2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 Lexus IS
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable disparity between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 Lexus IS is the $8,165 difference in starting MSRP, with the Lexus IS priced at $40,535 compared to the S3's $48,700. Performance metrics also diverge substantially; the Audi S3 boasts 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, providing an 87 hp advantage over the Lexus IS's 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is nearly identical, with both achieving 31 MPG highway, though the S3 nets a slightly better 26 combined MPG versus the IS's 25 combined MPG. Dimensionally, the IS is longer at 185.4 inches versus the S3's 177.4 inches and offers 10.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S3's 8.3 cu ft. Both require premium unleaded fuel, but the Audi uses a 7-speed automated manual while the Lexus utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3's superior 26 combined MPG rating marginally edges out the Lexus IS for efficiency on daily routes.
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS offers superior practicality with 10.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Audi S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The 2025 Audi S3 delivers 328 hp, creating a substantial 87 hp performance advantage over the Lexus IS.
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS offers a lower entry price point at $40,535 while still providing premium fuel performance.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- Peak performance is the primary goal, highlighted by the S3's 328 hp output.
- A driver prefers the responsiveness of an all-wheel-drive system for traction management.
- The shorter length (177.4 inches) is beneficial for urban parking scenarios.
Choose the Lexus IS if...
- A budget constraint exists, given the $8,165 lower MSRP compared to car1.
- Greater inherent utility is required, evidenced by 10.8 cu ft of trunk space.
- A preference for a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a 7-speed automated manual is held.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Lexus IS |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 185.4" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.4" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.5" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 110.2" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 241 hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 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) | 23/31 MPG | 21/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 365.4/539.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 44.8 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 | 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 | 36.6 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 32.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 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 Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 235/45R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.5 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 IS.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 Lexus IS?
The Audi S3 employs an all-wheel-drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission. Conversely, the Lexus IS comes standard with a rear-wheel-drive setup mated to an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Audi S3 compared to the Lexus IS?
The Audi S3 produces 328 horsepower, representing an 87 hp advantage over the 2025 Lexus IS, which is rated at 241 horsepower.
Which sedan provides better storage capacity for luggage?
The Lexus IS is superior for cargo needs, offering 10.8 cubic feet of storage space. The Audi S3 is notably smaller in this metric, providing only 8.3 cubic feet.
Are both vehicles equally expensive regarding fuel requirements?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 Lexus IS mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel for operation.
How does the exterior size difference impact maneuverability?
The Audi S3 is dimensionally more compact, measuring 177.4 inches long compared to the 185.4-inch length of the Lexus IS, potentially making parallel parking slightly easier for the Audi.
Is there a substantial difference in fuel efficiency between the two models?
The fuel economy figures are very close; both achieve 31 MPG on the highway. The Audi S3 slightly leads in combined ratings at 26 MPG versus the Lexus IS's 25 MPG combined.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool