DecodedCarsAudi A3 vs Lexus IS
2026 Audi A3 vs 2026 Lexus IS — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Audi A3 is more fuel-efficient: 28 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $800 a year less in fuel for the Audi A3 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Lexus IS is the bigger car, about 9 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus IS has had fewer recall campaigns (15 vs 28).
The two cars
The 2026 Audi A3 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 177 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,866 lb.
The 2026 Lexus IS is a compact car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,913 lb.
Buying used? The 2024 A3 and the 2024 IS have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 A3 and the 2015 IS.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Audi A3 if…
- You want lower fuel bills (28 vs 22 MPG)
- You want something easier to park (9 in shorter)
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
Choose the Lexus IS if…
- You want more power (up to 311 vs 201 hp)
- You want more room (9 in longer)
- You put reliability history first (15 vs 28 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Audi A3
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2026 subcompact car (24 MPG).
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 201 hp, versus about 311 hp for similar 2026 models.
2026 Lexus IS
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 25% below the 2026 compact car average of 29.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 Audi A3 specs →Full 2026 Lexus IS specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →