J.D. Power recently released a vehicle dependability study which named Lexus as the brand with the least amount of problems per hundred vehicles. Lexus’ most affordable new vehicle starts at far below the average new vehicle price for 2026.
The Japanese luxury brand makes cars and SUVs that share Toyota’s reputation for reliability and add a level of refinement and tech that are typically reserved for final trim models.
Here’s how much the cheapest vehicle from J.D. Power’s most dependable brand costs and why it may be worth considering.
The Lexus UX Is the Brand’s Cheapest Vehicle for 2026
Lexus’ most affordable new vehicle for 2026 isn’t a car, it’s a hybrid SUV. The 2026 Lexus UX Hybrid is a subcompact SUV model that starts at $38,250. It’s also the only new Lexus model that starts under $40,000.
Kelley Blue Book’s average new vehicle price for 2026 is over $49,000. The UX Hybrid is affordable by today’s standards and exceptionally affordable for a luxury model.
Should drivers look into the luxury subcompact hybrid SUV, or does its affordable price tag come with drawbacks?
2026 Lexus UX Trims and Specs
The 2026 Lexus UX comes in four trims including a base model, an all-wheel drive configuration, and a more premium upper trim as well as an all-wheel drive iteration of that model.
2026 Lexus UX trim levels and pricing:
- Lexus UX 300h: $38,250
- Lexus UX 300h AWD: $39,820
- Lexus UX 300h Premium: $41,520
- Lexus UX 300h Premium AWD: $43,090
Lexus also offers an F Sport performance-oriented variant of the UX that is sportier and has a different appearance. UX Hybrid F Sport trims range from $42,085-$48,240 before taxes and additional fees.
The UX Hybrid uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors to produce 196 horsepower. It achieves 45 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway.
Should You Get a 2026 Lexus UX Hybrid?
U.S. News & World Report praises the Lexus UX Hybrid’s “excellent fuel economy.” The subcompact hybrid SUV is affordable and comes standard with great safety features. It may not be the most exciting in its segment to drive or the most refined, but the UX Hybrid has a solid value proposition for average drivers.
Consumer Reports’ reliability predictions calls the UX “more reliable than the average car” based on data from previous model years. If you’re looking for an affordable subcompact SUV that gets amazing gas mileage and comes from a dependable brand, the UX Hybrid is a solid pick. Plenty of trims make the UX Hybrid even more appealing, since it’s very customizable.
Drivers don’t need to break the bank to get a reliable new car in 2026.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY network. Contact him at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here’s how much Lexus’ most affordable, reliable car costs in 2026
Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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