DecodedCarsLexus IS vs Tesla Model 3
2026 Lexus IS vs 2026 Tesla Model 3 — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $3,200 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model 3 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus IS has had fewer recall campaigns (15 vs 36).
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 3 is a midsize car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,030 lb (4dr Sedan Long Range AWD).
Buying used? The 2024 IS and the 2017 Model 3 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 IS and the 2018 Model 3.
| 2026 Lexus IS | 2026 Tesla Model 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Compact Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Engines | 3.5L 6-cyl | EV |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | Not rated | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | 22 MPG | – |
| City / highway MPG (best) | 19 city | – |
| EV range | – | 363 mi |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $3,750 | $550 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | 311 hp | – |
| Seats (most) | 5 | 5 |
| Driver-assist features standard | 11 | 11 |
| Length | 185.8 in | 185.8 in |
| Width | 72.4 in | 72.8 in |
| Height | 56.3 in | 56.7 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 3,913 lb | 3,805 lb |
| Recalls (2026) | 0 | 1 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 15 | 36 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 1 | 29 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 28,367 | 25,701 |
| Best used year | 2024 | 2017 |
| Year to avoid | 2015 | 2018 |
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Lexus IS if…
- You put reliability history first (15 vs 36 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Tesla Model 3 if…
- You want an EV with more range (363 miles)
- 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 3
- Long EV rangeUp to 363 miles on a charge (EPA).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 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 3 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →