Most Reliable Luxury Cars for 2024
Reliability ratings for luxury cars are calculated based on analyzing over 12 million vehicles to assess a model’s long term durability.
The most reliable luxury small and compact car is the Lexus IS 350 (9.0 reliability rating), with the Lexus ES 250 being the most reliable luxury midsize car (9.2 reliability rating). The Audi A8 L ranks #1 for the most reliable luxury large cars (8.2 reliability rating).
The most reliable luxury hybrid car is the Lexus ES 300h (8.6 reliability rating) and the most reliable luxury plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV) is the Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) (8.0 reliability rating). Topping the list for the most reliable luxury electric cars is the Tesla Model S (9.4 reliability rating), while the Audi TT (coupe) ranks first for the most reliable luxury sports cars (8.5 reliability rating).
The most reliable luxury convertible is the Porsche 911 (convertible) (8.5 reliability rating), with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (wagon) being the most reliable luxury wagon (8.5 reliability rating). The Audi TT (convertible) ranks #1 for the most reliable luxury 2-seater cars (8.5 reliability rating).
Despite the market’s shift toward luxury SUVs, the luxury sedan, wagon, and coupe remain critical components of many luxury brands’ production lines. It’s actually getting tough to discern where some luxury vehicles fit in the SUV-versus-car discussion, with full-size four-door models like the BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne Coupe offering sports-car-like shapes and performance with crossover-like cargo space and rear-seat room.
Regardless of size and exterior shape, every luxury car has to meet a minimum standard of premium features. These include a luxurious interior design, powerful engine options, advanced safety features, a smooth ride, and a high-tech infotainment system paired with a high-quality audio system, even on the base model. Optional all-wheel drive is another worthy feature for luxury car shoppers living in colder climates.
The best luxury cars also offer comprehensive warranty coverage (for at least five years), an uncompromised dealership experience and relatively high fuel efficiency – despite their strong horsepower numbers and capable performance. The advanced powertrain technology in today’s luxury cars often combines smaller, four-cylinder engines with turbocharged induction, delivering rapid acceleration and impressive fuel economy. Turbo V6 engines provide even greater performance, but the larger engine design reduces MPG ratings.
Buyers who can’t afford the latest premium cars should consider older model years, as many luxury brands offer Certified Pre-Owned programs, giving their used cars the same warranty coverage and peace of mind found with new cars.
Luxury car buyers prioritizing reliability can use the reliability ratings below to see which models rank the highest. While many consumers associate mainstream automakers like Ford, Honda, and Toyota with long-term dependability, higher cost models like the Acura TLX, Cadillac CT5, Mercedes E-Class, and Tesla Model S should be held to the same, if not higher, standards.
How We Rank These Cars
The iSeeCars reliability ratings indicate how dependable and long-lasting each vehicle is within its vehicle segment.
Each vehicle is rated on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest reliability rating. Vehicles within a given category are sorted to show the most reliable ones first. If two cars have the same ratings, then we break the tie by seeing which vehicle has the higher overall iSeeCars Score. Along with the Reliability ratings, we show comprehensive iSeeCars ratings for each model, because we believe multiple factors should be taken into account when buyers are seeking the best overall vehicle. Two of these factors are safety and resale value, both of which are included in our ratings system.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of these three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability | 33.3%
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention | 33.3%
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety | 33.3%
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
