VS
At a Glance
Power
201hp @ 4800
311hp @ 6600
Torque
221lb-ft @ 1600
280lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
29 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
3.5 L/211ci
Choosing between the Audi A3 and the Lexus IS is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A3 delivers 201hp @ 4800 while the Lexus IS produces 311hp @ 6600. On fuel, the A3 returns 29 mpg est. while the IS uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $43,000 for the A3 and $45,500 for the IS. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A3Premium Plus quattro 2026 - From $43,000
Lexus ISIS 350 F SPORT Design RWD 2026 - From $45,500
Performance
Power Output (hp)
201hp @ 4800
311hp @ 6600
Torque (lb-ft)
221lb-ft @ 1600
280lb-ft @ 4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
3.5 L/211ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
19 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
17.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.9in
185.4in
Width (in)
71.5in
72.4in
Height (in)
56.2in
56.5in
Wheelbase (in)
103.5in
110.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3417lbs
3913lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
IS
Fuel Economy
A3
Value
A3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A3
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($43,000)
Few notable weaknesses
Lexus IS
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (23 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A3 or IS?
The A3 gets 29 mpg est. and the IS gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The A3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A3 or IS?
The A3 produces 201hp @ 4800 and 221lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the IS delivers 311hp @ 6600 and 280lb-ft @ 4800 of torque. The IS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A3 and IS?
The A3 starts from $43,000 and the IS from $45,500. The A3 is cheaper by $2,500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A3 or the IS?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider