Audi S3 vs Lexus ES300h
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2025 Lexus ES300h
Overview
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Lexus ES300h300h |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | S3 Sedan | 300h |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | hybrid |
| Model year | 2026 | 2025 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Lexus ES300h300h |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $52,000 | $43,540 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Lexus ES300h300h |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG | 44 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 23 MPG | 43 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG | 44 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Lexus ES300h300h |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 328 hp (best) | 215 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (best) | — |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Lexus ES300h300h |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 8.3 cu ft | 13.9 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,549 lbs (best) | 3,730 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 113 in (best) |
| Length | 177.4 in | 195.9 in (best) |
| Width | 71.5 in | 73.4 in (best) |
| Height | 55.7 in | 56.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Lexus ES300h300h |
|---|---|---|
| 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 ES300h |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S3 Sedan $52,000 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 300h $43,540 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | — | 300h F SPORT Design $47,925 MSRP |
| 3 | — | 300h Luxury $48,710 MSRP |
| 4 | — | 300h F SPORT Handling $49,835 MSRP |
| 5 | — | 300h Ultra Luxury $52,430 MSRP |
Audi S3 vs Lexus ES300h FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Audi S3 or 2025 Lexus ES300h?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Audi S3 vs 2025 Lexus ES300h 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 2025 Lexus ES300h?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2025 Lexus ES300h starts lower at $43,540.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Audi S3 or 2025 Lexus ES300h?
- The 2025 Lexus ES300h leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (43,540).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Audi S3 or 2025 Lexus ES300h?
- The 2025 Lexus ES300h leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (44).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Audi S3 or 2025 Lexus ES300h?
- The 2026 Audi S3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (328).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Audi S3 vs 2025 Lexus ES300h?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi S3 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).