Is Lexus as Reliable as Toyota? A Comparison of Two Iconic Brands

As a car owner, I want my vehicle to be reliable and long-lasting. So, when it comes to choosing between Toyota and Lexus, two of the most popular car brands in the market, one question that often arises is whether Lexus is as reliable as Toyota.

After all, Lexus is Toyota’s luxury division, and the two brands share platforms, parts, and powertrains.

Based on various surveys and studies, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, Lexus is often considered to be more reliable than Toyota.

According to a 2021 study by Consumer Reports, Lexus was rated as the most reliable car brand, out of the twenty-eight total, including Toyota, which came in third.

Another survey found that the Lexus IS scored nearly 99% regarding reliability, making it one of the best in its class.

However, it’s important to note that the reliability of a car depends on various factors, such as the model, year, and maintenance.

So, while Lexus may be more reliable than Toyota overall, it’s still crucial to do your research and choose the right car that meets your needs and budget.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences and similarities between Toyota and Lexus in terms of reliability, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next car.

Toyota and Lexus: What’s the Difference?

Toyota vs Lexus

Engineering and Design

When it comes to engineering and design, Toyota and Lexus share many similarities. In fact, Lexus is Toyota’s luxury division, so the two brands share platforms, features, parts, and powertrains.

However, Lexus vehicles are designed to be more luxurious and refined than their Toyota counterparts.

This means that Lexus vehicles often have more advanced features, higher-quality materials, and more attention to detail in their design.

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Performance

Engine Compartment

In terms of performance, Toyota and Lexus vehicles are often quite similar. Both brands offer a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and trucks, and both brands have a reputation for producing reliable and efficient vehicles.

However, Lexus vehicles often have more powerful engines and more advanced suspension systems, which can make them more fun to drive than their Toyota counterparts.

Features

When it comes to features, Lexus vehicles often have more advanced technology and more luxurious amenities than their Toyota counterparts.

For example, many Lexus vehicles come standard with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and advanced infotainment systems.

Additionally, Lexus offers a wider range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

Overall, while Toyota and Lexus’s vehicles share many similarities, Lexus vehicles are designed to be more luxurious, refined, and advanced than their Toyota counterparts.

This means that Lexus vehicles often have more advanced features, higher-quality materials, and more attention to detail in their design.

Additionally, Lexus vehicles often have more powerful engines and more advanced suspension systems, which can make them more fun to drive than their Toyota counterparts.

Reliability Comparison

Consumer ratings

Consumer Reports Ratings

When it comes to reliability, both Lexus and Toyota are known for their dependable vehicles. According to Consumer Reports, Lexus is the 5th most reliable car brand, while Toyota comes in ninth.

However, both brands consistently rank higher than most other brands across each reliability list.

In the latest Consumer Reports Auto Reliability survey, the Lexus GX was ranked as the most reliable model, followed by the Toyota Prius Prime, Toyota Prius, and the Cadillac XT5.

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J.D. Power Ratings

J.D. Power is another organization that provides ratings for vehicle reliability. In their 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, Lexus was ranked as the most dependable brand, followed by Genesis and Cadillac.

This study measures the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old vehicles.

Lexus was also ranked as the most dependable brand in the 2020 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, which measures problems experienced by new-vehicle owners during the first 90 days of ownership.

Warranty and Maintenance

Warranty

Both Lexus and Toyota offer similar warranties and maintenance plans. Lexus vehicles come with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Toyota vehicles come with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Both brands also offer complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance.

In conclusion, both Lexus and Toyota are highly reliable brands that offer similar warranties and maintenance plans.

While Toyota is ranked slightly higher than Lexus in some reliability surveys, both brands are known for their dependability and are a safe choice for anyone in the market for a new car.

Real-World Experiences

Car review

Owner Reviews

In my experience, Lexus cars are just as reliable as Toyota cars. I’ve owned both brands and have never had any major issues with either.

In fact, many Lexus models are built on Toyota platforms and share many of the same parts and features. This means that Lexus cars benefit from Toyota’s reputation for reliability.

I’ve also read many owners’/ reviews online that echo my experience. For example, on Consumer Reports, Lexus consistently ranks as one of the most reliable car brands, often surpassing Toyota.

Many owners praise their Lexus cars for their longevity, low maintenance costs, and overall quality.

Common Issues

Toyota driving

Of course, like any car brand, Lexus and Toyota cars can experience some common issues. One issue that some Lexus owners have reported is with the infotainment system.

Some owners have complained about glitches or freezing, but this seems to be a relatively minor issue that can usually be resolved with a software update.

Another issue that some Lexus owners have reported is with the brakes. Some owners have complained about squeaking or grinding noises, but this seems to be a relatively rare issue that can usually be resolved with a brake pad replacement.

Overall, I believe that Lexus cars are just as reliable as Toyota cars. While some minor issues may arise, most owners report that their Lexus cars are incredibly dependable and require very little maintenance.

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