2018-Present Lexus LC
Overall Score: 8.4/10 | Price: $74,572 | Reliability Rating: 4.5/5
The Lexus LC was introduced for the 2018 model year. Despite its status as the new kid in the luxury sports car class, it holds its own as one of the best used options for serious driving enthusiasts. The base model features a beefy 471-horsepower V8 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. If you want to conserve a little fuel, an LC 500h hybrid model is available, featuring a 354-horsepower V6 hybrid powertrain paired with two electric motors, an advanced variable transmission, and a battery pack.
Unlike some bare-bones rivals that focus squarely on performance, the LC offers just as much comfort and luxury as it does excitement. This corner-carving sports car comes with an adaptive suspension that can instantly stiffen or soften the ride, giving you the best of both worlds. Its sleek cabin is one of the nicest in the class, as it comes replete with first-class materials and high-tech features. Its front seats coddle occupants. The LC also has a near-perfect predicted reliability rating.
2013-Present Lexus GS
Overall Score: 8.58/10 | Price: $32,812 | Reliability Rating: 5/5
The third-generation Lexus GS regularly rules our used luxury midsize car rankings, earning a few top spots for the 2013 through 2018 model years. This generation of the GS consistently receives perfect reliability ratings and top safety marks from independent testing agencies. The GS pampers passengers with ample seating space in both rows, top-notch materials, and a plush ride. Trunk space is generous for the class, as is the standard features list.
While you could save a significant amount of cash by purchasing an earlier used GS 300 model within this generation, you would miss out on some major updates in later models. For example, Lexus refreshed the GS’ exterior styling in 2016. It also replaced the standard 306-horsepower V6 engine with a 241-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. Two additional engines and a couple of new trims were also introduced, including the high-performance Lexus GS F with a 467-horsepower V8. Navigation and the Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver assistance technologies became standard for 2017. This suite of safety systems includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning – all of which were add-ons in 2016 and earlier models.
2013-Present Lexus GS Hybrid
Overall Score: 8.53/10 | Price: $44,748 | Reliability Rating: 4.5/5
Like its gas-only counterpart, the third-generation Lexus GS Hybrid is an excellent used luxury midsize car, dating back to the 2013 model year. It’s about as comfortable, roomy, and refined as the nonhybrid GS 300, and its hybrid powertrain puts down more than enough power for highway passing and hill climbing. Compared with the GS 300, the GS 450h is likely to cost more upfront, but it could still save you about $1,500 in gas over a five-year period.
Before you purchase, be sure to consider which model-year updates are important to you. For 2014, Lexus added a couple of optional features. They introduced the performance-oriented 450h F Sport trim for the 2015 model year, which features a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and a drive mode selector. The 2016 model received refreshed styling, and navigation, and blind spot monitoring became standard. In 2017, the Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver assistance features became standard.
2016-Present Lexus RX Hybrid
Overall Score: 8.33/10 | Price: $36,255 | Reliability Rating: 3.5/5
Looking for a family-friendly ride that combines utility, power, and fuel efficiency? Take a look at the Lexus RX Hybrid, a luxury midsize SUV with seats for five or seven people, depending on the model year and configuration. It’s powered by a 308-horsepower V6 engine mated to three electric motors and a CVT. This powertrain is strong and efficient, delivering zippy acceleration while returning better gas mileage than most other hybrid setups in the class. The base RX 450h model is tuned for comfort, but fun-seekers may want to go for RX 450 F Sport trim, which sharpens handling with a sport-tuned adjustable suspension. Standard all-wheel drive in 2018 and later models, as well as a number of standard active safety features, are a boon when inclement weather hits. The reclining second row of seats give adults plenty of space to stretch out in the well-equipped, upscale cabin.
The latest generation of the Lexus RX 350 received a major facelift in 2016, giving the luxury SUV a more contemporary and bold exterior design. It also earned great safety ratings, including a 2016 Top Safety Pick+ designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Its approachable base price and long list of standard features also made it a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for Families two years in a row.
If you’re taking a look at earlier models within this generation, you should know that the long-wheelbase, three-row, seven-passenger configuration (RX 450h L) became available in 2018. All-wheel drive became available in 2017.
2016-Present Lexus RX 350
Overall Score: 8.33/10 | Price: $34,339 | Reliability Rating: 3.5/5
The Lexus RX 350 hit a winning streak with U.S. News Best awards, with the first model of this generation being named a finalist for 2016 Best Luxury 2-Row SUV for the Money and 2016 Best Luxury 2-Row SUV for Families. The 2017 model is an even better value, with standard features like automatic emergency braking that help it clinch the victory for 2017 Best Luxury 2-Row SUV for the Money. The base RX 350 seats five, but a three-row RX L model is available as of 2018.
