BMW vs Lexus Reliability: The Final Score Isn't Even Close
We have been analyzing the reliability of several brands over the past few months, and BMW has triumphed over its direct German rivals on most occasions. However, it has yet to be compared to the acknowledged reliability king of luxury vehicles: Lexus. While these two brands compete across several different categories, they have a rather different approach to the world of luxury automobiles.
BMW prides itself on its tech-forward driving machines, with sporty handling characteristics and impressive performance. Lexus, meanwhile, is all about comfort, style and understated luxury. While many Lexus models share underpinnings and some tech with Toyotas, the extra level of polish you find in any Lexus elevates it well into the luxury league. Sales figures are close in the US, with BMW just edging Lexus out over the past few years, but the market is always shifting and with both brands ready to release several new models in the coming months, it is anyone's guess which one will outsell the other in 2026.
But to see how these two stack up when it comes to reliability, we pitted a selection of their offerings against each other across five popular categories. We used the reliability data compiled by Consumer Reports (CR), it is considered a premier trusted source because it is a non-profit, independent organization that accepts no advertising and buys all the cars it tests. The Predicted Reliability Scores listed below are based on the brand's score for the newest three model years, as reported by CR members in their latest comprehensive surveys. Al vehicle data is from the respective manufacturer.
Mid-Size Sedans
- Lexus IS CR Predicted Reliability Score: 84/100
Base MSRP: $46,895 - BMW 3 Series CR Predicted Reliability Score: 56/100
Base MSRP: $48,000
Once the core of BMW's lineup, the 3 Series remains a benchmark sports sedan that generally scores well in reliability ratings, too. However, the Lexus IS has long been one of the most durable models in this class, and it easily triumphs over the BMW. Having been in production since 2014 means that it doesn't have the latest electronic and powertrain tech that the BMW does, but that is no bad thing.
The 3.5-liter V6 motor is smooth and powerful, regular updates have kept the looks of the IS fresh, and it is perfectly competent in daily driving scenarios. The 3 Series may offer more tech and even more power, but if you plan to keep your sports sedan for a while, there's a higher chance of unplanned maintenance costs in your future.
Mid-Size Luxury Sedans
- Lexus ES CR Predicted Reliability Score: 74/100 (based on 2025 model)
Base MSRP: $51,095 (2026 model) - BMW 5 Series CR Predicted Reliability Score: 58/100
Base MSRP: $60,500
The Lexus ES is a fair bit larger than the IS but still falls into the ‘mid-size sedan' category. It's not quite as sporty, but it offers additional interior space, can be had with a hybrid engine and it has a more luxurious interior. The CR scores here are based on the recently discontinued ES model, as the eight-generation ES is due for release in June this year. The older car may no longer be available new, but it still trumps the recently introduced 5 Series in terms of reliability.
Once again, the BMW's newer, more advanced underpinnings may make it a sharper driving tool, but they also work against it when it comes to durability as owners have had issues with software glitches and recalls on certain models. The completely redesigned ES will also be packed with new features, but as always, it will share many of its components with other Lexus and Toyota models, which should result in another solid and durable vehicle.
Compact Luxury SUVs
- Lexus NX CR Predicted Reliability Score: 71/100
Base MSRP: $47,220 - BMW X3 CR Predicted Reliability Score: 42/100
Base MSRP: $49,500
The NX is a top seller for Lexus, offering a luxurious and premium driving experience without the premium pricing. It has also been a solid and reliable vehicle according to owners, with smartphone connectivity problems and two recalls (one for a rearview camera and another for the brake system) being the most notable issues.
The current generation X3 was introduced in 2025, so this reliability data spans its predecessor as well. While owners appreciated the refined powertrains, strong performance and impressive handling, they were less enthused by the recent recall for steering wheel issues, the complex infotainment system and its intermittent glitches. The X3's score should improve as BMW irons out these niggling early production issues, but it has a long way to go before it can challenge the NX.
Mid-Size Luxury SUVs
- BMW X5 CR Predicted Reliability Score: 76/100
Base MSRP: $68,300 - Lexus RX CR Predicted Reliability Score: 69/100
Base MSRP: $52,375
BMW's X5 has recently benefited from a refresh, but the basic design has been around since 2019. This has helped it increase its reliability score recently, and the high-tech underpinnings, strong performance and luxurious interior also translated into a very high 96/100 CR road test score.
The Lexus RX is a bit newer, having been redesigned in 2023, and while the smooth V6 engine is no longer, the turbocharged inline-four has proven to be a frugal and durable engine. The only real complaints by owners centered around minor electronic glitches. It loses this comparison, but the difference is minor, and while the RX doesn't offer a six-cylinder powerplant anymore, its base price significantly undercuts the X5.
Large Luxury SUVs
- BMW X7 CR Predicted Reliability Score: 61/100
Base MSRP: $87,500 - Lexus LX CR Predicted Reliability Score: 51/100
Base MSRP: $108,550
The BMW X7 takes the win in a category that used to be dominated by the Lexus LX. Despite the complexity of the X7's underpinnings, it benefits from sharing its engines and other major components with the X5, and it too has been around since 2019, which has given BMW enough time to sort out most issues.
The LX, meanwhile, was redesigned for 2022, and while it retained its rugged body-on-frame chassis, it traded its much-loved 5.7-liter V8 for a higher tech 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and new 10-speed transmission. A recent recall for potential transmission damage dented the LX's once legendary reliability, but hopefully these issues will be sorted out in time, and it will improve its overall score as a result.
With prices for even the base models starting at well over $100,000, this is one segment where customers are far less willing to accept compromises.
The Final Scores
| Segment | BMW Model & Score | Lexus Model & Score |
|---|---|---|
Mid-Size Sedan | 3 Series (56/100) | IS (84/100) |
Mid-Size Luxury Sedan | 5 Series (58/100) | ES (74/100) |
Compact Luxury SUV | X3 (42/100) | NX (71/100) |
Mid-Size Luxury SUV | X5 (76/100) | RX (69/100) |
Large Luxury SUV | X7 (61/100) | LX (51/100) |
Overall Average: | BMW 58.6/100 | Lexus 69.8/100 |
BMW has certainly upped its reliability game over the past few years, and it even won two categories here, but once the final scores were tallied Lexus's performance on average was still better. Aside from the LX, every Lexus posted an above average reliability score, showing that its dedication to consistent improvement, and meticulous manufacturing standards have paid off once again.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 7:00 AM.