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.
| 2026 Audi A3 | 2026 Lexus IS | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | Not rated | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | 28 MPG | 22 MPG |
| City / highway MPG (best) | 24 city | 19 city |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $2,950 | $3,750 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | 201 hp | 311 hp |
| Seats (most) | – | 5 |
| Driver-assist features standard | 14 | 11 |
| Length | 177.2 in | 185.8 in |
| Width | 71.7 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 56.3 in | 56.3 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 2,866 lb | 3,913 lb |
| Recalls (2026) | 0 | 0 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 28 | 15 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 2 | 1 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 23,296 | 28,367 |
| Best used year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Year to avoid | 2015 | 2015 |
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 →