Compare the2023 Lexus ISVS 2022 Tesla Model 3

The IS’ optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Model 3 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

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 Model 3 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.

The IS offers an optional Panoramic View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Model 3 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’ 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 Model 3 doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

The IS has standard Safety Connect®, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the IS and the Model 3 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, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Lexus IS is safer than the Tesla Model 3:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are over 59 percent more Lexus dealers than there are Tesla dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the IS’ warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Model 3 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Tesla vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 69 more problems per 100 vehicles, Tesla is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Tesla vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in overall reliability. Tesla is ranked 25th.

The IS 500’s 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 17 more horsepower (472 vs. 455) than the Model 3 Performance’s optional electric motors.

As tested in Motor Trend the IS 500 5.0 DOHC V8 is faster than the Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive electric motor:

For better stopping power the IS’ front brake rotors are larger than those on the Model 3:

The IS stops much shorter than the Model 3:

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 Model 3; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The IS has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the IS flat and controlled during cornering. The Model 3’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

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 Model 3’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The IS 350 F Sport handles at .93 G’s, while the Model 3 pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The IS 500 Performance executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the Model 3 (25.2 seconds @ .74 average G’s vs. 26.4 seconds @ .69 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the IS’ turning circle is 4.6 feet tighter than the Model 3’s (34.2 feet vs. 38.8 feet). The IS AWD’s turning circle is 3.4 feet tighter than the Model 3’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.8 feet).

The IS has 2.1 inches more front legroom, .9 inches more front hip room and 1.6 inches more rear hip room than the Model 3.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the IS offers cargo security. The Model 3’s non-lockable folding seat defeats cargo security.

A maintenance reminder system is standard on the IS to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation, radiator flush, brake pad replacement and transmission fluid replacement based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Tesla doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Model 3.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the Model 3, 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 Model 3 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The IS’ standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The Model 3 doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the IS to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the IS keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Model 3 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the IS is less expensive to operate than the Model 3 because typical repairs cost much less on the IS than the Model 3, including $348 less for a water pump and $37 less for front brake pads.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Lexus IS and the Tesla Model 3, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Model 3 isn’t in the top three.