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.
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 2014 Lexus ISBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Audi A4Browse Used Listings |  2014 BMW 3-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Cadillac CTSBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Mercedes-Benz C ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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The 2014 Lexus IS is an important car for the brand, and at first impression, the redesign is off to a good start. |
With its perky, composed all-wheel-drive performance, the 2014 Audi Allroad isn't just the family pick of the A4 lineup; it's a better-driving alternative to taller crossovers. |
The 2014 BMW 3-Series retains its sporting heritage, but has grown to become a high-tech, spacious, comfortable, and safe range of vehicles. |
The 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan scales up the ATS' handsome profile and spot-on handling, and tops it off with a winning Vsport edition. |
For those who have a want a value-oriented car that projects the right image, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes a lot of sense. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $36,100 | $33,800 | $32,750 | $39,495 | $35,800 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 16 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 45 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Gas V6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sport Sedan Automatic RWD | 4-Door Sedan CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan 320i RWD | 2-Door Coupe RWD | 4-Door Sedan C 250 Sport RWD |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sedan | FrontTrak Sedan | Sedan | 2 Door Coupe | Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2014 Lexus IS vs. 2014 Audi A4 | 2014 Lexus IS vs. 2014 BMW 3-Series | 2014 Lexus IS vs. 2014 Cadillac CTS | 2014 Lexus IS vs. 2014 Mercedes-Benz C Class | |
