Lexus ES, GX top 2021 J.D. Power US Vehicle Dependability Study  

J.D. Power, an American data analytics company specializing in automotive, is famous for its yearly U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Now in 2021, the said survey has found that the top car models in terms of reliability and dependability are the Lexus ES in the premium compact car category, and the Lexus GX in the midsize premium SUV category. 

The Lexus GX premium seven-seater fullsize SUV

Lexus, which is Toyota’s luxury vehicle division, has acquired a total score of 81 compared to the 121 point average. In the context of the VDS, the lower the number, the better. Also of note, this is the ninth time in 10 years that Lexus has managed to beat out all other car brands in the said study.   

If you aren’t convinced or aren’t aware as to what the VDS constitutes, it takes into account up to 177 specific car components, and measures any possible problems from a 100-vehicle sample size within a span of 12 months. The data comes from actual owners of car models subject to the study.  

The Lexus ES premium compact sedan

To make it simpler, the aforementioned car components are then split up into eight categories. Some of these include the car’s air conditioning and ventilation, seats, driving experience, engine/transmission, among others. Suffice to say, it’s a comprehensive study. Also note that the said study is now in its 32nd year, and J.D. Power itself has been around since 1968. 

As for the Lexus models in question, the GX is a seven-seater SUV that’s based on the Toyota Land Cruiser. To this end, it is currently one of the most luxurious off-road capable SUVs in the market. For the Philippine market, the said model is propelled by the well-known 4.6-liter Toyota V8 turbodiesel engine, which is capable of making up to 292 horsepower and 438 Nm of torque.

The GX showing what it's capable of

The Lexus ES is a front-wheel-drive luxury executive compact car, which uses Toyota’s TNGA: GA-K platform. It provides plenty of space for up to five, and is filled to the brim with on-board features. In the Philippine market, it is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that can produce up to 300 horsepower and 357 Nm of torque. 

So if you’re in the market for a luxury sedan or SUV, you might as well refer to J.D. Power’s VDS and consider the ES and the GX. More details of the 2021 edition of the study can be viewed at J.D. Power’s official website.  

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