2018 Lexus IS 300 vs. 2018 Audi A4

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Lexus IS 300 and 2018 Audi A4 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Lexus IS 300 and the 2018 Audi A4.

In comparing the 2018 Lexus IS 300's and the 2018 Audi A4's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Lexus IS 300 has the advantage in the areas of resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2018 Audi A4 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Lexus IS 300's and the 2018 Audi A4's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Audi A4 is a better car than the 2018 Lexus IS 300.

Pricing: A used 2018 Lexus IS 300 ranges from $18,212 to $29,911 while a used 2018 Audi A4 is priced between $12,953 to $23,998.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Lexus IS 300 loses 41.3 percent of its value and the 2018 Audi A4 loses 55 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Lexus IS 300 retains 13.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Audi A4.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lexus IS 300 is 8.0 out of 10 while the Audi A4's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Lexus IS 300 being ranked 2 out of 35 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Audi A4 being ranked 10 out of 35.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lexus IS 300 is 7.6 out of 10. For the Audi A4 the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Audi A4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Lexus IS 300.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Lexus IS 300’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the 2018 Audi A4 base engine makes 190 horsepower. The IS 300 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 557 miles. The A4 is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 566 miles. This gives the 2018 Audi A4 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Lexus IS 300. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2018 Audi A4 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2018 Lexus IS 300 has the advantage in the area of front leg room. The 2018 Lexus IS 300 and 2018 Audi A4 are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Lexus IS 300 and the 2018 Audi A4 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.