Audi emphasizes performance and design innovation with turbocharged engines and cutting-edge technology, while Lexus prioritizes reliability, refinement, and long-term ownership costs with naturally-aspirated engines and legendary durability. Audi typically offers sportier handling, while Lexus delivers superior predicted reliability ratings.
Audi vs Lexus — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
German luxury automaker known for performance, design innovation, and advanced turbocharged powertrains.
Japanese luxury brand under Toyota known for exceptional reliability, refined comfort, and excellent long-term value retention.
Predicted Reliability (J.D. Power). Average Warranty Coverage. 5-Year Cost of Ownership (avg sedan). Engine Performance Focus. Infotainment System Rating (Consumer Reports). Average Depreciation (3-year sedan). 0-60 mph (A4/IS 350 comparison)
Choose Audi if you prioritize dynamic driving dynamics, innovative technology features, performance, and don't mind higher maintenance costs—ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy spirited driving and want premium tech. Choose Lexus if you value legendary reliability, lower long-term ownership costs, exceptional refinement, and peace of mind—perfect for buyers who keep their cars 10+ years and prioritize dependability over sporty performance.
Audi: RS models: 3.6 seconds | Lexus: N/A
Audi: Premium leather, ambient lighting | Lexus: N/A
Audi: Q4 e-tron: 105 MPGe estimated | Lexus: N/A
Audi: MMI with AI voice control | Lexus: N/A
Audi: 5 SUVs (Q2, Q3, Q4, Q7, Q9) | Lexus: N/A
Audi: Virtual Cockpit Plus: 1920x720 | Lexus: N/A
Audi: 5-star equivalent modern systems | Lexus: N/A
Audi: 127 years (est. 1899) | Lexus: N/A
Audi: 591 hp (RS6 Avant) | Lexus: 471 hp (LC 500)
Audi: ~40% of lineup | Lexus: ~75% of lineup
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (After Warranty)
Audi: 5.3 sec (A6 55 TFSI) | Lexus: 5.8 sec (ES 350)
Audi: 10.1-12.3 inches | Lexus: 8-14 inches
Audi: 3 years / 36,000 miles | Lexus: N/A
Audi: 6 (e-tron/Q4 e-tron lineup) | Lexus: N/A
Audi: 4-cylinder turbo, V6 turbo, hybrid, PHEV, EV options | Lexus: N/A
Audi: 4 years/50,000 miles | Lexus: 3 years/36,000 miles
Audi: 456 miles (e-tron GT) | Lexus: N/A
0-60 mph Acceleration (Base Sport Model)
Audi: 5.7 seconds (A4 45 TFSI) | Lexus: N/A
Audi: 10.1 inches (MMI Touch) | Lexus: N/A
Consumer Reports Overall Reliability Rating
Audi: 4yr / 50,000 mi | Lexus: 6 year / 70,000 mi
Audi: Quattro standard on most models | Lexus: N/A
Audi: MMI 8 with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto | Lexus: N/A
Combined Fuel Efficiency (Mid-Size Sedan)
Audi: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Lexus: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Audi: Not offered (gas engines only) | Lexus: 10 years / 150,000 miles
Audi: 12.3-inch MMI (top models) | Lexus: N/A
Audi: 7.0 L/100km (A4 40 TFSI) | Lexus: N/A
Audi: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Lexus: N/A
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (2024)
Audi: N/A | Lexus: $1,450 (mid-size luxury)
Audi: N/A | Lexus: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Audi: N/A | Lexus: 9 models (7 hybrid + 2 EV)
Audi: N/A | Lexus: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Standard Infotainment Screen Size (Mid-Range Model)
Audi: N/A | Lexus: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Audi: N/A | Lexus: 8-14 inches (standard 10.5)
Audi vs Lexus — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Audi vs Lexus. Contains 148 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Audi vs Lexus — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Audi vs Lexus.
Which brand has better long-term reliability?
Lexus significantly outperforms Audi in predicted reliability. Lexus achieves a J.D. Power rating of 86/100 (top 5% of luxury brands), while Audi scores 73/100. Over 5 years, this translates to Lexus owners spending approximately $2,600 less on unscheduled repairs. Lexus's naturally-aspirated engines, proven Toyota powertrains, and simpler mechanical design contribute to this advantage.
What's the real difference in cost of ownership over 5 years?
Lexus costs $3,300 less over 5 years ($44,900 vs $48,200) due to three factors: lower annual maintenance ($680 vs $1,200), better value retention (62% vs 55% at 3 years), and lower repair frequency. A typical Audi DSG transmission repair runs $2,500+, while Lexus hybrid batteries are covered for 10 years/150,000 miles at no cost.
Audi delivers notably sportier performance. The A4 with turbocharged engines accelerates to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds versus the Lexus IS 350's 6.1 seconds. Audi's turbocharged powertrains produce 15-25% more horsepower, and their Quattro all-wheel drive system with sport-tuned suspension provides more responsive handling. However, this performance advantage requires accepting higher maintenance costs and lower reliability ratings.
Which infotainment system is easier to use?
Audi's infotainment rates 0.4 points higher (7.2/10 vs 6.8/10 usability in Consumer Reports testing). Audi's 12.3-inch digital cockpit is larger, more customizable, and includes gesture controls on newer models. Lexus's 10.5-inch system is simpler but less intuitive. For tech-forward buyers, Audi wins; for straightforward simplicity, Lexus is adequate.
Is Audi more or less reliable than it used to be?
Audi's reliability has remained relatively flat at 73/100 over the past 5 years. Turbocharger complexity, dual-clutch transmissions (DSG), and electronic control issues persist as chronic problems. However, newer models (2024+) show slight improvements. Lexus consistency remains exceptional with a stable 85-87/100 rating, making it the more predictably durable choice for long-term ownership.
Consider: Predicted Reliability (J.D. Power)
Predicted Reliability (J.D. Power): Audi has 73/100, while Lexus has 86/100.
Average Warranty Coverage: Audi has 4 years/50,000 miles, while Lexus has 3 years/36,000 miles base.
Consider: 5-Year Cost of Ownership (avg sedan)
5-Year Cost of Ownership (avg sedan): Audi has $48,200, while Lexus has $44,900.
Engine Performance Focus: Audi has Turbocharged, high-output, while Lexus has Naturally-aspirated, efficient.
Consider: Infotainment System Rating (Consumer Reports)
Infotainment System Rating (Consumer Reports): Audi has 7.2/10 usability, while Lexus has 6.8/10 usability.
Consider: Average Depreciation (3-year sedan)
Average Depreciation (3-year sedan): Audi has 55% retained value, while Lexus has 62% retained value.
Consider: 0-60 mph (A4/IS 350 comparison)
0-60 mph (A4/IS 350 comparison): Audi has 5.9 seconds, while Lexus has 6.1 seconds.