Audi S3 vs Lexus 500e
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Lexus 500e
Overview
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Lexus 500e500e Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | S3 Sedan | 500e Premium |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | electric |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 1-speed direct drive |
| Engine type | gas | electric |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Lexus 500e500e Premium |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $52,000 | $50,500 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Lexus 500e500e Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG (best) | — |
| City MPG | 23 MPG (best) | — |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG (best) | — |
| Combined MPGe | — | 114 MPGe (best) |
| Electric range | — | 276 mi (best) |
| Battery capacity | — | 74 kWh (best) |
| 240V charge time | — | 8 hr (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal (best) | — |
Performance
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Lexus 500e500e Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 338 hp (best) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 323 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | — |
| Cylinders | I4 | — |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Lexus 500e500e Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 8.3 cu ft | 13.3 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,549 lbs (best) | 4,828 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 116.1 in (best) |
| Length | 177.4 in | 202.4 in (best) |
| Width | 71.5 in | 75.6 in (best) |
| Height | 55.7 in | 61.4 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Lexus 500e500e Premium |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side pole | Not Rated | — |
| Rollover | Not Rated | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Audi S3 | Lexus 500e |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S3 Sedan $52,000 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 500e Premium $50,500 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | — | 500e Luxury $58,900 MSRP |
Audi S3 vs Lexus 500e FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Lexus 500e?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Audi S3 vs 2026 Lexus 500e on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Lexus 500e?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Lexus 500e starts lower at $50,500.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Lexus 500e?
- The 2026 Lexus 500e leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (50,500).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Lexus 500e?
- The 2026 Audi S3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (26).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Lexus 500e?
- The 2026 Lexus 500e leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (276).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Lexus 500e?
- The 2026 Lexus 500e leads on horsepower in this comparison (338).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Audi S3 vs 2026 Lexus 500e?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi S3 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).