2014 Lexus IS vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.8 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Nelson Ireson

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Nelson is a Senior Editor at High Gear Media focusing on reviewing cars and covering the hottest topics in luxury and performance cars, car culture... More

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Jan 16, 2013

As part of one of the most competitive segments in the entire industry, the midsize-luxury Lexus IS is up against very good alternatives--in fact, there's not a bad car in this bunch, they're just suited to different tastes.

The Cadillac CTS, for example, is sporty and comfortable while also being quite affordable, but not quite as high-tech or feature-packed as some of the more recently-updated alternatives.

BMW's 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz's C Class both offer plenty of technology and sporting flair, with the 3-Series softening up in its most recent redesign to almost converge with the now-sportier C Class's balance of hustle and comfort.

The Audi A4 is the most under-the-radar choice in this group, its design refined and elegant without crying for attention; it's the black boardroom suit in a group of 50mm luxury watches and colorful hand-stitched silk ties.

2014 Lexus IS	2014 Cadillac CTS	2013 Audi A4 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 BMW 3-Series Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Mercedes-Benz C Class Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.8 The 2014 Lexus IS is an important car for the brand, and at first impression, the redesign is off to a good start.	N/A The 2014 Cadillac CTS magnifies the ATS's mostly all-American good looks--and if it drives just as well, we have a winner.	8.2 Magnificent design and technology sets the Audi A4 apart, but it's not quite as sporty as its BMW and Cadillac competition.	8.6 The 2013 BMW 3-Series is safe, fuel-efficient, and well-connected, yet it delivers the class-leading performance and handling that enthusiasts have come to expect.	8.2 For those who are image-conscious yet value-conscious, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C Class sedans and coupes make a lot of sense.
MSRP From
N/A	N/A	$32,500	$32,550	$35,350
Gas Mileage
		21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy
Engine
N/A	N/A	Turbocharged Gas I4	Turbocharged Gas I4	Turbocharged Gas I4
EPA Class
N/A	N/A	Compact Cars	Compact Cars	Compact
Style Name
N/A	N/A	4-Door Sedan CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Premium	4-Door Sedan 320i RWD	4-Door Sedan C250 Sport RWD
Drivetrain
N/A	N/A	Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
N/A	N/A	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
N/A	N/A	Sedan	Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
N/A	N/A	Continuously Variable Ratio	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic