2025 Lexus ES vs 2026 Audi A3
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Lexus ES and the 2026 Audi A3 lies in their physical footprint, with the ES measuring 18.6 inches longer at 195.9 inches compared to the A3's 177.3 inches. This size disparity directly impacts utility, as the Lexus offers a superior 13.9 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Audi's 8.3 cu ft. In performance metrics, the Audi A3 leverages significantly more torque, producing 236 lb-ft versus the Lexus ES's 184 lb-ft, despite having only 2 fewer horsepower (201 hp vs. 203 hp). Both vehicles achieve an identical 28 MPG combined, utilizing regular unleaded fuel. However, the Lexus ES starts at a higher MSRP of $42,140, while the Audi A3 undercuts it at $40,100, positioning the A3 as the more accessible option based purely on initial cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Audi A3
The Audi A3's higher torque figure (236 lb-ft) paired with its smaller dimensions suggests better agility in stop-and-go urban driving compared to the larger Lexus ES.
2025 Lexus ES
The 2025 Lexus ES provides substantially more usable space with a 13.9 cu ft cargo capacity, which is 67% greater than the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
2026 Audi A3
The Audi A3's superior torque output of 236 lb-ft will provide quicker off-the-line acceleration response than the Lexus ES's 184 lb-ft.
2026 Audi A3
The Audi A3 is priced lower at $40,100 compared to the Lexus ES's $42,140, offering comparable combined MPG.
Choose the Lexus ES if...
- Maximum cargo volume is required, as the ES provides 13.9 cu ft versus the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
- A traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission is preferred over the A3's 7-speed automated manual.
- A larger overall vehicle platform (195.9 inches long) providing potentially more rear passenger volume is the priority.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- Maximizing torque for better responsive acceleration is crucial, evidenced by 236 lb-ft versus 184 lb-ft.
- A lower initial purchase price of $40,100 is desired over the ES's $42,140 MSRP.
- Slightly better highway efficiency is sought, indicated by the A3's 34 MPG highway rating compared to the ES's 33 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus ES | Audi A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.9" | 177.3" |
| Width | 73.4" | 71.5" |
| Height | 57.1" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 103.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm | 201 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 236 lb-ft |
| 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 | Lexus | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 24/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 381.6/524.7 mi. | 348.0/493.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Pioneer | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| 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 | Lexus | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.5 in. | 36.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.3 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/55R17 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus ES and 2026 Audi A3.
How does the horsepower and torque compare between the 2025 Lexus ES and the 2026 Audi A3?
The Lexus ES holds a slight edge in raw power with 203 hp compared to the Audi A3's 201 hp. However, the Audi significantly leads in torque output, delivering 236 lb-ft versus the Lexus's 184 lb-ft.
Which sedan is physically larger, the Lexus ES or the Audi A3?
The 2025 Lexus ES is substantially larger, measuring 195.9 inches in length and 73.4 inches in width. The 2026 Audi A3 is more compact, with a length of 177.3 inches and a width of 71.5 inches.
What is the difference in fuel economy for these two AWD sedans?
Both the Lexus ES and the Audi A3 achieve an identical 28 MPG combined rating. For highway driving, the Audi A3 edges out the Lexus slightly, offering 34 MPG highway versus the ES's 33 MPG highway.
Is the transmission type the same for both vehicles?
No, the transmissions differ significantly; the Lexus ES uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the 2026 Audi A3 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
How much more cargo space does the Lexus ES offer over the Audi A3?
The Lexus ES provides 13.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is 5.6 cu ft more than the Audi A3's 8.3 cu ft volume. This makes the ES significantly more practical for luggage or grocery hauling.
Do these vehicles require premium gasoline?
No, both the 2025 Lexus ES and the 2026 Audi A3 are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, contributing to lower running costs for both models.
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