Luxury car brands are still selling thousands of units despite rising new car prices. The best-selling luxury vehicles of 2026 are small and midsize SUVs from Buick, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and more.
One luxury SUV is outselling its rivals in 2026 and could be the best-selling luxury model of the year. Here's what car buyers and auto enthusiasts need to know about the popular family SUV.
The most popular luxury vehicle of 2026 so far is...
Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, is producing the most popular luxury vehicle of the year based on September sales reports. The brand has sold a whopping 89,824 Lexus RX midsize luxury SUV units this year. In comparison, BMW sold around 63,767 X5 units, making the BMW X5 the second-most-popular luxury vehicle.
The Lexus RX is best known for its outstanding reliability.
Lexus models tend to be more affordable than their counterparts from BMW and Mercedes-Benz as well.
Why I would recommend the Lexus RX
I would recommend the Lexus RX because it's a dependable family SUV. The RX shares DNA with the popular Highlander nameplate, which has a reputation for reliability in the mainstream midsize family SUV segment.
The RX is built to last thanks to solid mechanical components, and it provides strong value for the money based on my testing experience. The midsize luxury family SUV also comes standard with plenty of driver-assistance and safety features.
Who should buy a Lexus RX?
The Lexus RX starts at $55,450. It uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to produce 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The midsize luxury SUV achieves 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
If you're a driver looking for a midsize luxury SUV, the RX competes at the top of its segment. It's made for car buyers interested in long-term ownership and low maintenance costs. The RX may not offer the same performance as competitors like the BMW X5, but its strong value proposition is resulting in a spectacular sales year for the nameplate.
The best Lexus RX trim for the money
Lexus' midsize family SUV comes in nine gas-powered trims, five hybrid trims and two plug-in hybrid trims. Drivers have plenty of trim options, but there are a few reasons why I'd choose the 350h Premium AWD ($57,750) over other options.
The Lexus RX 350h Premium AWD is the most affordable hybrid version of the new SUV with all-wheel drive. It earns 37 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The RX 350h gets excellent gas mileage and standard all-wheel drive grants it better traction than the base model.
ISeeCars.com lists the RX Hybrid as one of the longest-lasting cars. It may be more expensive than the base model, but the RX Hybrid's stellar fuel economy, capability and longevity make up for the price difference.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is the best-selling luxury vehicle of 2026 worth buying?
