The most reliable car in 2026 features a V-6 that is over a decade old

In an era where automakers constantly chase new technology, smaller engines, and electrified powertrains, longevity often comes from something much simpler: sticking with what already works. Proven mechanical components and gradual improvements can sometimes be more valuable than the latest innovations, especially for buyers who plan to keep their cars for the long haul.

That philosophy has helped certain brands build enviable reputations for dependability over decades. While many competitors frequently overhaul their platforms and engines, a handful of manufacturers continue refining tried-and-tested hardware, resulting in vehicles that consistently rank among the most reliable on the road year after year.

One compact luxury sedan embodies that approach better than almost anything else on sale today. Despite receiving modern updates and fresh technology, it still relies on a naturally aspirated V-6 that has been proving itself for more than a decade, offering buyers a rare combination of old-school character, everyday comfort, and exceptional long-term durability.

The Lexus IS remains the most dependable car you can buy in 2026

The most reliable sedan from the most reliable automaker

Lexus consistently ranks among the most reliable automakers you can buy from in 2026. They have built this reputation over decades, with authorities like Consumer Reports placing them above any other automaker in terms of long-term dependability. In Lexus' lineup, one car stands out as having the best reputation for reliability. Even with it receiving major updates for the 2026 model year, its proven mechanical components make a strong case for its lasting hundreds of thousands of miles.

Lexus IS reliability, warranties, and maintenance

• Reliability score: 91/100 (J.D. Power)
• Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance: 1 year or 10,000 miles

J.D. Power awards the Lexus IS a reliability score of 91 out of 100, which is higher than any other new vehicle. It has a strong history to back up this high score as well. The current generation of the IS has been in production since all the way back in 2013, and while it has received a decent amount of updates since then, every model year has continued to deliver impressive reliability.

Backing up this track record, Lexus offers a pretty comprehensive warranty package. As well as a four-year bumper-to-bumper plan, you get one of the best powertrain warranties on the market. As well as this, your first maintenance visit is on the house.

The V-6 powering the 2026 Lexus IS has been around for 12 years

It plays a huge role in the sedan's reliability

For the 2026 model year, Lexus facelifted the IS, imbuing it with a ton of new features and a sleek new look. One thing that they kept the same, though, was the V-6 that sits under its hood. The Japanese automaker has, however, gotten rid of the other two powertrain options that used to be on offer, the four-cylinder IS 300 and the V-8 IS 500.

2026 Lexus IS performance specs

The 2GR-FKS is a naturally aspirated V-6 that first debuted back in 2014, and it now exists as the lone engine option in the IS. While a lot of other automakers swap out their powertrains more frequently, Lexus has kept this particular six-cylinder around so long because it works, and it works well. It makes 311 horsepower which it sends to the rear wheels as standard, though all-wheel drive is optional. Rear-wheel drive models get an eight-speed automatic but all-wheel drive models get a six-speed instead.

Lexus' compact sedan isn't quite as sporty as some of its direct rivals, such as the Genesis G70 or the Cadillac CT4. That being said, it still offers a good amount of fun through twisty back roads. It's V-6 does give it an edge, though, with it being one of the last naturally aspirated engines left in a sports sedan, allowing you to build power all the way through the rev range.

When you're driving it with a little less gumption, you'll be equally impressed with just how plush the Lexus feels.

Lexus avoids taking the IS into a new generation with a sleek facelift

New exterior looks and a more refined cabin

As we already mentioned, this generation of the IS has been around for quite a long time. Even though it had already been facelifted more than once before the 2026 model, it was still feeling a little aged. We think that the Japanese automaker has done just enough to keep it relevant in the current market, with new styling and a much nicer interior. Our only gripe is that the discontinuation of the four-cylinder IS 300 means the starting price has shot up quite a bit.

2026 Lexus IS trims and pricing

With its makeover, and reduction in trims, the IS now starts at $46,895. While that still makes it a more affordable choice than the likes of the Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Lexus no longer undercuts rivals like the Genesis G70 or the Cadillac CT4. That being said, it does come with a standard six-cylinder engine, albeit over a decade old, and a fresh front fascia. Some, however, have complained that it looks a little too similar to the Camry, but we think that's a stretch.

The best changes are on the inside, though, with Lexus updating the cabin to feel more modern. Gone is the small infotainment screen and its stilly little center-console-mounted touchpad, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen now taking center stage. The big slab of piano-black trim that led from the dashboard and housed a bevy of physical controls has also been simplified, with a new set of switches taking their place.

Which trim should you get?

While losing the cheaper models is a bit of a bummer for buyers on a budget, and the loss of the IS 500 hurts our hearts, we think that the IS 350 was always the sweet spot as far as value was concerned. We also think that jumping up to the fully-fledged F Sport model is the way to go, as it helps the Lexus compete with its sportier rivals. We'd also add the F Sport Handling package, which adds an Adaptive Variable Suspension and the Torsen limited-slip rear differential.

Times are changing, but the IS continues to chug on anyways

Lexus has rightly identified that the luxury compact sedan segment should always be a little entertaining, and things like hybrid systems or electrification take away from that. This is why the fact that the current generation IS is over a decade old isn't a bad thing. The updates they have made help to keep it modern, but things like the six-cylinder powertrain under the hood have stayed the same. Not only does this give you an analogue driving experience that is quickly fleeting from the market, but you also get something with a proven track record for durability. The Lexus IS remains one of the few sports sedans that you can buy that should easily last you hundreds of thousands of miles without issue.