2018 Acura TLX
$33,000 | Reliability: 3.5/5 (2017) (Details Below)
The 2018 Acura TLX offers many good qualities in a midsize luxury car. It is a safe and reliable car that delivers a quiet ride, a refined interior, and a low base price. The 2017 TLX was a finalist for U.S. News' 2017 Best Luxury Midsize Car for the Money award.
2018 Acura TLX
U.S. News Score: 8.1/10 (Details Below)
The TLX is priced to start at $33,000. It is equipped with a 206-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Expect good fuel economy at 23 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. For optimal power and acceleration, level up to the V6 engine. The 2018 TLX has not received a predicted reliability score from J.D. Power and Associates, although the 2017 model received a score of 3.5 out of five.
2017 Infiniti QX50
$34,650 | Reliability: 3/5 (Details Below)
The Infiniti QX50 is a luxury compact SUV worth noting for its powerful performance and good maneuverability. The QX50 is fun to drive, with smooth, quick acceleration. The SUV gets strong safety scores but an average predicted reliability rating of three out of five from J.D. Power and Associates.
2017 Infiniti QX50
U.S. News Score: 8.2/10 (Details Below)
The QX50 is priced to start at $34,650. The five-passenger SUV has a spacious interior with generous legroom, but headroom may be an issue for some due to the sloping roofline. The QX50 is equipped with a 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine, which is the second most powerful base engine in its class, only behind the Porsche Macan.
2017 Lexus LS
$72,520 | Reliability: 5/5 (Details Below)
When luxury isn’t enough, look to super luxury to satisfy your car needs. The Lexus LS 460 is a smooth cruiser with a perfect reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates. The LS 460 starts at $72,520, which is less than others in the class.
2017 Lexus LS
U.S. News Score: 8.3/10 (Details Below)
The sedan is equipped with a 386-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine. Other cars offer multiple engine options, but the LS holds its own for comfort and refinement. The upscale cabin welcomes five-passengers with plenty of space and options like massaging rear seats with a power ottoman.
2017 Lexus IS
$37,825 | Reliability: 3/5 (Details Below)
The Lexus IS is a smooth-driving compact sedan. At $37,825, the IS' base price may be higher than some rivals', but you get a lot of value for your money. The IS turbo comes with a turbocharged 241-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
2017 Lexus IS
U.S. News Score: 8.4/10 (Details Below)
The IS has a bundle of standard tech and safety features. The Lexus Safety System includes a pre-collision braking system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-keep assist. A rearview camera is $350 extra. The IS earns a three out of five predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates.
2017 Acura MDX
$44,050 | Reliability: 2/5 (Details Below)
Buyers seeking a spacious SUV that won’t break the bank need to consider the Acura MDX. The MDX is the winner of our 2017 Best Luxury 3-Row SUV for the Money, priced to start at $44,050, which is below the class average.
2017 Acura MDX
U.S. News Score: 8.4/10 (Details Below)
The MDX offers numerous standard tech and safety features, seating for up to seven passengers, and excellent fuel economy. It earns a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is a Top Safety Pick+, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Conversely, the MDX only earns a 2 out of 5 for predicted reliability, which is below average.
2017 Lexus NX
$35,285 | Reliability: 4/5 (Details Below)
The Lexus NX sits in the middle of the luxury compact SUV ranks. It is a solid overall pick, with a competitive price, smooth ride, and agreeable interior. The base NX 200t is priced at $35,285. Solid safety and reliability scores add to the NX's desirability. Since the NX debuted in 2015, it has consistently scored a four out of five for predicted reliability.
2017 Lexus NX
U.S. News Score: 8.4/10 (Details Below)
The base 200t is equipped with a 235-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available. The 200t F Sport trim adds sport suspension and sport seats for $37,385. The NX 300h, starting at $39,720, is a competitive pick among hybrids in its class.
2017 Acura NSX
$156,000 | Reliability: 3.5/5 (Details Below)
The Acura NSX may be a hybrid, but this high-performance luxury sports car is all about the speed. Priced to start at $156,000, the NSX is for the serious driving enthusiast. The NSX roars in with a 573-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine and three electric motors. A nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard.
2017 Acura NSX
U.S. News Score: 8.6/10 (Details Below)
The spacious two-seater has Sport Hybrid Super Handling all-wheel drive, which works with the electric motors to give the NSX excellent cornering, acceleration, and braking capability. The Integrated Dynamics System includes four selectable drive modes: Quiet, Sport, Sport+, and Track. The NSX receives a 3.5 out of five for predicted reliability, which makes it a pretty reliable sports car.
