Toyota vs Honda vs Lexus Reliability: If you’re looking for a sedan in 2025, chances are you’ve already short-listed the same three names everyone else does: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Lexus ES. They’ve essentially built their names on unwavering dependability and for good reason.
But which one is definitely the most dependable today?
Surprise: it’s not the expensive car. It also doesn’t have the largest fan base.
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To fully resolve the argument let’s examine actual ownership statistics, professional evaluations, and long-term cost figures.
Quick Verdict: The Toyota Camry Takes the Crown
Toyota decision to go hybrid-only with the 2026 Camry has paid off—big time. It scores the best reliability rating, lowest long-term maintenance estimate and the longest expected lifespan.
But the full story is a lot more interesting than one simple winner.
1. Toyota Camry: The Hybrid That Refuses to Die
The Toyota Camry has always been the safe choice… and in 2025, that “safe” becomes “smart.”
Why the Camry Win the Reliability Battle
- Reliability Rating: 8.2/10 (Highest of all three)
- Expect Lifespan: 13.1 years / 171,785 mile
- Chance of hitting 200,000 mile: 31.7%
- 5-year ownership cost: $42,125 (maintenance + repair + depreciation)
The hybrid system is Toyota’s secret sauce. It has fewer failure points than turbo engines, and Toyota has spent decades perfecting it.
Fuel Efficiency That Embarrasses the Competition
- 53/50/51 mpg (LE FWD) — absolutely insane for a midsize sedan
- Range: 663 miles on a tank
If your priority is “buy it now, keep it forever,” the Camry is still the king.
2. Honda Accord: Surprisingly Tough, Even With a Turbo
Honda boldly downsized to a 1.5 liter turbocharged CVT. It seem like a prescription for disaster on paper.
But in reality? The Accord still performs like a champ.
Where the Accord Shines
- Reliability Rating: 8/10
- Expect Lifespan: 12.4 year / 162,612 mile
- Zero recalls for this generation huge bragging right
- 5-year ownership cost: $43,818
Honda’s turbo engines have matured, and the CVT issues people feared never became a real-world problem.
Performance & Mileage
- 192 hp, 192 lb-ft
- 29/37/32 mpg
Not as efficient as the Camry, but the Accord feels more fun behind the wheel—still the “driver’s car” of the segment.
3. Lexus ES 250: Comfortable, Classy… and Shockingly Not the Most Reliable
You’d think the luxury sedan would dominate this comparison.
Surprisingly the Lexus ES 250 lands in third place but not because it’s unreliable. It’s just up against two legends.
The ES 250 Stats
- Reliability Rating: 7.9/10
- J.D. Power: 83/100 overall
- 5-year ownership cost: $60,093
- Depreciation: Higher because it’s a premium car
The ES uses Toyota’s proven 2.5-liter engine, but the luxury features and AWD system bring added complexity and cost.
Who Should Buy the Lexus?
If comfort, quietness, and that “premium feeling” matter more than pennies spent over 5 years—the ES is still an unbeatable value in the luxury world.
Head to Head: Performance Snapshot
| Model | Engine | HP / Torque | 0–60 MPH | Fuel Economy | Drivetrain |
| Lexus ES 250 | 2.5L I4 | 203 / 184 | 8.6 sec | 24/33/28 mpg | AWD |
| Honda Accord | 1.5L Turbo I4 | 192 / 192 | 7.2 sec | 29/37/32 mpg | FWD |
| Toyota Camry | 2.5L Hybrid I4 | 184 / 163 | – | 53/50/51 mpg | FWD |
Performance wise all three sedans are capable but the Camry’s hybrid efficiency and long-term reliability make it a standout.
Final Verdict
When you combine:
- Reliability
- low maintenance
- strong resale value
- insane fuel economy
…the Camry is the clear winner for long-term dependability.
Runner-up: Honda Accord
Rock-solid choice for driver who want a mix of fun and reliability
Third Place (but still excellent): Lexus ES 250
Luxury comes with a cost—but it’s still built on Toyota bones.
FAQs
Q1. Is Lexus more reliable than Toyota?
A: Usually yes but not in this specific comparison. The Camry hybrid setup edges past the ES 250 older gas engine.
Q2. Which sedan has the lowest maintenance cost?
A: The Toyota Camry thanks to its simplified hybrid system and Toyota’s track record.
Q3. Should I avoid the Lexus because it ranked third?
A: Not at all. It’s still extremely reliable. It only ranks lower because luxury ownership naturally costs more.
Q4. Which one has the best resale value?
A: Toyota Camry again hybrid hold value incredibly well.
Also Read: 2026 BMW 5 Series vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Which One Should You Buy