Which is the safest Lexus?

The Lexus LS is generally considered the safest Lexus model overall, thanks to its comprehensive safety technology, robust crashworthiness, and broad availability of driver-assistance features. Other models such as the ES and NX have earned high safety honors in certain model years, but the LS remains the benchmark for safety within the brand.

Safety ratings depend on model year, trim, and the safety packages you choose. Independent testers from IIHS and NHTSA evaluate crashworthiness and driver-assistance systems, and results can vary by generation and equipment. This article explains how safety is measured and which Lexus models have earned notable safety recognition in recent years.

How safety is measured

Safety rankings come from independent agencies that test crashworthiness and active safety features. The two most influential sources in the United States are the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Ratings depend on the model year, trim, and the specific safety options installed.

What the agencies evaluate

IIHS assesses crashworthiness across categories such as small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints, plus headlight performance. NHTSA provides a five-star overall rating based on crash tests and rollover resistance. Both agencies consider active safety tech, but IIHS places particular emphasis on how well a car’s safety systems perform in real-world use, including crash avoidance features and headlights.

What makes the Lexus safety package stand out

Across many Lexus models, the safety systems form a consistent baseline that helps explain why a Lexus is often viewed as a safer choice. The following items are commonly bundled within Lexus Safety System+ and its upgrades across current models.

Before listing the features, this paragraph introduces the components that many drivers will encounter in new Lexus vehicles.

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/ PD): helps detect vehicles and pedestrians and can apply braking.


• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): helps keep the vehicle in its lane and provides corrective steering where appropriate.


• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): adapts speed to traffic with maintained distance from other vehicles.


• Automatic High Beams and Road Sign Assist (RSA): improves nighttime visibility and conveys speed-limit information to the driver.


• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (BLIS/RCTA): assists with lane changes and backing up by detecting vehicles in adjacent lanes.

These features are integrated with a strong airbag system, a rigid body structure, and active safety braking technology that collectively contribute to high safety performance across multiple Lexus lineups.

Lexus models with standout safety records

Safety distinctions tend to vary by model year and market, but certain Lexus models have repeatedly earned high safety honors in recent years from IIHS and NHTSA, depending on trim and equipment.

• Lexus LS: the flagship sedan; widely praised for crash-test performance and the breadth of its safety technology, making it a frequent reference point for brand-wide safety.


• Lexus ES: a mid-size sedan that has earned top safety assessments in various model years, especially when equipped with the latest safety systems and headlight packages.


• Lexus NX: a compact SUV that has delivered strong IIHS/NHTSA results in multiple recent updates, particularly when outfitted with current safety options.


• Lexus RX: a larger crossover that has maintained solid safety ratings and offered extensive driver-assistance features in newer designs.

Note: Ratings are model-year specific and depend on the trim and optional safety packages. Prospective buyers should verify the exact IIHS and NHTSA results for the year and trim they are considering.

What to consider when choosing safety for a Lexus

When evaluating safety, buyers should consider not only the base features but also the availability and how they align with their driving needs. The following practical considerations can influence real-world safety performance.

• Model-year specific IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the trim you want.


• Availability of upgraded headlights and Road Sign Assist in your region.


• Whether advanced safety features are standard or optional on your chosen trim.


• Maintenance and sensor calibration, since aging sensors can affect the performance of safety systems.

By checking these factors, buyers can identify which Lexus configuration offers the strongest safety profile for their situation.

Summary

Overall, the Lexus LS stands out as the safest Lexus model in general, thanks to its comprehensive safety technology and consistently strong crash-test results. However, several other Lexus models—especially the ES, NX, and RX—also earn high safety honors in various model years and trims. Because safety ratings vary by year and equipment, the safest choice for a given buyer depends on the exact model year, trim, and safety package. Always review the latest IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the specific configuration you are considering.

Which Lexus model is most reliable?