2017 Lexus RC
$40,155 | Reliability: 4.5/5 (Details Below)
The Lexus RC combines a nearly perfect 4.5 out of five predicted reliability rating with perfect safety scores. Lively engine choices allow the RC to shine in its performance and handling. The RC is priced to start at $40,155. The coupe seats four, but the back seat is better suited for extra cargo space, as it is a bit cramped for the average passenger.
2017 Lexus RC
U.S. News Score: 8.6/10 (Details Below)
The RC is equipped with a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Power up to the RC F, and you get an adrenaline-pumping 467-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. The RC F can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
2017 Lexus ES
$38,900 | Reliability: 4.5/5 (Details Below)
The Lexus ES is a midsize comfortable cruiser with high style. The winner of the 2017 Best Luxury Midsize Car for the Money has just about everything you would want in a sedan, including refined styling, a spacious interior, strong safety scores, and solid reliability.
2017 Lexus ES
U.S. News Score: 8.6/10 (Details Below)
The ES is priced to start at $38,900. Packages and stand-alone options are available. The ES has a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers smooth acceleration. The ES can be shifted into three driving modes for sportier or more eco-conscious driving. Expect 21 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway, which is very good. J.D. Power and Associates rates the ES a 4.5 out of five, which is nearly the best for predicted reliability.
2017 Acura RDX
$35,670 | Reliability: 3.5/5 (Details Below)
Snap up the Acura RDX, a finalist for the 2017 Best Luxury Compact SUV for the Money, and you will have a well-rounded vehicle. The RDX combines top safety scores, impressive cargo space, and a la carte packages at a low starting price of $35,670.
2017 Acura RDX
U.S. News Score: 8.7/10 (Details Below)
The five-passenger SUV has two spacious rows with supportive seats. Cargo space is tops with 61.3 cubic feet with the back seats folded. A power liftgate is included. The RDX earns strong crash test scores and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. J.D. Power and Associates gives the RDX a 3.5 out of five, which is better than the average car on the road.
2017 Lexus RX
$43,120 | Reliability: 4.5/5 (Details Below)
The Lexus RX is the winner of the 2017 Best Luxury 2-Row SUV for the Money award. The luxury midsize SUV has a long list of attributes that make it an award-winning value. The RX is priced at $43,120 and is available in two trims.
2017 Lexus RX
U.S. News Score: 8.8/10 (Details Below)
The RX is spacious for five passengers. Standard tech includes the new Lexus Safety System, which is a suite of driver assistance features. The base model includes a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Expect 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The RX gets a solid 4.5 out of five predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates.
2017 Lexus GS
$46,310 | Reliability: 5/5 (Details Below)
The Lexus GS is a solid pick for a luxury midsize car. This five-passenger sedan has a perfect 10 safety score and five-out-of-five predicted reliability rating. The GS also has a large trunk, a refined interior, and a choice of powerful engines.
2017 Lexus GS
U.S. News Score: 8.8/10 (Details Below)
The GS is priced to start at $46,310. The base 200t is equipped with a 241-horsepower four-cylinder engine for smooth cruising. Need all-wheel drive? For $4,000 more, move up to the GS 350, which includes all-wheel drive and a V6 engine. The GS comes equipped with a bundle of tech and safety technology. The GS 200t is the most fuel efficient of the models, at 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway.
2018 Lexus LC
$92,000 | Reliability: N/A (Details Below)
The new Lexus LC is refined, powerful, and all Lexus. The sports car outshines rivals with its ultra-high-quality interior. An array of technology features includes a 10.3-inch widescreen with the Lexus Enform infotainment system. The LC is priced to start at $92,000.
2018 Lexus LC
U.S. News Score: 9.2/10 (Details Below)
The LC is equipped with a 471-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Choose the hybrid ($96,510) to save 10 mpg in the city and 9 on the highway, or choose the standard LC for the best driving experience. Burn rubber from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. J.D. Power and Associates has not yet rated the LC for predicted reliability.
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These Japanese Cars Are Luxurious and Reliable
Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti make up the top Japanese luxury car brands. These upscale cousins of automakers Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, respectively, deliver a mix of high-performance, style, and reliability, although they are not created equal. Lexus is better represented on this list than Acura, and Infiniti barely makes the cut.
Each of the brands includes a mix of sedans, SUVs, and sports cars ranging from the low $30,000s to over $90,000. Let’s look at 13 of the best Japanese luxury cars on the market, based on U.S. News & World Report rankings, which are updated constantly as new expert reviews and data become available.