2025 Lexus IS vs 2025 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Lexus IS captivates with its polished refinement and assured RWD dynamics, offering a premium daily drive starting at an MSRP of $40,535 with 241 horsepower. In thrilling contrast, the 2025 Nissan Z blasts onto the scene as a pure sports machine, boasting a potent 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, ready to devour corners with its standard 6-speed manual transmission. While the IS prioritizes efficiency, hitting 31 MPG on the highway, the Z sacrifices economy for brute force, achieving only 20 combined MPG. The Z's performance edge is significant, outstripping the IS by 159 horsepower. Furthermore, the IS is slightly longer at 185.4 inches, providing a more traditional sedan profile compared to the squat, aggressive stance of the 51.8-inch tall Z coupe. This comparison pits luxury-sport composure against raw, accessible power.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus IS
The 2025 Lexus IS provides superior fuel economy at 25 combined MPG, making the daily grind less costly than the Nissan Z's 20 MPG.
2025 Lexus IS
As a four-door sedan with a usable 10.8 cu ft cargo area, the Lexus IS is inherently more practical than the two-door Nissan Z coupe.
2025 Nissan Z
The 2025 Nissan Z offers a massive 400 hp advantage and a highly engaging 6-speed manual transmission, prioritizing driving thrills above all else.
2025 Lexus IS
While the Z offers more power, the Lexus IS's $40,535 starting price is lower, and its required premium fuel use is offset by better efficiency.
Choose the Lexus IS if...
- You require a true four-door sedan layout suitable for daily passenger duties.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, capitalizing on the Lexus IS's 31 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer the assurance of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with premium interior refinement.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- Your top priority is outright performance, leveraging the Z's massive 400 hp engine.
- You crave the tactile engagement of a standard 6-speed manual gearbox.
- You want a low-slung coupe aesthetic, indicated by its shorter 172.4-inch length and 51.8-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus IS | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 172.4" |
| Width | 72.4" | 72.6" |
| Height | 56.5" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 110.2" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5200 rpm | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/31 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 365.4/539.4 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.2 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.8 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.9 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 32.2 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.4 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 18 x 9.0 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 235/45R18 | 245/45R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus IS and 2025 Nissan Z.
How much faster is the Nissan Z in straight-line performance compared to the Lexus IS?
The difference in performance is substantial; the 2025 Nissan Z produces 400 hp, which is 159 horsepower more than the Lexus IS's 241 hp. This power gap translates directly to significantly quicker acceleration times for the Z.
Is the 2025 Lexus IS significantly more economical for a daily commuter?
Yes, the Lexus IS holds a clear advantage in fuel economy, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the Nissan Z’s 20 combined MPG. Furthermore, the IS requires premium fuel, whereas the Z only recommends it, offering a minor ongoing cost benefit.
Which vehicle offers a more engaging manual driving experience?
The 2025 Nissan Z is the only choice here for manual lovers, as it comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Lexus IS utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission exclusively.
Does the Lexus IS offer better utility or cargo space?
The Lexus IS, being a sedan, offers superior practicality with 10.8 cu ft of cargo capacity and four doors. The Nissan Z is a smaller coupe, inherently limiting passenger access and storage space.
What is the price difference between these two rear-wheel-drive models?
The 2025 Lexus IS has a slightly lower entry MSRP at $40,535, while the 2025 Nissan Z begins at $42,970, creating nearly a $2,500 starting price advantage for the Lexus.
How do the dimensions of the Z and IS affect their physical presence?
The Nissan Z is shorter in length (172.4 inches) and significantly lower (51.8 inches), creating a classic sports car silhouette, while the IS is longer (185.4 inches) and taller (56.5 inches), reflecting its traditional sedan posture.
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