Compare the2024 Lexus ISVS 2024 Subaru WRX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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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 WRX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Lexus IS has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The WRX doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

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 WRX 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 WRX only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The IS has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. Only the WRX Limited/GT/TR offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the IS has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to warn the driver of approaching traffic and automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision. Only the WRX Limited/GT/TR offers Rear Cross Traffic Alert and the WRX’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

Both the IS and the WRX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver 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, 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 Subaru WRX:

	IS	WRX
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	142	152
Chest Movement	1 inches	1 inches
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	162	357
Spine Acceleration	28 G’s	66 G’s
Hip Force	438 lbs.	839 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	34 G’s	48 G’s
Hip Force	650 lbs.	819 lbs.

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

Warranty

The IS comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The WRX’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the IS 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Subaru covers the WRX. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the WRX ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The IS’ corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the WRX’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The WRX isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Subaru is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Subaru vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Subaru is ranked 6th.

Engine

The IS 350 F Sport’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 40 more horsepower (311 vs. 271) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 258) than the WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The IS 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 201 more horsepower (472 vs. 271) and 137 lbs.-ft. more torque (395 vs. 258) than the WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the IS 500 5.0 DOHC V8 is faster than the Subaru WRX (automatics tested):

	IS	WRX
Zero to 60 MPH	4.3 sec	5.4 sec
Quarter Mile	12.8 sec	14.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	112 MPH	101 MPH
Top Speed	149 MPH	134 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the IS gets better mileage than the WRX:

			MPG
IS
RWD	Auto	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/31 hwy
		3.5 DOHC V6	20 city/28 hwy
AWD	Auto	350 F Sport 3.5 DOHC V6	19 city/26 hwy
		300 AWD 3.5 DOHC V6	19 city/26 hwy
WRX
AWD	Auto	2.4 turbo flat-4	18 city/25 hwy

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Lexus IS higher (5 out of 10) than the Subaru WRX (3). This means the IS produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the WRX every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The Lexus IS comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the WRX.

To facilitate fast shifting and allow the driver to focus on the road, the IS F Sport has a standard up-shift light to indicate when the engine is approaching redline. The WRX doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the IS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the WRX:

	IS	IS 500 Performance	WRX	WRX TR
Front Rotors	13.1 inches	14 inches	12.4 inches	13.4 inches
Rear Rotors	11.7 inches	12.7 inches	11.4 inches	12.8 inches

The IS stops shorter than the WRX:

	IS	WRX
60 to 0 MPH	110 feet	112 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the IS 300 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the WRX.

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

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the IS’ wheelbase is 5.1 inches longer than on the WRX (110.2 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better maneuverability, the IS’ turning circle is 2.5 feet tighter than the WRX’s (34.2 feet vs. 36.74 feet). The IS AWD’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the WRX’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.74 feet).

Passenger Space

The IS has 1.7 inches more front legroom, .2 inches more front hip room, .2 inches more rear headroom and 4.7 inches more rear hip room than the WRX.

Cargo Capacity

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

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Subaru. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 45% lower rating, Subaru is ranked 16th.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the IS, the optional memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat (memory seat optional for the front passenger), steering wheel position and outside mirror angle. The WRX doesn’t offer a memory system.

The IS’ optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The WRX doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

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 WRX does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The IS’ power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The WRX has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The IS’ front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The WRX’s standard rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the IS the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the WRX can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The IS has standard Smart Access that allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the WRX Premium/Limited/GT/TR offers Keyless Access and Start.

The IS’ optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The WRX’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Consumer Reports rated the IS’ headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the WRX’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

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

The IS’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Subaru only offers heated mirrors on the WRX Premium/Limited/GT/TR.

When the IS with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The WRX’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

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 WRX doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

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 WRX doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The IS has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the WRX Premium/Limited/GT/TR.

Both the IS and the WRX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the IS has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The WRX doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Model Availability

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

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Lexus IS and the Subaru WRX, 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 WRX isn’t in the top three.

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