For good reason, the RX 350 is one of the best-selling luxury crossovers on the market, offering a fetching combination of value, safety, reliability, and comfort.
2013-2018 Lexus ES Hybrid
Overall Score: 8.27/10 | Price: $41,820 | Reliability Rating: 4.5/5
Throughout this generation, the Lexus ES Hybrid holds fast to its excellent reliability rating and great safety scores. The ES’ luxurious cabin reflects Lexus’ reputation for excellent materials and outstanding fit-and-finish, including its supremely comfortable and roomy front and rear seats. These factors, plus its generous number of tech and safety features and great fuel efficiency helped the ES hybrid earn the 2017 Best Luxury Midsize Car for the Money award.
While the ES 300h didn’t receive a ton of updates throughout this generation, there were several noteworthy features made standard or available in the sedan. In 2014, Siri Eyes Free Eyes free connectivity became available. The 2015 model received some notable updates like a standard rearview camera, while the 2016 model saw some styling changes. For 2017, Lexus made the Safety System+ suite of driver assistance features standard.
2013-2018 Lexus ES
Overall Score: 8.25/10 | Price: $34,090 | Reliability Rating: 5/5
The ES, a luxury midsize sedan, has sustained Lexus’ reputation for stellar reliability by earning a top rating on most models throughout this generation. It also consistently received high safety marks from the IIHS and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That helps bolster it as a reassuring pick for used-car shoppers.
A used ES 300 is a good value considering that even a 2013 model – the first of this generation – comes with appealing standard features like a USB port and a moonroof. The earliest model of this generation is also available with several advanced safety systems like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with brake assist. Inside, the ES is luxurious, roomy, and quiet. It’s also quite impressive on the road, boasting a supple ride and a powerful V6 engine. These are among the reasons the ES won our award for Best Luxury Midsize Car for the Money for 2017 and 2018.
For 2015, a rearview camera was made standard, and the Lexus Enform smartphone app became available. The 2016 model saw some exterior and interior design tweaks. The 2017 ES gained a host of standard advanced safety features, and the infotainment system interface was updated.
2015-Present Lexus NX
Overall Score: 8.18/10 | Price: $31,311 | Reliability Rating: 4.5/5
The Lexus NX, introduced for the 2015 model year, staked its place near the top of our luxury compact SUV rankings. This smooth-sailing crossover has a powerful engine that delivers sprightly acceleration while achieving above-average fuel economy estimates for the segment. Like most Lexus vehicles, the NX was designed with comfort in mind. However, if you’re seeking livelier handling and a stiffer suspension, there’s the NX F model. The NX also has excellent safety and reliability scores, and its cabin offers abundant space, luxury, and comfort. These benefits result in the NX earning our award for 2017 Best Luxury Compact SUV for the Money.
Lexus made no major changes to the NX for 2016. Scout GPS Link smartphone navigation was made standard in 2017. The 2018 model received a larger touch screen and the Lexus Safety System+, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and brake assist.
2014-Present Lexus IS
Overall Score: 8.08/10 | Price: $29,628 | Reliability Rating: 3.5/5
The Lexus IS was fully redesigned in 2014, and with this new generation came fresh styling and a host of newly standard features like a 7-inch display, Bluetooth, HD radio, satellite, and voice recognition. This luxury small car maintains its composure around corners, thanks to its responsive steering and tight turning radius. An available F Sport package kicks up the tiny sedan’s performance by allowing the driver to adjust the steering response. Like most Lexus vehicles, the IS’ cabin is handsome and well-built with first-class materials. The IS’ reliability rating isn't quite as good as its brand siblings’, but it’s a solid, affordable introduction to the world of luxury sedans.
Smartphone integration was added for the 2015 model year, and many will prefer it to the frustrating available Remote Touch controller used to operate the infotainment system. The IS convertible ceased production for this model year as well, and an all-wheel drive model was introduced for the 2016 model year.
2015-Present Lexus NX Hybrid
Overall Score: 7.98/10 | Price: $38,335 | Reliability Rating: 4.5/5
Take nearly everything that’s great about the Lexus NX, throw in excellent fuel economy, and now you’ve got the Lexus NX Hybrid. The NX 300h’s hybrid powertrain isn't quite as strong as the nonhybrid version’s, but its purpose is fuel efficiency over power. It still offers pleasant driving dynamics, with composed handling a cushioned ride. The NX Hybrid also has excellent safety and reliability scores, and it’s estimated to have lower five-year ownership costs than rivals.
