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.
| 2026 Audi A6 | 2026 Lexus ES | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Midsize Station Wagons | Midsize Cars |
| Engines | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | Not rated | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | 24 MPG | 46 MPG |
| City / highway MPG (best) | 21 city | 48 city |
| EV range | – | 307 mi |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $3,400 | $600 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | 362 hp | 186 hp |
| Seats (most) | – | 5 |
| Driver-assist features standard | 13 | 12 |
| Length | 194.9 in | 202.4 in |
| Width | 74 in | 75.6 in |
| Height | 57.5 in | 61.4 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 4,319 lb | 4,266 lb |
| Recalls (2026) | 1 | 0 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 33 | 17 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 9 | 1 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 24,694 | 18,660 |
| Best used year | 2024 | 2022 |
| Year to avoid | 2019 | 2019 |
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 →