspect the body and paint for any signs of damage or unrepaired accidents, according to Twins Auto of Dublin. 
• Check features: Ensure all amenities and features, such as air conditioning, infotainment, and power windows, are in proper working order. 

What is the best year for a used Lexus LX?

There are several excellent years available for the Lexus LX. We recommend the 1996-1999, 2004, 2006, and 2007-2010 selections if you're hunting for excellent reliability on the road.

What is the best year to buy a used Lexus SUV?

The best years for a used Lexus SUV depend on your budget, with the 2020-2022 models being the sweet spot for a modern vehicle with updated features, and the 2013-2015 models being a great, affordable option with proven reliability. For maximum value and a simpler, robust older model, consider the 2010-2015 generation, or for an even older but reliable option, the 2007 RX is often recommended. 
Modern, feature-rich (2020-2022) 

• These models are a great balance of modern technology and proven dependability. 
• They feature the updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. 
• The 3.5L V6 engine is dependable, and these later years have received iterative improvements over previous models. 

Budget-friendly, reliable (2013-2015) 

• This generation is praised for its durability. 
• They feature a naturally aspirated engine that many owners see as more reliable than turbocharged engines in some newer competitors. 
• These models are often available at a lower price point while still being highly dependable. 

Older, classic reliability (2010-2015)

• This is the third generation of the RX and is known for its excellent long-term reliability.
• The 2010 model, in particular, received a very high reliability score from J.D. Power.
• While they may have some early model year quirks (like a rubber oil cooler line that was replaced with a more durable metal part by Lexus), the overall reliability is high. 

Even older, affordable option (2007) 

• This model is recommended as a good used choice, particularly because it was after a facelift that addressed earlier minor issues.
• If you need a non-hybrid model and can't find a 2007, models from around 2005 or 2004 are also reasonable choices.