2025 Lexus IS vs 2026 Toyota GR Corolla

$40,535 · Sedan

$39,920 · Hatchback

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lexus IS arrives as the picture of sophisticated RWD performance, offering a refined 241 hp output wrapped in premium styling, with a starting MSRP of $40,535. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla explodes onto the scene as a compact titan, boasting a thrilling 300 hp and standard AWD sent through a 6-speed manual transmission for raw engagement. While the GR Corolla wins on outright power by a commanding 59 hp difference and offers superior utility with 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Lexus's 10.8 cu ft, the IS maintains a slight edge in outright highway efficiency at 31 MPG versus 28 MPG. The GR Corolla undercuts the Lexus slightly on price, starting at $39,920, making it an incredible performance bargain, especially given its AWD grip for spirited driving.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus IS

The Lexus IS provides a smoother, more composed experience for daily driving with its automatic transmission and slightly superior highway fuel economy of 31 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota GR Corolla

The 2026 GR Corolla is the superior choice due to its hatchback design offering significantly more cargo capacity at 17.8 cu ft versus the IS's 10.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota GR Corolla

The GR Corolla delivers a much more visceral drive with 300 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque, and a satisfying 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota GR Corolla

The GR Corolla offers nearly 60 more horsepower and vastly more utility for a lower starting price of $39,920 compared to the IS's $40,535.

Choose the Lexus IS if...

You prioritize cruising comfort and refinement associated with a traditional luxury sedan experience.
You desire the ease of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for stop-and-go traffic.
You need the best highway efficiency, achieving 31 MPG compared to the GR Corolla's 28 MPG.

Choose the Toyota GR Corolla if...

You demand maximum raw power, benefiting from 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the tactile engagement of a 6-speed manual gearbox paired with AWD grip.
You require practical versatility, benefiting from the larger 17.8 cu ft cargo capacity provided by the hatchback design.

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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
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: Leatherette/Sueded Microfiber	—	✓
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 2026 Toyota GR Corolla.

How does the GR Corolla's 300 hp compare to the Lexus IS's 241 hp?

The GR Corolla possesses a substantial performance advantage, generating 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is 59 more horsepower than the 2025 Lexus IS's 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is more practical for carrying luggage?

The 2026 GR Corolla is significantly more practical, offering 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity in its hatchback configuration, well exceeding the Lexus IS's sedan cargo volume of 10.8 cubic feet.

Are these cars roughly the same price?

They are priced closely, but the GR Corolla undercuts the luxury sedan; the GR Corolla starts at $39,920, while the Lexus IS begins at $40,535.

What does the difference in drive type mean for driving dynamics?

The Lexus IS utilizes a traditional Rear Wheel Drive setup emphasizing balanced handling, whereas the GR Corolla employs an All Wheel Drive system, optimized for superior traction and rapid acceleration.

Does the Lexus IS offer better fuel economy than the GR Corolla?

Yes, the Lexus IS is slightly more frugal, achieving a combined 25 MPG with highway ratings of 31 MPG, compared to the GR Corolla's combined 24 MPG and 28 MPG on the highway.

Which car forces the driver to work harder?

The GR Corolla requires more engagement as it exclusively features a 6-speed manual transmission, whereas the Lexus IS comes standard with an 8-speed shiftable automatic.