Compare the2022 Lexus ISVS 2021 Mercedes AMG A-Class

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Lexus IS are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Mercedes AMG A-Class doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The IS has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG A-Class doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

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 AMG A-Class doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The IS’ standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG A-Class.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the IS’ standard rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The AMG A-Class doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the IS and the AMG A-Class have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

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 AMG A-Class has not been tested, yet.

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

The IS’ corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the AMG A-Class’ (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS third among compact premium cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The AMG A-Class 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 Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 49 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th, 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 Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 41 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Mercedes is ranked 20th.

The IS 350 F Sport’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 9 more horsepower (311 vs. 302) than the AMG A-Class’ 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The IS 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 170 more horsepower (472 vs. 302) and 100 lbs.-ft. more torque (395 vs. 295) than the AMG A-Class’ 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

The IS has 3.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG A-Class (17.4 vs. 13.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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 AMG A-Class.

For better stopping power the IS 500’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG A-Class:

The IS has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the AMG A-Class; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the AMG A-Class don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the IS’ wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer than on the AMG A-Class (110.2 inches vs. 107.4 inches).

For better maneuverability, the IS’ turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the AMG A-Class’ (34.2 feet vs. 36.1 feet). The IS AWD’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the AMG A-Class’ (35.4 feet vs. 36.1 feet).

The IS has 3 inches more front legroom and .8 inches more front shoulder room than the AMG A-Class.

The IS has a much larger trunk than the AMG A-Class (10.8 vs. 8.6 cubic feet).

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the IS offers cargo security. The AMG A-Class’ non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

The engine in the IS is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the AMG A-Class. 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 Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 28% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 6th.

The IS’ instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The AMG A-Class does not have an oil pressure gauge.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the IS to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The AMG A-Class doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The IS is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The AMG A-Class doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

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