Brand hub ยท IIHS data updated 2026-09-03
Lexus Safety Ratings (2026)
Every current Lexus model in IIHS records, scored with the same formula as our main ranking, plus real-world death rates for used Lexus models where the data exists.
See every Lexus rankedThe safest current Lexus is the 2026 Lexus NX, scoring 94.8/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, #20 of 131 in our overall ranking. Lexus has 6 current models in IIHS records, 2 with complete crash-test results; 1 earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ and 0 earned a Top Safety Pick. Older Lexus models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 5.9 per million registered vehicle years, grade A+ on our brand ranking. That is context from older models and is not part of the score.
Every current Lexus ranked by safety
Equal scores share a rank. The score is 55% primary IIHS tests, 25% selected occupant-protection details, 10% pedestrian front crash prevention, and 10% class context. Missing evidence never counts as passing. Class rank compares each model with every vehicle in its IIHS class, not just other Lexus models.
| Rank | Vehicle | Class | Class rank | IIHS award | Starts at | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 2026 Lexus NX | Midsize luxury SUVs | 10 of 22 | TSP+ | ~$44,175 | 94.8 |
| #2 | 2026 Lexus RX | Midsize luxury SUVs | 20 of 22 | No award | ~$49,725 | 72.1 |
Prices are approximate base MSRPs excluding destination. TSP+ is IIHS Top Safety Pick+; TSP is Top Safety Pick. Full weights and rules are on the methodology page.
4 Lexus models still waiting on complete IIHS results
These are listed so you can see what has been tested. A missing result is never treated as a pass or a fail, so they are not ranked.
| Vehicle | Class | Primary tests reported | Detail results reported | IIHS award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus Is | Midsize luxury cars | 2/4 | 2/4 | No award |
| 2026 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid | Midsize luxury SUVs | 3/4 | 3/4 | No award |
| 2026 Lexus TX | Midsize luxury SUVs | 1/4 | 2/4 | No award |
| 2026 Lexus UX | Small SUVs | 3/4 | 3/4 | No award |
Real-world death rates for used Lexus models
Driver deaths per million registered vehicle years from the IIHS driver death rate study, compared with the average for each model's class. Lower is better. These are older model years and are separate from the crash-test scores above.
| Vehicle | Model years | Driver death rate | Class average | Used price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus ES 350 | 2019-20 | 0 | 24.8 | $24,000 to $35,000 |
| Lexus RX 350 4WD | 2017-20 | 5 | 10.9 | $26,000 to $40,000 |
| Lexus NX 300 2WD | 2018-20 | 6 | 10.9 | $22,000 to $32,000 |
| Lexus RX 450h 4WD | 2017-20 | 7 | 10.9 | $28,000 to $42,000 |
| Lexus RX 350 2WD | 2017-20 | 10 | 10.9 | $24,000 to $38,000 |
| Lexus NX 300 4WD | 2018-20 | 13 | 10.9 | $24,000 to $34,000 |
Green means at or below the class average; red means above it. Every used model is on the safest used cars page.
Older Lexus model years
Earlier model years with IIHS results on this site. They are not part of the current ranking.
Questions people ask about Lexus safety
Is Lexus a safe brand?
Lexus has 6 current models in IIHS records, 2 with complete crash-test records. 1 earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 0 earned a Top Safety Pick. The best current Lexus is the 2026 Lexus NX at 94.8/100, #20 of 131 in our overall ranking. Older Lexus models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 5.9 per million registered vehicle years, grade A+; that is historical context and not part of the score. Safety varies more between models than between brands, so pick the model first.
What is the safest Lexus?
The safest current Lexus in our 2026 ranking is the 2026 Lexus NX (midsize luxury suvs), scoring 94.8/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It ranks #10 of 22 in its class.
Which Lexus models earned Top Safety Pick+ in 2026?
1 current Lexus model earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+: Lexus NX.
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