Compare the2022 Lexus ESVS 2022 Audi A3

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The ES offers optional Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto 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 ES offers an optional Panoramic View Camera 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 ES 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.

The ES’ driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The A3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the ES 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 and rearview cameras.

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 ES 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 ES 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 ES second 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 ES 300h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 14 more horsepower (215 vs. 201) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The ES 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 101 more horsepower (302 vs. 201) and 46 lbs.-ft. more torque (267 vs. 221) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the ES 300h 2.5 4-cylinder Hybrid CVT FWD gets better fuel mileage than the A3 FWD (43 city/44 hwy vs. 29 city/38 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Lexus ES uses regular unleaded gasoline. The A3 requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The ES’ standard fuel tank has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 Quattro’s standard fuel tank (15.9 vs. 14.5 gallons).

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

The ES 300h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The A3 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better traction, the ES’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the A3 (235/45R18 vs. 225/45R17).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the ES 350 F Sport has standard 19-inch wheels. The A3’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The ES offers an available 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 ES’ wheelbase is 9.2 inches longer than on the A3 (113 inches vs. 103.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the ES is 1.5 inches wider in the front and 3.2 inches wider in the rear than the track on the A3.

The ES F Sport uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The A3 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the ES a Mid-size car, while the A3 is rated a Subcompact.

The ES has 12.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the A3 (99.9 vs. 87).

The ES has a much larger trunk than the A3 Sedan (13.9 vs. 11 cubic feet).

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the ES’ trunk can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The A3 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

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 ES 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.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the ES 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 ES’ 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 ES, based on reliability, safety and performance.