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Lexus IS vs Tesla Model S

2026 Lexus IS vs 2026 Tesla Model S — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lexus IS

2026 Lexus IS

Compact CarsAWD/4WD
VS2 – 2Tie: 2 categories each
Tesla Model S

2026 Tesla Model S

Large CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $3,150 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model S (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Tesla Model S is the bigger car, about 10 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus IS has had fewer recall campaigns (15 vs 38).

The two cars

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.

The 2026 Tesla Model S is a large car powered by electricity and all-wheel drive. It measures about 196 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,969 lb.

Buying used? The 2024 IS and the 2024 Model S have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 IS and the 2016 Model S.

Basics

Compact Cars
Class
Large Cars
Premium Gasoline
Fuel
EV
3.5L 6-cyl
Engines
EV
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

22 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
19 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
410 mi
$3,750
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$600

Performance & space

311 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
5
Seats (most)
5
185.8 in
Length
195.7 in
72.4 in
Width
77.2 in
56.3 in
Height
56.7 in
3,913 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,969 lb

Safety & reliability

11
Driver-assist features standard
12
0
Recalls (2026)
0
15
Recalls, all years since 2005
38
1
Owner complaints (latest year)
7

Interest

28,367
Wikipedia views, 30 days
21,362

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
2015
Year to avoid
2016

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus IS if…

  • You want something easier to park (10 in shorter)
  • You put reliability history first (15 vs 38 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Tesla Model S if…

  • You want an EV with more range (410 miles)
  • You want more room (10 in longer)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option

Pros & cons of each

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.

2026 Tesla Model S

  • Long EV rangeUp to 410 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Full 2026 Lexus IS specs →Full 2026 Tesla Model S specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →