Lexus is Toyota's luxury division, which means they share many parts, engines, and more with one another. However, that doesn't always mean they behave the same on the road. Toyota models are sold in greater volumes than Lexus models, so there are more owners available to report potential issues. Lexus, being a luxury brand, can be more expensive to maintain, too.We take everything into account when considering which brand's SUVs are more reliable, including the Toyota RAV4, Lexus NX, and every other SUV the brand is currently selling for the 2026 model year. In this article, we compare their official reliability scores from reputable sources, find out what owners are really having problems with, how much they cost in upkeep, and more. Here's everything you need to know about Toyota and Lexus SUV reliability.All specifications are sourced directly from the manufacturer. Only models that are currently on sale have been considered for this story, but reliability data stretches back as far as necessary using only reputable sources and owner testimonies. Lexus VS Toyota SUVs Official Reliability Scores LexusBefore we delve into the depths of each brand's most reliable SUVs by segment, we chart before you the entire SUV lineup of both Lexus and Toyota, their J.D. Power Quality and Reliability ratings, and their consumer-given KBB reliability scores. Of note are the facts that the J.D. Power score refers only to each model's initial quality and reliability — having not reflected their long-term data — and the KBB scores may only represent a small handful of owner reviews.This chart takes into account each model's most recent J.D. Power score, which may be higher or lower than the average across each model's entire current generation. We chose to present them in this way, since some SUVs in the chart have only been introduced recently. Like the Crown Signia, for example, which has only been on sale since the 2025 model year, or the RAV4, which just entered its sixth generation this model year. Nevertheless, the data is complete with the most recent statistics available.The following sections pick the very best from each size class/segment (or the only models from each segment, in the full-size, compact, and sub-compact segments' cases). RepairPal's Estimated Costs by Brand and Reliability Scores ToyotaRepairPal lists maintenance costs and common problems per vehicle, but the source also compiles data by brand. Toyota and Lexus are neck-and-neck according to its rankings — the source gives both brands a 4/5 for reliability. It goes on to rank Toyota in 8th out of 32 car brands, and Lexus in 7th, meaning RepairPal says Lexus models are more reliable overall. What changes, though, is each brands' average maintenance costs. RepairPal's data shows Toyota models as costing an estimated average of $441, and Lexus models cost an average of $551 per year. Most Reliable SUV by Segment: Subcompact Toyota Corolla Cross Subcompact SUV Reliability Joel Stocksdale / CarBuzz / ValnetToyota only offers one sub-compact SUV: the Corolla Cross. This model earns high J.D. Power and KBB reliability scores, but here's some more data to show exactly what you're getting into. According to CarEdge, buyers spend an average of $1,852 on maintenance and repairs over their first five years on the road, which is less than the industry average for popular SUV models by $1,744. There's a 17% chance that this car will need a major repair in that time (a repair that costs $500 or more), which is 8% better than similar vehicles in its class.Owner reports about its current generation given to the NHTSA and Car Complaints show that the 2023 model year is the most problematic, with a concentration of reports in the engine category. Many owners report the car stalling or failing to restart after the auto start/stop feature turns the car off at stoplights. Lexus UX Subcompact SUV Reliability LexusLexus' smallest SUV, the UX, is only available as a hybrid. While that may influence your purchase decision, we can assure you that it's still fairly reliable. This model is in its first generation. It debuted for the 2019 model year, and barely has any reports of problems across every model year, according to data from the NHTSA and Car Complaints. CarEdge, however, has some data on its maintenance and repair costs.The source claims the UX costs an average of $2,404 to maintain or repair over the first five years, which is less than the industry average for luxury SUV models by an impressive $3,106. There's also a 21% chance that this model will need a repair costing over $500 within those first five years, but that's 18% better than similar cars in its segment. Most Reliable SUV by Segment: Compact Toyota RAV4 Compact SUV Reliability Jared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/ValnetThough it may not seem like it, the Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that competes with models like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50. As the brand's best-selling model, there are plenty of reliability reports to base our claims on. That said, the current generation just began this model year. Know that the all-new RAV4 actually still uses the same hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains as the previous model did (having only dropped the gas-only option), so data still applies.CarEdge's data shows that the RAV4 costs $1,938 for maintenance and repairs in its first five years on the road, which beats the industry average for popular SUV models by $1,658. It also has a 17% chance of needing a major repair in those five years, beating the average by 8%. In the last five years, the majority of customer complaints to the NHSTA and Car Complaints involve the airbags and their respective recalls, with very few major problems reported. However, the previous generation did have some issues (particularly in earlier model years) with the transmission hesitating or jerking upon acceleration. Lexus NX Compact SUV Reliability LexusThe Lexus NX sells fewer units than the RAV4 it shares a platform with, but it's still Lexus' best-selling model by far. It's currently in its second generation, which debuted for the 2022 model year. CarEdge explains how it costs $2,502 to maintain and repair over the first five years on the road (beating the industry average for luxury SUV models by $3,008). It also has a 21% chance of needing a major repair in that time, which is still 18% better than similar vehicles in this segment. Reports from owners to the NHTSA and Car Complaints include minor problems like some bodywork issues on early model years as well as some miscellaneous accessories issues. Most Reliable SUV by Segment: Mid-size Toyota 4Runner Mid-size SUV Reliability ToyotaThe Toyota 4Runner is one of the most legendary Toyota models in its lineup, having descended from a Hilux-based platform, then to a Tacoma platform, and now it's available in a range of trims with both gas-only and hybrid powertrains. While its current generation began in the 2025 model year, the model has historically been one of the most reliable SUVs on sale in general — we have no reason to think its new version will perform differently. That said, this is the first time in the 4Runner's life that it's powered by the diverse 2.4L Turbo I4 engine that's proven to be the automaker's reliable system of choice in many other models.When taking previous model years from the past generation into account, CarEdge says the 4Runner costs an average of $2,097 over the first five years on the road, which is less than the industry average for popular SUV models by $1,499. It has a 17% chance of needing a major repair in that time, which is 8% better than similar vehicles in this segment. Lexus RX Mid-size SUV Reliability LexusBasing our selection off the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score and its KBB ratings brings us to the Lexus RX as the brand's most reliable midsize SUV. The RX has been around since 1999, with its fifth and current generation going on sale for the 2023 model year. According to CarEdge, the RX350 costs an average of $2,566 to maintain and repair for the first five years, which is less than the industry average for luxury SUV models by $2,944. It also has a 21% chance of needing a repair that costs over $500 in its first five years on the road. NHTSA and Car Complaints data show reports of the model having some engine and fuel system issues at the end of its previous generation, and the current model has problems with the airbags. Most Reliable SUV by Segment: Full-size Toyota Sequoia Full-Size SUV Reliability ToyotaThere's only one full-size SUV in Toyota's lineup. The Sequoia is a body-on-frame three-row SUV with room for the whole family and a towing capacity to match some half-ton trucks. Its current generation is powered entirely by a hybrid system that's proving reliable so far.According to CarEdge, it costs about $2,346 to maintain and repair for the first five years on the road — that's less than the industry average for popular SUV models by $1,250. It also has a 17% chance of needing a major repair in that time, beating the average by 8%.The Sequoia's current generation, having been introduced for the 2023 model year, doesn't have any noteworthy customer complaints or recalls from the NHTSA. Its second generation, which was sold from 2008 through 2022, was the most reliable, and only had some issues with a sticky accelerator pedal and the earlier model years could have frame rust, but that was almost two decades ago by now. Lexus LX Full-Size SUV Reliability LexusThe Lexus LX is one of the most expensive models to buy and maintain over the course of its life, but it may be worthwhile to those who want a family-hauler that can tow as much as a truck, off-road, and provide the most luxurious driving experience of the brand's lineup. CarEdge says the LX600 costs an average of $3,118 to repair and maintain over its first five years on the road, which is expensive, but still beats the average for its class by $2,392.There's a 21% chance that it'll need a major repair in that time, which beats the average by 18%. Its current generation was introduced for the 2022 model year, and has since avoided any major issues as reported by the NHTSA and Car Complaints. Even its previous generations are some of the most reliable SUVs of all time — like the first-gen that came with two solid axles. Which Brand Has More Reliable SUVs? Winners From Each Category ToyotaNow that we've given you all the facts, it's time to decide which brand has more reliable SUVs. Even though Lexus shares most of its parts with Toyota, there are still some differences between the two brands that result in Lexus winning the battle overall. When dividing the SUVs by segment, it's easier to put them head-to-head. The chart above shows what we would consider the winners. However, models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Sequoia are so good we would consider them without missing a beat.
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