2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 Lexus ES
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi S3 bursts onto the scene as the true driver's machine, delivering an exhilarating 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque channeled through its responsive 7-speed automated manual transmission and standard quattro AWD. Its compact footprint, measuring just 177.4 inches long, promises agile handling on tight roads. Contrast this with the elegant 2025 Lexus ES, a refined cruiser that starts at a competitive $42,140—a significant $6,560 less than the S3’s $48,700 entry. While the ES offers a more comfortable 13.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the S3's smaller 8.3 cu ft, the power deficit is stark: the Lexus makes only 203 hp. The Audi prioritizes raw engagement and performance numbers, while the Lexus leans into smooth, efficient luxury, boasting slightly better fuel economy at 28 combined MPG compared to the S3's 26 combined MPG, even while requiring premium fuel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency of 28 combined MPG and its ability to use regular unleaded gasoline.
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is superior for families, offering substantially more storage volume at 13.9 cu ft compared to the Audi S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The 2025 Audi S3 is the definitive enthusiast choice, boasting a potent 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES delivers excellent value, starting at $42,140, which is $6,560 less than the starting price of the Audi S3.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You demand thrilling acceleration derived from 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the quicker, performance-oriented shifting of a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
- You value a smaller, more nimble exterior size (177.4 inches in length) for carving canyons.
Choose the Lexus ES if...
- You need significant utility with 13.9 cu ft of dedicated cargo capacity.
- You wish to save over $6,500 on the initial purchase price, starting at $42,140.
- You prefer running on less expensive regular unleaded fuel while still achieving 33 MPG highway.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Lexus ES |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 195.9" |
| Width | 71.5" | 73.4" |
| Height | 55.7" | 57.1" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 113.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 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 | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 24/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 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 | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 215/55R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
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 S3 and 2025 Lexus ES.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 Lexus ES?
The Audi S3 is significantly more powerful, offering 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Lexus ES delivers a more modest 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, making the S3 the clear choice for aggressive driving dynamics.
Which sedan is more cost-effective to operate on a daily basis?
The Lexus ES is more cost-effective due to two factors: it requires less expensive regular unleaded fuel, whereas the S3 demands premium, and the ES achieves better mileage (28 combined MPG vs. 26 combined MPG).
If cargo space is critical, which vehicle should I choose?
The Lexus ES provides substantially more usable space, offering 13.9 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Audi S3's trunk is notably smaller, measuring only 8.3 cu ft.
Does the 2025 Audi S3's smaller size translate to better fuel economy?
No, despite the Audi S3 being significantly shorter (177.4 inches vs. 195.9 inches for the ES), its higher-output engine results in slightly worse efficiency, scoring 23/31 MPG city/highway versus the ES's 24/33 MPG.
Why is the Audi S3 so much more expensive than the Lexus ES?
The Audi S3 commands a higher MSRP of $48,700, a $6,560 premium over the Lexus ES's base price, largely reflecting the superior performance hardware, including the 328 hp engine and specialized all-wheel-drive system.
What are the transmission differences between these two all-wheel-drive sedans?
The performance-focused Audi S3 utilizes a quicker 7-speed automated manual transmission, while the comfort-oriented Lexus ES employs a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic geared for smoothness.
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