23) 2018 Buick Cascada
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.4/10 | $33,065
The 2018 Buick Cascada convertible boasts a smooth, quiet ride, especially with the top up. It has more trunk space than most convertibles, and the back seat is fine for short trips. The Cascada’s fuel economy is far below average for the small luxury car segment, though, and its infotainment system is slow and dated.
22) 2018 Infiniti Q70
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10 | $50,300
The punchy performance and spacious, classic interior design of the 2018 Infiniti Q70 earn high marks from reviewers. It also has one of the largest trunks in the luxury midsize car class. But fuel economy is below average, and while the interior design is nice, it hasn’t been updated for some time. The infotainment system could also use an upgrade.
21) 2018 BMW X4
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10 | $47,600
The 2018 BMW X4 brings the feel of a sport sedan to a luxury compact SUV. There are two turbocharged engines available, the handling is agile, the interior is high quality, and the iDrive infotainment system is easy to use. The rear seats and cargo space suffer under the sloping roofline, though.
20) 2018 Lexus LX
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10 | $85,630
The 2018 Lexus LX is as capable and luxurious as it is reliable. It can easily handle off-road driving, and the interior’s elegant design holds up, despite not being updated in several years.
However, the infotainment system’s mouse-like controls can be distracting while driving, and the cargo area is smaller than you might expect for a luxury large SUV.
19) 2018 Lincoln Continental
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10 | $45,160
The 2018 Lincoln Continental is comfort on wheels. The ride is cushioned, and the seats are pillowy. The doors open wide and close softly, and the standard SYNC 3 infotainment system is easy to use. But the base engine is underpowered for such a large luxury sedan, and the trunk space is surprisingly small.
18) 2018 Lexus GS
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5/10 | $46,510
In addition to its above-average predicted reliability score, the 2018 Lexus GS earned a perfect safety score. It’s roomy enough for adults front and back, and the three available engines allow you to choose between fuel efficiency and high horsepower. The list of standard technology is long, but the use of a mouse-like controller makes the infotainment system difficult to operate without taking your eyes from the road.
17) 2018 Lexus ES
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10 | $38,950
An above-average predicted reliability score contributed to the 2018 Lexus ES being named the U.S. News Best Luxury Midsize Car for the Money. There’s plenty of power on tap, and the interior is modern and luxurious, with lots of standard technology. But the infotainment system is let down by the mouse-like Remote Touch controller. Luckily, there are physical controls for some functions.
16) 2018 BMW X1
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10 | $33,900
When it was introduced a few years ago, this subcompact SUV was an early entry into the luxury crossover market, and the 2018 BMW X1 still ranks very highly in this quickly growing category. It’s fun to drive, has plenty of room for passengers, and even leads the class in cargo space. The iDrive infotainment system is easy to use, and the interior is nicely designed.
15) 2018 Cadillac ATS
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10 | $35,495
The 2018 Cadillac ATS has both an above-average predicted reliability score and great crash test ratings. The available engines are powerful, and the handling is athletic. This leads to a ride that’s a bit firm for some who want a cushier experience. Standard technology features are plentiful, and the system is, for the most part, easy to operate. The trunk is small for the class, though, and the rear seats are a tight fit for adults.
14) 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10 | $69,550
If you need to ferry the family and then some, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class comes with three rows of well-appointed seating. There’s plenty of cargo space, even with all seats in use, and there are several standard safety systems, including active brake assist and drowsy driver monitoring. All three available engines have twin turbochargers, so any of them deliver plenty of power for daily driving.
13) 2018 Acura RDX
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10 | $36,000
The luxury compact SUV segment is very competitive, and the 2018 Acura RDX was among the best of them when it was ranked (the all-new 2019 RDX is now ranked).
The 2018 RDX has an above-average predicted reliability score, excellent crash test results, and was named U.S. News’ Best Luxury Compact SUV for the Money. There’s lots of space inside for people and their gear, and the ride is smooth and car-like. Whether you choose the base single-screen or upgraded dual-screen infotainment system, though, you’ll find a steep learning curve.
