2021 Lexus LX

Lexus, Toyota’s upscale sub-brand, is among the few luxury automakers that successfully merges technologically-advanced designs with consistently great reliability. Interiors are quiet and finished with finely-crafted materials. The engines are generally smooth and powerful. Many of its cars and SUVs are available with more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains. Lexus continues to sell sedans, with its ES, IS, and top-shelf LS models. Most of its SUVs have done well in our testing, including the NX, RX, and TX. The brand’s first all-electric vehicle, the RZ, is a luxury version of the Toyota bZ4X EV. Lexus also sells two-door coupes and convertibles, the RC and LC. Multiple Lexus models have earned Consumer Reports’ recommendation for used cars.

Lexus uses a rebadged, more upscale Toyota Land Cruiser for its top-trim SUV. Dubbed the LX, it is one of the few SUVs that manages to be both capable off-road and civilized on pavement. It has a slick powertrain, a comfortable ride, and a quiet, nicely appointed cabin. Added features over the Land Cruiser include a height-adjustable air suspension and a power-adjustable steering wheel. Five adults can fit quite comfortably and cargo space is generous. The 2008 redesign brought a 5.7-liter V8 engine and a power folding third-row seat, which unfortunately consumes cargo room. Our tested Land Cruiser only got 14 mpg overall, but was impressive off road. The crawl mode manages throttle and braking over tough terrain.  A five-passenger version is new for 2018.