VS
At a Glance
Power
400hp @ 5850
311hp @ 6600
Torque
354lb-ft @ 1700
280lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/151ci
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 400hp @ 5850 while the Lexus IS produces 311hp @ 6600. On fuel, the A3 returns 24 mpg est. while the IS uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $54,900 for the A3 and $49,950 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 A3RS 3 2.5 TFSI S Tronic 2018 - From $54,900
Lexus ISIS 350 F SPORT AWD 2026 - From $49,950
Performance
Power Output (hp)
400hp @ 5850
311hp @ 6600
Torque (lb-ft)
354lb-ft @ 1700
280lb-ft @ 4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/151ci
3.5 L/211ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
5
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
19 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
26 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
17.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.3in
185.4in
Width (in)
70.7in
72.4in
Height (in)
55in
56.5in
Wheelbase (in)
103.6in
110.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3593lbs
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
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A3
Fuel Economy
A3
Value
IS
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A3
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Lexus IS
Lower starting price ($49,950)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A3 or IS?
The A3 gets 24 mpg est. and the IS gets 22 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 400hp @ 5850 and 354lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the IS delivers 311hp @ 6600 and 280lb-ft @ 4800 of torque. The A3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A3 and IS?
The A3 starts from $54,900 and the IS from $49,950. The IS is cheaper by $4,950 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