Why These Are the Only Lexus Vehicles Worth Buying in 2026

Lexus has a lineup full of refined luxury, reliability, and comfort but not every model delivers equal value in 2026. Based on performance, resale value, owner satisfaction, and overall quality, a handful of Lexus vehicles stand out as genuinely worth buying. Here’s why these specific models rise above the rest and continue to earn praise from drivers and reviewers alike.

Lexus IS

okay so the IS… it’s like that kid in school who didn’t talk much but somehow everyone respected them? quiet but kinda mean underneath? it’s small, sporty-ish, and I don’t know, it feels old-school in a good way. I drove one once, smelled like burnt leather and someone’s expensive cologne. it’s around 40 grand or something, but it doesn’t feel cheap either. kinda angry car though. like it always wants to pick a fight with a BMW and pretend it doesn’t care who wins.

Lexus ES

the ES… man, that one’s like your uncle who wears loafers without socks. smooth, a lil boring but super chill. I once sat in one during a traffic jam, and the silence was creepy, like I could hear my own thoughts (never again). it’s what, mid 40s? 45k maybe? honestly, it’s perfect for someone who hates surprises. everything’s padded, everything’s calm. you could fall asleep and wake up in another city, still comfy, still calm.

Lexus RX

everyone and their neighbor has this one. seriously. it’s basically the “I made it but still shop at Costco” car. somewhere around $55k I think? I used to dislike it but now I’m like… eh, it’s kinda cozy. the seats are like marshmallows. the interior smells like fake wood and cinnamon gum, don’t ask how I noticed that.

Lexus NX

the NX is like a mini RX that went to therapy. less midlife crisis, more “I do yoga now.” it’s around 43, maybe 45 grand depending on the spec. I borrowed one once and still remember how confusing those touchpads were. felt like a tech demo more than a vehicle. great seats though.

Lexus GX

oh boy. the GX. this is the “I secretly want to drive through the jungle but I mostly go to Whole Foods” SUV. kinda boxy, kinda tough, very “dad energy.” it’s like 60-something thousand bucks if you don’t go crazy. when you close the door, it’s that satisfying thunk sound. sounds expensive. smells like leather and adventure and maybe spilled coffee.

Lexus LX

this one’s a tank. no, like literally a $100k mountain-shaped tank. I saw one parked next to a house and it looked like it was the house. it’s overkill for 99% of humans, but for that 1%… absolute king vibe. I once climbed into one and thought, wow, this is what rich people air feels like.

Lexus LC

the LC… ugh, it’s gorgeous. it’s like art you can drive and also kinda impractical art that drinks premium fuel like orange juice. around 95 grand, which hurts. it looks like it should come with mood lighting and jazz. sounds incredible though, like thunder wrapped in velvet. I’d buy one just to stare at it every morning.

Lexus RC

I never really “got” the RC. it’s like the IS but more dramatic for no reason. still, there’s something about its curves that feels nostalgic. reminds me of when cars actually had soul. 45–50k maybe? it’s the car you buy when you want people to ask, “wait, what is that?” and you smirk.

Lexus TX

kinda new, kinda big, kinda like Lexus needed a minivan but refused to admit it. I saw one at the mall parking lot and was like “that’s just big.” like really big. it’s in the 55 to 60 range, maybe more. comfy though, glittery lights inside, very “family road trip while someone argues with Google Maps.”

Lexus RZ

okay, the RZ, the electric one. I… don’t know if I like it yet. it’s quiet (too quiet) and the steering feels weirdly digital. but also, there’s no gas smell, no vibrations. just silence and instant torque, which feels like cheating. it’s probably like 60k or close. good first try from Lexus, but it’s not giving me “future,” it’s giving “expensive appliance.”