Compare the2026 Lexus ISVS 2025 Audi S5

Both the IS and the S5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the IS 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the S5. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the S5 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The S5 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 103 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 30th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 133 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. Audi is ranked 7th.

The IS has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the S5 (17.4 vs. 14.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus IS RWD, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the S5.

The IS has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the S5; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the S5 don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For better maneuverability, the IS’ turning circle is 5.5 feet tighter than the S5’s (34.2 feet vs. 39.7 feet). The IS AWD’s turning circle is 4.3 feet tighter than the S5’s (35.4 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

The Lexus IS may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 500 pounds less than the Audi S5.

The IS is 4.5 inches shorter than the S5, making the IS easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Lexus IS amounts to more than styling. The IS has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is lower than the S5 (.31) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the IS get better fuel mileage.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the IS offers cargo security. The S5’s hatchback body style and non-lockable folding seat defeat cargo security.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 30% lower rating, Audi is ranked 18th.

The IS’ instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The S5 has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the IS offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The S5 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the IS (except F Sport Design) to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The S5 doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The IS is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The S5 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Lexus IS outsold the Audi A5/S5/RS 5 by 17% during 2025.