Compare the2022 Lexus ISVS 2022 Audi A3

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The IS offers optional Auto Rear Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The A3 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The IS offers an optional Panoramic View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The A3 only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the IS has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the A3.

Both the IS and the A3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the IS its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 75 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The A3 has not been tested, yet.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the IS 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the A3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the A3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS third among compact premium cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The A3 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 96 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 46 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 20th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Audi is ranked 14th.

The IS 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 40 more horsepower (241 vs. 201) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 221) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The IS 300 AWD’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 59 more horsepower (260 vs. 201) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (236 vs. 221) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The IS 350 F Sport’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 110 more horsepower (311 vs. 201) and 59 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 221) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The IS 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 271 more horsepower (472 vs. 201) and 174 lbs.-ft. more torque (395 vs. 221) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

The IS has 4.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 FWD’s standard fuel tank (17.4 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The IS has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 Quattro’s standard fuel tank (17.4 vs. 14.5 gallons).

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus IS, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A3.

For better traction, the IS has larger standard tires than the A3 (235/45R18 vs. 225/45R17). The IS 350 F Sport/500’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the A3 (F:235/40R19 & R:265/35R19 vs. 225/45R17).

The IS 350 F Sport/500’s 265/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the A3’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the IS 300 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the A3. The IS 350 F Sport/500’s 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the A3.

The IS offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The A3’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the IS’ wheelbase is 6.4 inches longer than on the A3 (110.2 inches vs. 103.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the IS is 1 inch wider in the front and 2.6 inches wider in the rear than the track on the A3.

For better maneuverability, the IS’ turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the A3’s (34.2 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The IS AWD’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the A3’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.4 feet).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the IS a Compact car, while the A3 is rated a Subcompact.

The IS has 3.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the A3 (90.2 vs. 87).

The engine in the IS is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the A3. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 33% lower rating, Audi is ranked 12th.

The IS has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The A3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors optional in the A3, the IS offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the IS offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The A3 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

On extremely cold winter days, the IS’ optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The A3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus IS, based on reliability, safety and performance.