Lexus IS vs Toyota Corolla Sedan
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Lexus IS
Price TBC
Sedan
Petrol
4GR-FSE 2.5-litre V6 D-4S dual injection
153kW
9.2 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
480L
Toyota Corolla Sedan
From $32,585
Sedan
Hybrid
1.8L 4-cyl VVT-i Hybrid
103kW
3.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
471L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Toyota Corolla Sedan counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that the Lexus IS does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus IS uses a 4GR-FSE 2.5-litre V6 D-4S dual injection producing 153kW and 252Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.1 seconds.
The Toyota Corolla Sedan responds with a 1.8L 4-cyl VVT-i Hybrid making 103kW and 142Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.
The Lexus IS has the clear power advantage at 153kW vs 103kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus IS measures 4,665mm long on a 2,800mm wheelbase, 35mm longer than the Toyota Corolla Sedan at 4,630mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus IS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the Lexus IS and 471L in the Toyota Corolla Sedan, giving the Lexus IS a 9L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.8m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,622/year for the Lexus IS and $1,112/year for the Toyota Corolla Sedan. That is a $1,510 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Corolla Sedan.
Estimated annual total: $2,622 (Lexus IS) vs $1,112 (Toyota Corolla Sedan). The Toyota Corolla Sedan saves you roughly $1,510 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus IS) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Corolla Sedan). The Toyota Corolla Sedan has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus IS if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Corolla Sedan if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Lexus IS and Toyota Corolla Sedan trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota Corolla Sedan will save you roughly $1,510 a year in fuel. The Toyota Corolla Sedan adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus IS and Toyota Corolla Sedan?
The Toyota Corolla Sedan is the cheapest at $32,585 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Corolla Sedan uses the least fuel at 3.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus IS all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus IS has the largest boot at 480L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Toyota Corolla Sedan has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus IS makes the most power at 153kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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