One might think the most expensive automobiles on the road would inherently be the most durable in the long run, based upon their typically superior build quality and top-shelf components, but this is, sadly, not always the case. For example, of 49 luxury cars rated by Consumer Reports, 20 are predicted to experience below-average long-term reliability. That may not mean much for motorists leasing their upscale autos under full warranty, but for second or third owners, or those who tend to hold onto their vehicles tenaciously over time, repairs in this segment can be frighteningly costly.

We came up with a list of 10 current models we’re featuring in the accompanying slideshow that received the best aggregate scores from both surveys. Be aware, however, that not all models in the luxury segment are ranked by either CR or JDP. By necessity, both entities tend to concentrate more on higher-volume mainstream cars than limited-production exotic models. By nature, reliability ratings are based on past performance, which tends to exclude more-recently debuted or redesigned vehicles.

General Motors’ full-size pickup is the nation’s second-most-popular vehicle of any sort behind Ford’s F-150. Chevy did not follow Ford’s lead in making extensive use of aluminium to lighten the vehicle and improve fuel economy. Chevy is sticking with steel and promoting it as tougher than aluminium. The nation’s other popular pickup will debut at next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Ram, another Fiat Chrysler division, faces the same challenge as GM and Ford: winning over hidebound pickup buyers by adding capability and ruggedness while improving fuel economy. The new 1500 will arrive in the first half of the year. The Ascent fixes a big problem for Subaru, a brand that won over buyers with its outdoors image and all-wheel drive vehicles.

Subaru buyers loved their vehicles, but outgrew them as their families got larger. Ascent takes over the large SUV space that Subaru left behind with the oddly-styled Tribeca. “The luxury mummy-mobile is getting bigger,” Caldwell says. Lexus created a devoted following with its two-row RX midsize SUV. Now it is extending it by 4.3 inches to create a three-row model with a name aimed at capturing the warm feelings for the RX. It will also come in a hybrid version.

Cars are out of favour with buyers compared with SUVs, and large cars haven’t caught fire either. Toyota’s Avalon has done better than most. A new version comes to the auto show in Detroit and it will hit showrooms later in the year. It will give Toyota a fresh product to go up against other full-size competitors Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala and Nissan Maxima. Ford was late to the party when it brought a small SUV, the EcoSport, to the Los Angeles Auto Show last year.

The SUV finally comes to showrooms early next year. It will be imported from India. The latest version of the Accord has been drawing rave reviews since the turbocharged 1.5-litre version went on sale in October, followed a month later by one with a turbocharged 2-litre engine. Now comes the hybrid, which should combine the best of the car with better fuel economy.

The Kicks, which just made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, has the right combination for success in the small SUV category: a peppy yet frugal engine, maximum inside space and lots of connectivity options. It also looks more normal than Nissan’s small SUV, the quirky Juke. Kicks arrives in June. The QX50 is a nice, normal luxury SUV midsize SUV that will stand outwith its breakthrough engine technology.

It has the industry’s first variable-compression engine, which changes the way the pistons work in the cylinders in a way that could give the QX50 a hybrid-like fuel economy without the need for large, expensive batteries. Where are all the midsize cars, Until fuel prices dropped, they were the industry’s largest segment. Then came the SUV onslaught. The Mazda6 hasn’t been a huge seller, but it’s one of the nicer sedans out there.



The even nicer new one goes in sale in April or May. Volvo’s entrant into the small SUV race looks like a downsized version of the midsize XC60 SUV. The all-wheel drive version will be followed a front-wheel drive model, due next summer. Hyundai’s small SUV will stand out with its styling.