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Buying Guide

How to Find the Best Luxury Car or SUV

These offer refined styling, comfortable interiors, the latest technology, and a premium driving experience. But all this comes at a price—up front and through ownership. Our experts can help you to choose wisely.

2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV driving

Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

Top Luxury cars Questions


What Are the Best New Luxury Cars and SUVs?

Don’t choose a luxury car by the name and badge alone: Consumer Reports rates vehicles based on our independent testing and reliability and owner satisfaction survey data. These lists include the top-ranked brands and models for new and used cars.
  • 2019 BMW X5 driving at the CR Auto Test Center

    10 Top Picks of 2026

    These 10 vehicles set the standard for excellence in Consumer Reports’ testing. See the 10 Top Picks.

    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
  • 2026 Acura Integra A-Spec Tech 6MT driving on a curvy road

    Best Luxury Cars You Can Buy Right Now

    These small, midsized, and large models have high scores in CR's road tests—and they're reliable. See the best luxury cars.

    Photo: Acura
  • 2026 Lexus RX in copper on mountain road with fog

    10 Best Luxury SUVs

    Our exclusive test data and member surveys reveal the premium SUVs our auto experts found truly justify their higher prices. See the 10 best luxury SUVs.

    Photo: Lexus

Who Makes the Best New Cars?

When rating both luxury and mainstream cars, Consumer Reports’ reliability and owner satisfaction scores are based on survey data of over 300,000 vehicles. Our safety scores incorporate crash test results, distracting controls, and safety tech.
  • Subaru, BMW, Porsche, Honda, Toyota, and Lexus logos on background of tinted green overhead view of highway overpasses

    Which Brands Make the Best Luxury Cars and SUVs?

    Consumer Reports rated cars from 31 brands on reliability, owner satisfaction, safety, and road-test scores. Here’s how the manufacturers rank, based on their vehicles’ Overall Scores. See the full chart.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • photo illustration of Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS, and BMW 2 Series with graphic horizontal lines and desert landscape in background

    Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

    See the brands ranked by reliability based on extensive and exclusive owner surveys. See the brand reliability ratings.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • Cars with scores

    Safest Car Brands Ranked by Consumer Reports' Safety Verdict

    Our analysis of crash tests, braking, handling, and crash-avoidance technology reveals the brands that make the safest new cars, SUVs, and trucks. See the safest brands.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images

Video: Best Cars of 2026

Looking for the best cars of 2026, including luxury sedans and SUVs? Consumer Reports reveals its Top Picks in 10 categories based on our expert testing, reliability, safety, and more.
With winners from BMW, Lexus, Tesla, and more, these 10 vehicles set the standard for excellence in Consumer Reports’ testing.

Should I Buy a Small, Midsized, or Large Luxury Car?


Car come in a wide range of sizes, powertrains, and prices. Here's how to narrow your choices to the car type that best matches your needs and budget.
  • white 2026 Audi A5 3/4 facing left

    Small Luxury Cars

    PRICE RANGE $35,000 to $65,000
    pros & cons
    • The smallest models boast nimble, sporty handling and quick acceleration. They usually have very comfortable poweradjustable front seats. Larger models are a significant step up in terms of fit and finish, the quality of materials, and interior room. Most active safety systems are standard.
    • Some active safety systems are optional and packaged with pricey comfort features. Sportier models usually have a very stiff ride and expensive tires that can wear out quickly. The smallest models in this category have snug rear seats that are a better fit for children than adults.
  • white 2026 BMW 5 Series 3/4 facing left

    Midsized & Large Luxury Cars

    PRICE RANGE $48,000 to $85,000+
    pros & cons
    • Automakers don’t cut many corners with these models. They feature the highest-quality materials throughout the cabin. Both their front and rear seats are comfortable and supportive. Rear-seat room is generous, and the largest SUVs can even accommodate adults in the third-row seat. Buyers will find numerous hybrids and PHEVs among the midsized options.
    • Prices quickly climb, with some models easily exceeding $100,000. Automakers often introduce their newest, most convoluted controls and infotainment systems in these vehicles.
  • blue 2026 Acura MDX 3/4 facing left

    Luxury SUVs

    PRICE RANGE $45,000 to $100,000+
    pros & cons
    • Premium SUVs come in a wide range of sizes, offering more comfort and performance than mainstream models. There are many hybrid and electric choices, with both often being a more satisfying choice than the base engine. High-performance versions are available for many models.
    • The smallest luxury SUVs often carry many compromises, such as comfort and ride. While some models are fuel efficient, many are not, and almost all are recommended by the automaker to operate on premium gas. Depreciation, maintenance costs, and long-term reliability can make some models expensive to own.

What Are the Latest Deals on Luxury Cars?

  • Woman smiling driving on a sunny day

    Best New-Car Deals

    Save money on models recommended by Consumer Reports. See the best new-car deals.

    Photo: Getty Images
  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC driving

    Most-Discounted New Cars

    These models are selling below their sticker price, according to CR's exclusive analysis of car deals. See the most discounted cars.


    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
  • 2023 Lexus RZ 450e

    10 Best Deals on Electric Vehicles

    These EVs are available with large rebates and deep discounts. See the best deals on EVs.

    Photo: Lexus

What Are the Best Used Luxury Cars?

  • photo illustration of Toyota 4Runner, Lexus ES, and steering wheel of Mazda3 with graphic horizontal lines and road with wooded area tinted grey in background

    Which Brands Have the Best Long-Term Car Reliability?

    Consumer Reports ranks 26 car brands based on the reliability of their 5- to 10-year-old models. See the brands rank for reliability.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • 2019 Audi A6 next to graphic thumbs down icon and 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class next to graphic thumbs up icon

    Popular Used Luxury Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

    Consumer Reports' experts chose these models because they deliver the reliability, comfort, and performance expected from a luxury sedan. See the luxury car recommendations.

    Photo: Consumer Reports
  • 2025 Cadillac XT5 next to graphic thumbs down and 2021 Lexus NX next to graphic thumbs up

    Used Luxury SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

    You can get upscale accommodations and space while avoiding the headaches that come with an unreliable model. See the luxury SUV recommendations.

    Photo: Lexus

How Do I Maintain or Insure a Luxury Car?

  • Tesla Model 3 going through the wet handling course

    Best Car & SUV Tires of the Year

    Consumer Reports' experts spotlight the best car and SUV tires in every category, including all-season and winter/snow. See the best tires.

    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
  • Car battery in engine compartment

    Best Car Batteries

    Consumer Reports charges and discharges car batteries from popular brands to find out how long they’ll last. See the best car batteries of the year.

    Photo: Getty Images
  • Illustration of an Orange sedan driving through stormy weather with rain, wind, and deer nearby.

    Best Car Insurance Companies

    The top-rated car insurance companies are based on a survey of over 40,000 policyholders about coverage, price, and other vital factors. See the best car insurance companies.

    Illustration: Federico Gastaldi