2025 Audi A4 vs 2025 Lexus IS

$44,100 · Sedan

$40,535 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi A4 arrives radiating sophisticated German engineering, thrilling drivers with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque delivered through its standard all-wheel drive system. Conversely, the 2025 Lexus IS captivates with a purer, rear-wheel-drive dynamic and a starting MSRP of $40,535, presenting a compelling case against the Audi’s $44,100 tag. While the Audi boasts superior power output and slightly better efficiency at 26 combined MPG versus the Lexus's 25 MPG, the IS offers a marginally better highway rating (31 MPG vs 32 MPG, despite the A4's efficiency edge). The A4's dimensions are slightly larger, measuring 187.5 inches in length compared to the IS's 185.4 inches, offering 1.2 cubic feet more cargo space at 12 cu ft. Ultimately, this comparison pits Audi's technologically advanced quattro punch against Lexus's traditional, engaging RWD feel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi A4

The 2025 Audi A4 wins for commuters due to its slightly superior combined fuel economy rating of 26 MPG and standard all-wheel drive capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A4

The A4 provides marginally better utility for families, offering 12 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the IS's 10.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus IS

The Lexus IS appeals more to driving purists with its engaging rear-wheel-drive layout, despite having less horsepower than the A4.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus IS

The 2025 Lexus IS is the better value proposition, undercutting the Audi A4's MSRP by a significant $3,565.

Choose the Audi A4 if...

You demand superior straight-line performance with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
You require the assured grip of standard all-wheel drive for adverse weather conditions.
You prioritize maximizing luggage space, as the A4 offers 12 cu ft versus the IS's 10.8 cu ft.

Choose the Lexus IS if...

Your driving enjoyment centers on the traditional feel and handling balance of a rear-wheel-drive platform.
Saving $3,565 on the initial purchase price is a primary concern, with an MSRP of $40,535.
You prefer the direct engagement of an 8-speed automatic transmission over the A4's 7-speed automated manual.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A4	Lexus IS
Length	187.5"	185.4"
Width	72.7"	72.4"
Height	56.2"	56.5"
Wheelbase	111.0"	110.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp @ 6300 rpm	241 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1650 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	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/32 MPG	21/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/489.6 mi.	365.4/539.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	17.4 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	10
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
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	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Front Head Room	37.3 in.	38.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	44.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	55.9 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Hip Room	—	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Rear Head Room	37.4 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	32.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	54.0 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/40R H	235/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.5 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 A4 and 2025 Lexus IS.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Audi A4 and the 2025 Lexus IS?

The Audi A4 holds a tangible advantage in power, delivering 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque compared to the Lexus IS's 241 hp and 258 lb-ft. This extra muscle makes the A4 quicker to accelerate when pushed.

Which sedan offers better efficiency for daily driving?

The 2025 Audi A4 is marginally more efficient, achieving a combined 26 MPG versus the Lexus IS's 25 MPG. However, both require the use of premium unleaded fuel.

Is the Audi A4 larger than the Lexus IS?

Yes, the 2025 Audi A4 is slightly larger overall, measuring 187.5 inches long and 72.7 inches wide compared to the IS's length of 185.4 inches and width of 72.4 inches.

Does the drivetrain layout affect the driving feel significantly?

Absolutely; the A4's standard all-wheel drive emphasizes stability and grip, whereas the IS's rear-wheel drive provides a more classic, engaging feel favoring agile handling characteristics.

What is the primary financial differentiator between these two models?

The Lexus IS undercuts the Audi A4 significantly on starting price, being $3,565 cheaper at an MSRP of $40,535 compared to the A4's $44,100.

How does the transmission compare between the two luxury sedans?

The A4 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission, while the Lexus IS features a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, potentially offering smoother transitions in normal driving scenarios.