2025 Audi A3 vs 2025 Lexus ES
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical variance between the 2025 Audi A3 and the 2025 Lexus ES is the $3,940 MSRP difference, with the A3 starting at $38,200 compared to the ES's $42,140. Performance metrics show parity in efficiency, with both achieving 28 MPG combined; however, the A3 generates superior low-end pulling power, delivering 236 lb-ft of torque against the ES's 184 lb-ft, despite the ES offering 203 horsepower to the A3's 201 hp. In terms of utility, the ES provides significantly more storage, boasting a 13.9 cu ft cargo capacity versus the A3's 8.3 cu ft, and it is physically larger, measuring 195.9 inches in length compared to the A3's 177.3 inches. Furthermore, the A3 uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission, while the ES utilizes an 8-speed unit.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A3
The 2025 Audi A3 is the winner for commuters due to its more compact 177.3-inch length, making urban navigation and parking easier.
2025 Lexus ES
The 2025 Lexus ES accommodates families better with a substantially larger 13.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi A3
The Audi A3 offers superior dynamic performance metrics due to its higher 236 lb-ft of torque figure.
2025 Audi A3
The Audi A3 presents better monetary value, starting $3,940 less than the Lexus ES while matching its 28 MPG combined fuel economy.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- You prioritize responsive acceleration, benefiting from the 236 lb-ft of torque versus the ES's 184 lb-ft.
- Budget is a primary concern, as the A3 has a starting MSRP of $38,200.
- You prefer the shorter overall length (177.3 inches) for easier maneuverability in dense environments.
Choose the Lexus ES if...
- Maximum usable space is required, provided by the 13.9 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You desire a slightly more powerful engine with 203 horsepower.
- You prefer a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over the A3's 7-speed automated manual.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A3 | Lexus ES |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.3" | 195.9" |
| Width | 71.5" | 73.4" |
| Height | 56.2" | 57.1" |
| Wheelbase | 103.7" | 113.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/34 MPG | 24/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/493.0 mi. | 381.6/524.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | — | Pioneer |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 37.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 54.3 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/45R17 | 215/55R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A3 and 2025 Lexus ES.
What is the primary difference in physical size between the 2025 Audi A3 and the 2025 Lexus ES?
The Lexus ES is significantly larger, measuring 195.9 inches in length compared to the Audi A3's 177.3 inches. This extra length directly contributes to the ES's superior cargo volume of 13.9 cu ft versus the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
Which sedan offers better fuel economy?
Both vehicles are rated equally for fuel efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined using regular unleaded fuel. The EPA estimates show both models earning 24 MPG city and 34 MPG (A3) vs 33 MPG (ES) highway.
Does the horsepower difference affect driving dynamics significantly?
The difference in horsepower is negligible (203 hp for ES vs. 201 hp for A3); however, the Audi A3 delivers substantially more torque at 236 lb-ft, which usually translates to stronger low-speed acceleration.
How does the price point compare between these two AWD sedans?
The 2025 Audi A3 undercuts the Lexus ES substantially, starting at $38,200 compared to the ES's $42,140. This results in a $3,940 price advantage for the A3 at the base trim level.
Are the transmissions fundamentally different in these two cars?
Yes, the transmissions differ in specification; the A3 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual, whereas the Lexus ES comes equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Which vehicle is better suited for frequent loading and unloading of goods?
The Lexus ES is the superior choice for cargo needs, offering 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space. The Audi A3 offers considerably less utility with only 8.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
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