12) 2018 Audi A7
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10 | $69,700
The 2018 Audi A7 sits near the top of our luxury large car rankings. It has a high-end, well-designed interior and Audi’s MMI infotainment system with loads of standard features, including handwriting recognition. There are three high-powered engines available, and Quattro all-wheel drive is standard. The one real drawback is that the sloping roofline limits headroom for rear-seat passengers.
11) 2018 Kia Stinger
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10 | $31,900
The 2018 Kia Stinger might be a surprise on a list of luxury vehicles. In addition to having one of the best warranties in the class, the Stinger is fun to drive aggressively, without sacrificing a smooth ride. Leather seats are standard. The hatchback-style trunk offers lots of cargo space, and the infotainment system is straightforward. Its few faults include below-average fuel economy for the class.
10) 2018 Audi A5
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10 | $42,600
The 2018 Audi A5 sits at the top of our rankings of luxury small cars with excellent scores across the board. The interior is roomy, lovely to look at, and comfy, particularly the front seats. Audi’s MMI infotainment system with smartphone connectivity is standard, but there are many more tech features that you can add. The available engines are all energetic, and fuel economy is pretty good for the class.
9) 2018 BMW 4 Series
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10 | $43,300
The 2018 BMW 4 Series saw some significant upgrades, including an updated suspension system to enhance its athletic handling. The iDrive infotainment system was brought up to date, and there’s a long list of available tech features, like wireless charging and Apple CarPlay (but not Android Auto). The front seats are roomy, though the roofline crimps the rear seat space. There’s a decent amount of cargo space.
8) 2018 BMW 2 Series
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10 | $34,950
The 2018 BMW 2 Series received a perfect safety score as well as a great predicted reliability score. Its engines are all as peppy as you’d expect from a sporty luxury small car, and its interior is more refined than you might expect at this price point. The iDrive system is standard, but there are fewer available tech upgrades in the 2 Series than in other BMW models. The front seats are very comfortable and adjustable, while the back seats are too small to fit adults.
7) 2018 Lexus LC
Reliability: 4.0/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10 | $92,000
If your pockets are deep, you might want to consider the 2018 Lexus LC – one of our highest-ranked luxury sports cars. It has an above-average predicted reliability score, which is not always the case for sports cars.
The 471-horsepower V8 delivers on its promise of performance, and the handling is athletic without being harsh. The front seats are a treat, but the rear seats are too cramped for anything but short rides. The cabin is filled with technology, including the Enform infotainment system, but smartphone integration is not available.
6) 2018 Infiniti QX80
Reliability: 4.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10 | $64,750
If you’re searching for higher capacity at a lower price, the 2018 Infiniti QX80 might be the one. Its starting price is lower than other luxury large SUVs’, it comes with three rows of seating, and it has more cargo space than its competitors. The infotainment system feels outdated, though it does come with navigation. The V8 engine and handling make driving this large vehicle less of a chore.
5) 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser
Reliability: 4.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10 | $84,565
The 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser is no spring chicken, but it remains among the best in the luxury large SUV class. It’s one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market, with a powerful V8 engine and the ability to tow more than 8,000 pounds when properly equipped. The interior is nice but not all that luxurious, and the fuel economy is pretty terrible, even for the class. The infotainment system offers most of the modern amenities you’d expect, but not Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
4) 2018 Lexus LS
Reliability: 4.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10 | $75,000
The 2018 Lexus LS was completely redesigned for this model year, but it retains its excellent predicted reliability score. The new engine has 416 horsepower on tap, plus sharp steering combined with a luxuryious ride. The interior uses top-quality materials, and the infotainment system features a 12.3-inch screen. It uses the Remote Touch input system, which requires drivers to look away while using it.
