DecodedCarsAudi A5 vs Lexus IS
2026 Audi A5 vs 2026 Lexus IS — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Audi A5 is more fuel-efficient: 26 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $600 a year less in fuel for the Audi A5 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Audi A5 is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus IS has had fewer recall campaigns (15 vs 22).
The two cars
The 2026 Audi A5 is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 190 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,902 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 A5 and the 2024 IS have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2018 A5 and the 2015 IS.
| 2026 Audi A5 | 2026 Lexus IS | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Midsize 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 | 26 MPG | 22 MPG |
| City / highway MPG (best) | 22 city | 19 city |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $3,150 | $3,750 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | 268 hp | 311 hp |
| Seats (most) | – | 5 |
| Driver-assist features standard | 13 | 11 |
| Length | 190.2 in | 185.8 in |
| Width | 73.2 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 56.7 in | 56.3 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 3,902 lb | 3,913 lb |
| Recalls (2026) | 0 | 0 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 22 | 15 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 1 | 1 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 18,960 | 28,367 |
| Best used year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Year to avoid | 2018 | 2015 |
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Audi A5 if…
- You want lower fuel bills (26 vs 22 MPG)
- You want more room (4 in longer)
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
Choose the Lexus IS if…
- You want more power (up to 311 vs 268 hp)
- You want something easier to park (4 in shorter)
- You put reliability history first (15 vs 22 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Audi A5
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 26 MPG combined, 17% below the 2026 midsize car average of 31.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 268 hp, versus about 348 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 A5 specs →Full 2026 Lexus IS specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →