DecodedCarsAudi A6 vs Lexus ES
2026 Audi A6 vs 2026 Lexus ES — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Lexus ES is more fuel-efficient: 46 vs 24 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $2,800 a year less in fuel for the Lexus ES (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Lexus ES is the bigger car, about 8 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus ES has had fewer recall campaigns (17 vs 33).
The two cars
The 2026 Audi A6 is a midsize station wagon offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 197 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,319 lb (4dr Sedan).
The 2026 Lexus ES is a midsize car offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 202 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,641 lb (350e 4dr Sedan).
Buying used? The 2024 A6 and the 2022 ES have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 A6 and the 2019 ES.
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 A6 if…
- You want more power (up to 362 vs 186 hp)
- You want something easier to park (8 in shorter)
Choose the Lexus ES if…
- You want lower fuel bills (46 vs 24 MPG)
- You want an EV with more range (307 miles)
- You want more room (8 in longer)
- You put reliability history first (17 vs 33 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Audi A6
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Lexus ES
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 46 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2026 midsize car (31.2 MPG).
- Long EV rangeUp to 307 miles on a charge (EPA).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and electric as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 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 186 hp, versus about 362 hp for similar 2026 models.
Full 2026 Audi A6 specs →Full 2026 Lexus ES specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →