2025 Audi A5 vs 2025 Lexus ES

$48,400 · Hatchback

$42,140 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi A5 blasts off with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, delivering German precision wrapped in a sleek 187.2-inch hatchback body, making it the enthusiast's choice for spirited driving on its standard all-wheel drive platform. Conversely, the 2025 Lexus ES enters the arena as a picture of serene luxury; its lower MSRP of $42,140 immediately signals value, even if its 203 hp output trails the Audi. While the A5 boasts superior power, the ES counters with better efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Audi's 26 combined MPG, while also running on less expensive regular unleaded fuel. The Audi’s hatchback design provides a generous 21.8 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly eclipsing the Lexus sedan’s 13.9 cu ft, though the ES is notably longer overall at 195.9 inches, offering a different spatial dynamic for its passengers. The $6,260 price gap underscores the core tension between performance aggression and attainable refinement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES is the better commuter due to its lower $42,140 MSRP and superior fuel economy ratings of 24/33 MPG on regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A5

The Audi A5’s hatchback body provides a vastly superior 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Lexus ES's 13.9 cu ft, making it more practical for hauling family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A5

With 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque managed by a quick 7-speed automated manual, the Audi A5 clearly prioritizes driving excitement over the Lexus ES's 203 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES wins on pure transactional value, costing $6,260 less upfront and utilizing regular unleaded fuel instead of the Audi's recommended premium.

Choose the Audi A5 if...

You demand exhilarating performance, evidenced by its 261 hp output.
You require maximum utility from a slick body style, capitalizing on the 21.8 cu ft hatchback cargo space.
You prefer the responsiveness of an all-wheel-drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Choose the Lexus ES if...

You prioritize long-term running costs, noted by its superior 28 combined MPG and use of regular unleaded gasoline.
You prefer the smooth shifting characteristics of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
You value a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP starting at $42,140, saving $6,260 over the Audi.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A5	Lexus ES
Length	187.2"	195.9"
Width	72.6"	73.4"
Height	54.6"	57.1"
Wheelbase	111.2"	113.0"

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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

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	261 hp @ 6300 rpm	203 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	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	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/32 MPG	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/489.6 mi.	381.6/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
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	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	37.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.9 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
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	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Rear Head Room	37.0 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	54.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	54.3 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/40R H	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 A5 and 2025 Lexus ES.

What is the practical difference in power between the 2025 Audi A5 and the 2025 Lexus ES?

The 2025 Audi A5 offers a substantial advantage with 261 horsepower, which is 58 hp more than the 2025 Lexus ES's 203 hp. This difference will be noticeable in acceleration and passing power during spirited driving scenarios.

Which vehicle is more economical to fuel in daily driving?

The Lexus ES is more economical, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Audi A5’s 26 combined MPG. Additionally, the Lexus runs on regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Audi recommends premium, adding to its running cost disadvantage.

Which body style offers more utility for cargo?

The 2025 Audi A5, being a hatchback, provides significantly more cargo space at 21.8 cubic feet compared to the 13.9 cubic feet offered by the 2025 Lexus ES sedan body.

How do the prices compare for these two models?

The 2025 Lexus ES has a lower starting MSRP of $42,140, making it $6,260 more affordable than the 2025 Audi A5, which starts at $48,400.

Are both cars equipped with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi A5 and the 2025 Lexus ES come standard with an all-wheel drive system, ensuring confidence in varying road conditions for both competitors.

What are the main transmission differences between the two cars?

The Audi A5 employs a modern 7-speed automated manual transmission, typically designed for faster, more direct shifts, while the Lexus ES uses a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for smoother overall operation.