This is the Cheapest Luxury Sedan from JD Power’s Best Brand

JD Power conducted a vehicle reliability study to determine which types of vehicles were not the problem. Lexus received the title of the most reliable car brand based on problems with 100 vehicles.
Lexus’ most affordable model is the UX hybrid subcompact luxury SUV. If you’re not interested in SUVs, Lexus also produces a luxury sedan option that’s reliable, stylish and offers solid performance.
Here is a very affordable four-door luxury car from the most reliable JD Power car brand.
2026 Lexus Is The Most Affordable Sedan From The Most Reliable Segment
Lexus’ IS is the Japanese brand’s entry-level sedan. It starts at $46,795.
The average price of a new car is more than $49,000, according to a February report from Kelley Blue Book. The Lexus IS may seem expensive compared to conventional cars, but it’s a steal for some drivers looking for a reliable, premium model.
The 2026 Lexus IS comes in four trims and two available packages.
2026 Lexus IS Trims
- IS 350 F SPORT BASE: $46,795
- IS 350 F SPORT DESIGN AWD: $48,795
- IS 350 F SPORT: $49,245
- IS 350 F SPORT AWD: $51,245
- IS 350 F SPORT SPECIFICATIONS: $61,385
- IS 350 F SPORT APPROACH AWD: $62,995
Lexus only has one engine option for the 2026 model year, so the main difference between the trims is the design and standard features of each model respectively. F SPORT AWD models offer excellent performance for driving enthusiasts.
2026 Lexus IS Specs and Standard Features
The Lexus IS uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine to produce 311 horsepower, which is an excellent rating. It achieves 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Lexus’ most affordable sedan comes standard with keyless entry, Lexus NuLuxe synthetic leather interior trim and heated front seats. It also includes standard wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and paddle shifters.
The 2026 Lexus IS is powerful, sporty and loaded with standard safety and driver assistance technologies. Higher trims load the sedan with even more desirable features, but the base model has more to offer.
Should You Get a 2026 Lexus IS?
The Lexus IS 2026 small luxury car is a great choice, but it’s not the undisputed best model in its segment. Small luxury cars like the 2026 BMW 3-Series and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class top Edmunds’ list of premium compact sedans.
US News & World Report also ranks brands like the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class above the Lexus IS. The main reason to choose the Lexus IS 2026 over the competition is its reliability history. On the other hand, there are more refined and powerful options on the market.
The Lexus IS is an affordable luxury car. If you are looking for the best option for money, it is worth considering. If you’re after a flashy luxury car, rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz might be more interesting.
Charles Singh is the Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY network. Contact him at [email protected]
This article first appeared in USA TODAY: This is an affordable luxury sedan from flagship brand JD Power.
Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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