Lexus IS RX LC Earn Top J.D. Power Ratings for 2025
Lexus secures three positions among the top 10 highest-rated new vehicles in J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, evaluating quality and performance based on owner surveys of 90-day experiences. The ‘Lexus IS’ sedan achieves an 87 out of 100 score, leading compact premium cars with strengths in styling, interior materials, and voice-assisted technology. The ‘Lexus RX’ hybrid crossover follows at 85 out of 100, topping its segment for ride comfort, fuel efficiency at 36 mpg combined, and quiet cabin acoustics. The ‘Lexus LC’ convertible earns 86 out of 100, excelling as the best in class for handling, V8 engine response, and hybrid powertrain option delivering 354 horsepower.
J.D. Power’s methodology surveys over 100,000 owners across 10 categories, including driving experience, resale value, and dealership service, with scores derived from problems per 100 vehicles below the industry average of 195. The ‘IS’, starting at $41,830, features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 241 horsepower and accelerating 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive models include adaptive suspension damping adjustable in three modes, while all-wheel drive variants add torque vectoring for enhanced cornering grip up to 0.9 g lateral acceleration. Optional Mark Levinson audio integrates 17 speakers and 1,800 watts for premium sound isolation.
The ‘RX’, priced from $50,325, employs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system with electric motors yielding 246 net horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, supported by a continuously variable transmission. Its platform shares the TNGA-K architecture with the ‘Toyota Highlander’, offering 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space expandable to 46.2 cubic feet via 40/60 split-folding seats. Safety features encompass Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision systems with pedestrian detection at speeds up to 110 mph and dynamic radar cruise control maintaining following distances from 0.3 to 3.3 seconds. Fuel economy reaches 37 mpg city and 34 highway, surpassing the segment average by 5 mpg.
For the ‘LC’, base models at $109,200 utilize a 5.0-liter V8 generating 471 horsepower with direct and port injection, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds through a 10-speed automatic. Convertible variants add a power-folding soft top operable up to 31 mph, with wind deflector reducing turbulence at highway speeds. The hybrid ‘LC 500h’ combines the V8 with electric motors and a four-speed automatic front eCVT, producing 354 total horsepower and prioritizing efficiency at 29 mpg combined. Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer panels reduce curb weight to 4,280 pounds, contributing to a 0.34 drag coefficient for stable high-speed tracking.
These ratings arrive as U.S. new vehicle sales project 16.1 million units for 2025, per Cox Automotive, with luxury segments growing 2 percent amid economic pressures. Lexus holds 2.5 percent market share through November, trailing BMW’s 2.7 percent but leading in initial quality with 166 problems per 100 vehicles. The ‘IS’ production at Toyota’s Tahara plant in Japan yields 45,000 units annually for North America, incorporating 85 percent high-tensile steel for structural rigidity. Owner feedback highlights infotainment responsiveness, with the 10.3-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Competitors like the ‘BMW 3 Series’ score 82 out of 100 in the same sedan category, featuring a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo and xDrive all-wheel drive standard on U.S. models. The ‘Porsche Macan EV’, rated 85 out of 100, enters as a new electric contender with 355 miles of range from an 89 kWh battery and 402 horsepower in base trim. J.D. Power data indicates 72 percent of owners recommend Lexus models, up from 68 percent in 2024, driven by resale values retaining 55 percent after three years per Kelley Blue Book.
Broader industry trends show hybrids comprising 9.5 percent of sales in Q3 2025, totaling 1.2 million units, as electric vehicle growth stalls post-tax credit expiration. The ‘RX’ benefits from Toyota’s hybrid expertise, with over 20 million global sales since 1997, ensuring battery warranties up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. For the ‘LC’, limited-edition variants like the 10th Anniversary model add Alcantara upholstery and 21-inch forged wheels, priced at $115,000 with production capped at 100 units. These accolades reinforce Lexus’s focus on refinement, with average transaction prices at $52,400 across the lineup.
As 2026 models approach, updates for the ‘IS’ include matrix LED headlights with adaptive high beams illuminating 1,640 feet ahead, while the ‘RX’ gains a 14-inch touchscreen for enhanced navigation rendering at 60 frames per second. The ‘LC’ refresh incorporates over-the-air updates for suspension tuning, optimizing for U.S. road conditions via cloud-connected dampers. J.D. Power’s study underscores persistent supply chain stability, with 95 percent parts availability for repairs within 24 hours at certified dealers.
