When someone asks what the most reliable Japanese car is, most people instantly say “Toyota.” Fair enough—they’ve earned that rep.
But in 2025, the most dependable Japanese hybrid crossover isn’t wearing a Toyota badge—even though it kind of is. The vehicle in question is the Lexus RX Hybrid, Toyota’s luxury cousin that borrows all the same bulletproof parts and legendary hybrid tech.
It’s the grown-up version of Toyota reliability—smoother, quieter, and just as unstoppable. In other words, the RX proves you don’t need a Toyota badge to get Toyota toughness.
To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, this article uses data sourced from various manufacturers and authoritative sources, including iSeeCars, J.D.Power, and TopSpeed.
The Lexus RX Hybrid Tops J.D. Power’s Reliability Rankings
Scoring 85/100 in Reliability Is Pretty Solid
Credit: Lexus
The Lexus RX Hybrid is a luxury mid-size crossover—you get that smooth, comfortable ride without the drama of a full-on performance SUV. There are five trims to pick from, and while some are a bit peppier, this car is all about refined luxury, not speed demons.
When it comes to reliability, J.D. Power doesn’t mess around. They rank the RX as the most dependable hybrid crossover—Japanese or otherwise—scoring a solid 85/100.
Not far behind is another Lexus, the TX, with 82/100, and the Cadillac XT5, also at 82. Looks like Lexus knows how to build a safe, long-lasting ride.
How the Lexus RX Scores—and What That Means for Maintenance
Credit: Lexus
J.D. Power scores cars out of 100, and anything over 80 is considered great. The Lexus RX earns an overall rating of 85, with 85 for reliability, 82 for driving experience, 84 for resale value, and 87 for dealership experience.
The average car in the U.S. lasts about 12 years, and the RX Hybrid is expected to reach nearly 200,000 miles. This makes long-term maintenance and repair costs an important consideration compared to similar vehicles.
Over five years, the RX350h will cost around $2,592, nearly $3,000 less than comparable vehicles. The chance of a major repair is about 21 percent, 18 points lower than average. Over 10 years, the total cost comes to roughly $7,892, $4,602 below the industry average, with major repairs at 21 percent, 17 points better than similar cars.
The Full Lexus RX Hybrid Range
Credit: Lexus
The Lexus RX Hybrid comes in five trims, plus plug-in hybrid versions labeled h+. While both are hybrids, plug-in models work quite differently, so this feature focuses only on the standard hybrids.
Even the 500h F Sport packs serious power, but the RX stays firmly in luxury territory with a smooth ride and easygoing handling.
All RX Hybrid trims use an AWD-on-demand system, sending power to the front wheels most of the time for better efficiency, while the rear wheels kick in when the road demands extra grip.
Comfort and Luxury in Every Corner of the Cabin
Credit: Lexus
The RX Hybrid seats five in comfort, with a cabin that matches its premium status. Upper door panels mix soft cloth, open-grain wood trim, and subtle ambient lighting for a refined feel.
The Sport Performance model adds chunkier front seats, black accents, aluminum pedals, and a steering-column paddle shifter. The rear seats fold flat, giving up to 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
Front and center is a 9.8-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver, with a 14-inch option for those who want more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, while navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded stereo are available as extras.
The instrument cluster features a 12.3-inch multi-information screen, and the standard audio setup is a crisp 12-speaker Lexus system, keeping music and info both clear and accessible.
Plenty of Safety and Peace of Mind
Credit: Lexus
The Lexus RX Hybrid hasn’t been tested separately by the NHTSA, but the RX model earns the full five-star rating. Gas and hybrid versions usually perform the same in crash tests.
Warranty coverage is solid across the board: four years or 50,000 miles for basic, six years or 70,000 miles for the powertrain, and eight years or 100,000 miles for hybrid components—including the all-important battery.
Other Hybrids Worth a Look
Credit: Lexus
The Lexus RX isn’t the only Japanese crossover with top-tier reliability. The three-row Lexus TX Hybrid scores 81/100, but it sits in a slightly different class.
Two Japanese hybrid crossovers really stand out, and surprisingly, the bestselling RAV4 isn’t one of them.
The Budget-Friendly Honda CR-V Hybrid
Credit: Honda
Honda was pioneering hybrids alongside Toyota back in the late 1990s. The CR-V is a five-seat compact crossover that goes head-to-head with the bestselling Toyota RAV4.
It’s a bit smaller and much cheaper than the Lexus RX, and while the gas model gets excellent J.D. Power ratings, the hybrid version hasn’t been tested separately—but it’s expected to be just as reliable.
J.D. Power scores the CR-V at 83/100 overall, with 84 for reliability, 83 for driver experience, 85 for resale, and 81 for dealership experience. With a starting price of $34,650, it’s a strong choice for anyone looking for top-tier reliability without the luxury price tag.
How the Toyota Highlander Relates to the RX Hybrid
Credit: Toyota
The Toyota Highlander may share its underpinnings with the RAV4, but in size, price, and luxury, it’s closer to the Lexus RX. The Highlander Hybrid starts at $47,020, while the three-row Grand Highlander Hybrid kicks off at $44,710—but comparing similar trims, it holds its own.
J.D. Power scores the Highlander 82 overall, 81 for reliability, and an impressive 92 for resale value.
U.S. buyers are spoiled for choice when it comes to Japanese hybrid crossovers, and that doesn’t even include the excellent Korean options now on the market.
AloJapan.com