Toyota Avalon vs. Lexus IS 300

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota Avalon and Lexus IS 300 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 Toyota Avalon and the Lexus IS 300.

When we compare the Toyota Avalon's and the Lexus IS 300's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Avalon has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Lexus IS 300 has the advantage in the area of resale value. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Avalon's and the Lexus IS 300's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Avalon is a better car than the Lexus IS 300.

Pricing: A used 2022 Toyota Avalon ranges from $23,973 to $39,286 while a used 2022 Lexus IS 300 is priced between $28,998 to $38,989.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota Avalon loses 43.1 percent of its value and the Lexus IS 300 loses 41.3 percent of its value. This means the Lexus IS 300 retains 1.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Toyota Avalon.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota Avalon is 8.3 out of 10 while the Lexus IS 300's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Avalon being ranked 1 out of 4 Best Large Cars and the Lexus IS 300 being ranked 2 out of 35 Best Luxury Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Avalon is 8.7 out of 10. For the Lexus IS 300 the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Avalon an advantage in reliability compared to the Lexus IS 300.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota Avalon’s base engine makes 301 horsepower, and the Lexus IS 300 base engine makes 241 horsepower. The Avalon is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. The IS 300 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 539 miles.This gives the Toyota Avalon the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Lexus IS 300 the advantage in maximum range. The Avalon uses regular unleaded, and the IS 300 uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Avalon, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Lexus IS 300, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

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