Lexus Reliability Has a Surprise Winner for 2026AutoblogJohn TallodiSat, September 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Lexus has carved out a niche for itself in the luxury segment as a manufacturer of reliable yet advanced vehicles, offering a high level of comfort and technology but without the durability issues that often go along with the added complexity. Lexus models regularly top reliability surveys, and with a model range dominated by SUVs of all shapes and sizes, it still offers a brace of sedans to round out its offerings.Of these, one is a brand new offering, while the other has been around so long that if it wasn't for the recent facelift, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Lexus just forgot to stop producing it. This is, of course, the IS sports sedan, a model that has been around since 2014, and just happens to be the most reliable model that Lexus currently sells.AdvertisementAdvertisementWe looked into this models recent reliability scores based on Consumer Reports data. It is widely regarded as one of the most trusted sources in the automotive industry because it operates as an independent, non-profit organization that accepts no corporate sponsorship or advertising. Its predicted reliability scores are calculated using data gathered from annual surveys filled out by hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners detailing real-world mechanical repairs and electrical faults.The Lexus ISJared Rosenholtz/AutoblogView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleModelEnginePowerTorque0-60 mphMSRPIS 3503.5-liter V6311 hp280 lb-ft5.9-6.0 sec$46,895 – $63,095The latest Lexus IS may still have the same basic underpinnings as it did 12 years ago, but it has undergone a comprehensive evolution since its inception. Visually, there is a big difference between the 2014-2020 models versus the 2021-on versions, and there have been several different powerplants over the years, including a turbocharged inline four and a 5.0-liter V8. The current lineup has been narrowed down to a single 3.5-liter V6, paired with an 8-speed auto in RWD form and a 6-speed automatic in AWD trims.The V6 powerplant produces a healthy 311-hp, and while its 6.0-second 0-60 mph time is not particularly thrilling, it is responsive and has a handling balance that avoids the brittle ride quality of many sporty rivals.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is offered in three differing trim levels; with either RWD or AWD, and aside from the comprehensive visual updates for this model year, all IS variants get a 12.3-inch touchscreen display as well as a digital gauge cluster of the same size. While the interior feels modern and upmarket with high-quality materials, it avoids the painful screen-only layout of many rivals as it still retains buttons and switches for most major functions.Lexus IS ReliabilityJared Rosenholtz/AutoblogView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleYou know you are dealing with a really durable vehicle when it has been topping the reliability charts for years rather than just on the odd occasion. And according to Consumer Reports, it has regularly outscored its stablemates in this area.The secret to the bulletproof nature of the IS is not really much of a mystery. It stems from a platform that has been honed and developed for over a decade, and has now resulted in a vehicle that has very few vices or reliability issues, especially since it relies on a naturally aspirated engine, well-proven automatic transmissions, and no hybrid systems that add complexity and potential issues.The Lexus IS vs the CompetitionBMWView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Lexus IS may be extremely reliable, but the compact luxury sports sedan segment is still a fiercely competitive one, and still largely dominated by European models that are newer, faster, more efficient and packed with way more tech. But the IS offers a more laid-back experience that is easier to enjoy in daily driving ,and if it is able to offer lower running costs and maintenance bills, then it still makes for a compelling alternative to the latest sporty sedans.Looking at the latest 2026 Predicted Reliability scores, the Lexus IS is the clear winner by a country mile. It doesn't have the tech and outright performance or handling of the best-in-class here, but the latest updates have modernized the exterior styling as well as the interior layout, while still retaining that rock-solid reliability that makes it the best choice for those who like to keep their vehicles for decades rather than years.Research Note:To evaluate long-term dependability objectively, our vehicle reliability scores are based on Consumer Reports data. Consumer Reports is widely regarded as one of the most trusted sources in automotive evaluation because it operates as an independent, non-profit organization that accepts no corporate sponsorship or advertising.AdvertisementAdvertisementIts predicted reliability scores are calculated using data gathered from annual surveys filled out by hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners detailing real-world mechanical repairs and electrical faults.For exact scores on the models mentioned please visit consumerreports.org.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.