Lexus IS300 vs Subaru WRX
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru WRX
Overview
| Spec | Lexus IS300300 | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 300 | WRX (Base) |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2025 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Lexus IS300300 | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $40,535 | $32,495 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Lexus IS300300 | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| City MPG | 21 MPG (best) | 19 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 17.4 gal (best) | 16.6 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Lexus IS300300 | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 271 hp (best) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Lexus IS300300 | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 10.8 cu ft | 12.5 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 975 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,715 lbs (best) | — |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | 5.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in (best) | 105.2 in |
| Length | 185.4 in (best) | 183.8 in |
| Width | 72.4 in (best) | 71.9 in |
| Height | 56.5 in | 57.8 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Lexus IS300300 | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| 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 | Lexus IS300 | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 300 $40,535 MSRP(Currently comparing) | WRX (Base) $32,495 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 300 $42,535 MSRP | Premium $33,995 MSRP |
| 3 | 300 F SPORT Design $42,505 MSRP | Limited $38,995 MSRP |
| 4 | 300 F SPORT Design $44,545 MSRP | Limited $39,995 MSRP |
| 5 | 300 F SPORT $44,580 MSRP | GT $44,995 MSRP |
| 6 | 300 F SPORT $46,620 MSRP | tS $44,995 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Series.Yellow $45,995 MSRP |
Lexus IS300 vs Subaru WRX FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Lexus IS300 or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Lexus IS300 vs 2026 Subaru WRX on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2025 Lexus IS300 or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Subaru WRX starts lower at $32,495.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Lexus IS300 or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Subaru WRX leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (32,495).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Lexus IS300 or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2025 Lexus IS300 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (25).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Lexus IS300 or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Subaru WRX leads on horsepower in this comparison (271).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Lexus IS300 vs 2026 Subaru WRX?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Subaru WRX (5/5 NHTSA overall).