You’ll likely pay more upfront for the NX Hybrid than the NX, but you’ll get more standard features, including a handful of advanced driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Many of these features only became standard in the nonhybrid NX in 2018. You’ll also save money on gas in the long run. For 2016, the Lexus Enform Remote became available. All-wheel drive was made standard in 2017.
2015-Present Lexus RC
Overall Score: 7.73/10 | Price: $32,697 | Reliability Rating: 3.5/5
If you want a Lexus that departs from the brand’s tendency toward placid driving dynamics, you may want to consider a used Lexus RC. This luxury small coupe is like a toned-down version of the LC, offering balanced handling and three engine options, including a robust 467-horsepower V8. That said, the RC isn't the most fun-to-drive car in the class, but it’s one of the most affordable performance-focused Lexus models you can get.
Every RC model in this generation was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Reliability is above-average for the market, but on the low end for a Lexus.
New trim levels have been introduced since the RC’s debut, and navigation is standard as of 2017. 2018 models received a minor horsepower boost, as well as a Wi-Fi hot spot and Lexus’ Safety System+ as standard.
2018-Present Lexus LS
Overall Score: 7.70/10 | Price: $51,968 | Reliability Rating: 4.5/5
The Lexus LS, the automaker’s flagship large sedan, was fully redesigned for 2018.
Despite its cabin’s highlights, which include ultra-luxe materials and a myriad of high-tech features, the LS receives criticism for its unnecessarily complex infotainment system. Additionally, desirable features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren’t offered until 2019. Meanwhile, some non-luxury brands have included these features as standard for a few years.
Still, the LS embodies Lexus modus operandi with its smooth ride, hushed cabin, and great reliability record.
2010-Present Lexus GX
Overall Score: 7.27/10 | Price: $44,212 | Reliability Rating: 4.5/5
Before its redesign in 2010, the Lexus GX was virtually unchanged, leaving it in the dust of recently updated rivals that offered a more premium feel than Lexus’ rugged and unrefined midsize SUV.
A 2014 refresh brought new exterior styling and a few feature upgrades. Still, the GX has remained largely the same for almost a decade. While most Lexus customers seek the brand for its luxury accommodations, the GX is a larger, more off-road-friendly SUV than many crossovers. Still, every model in this generation comes with a decent number of tech features, including Bluetooth. Later models feature Siri Eyes Free and Enform smartphone integration.
Though it regularly received excellent predicted reliability scores from J.D. Power.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
If any of the vehicles on this list piqued your interest, head over to our used car deals page to find the best offers on used cars around the country.
You can also browse our certified pre-owned car listings. CPO vehicles offer the warranty of a new car, but the affordability of a used car. Lexus earned our U.S. News Best CPO Program award.
13 Best Used Lexus Models
- 2018-Present Lexus LC
- 2013-Present Lexus GS
- 2013-Present Lexus GS Hybrid
- 2016-Present Lexus RX Hybrid
- 2016-Present Lexus RX 350
- 2013-2018 Lexus ES Hybrid
- 2013-2018 Lexus ES
- 2015-Present Lexus NX
- 2014-Present Lexus IS
- 2015-Present Lexus NX Hybrid
- 2015-Present Lexus RC
- 2018-Present Lexus LS
- 2010-Present Lexus GX
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Sometimes the Best New Car is a Used One
Shoppers looking to get into a luxury car can find great deals on used cars. Pre-owned vehicles provide a way to get into a like-new vehicle for much less money than the latest model. In fact, you can buy a five-year-old Lexus with all the bells and whistles of a 2018 model but at a fraction of its cost.
While you may think the age of a vehicle fully determines its cost and value, there are a number of factors you should consider before signing away on your next car purchase. Lexus and Toyota models consistently earn some of the best safety scores and highest reliability ratings across the market, so you’re not just paying luxury tax for its opulence. Additionally, if you choose an earlier model in hopes of saving money, you may miss out on some sought-after features and improvements introduced in newer models. You could also end up spending more for a fully loaded upper trim of an older model instead of paying less for newer model that comes standard with all the same technologies.
Whether you’re a Lexus devotee or new to the brand, we’re here to help you find the best used model for your budget and personal taste. And with more than a dozen great used models to choose from, Lexus has something for everyone.
Before you head to the dealership, check out which 13 models made the cut for our list of the best used Lexus models, and we’ll cover the key benefits of each.
Be sure to check our Lexus certified pre-owned listings. You can read more on certified pre-owned Lexus models here.
Our scores are being constantly updated as we receive new information over the years. As a result, the scores and rankings in this slideshow might not match the scores you see in the reviews. The reliability ratings listed for each vehicle are for the 2018 model year.