2025 Lexus IS vs 2025 Toyota GR Corolla
Comparison Overview
So, you're stuck between refined luxury and raw performance for your next ride? The 2025 Lexus IS starts at an MSRP of $40,535, offering a smooth, RWD experience with 241 hp, prioritizing highway cruising efficiency at 31 MPG highway. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla, priced slightly lower at $39,160, packs a significant punch with 300 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, perfect for spirited driving enthusiasts. While the GR Corolla gives you 59 more horsepower, the IS balances this with better highway fuel economy (31 MPG vs 28 MPG). Practically, the GR Corolla’s hatchback design provides a much more useful 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Lexus's smaller 10.8 cu ft trunk. Ultimately, this choice pits Lexus comfort against Toyota's aggressive, manual-transmission AWD agility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS is slightly more fuel-efficient on the highway (31 MPG vs 28 MPG) and likely offers a quieter, more composed ride for daily mileage.
2025 Toyota GR Corolla
The Toyota GR Corolla wins easily here due to its superior 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity in the hatchback configuration compared to the IS's 10.8 cu ft.
2025 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla clearly appeals to driving purists with its 300 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque, and standard All-Wheel Drive paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla offers substantially more horsepower (300 hp vs 241 hp) and much more utility for $1,375 less than the Lexus IS.
Choose the Lexus IS if...
- You value established luxury branding and prefer rear-wheel drive dynamics.
- You need the best potential highway fuel economy, reaching 31 MPG highway.
- You prefer the smooth operation of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a manual.
Choose the Toyota GR Corolla if...
- You demand maximum performance, as the 300 hp engine significantly outguns the IS's 241 hp.
- You require accessible, practical cargo space, benefiting from the 17.8 cu ft hatchback.
- You prefer the control and engagement of a 6-speed manual gearbox with standard AWD.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus IS | Toyota GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 173.6" |
| Width | 72.4" | 72.8" |
| Height | 56.5" | 57.2" |
| Wheelbase | 110.2" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5200 rpm | 300 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/31 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 365.4/539.4 mi. | 277.2/369.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 months |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.2 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.8 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 53.9 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 | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.9 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 32.2 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.4 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 45.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 235/45R18 | 235/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus IS and 2025 Toyota GR Corolla.
Is the power difference between the two cars noticeable for daily driving?
Absolutely, the GR Corolla has 300 hp compared to the Lexus IS's 241 hp, which is a significant 59 hp advantage for quicker acceleration when merging or passing. While the Lexus is responsive, the GR Corolla provides more brute force performance.
Which car is more practical for carrying groceries or gear?
The Toyota GR Corolla is far more practical as a hatchback, offering 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The Lexus IS sedan is quite constrained with only 10.8 cubic feet, making the Toyota the better choice for hauling larger items.
Since both require premium fuel, how do the running costs compare?
The Lexus IS will generally cost less to fuel over time, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the GR Corolla’s 24 combined MPG. Additionally, the IS has slightly better highway ratings at 31 MPG compared to 28 MPG for the Toyota.
I prefer automatic transmissions; is the Lexus the clear choice then?
Yes, the 2025 Lexus IS comes standard with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla is exclusively offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, so the Lexus meets the automatic requirement.
Are these cars similar in size, or is one substantially bigger?
They are quite different in footprint; the Lexus IS is longer at 185.4 inches, whereas the GR Corolla is notably shorter at 173.6 inches, which might make the Toyota easier to maneuver in tight city parking situations.
Does the All-Wheel Drive on the GR Corolla offer a major handling advantage over the IS's RWD?
The AWD system on the GR Corolla generally provides superior traction, especially in poor weather or aggressive cornering, compared to the rear-wheel-drive setup in the Lexus IS, making it more confidence-inspiring in varied conditions.
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