3) 2018 BMW 5 Series
Reliability: 4.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10 | $52,650
The 2018 BMW 5 Series is one of the best luxury midsize cars on the market. Its predicted reliability score is near perfect, and its safety score is a perfect 10. There are six powertrains available, all of them vigorous, with fuel economy that ranges from good to great. The seats are roomy front and rear, and the trunk is larger than most in this class. The infotainment system can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, buttons in the center console, the touch screen, or a knob between the front seats.
2) 2018 Lincoln Navigator
Reliability: 4.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10 | $72,555
The redesigned 2018 Lincoln Navigator is the king of the luxury large SUV class. It has 450 horsepower and the ability to tow 8,700 pounds – if you can’t fit whatever you’re towing in the cavernous cargo area. The interior is sumptuous, and all three rows of seating are roomy enough for adults. Standard tech features include a Wi-Fi hot spot, six USB ports, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system.
1) 2018 Porsche 911
Reliability: 5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.4/10 | $91,100
The only vehicle on this list to achieve a perfect predicted reliability score is the 2018 Porsche 911 sports car. Even the base engine provides enough power to pep up your morning commute, and the ride and handling do not disappoint, even if your expectations are high. The front seats are comfortable; the rear seats, not so much. The engine is behind the seats, so the trunk is up front (it’s a “frunk”) and not terribly large. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
We covered a lot of ground in this slideshow, from sports cars to large SUVs. If you’d like to compare these against their close rivals in other categories – besides reliability – you can research all luxury models in our new car rankings. We also round up the latest deals on new cars each month, so if any of these fit your needs and budget, you might be able to find a good deal in your area. Our Best Price Program can help you find a pre-negotiated price on a luxury vehicle from a dealer near you. The average BPP buyer saves over $3,000.
We also have rankings of the most reliable luxury SUVs and most reliable non-luxury cars.
23 Most Reliable Luxury Cars for 2018
- 2018 Buick Cascada - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.4/10
- 2018 Infiniti Q70 - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
- 2018 BMW X4 - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
- 2018 Lexus LX - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
- 2018 Lincoln Continental - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
- 2018 Lexus GS - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5/10
- 2018 Lexus ES - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
- 2018 BMW X1 - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
- 2018 Cadillac ATS - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10
- 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10
- 2018 Acura RDX - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10
- 2018 Audi A7 - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
- 2018 Kia Stinger - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10
- 2018 Audi A5 - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10
- 2018 BMW 4 Series - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
- 2018 BMW 2 Series - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10
- 2018 Lexus LC - Reliability: 4/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10
- 2018 Infiniti QX80 - Reliability: 4.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
- 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser - Reliability: 4.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
- 2018 Lexus LS - Reliability: 4.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
- 2018 BMW 5 Series - Reliability: 4.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10
- 2018 Lincoln Navigator - Reliability: 4.5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
- 2018 Porsche 911 - Reliability: 5/5 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.4/10
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Reliability. Quality. Luxury.
When you think of luxury car shopping, the first criteria to come to mind might be leather upholstery, or a cushioned ride, or athletic handling, or an infotainment system packed with the latest technology. But like any vehicle, a luxury car will live in your garage for years. It’s worth taking a look at that humble metric – predicted reliability – especially when you might be paying more for repairs on a luxury model.
We’ve rounded up nearly two dozen vehicles with predicted reliability scores, as determined by JD Power, that are above average. Every vehicle in this slideshow earned at least a four out of five – though only one received a perfect score. We also looked at each vehicle’s overall score from U.S. News, as well as price, to rank these luxury cars and determine which would come out on top.
The luxury vehicles that made the list of most reliable cars vary widely, from small sedans and crossovers to large SUVs and sports cars like the 2018 Porsche 911 (pictured above). If reliability is high on your shopping list – and why wouldn’t it be? – there’s probably a vehicle here that fits your other needs, from three rows of seats to 500-horsepower engines.
As new information becomes available, we update our scores. Therefore, the rankings in this slideshow might not match exactly what you’ll find in the reviews of each individual vehicle.
We also have rankings of the most reliable luxury SUVs and most reliable non-luxury cars.