The most reliable Lexus models are often cited as the Lexus IS and Lexus GX, with specific older models like the GX 460 and the NX and UX SUVs also recognized for high reliability. While the IS sedan frequently earns top scores in its category, the GX SUV is noted for its proven, long-lasting components that can exceed 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. 
Sedan

• Lexus IS: Frequently ranked as the most reliable sedan, with some model years achieving high quality and reliability scores with minimal complaints or recalls. 
• Lexus ES: A long-standing reliable model, often compared to the IS. The 7th generation is considered one of the most reliable in its history. 

SUV

• Lexus GX: Known for exceptional long-term reliability, particularly older models like the GX 460 which have been known to surpass 300,000 miles. Recent models are also proving reliable, with zero reported issues so far for the GX 550. 
• Lexus NX: Praised for high reliability, with the first generation described as "virtually bullet-proof". 
• Lexus UX: Ranked as a highly reliable small SUV in some surveys. 
• Lexus LX: A strong contender for long-term reliability, though official ratings for the latest generation are still pending. 

General note

• Across the board, Lexus models consistently score highly in reliability surveys, with many models being recognized as exceptionally reliable, notes Lexus Europe Newsroom. 

What is the #1 safest vehicle?

There is no single "number one" safety-rated vehicle; safety ratings are categorized by vehicle type and a vehicle's overall safety score depends on its performance in crash tests and its standard safety features. However, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mazda3, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Prius all received top "Top Safety Pick+" ratings from the IIHS and 5-Star ratings from the NHTSA. Many other models also earned high marks in their respective categories. 
Top-rated vehicles for 2025 

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-Star rating from the NHTSA. 
• 2025 Mazda3 (Sedan and Hatchback): Also received both a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-Star rating from the NHTSA. 
• 2025 Toyota Camry: Both the standard and hybrid models are rated as 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-Star from the NHTSA. 
• 2025 Toyota Prius: Achieved a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. 
• Ford Mustang Mach-E: This electric SUV earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. 
• Honda Accord: The hybrid model is highlighted by U.S. News & World Report as one of the safest cars with a 9.8/10 safety score, along with standard safety features like traffic-jam assist and forward-collision warning. 

How to choose

• Check the official ratings: Consult the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for the latest ratings on the specific models you are interested in. 
• Consider vehicle type: Safety ratings are often broken down by vehicle type, such as small cars, midsize cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles. 
• Prioritize specific safety features: Some ratings, like the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, require specific optional equipment to achieve the highest ratings. 

What is the safest Lexus?

The 2025 Lexus NX
For 2025, the NX has earned a coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick award. This achievement is particularly notable given the new, tougher IIHS criteria, including more demanding crash-test evaluations and improved headlight requirements.

Which luxury SUV is safest in a crash?

Several luxury SUVs are among the safest in a crash, with many earning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award. Some of the top-ranked models include the 2024 Genesis GV80, the 2025 Tesla Model Y, and the 2025 Volvo XC90. Other models like the Acura MDX, BMW X3, and Lincoln Nautilus also received high safety ratings. 
Luxury SUVs with top safety ratings

• Genesis GV80: Earned the Top Safety Pick+ award for 2024. 
• Tesla Model Y: Received a Top Safety Pick+ award for 2024. 
• Volvo XC90: Achieved the Top Safety Pick+ award for 2025. 
• Acura MDX: Named one of the safest luxury three-row SUVs by iSeeCars. 
• BMW X3: Awarded a Top Safety Pick+ for 2024. 
• Lincoln Nautilus: Qualified for the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award. 

How to choose the safest luxury SUV

• Check the latest safety ratings: Verify a specific model's safety ratings from the IIHS and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as they can vary between model years and trim levels. 
• Consider crash prevention technology: Some awards, like the one for the Mercedes-Benz GLE, require certain optional or standard safety features to be included. 
• Look at specific test results: While many luxury SUVs have good overall ratings, some may perform better in certain areas, such as rear passenger safety.