2025 Ford Mustang vs 2025 Lexus IS
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Mustang ignites the muscle car spirit with its potent 315 hp and aggressive RWD stance, ready to devour the asphalt. Contrastingly, the 2025 Lexus IS brings an aura of sophisticated, refined sportiness to the four-door sedan segment. Performance strongly favors the Mustang, delivering 74 more horsepower (315 hp vs. 241 hp) and 92 more lb-ft of torque (350 vs. 258) than the IS. Fuel economy is nearly identical, with the Mustang achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Lexus’s 25 combined MPG, though the Mustang recommends premium fuel while the IS requires it. The Mustang offers superior utility with 13.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the IS's 10.8 cu ft. However, the steep $8,615 MSRP difference means the Mustang starts at a much more accessible $31,920, challenging the Lexus's luxury positioning with pure raw output.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS, as a sedan, offers a more traditional and potentially more comfortable ride experience for daily driving despite slightly lower efficiency.
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS is inherently more practical due to its sedan body style, offering easier access for passengers compared to the two-door Mustang coupe.
2025 Ford Mustang
The 2025 Mustang dominates in sheer power output, boasting 315 hp and a more aggressive RWD configuration focused purely on spirited driving.
2025 Ford Mustang
The Mustang provides significantly higher performance (74 more horsepower) for an $8,615 lower starting MSRP, equating to better power-per-dollar.
Choose the Ford Mustang if...
- You prioritize raw power, benefiting from 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque for thrilling acceleration.
- You are seeking the lowest entry price point, starting at just $31,920.
- You prefer the classic coupe layout and benefit from 13.5 cu ft of cargo space for weekend trips.
Choose the Lexus IS if...
- You require four doors and a more accommodating 56.5-inch height for easier ingress/egress, typical of a sedan.
- You prefer the standard, structured handling characteristics that come with a slightly narrower 72.4-inch width.
- You value the mandatory use of premium fuel in the IS as an indicator of the engine's design intent.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Mustang | Lexus IS |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.4" | 185.4" |
| Width | 75.4" | 72.4" |
| Height | 55.0" | 56.5" |
| Wheelbase | 107.0" | 110.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 315 hp @ 5500 rpm | 241 hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft @ 3000 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 | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/33 MPG | 21/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 352.0/528.0 mi. | 365.4/539.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 17.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Infotainment Display | — | 8.0 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.6 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.5 in. | 44.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 34.8 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 29.0 in. | 32.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.2 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/50R18 | 235/45R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Mustang and 2025 Lexus IS.
What is the main powertrain difference between the 2025 Mustang and the 2025 Lexus IS?
The Mustang leads significantly with 315 horsepower compared to the Lexus IS’s 241 horsepower, giving the Ford a distinct advantage in straight-line performance. The Mustang also boasts higher torque at 350 lb-ft versus the Lexus’s 258 lb-ft.
Which car offers better utility for hauling passengers or gear?
The Mustang, despite being a coupe, offers a slightly larger trunk at 13.5 cu ft compared to the IS sedan’s 10.8 cu ft. However, the IS’s sedan body style makes loading passengers into the rear seats easier than in the Mustang coupe.
How does the fuel requirement impact running costs for these two vehicles?
Both vehicles mandate premium unleaded fuel, but the Mustang only recommends it while the Lexus IS requires it, potentially locking the owner into higher fuel costs. Their combined MPG figures are very close, 26 MPG for the Mustang versus 25 MPG for the IS.
Is the extra cost of the Lexus IS justified over the Mustang?
The Lexus IS starts $8,615 higher than the Mustang, trading sheer power for luxury brand appeal and a traditional sedan layout. Value favors the Mustang heavily based on its power output alone.
How do the dimensions affect driving feel between the two RWD cars?
The Mustang is longer at 189.4 inches and wider at 75.4 inches, suggesting a more planted presence, whereas the IS is slightly shorter and narrower, which might translate to a nimbler feel in tight city streets.
Do both vehicles use similar automatic transmissions?
No, the Mustang utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission designed for performance maximization, while the Lexus IS comes equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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