IS 350 vs Model 3
For compact luxury car shoppers, the IS 350 from Lexus and the Model 3 from Tesla are two of the obvious candidates. Neither side dominates. Only a few of the compared specs differ by enough to matter day to day. And the price tags aren’t close: the Model 3 came in $8,510 below the IS 350 at launch.
At a glance
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Model 3 wins
- Price Model 3 wins
Key Differences
-
The Model 3 has a bigger 15.4 in touchscreen
On largest touchscreen, the Model 3 posts 15.4 in against 12.3 in for the IS 350, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Design & Size
- IS 350 185.8 in × 72.4 in × 56.5 in
- Model 3 185.8 in × 72.8 in × 56.7 in
In overall size, the IS 350 and the Model 3 are close enough that you’d struggle to tell them apart by dimensions alone.
Dimensions
| Spec | IS 350 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.4 in | 72.8 in |
| Height | 56.5 in | 56.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in | 113.2 in |
Engine & Performance
This section is descriptive. The IS 350 and the Model 3 list different components for engine & performance, and the table spells them out.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
Model 3 leads
The Model 3 takes safety & tech by a nose. The Model 3 stands out with a bigger 15.4 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. For safety & tech, the Model 3 is the one to beat.
Largest touchscreen
IS 350: 12.3 in Model 3: 15.4 in The Model 3’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | IS 350 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 311 hp | N/A (not specified) |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (6-speed automatic with AWD) | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | IS 350 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg Thirstiest in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg Thirstiest in the city | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg Thirstiest on the highway | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 321 mi Longest electric range |
| Fuel tank | 17.4 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | IS 350 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 10.8 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | IS 350 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | IS 350 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 15.4 in (winner) Biggest touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Not available (Tesla software; no Apple CarPlay / Android Auto) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | IS 350 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.4 in | 72.8 in |
| Height | 56.5 in | 56.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in | 113.2 in |
Price
| Spec | IS 350 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,500 | $36,990 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Compare the launch prices and they sit 23% apart, or $8,510 in real money. The Model 3 gives up some areas but saves $8,510; the IS 350 wins others and charges for it.
Based on US launch pricing as of October 2025. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Model 3 if…
- you want the bigger touchscreen (15.4 in vs 12.3 in)
- you’d rather keep $8,510 in your pocket
- you already use other Tesla products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the IS 350 or the Model 3?
The IS 350 has its strengths, but the Model 3 saves $8,510, which makes it the value pick.
Is the IS 350 bigger than the Model 3?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the IS 350 and the Model 3 differ only marginally.
Is the IS 350 cheaper than the Model 3?
The IS 350 launched at $8,510 more than the Model 3, based on prices as of October 2025.
Executive Summary
The IS 350 versus the Model 3 is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because Lexus and Tesla made different bets. What tips it for me is that the Model 3 has a bigger 15.4 in touchscreen.
Choose by what you’d use most: the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the IS 350, safety & tech leads to the Model 3.
My pick: if it were my money, the Model 3, and the $8,510 would go somewhere more useful.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.