The Lexus UX and Audi Q3 are the smallest and most affordable SUVs in their respective luxury brands’ lineups. Both offer enticing tickets into the world of luxury vehicles, but don’t break the bank at the dealer or at the gas pump. With the flexibility of an SUV, the easy driveability of a compact car, and the panache of a real luxury car, what’s not to like?
Let’s take a closer look at these subcompact luxury SUVs and see which is better for you.
2025 Lexus UX
The Lexus UX isn’t just the most affordable Lexus SUV. It has the lowest starting price of any model in the brand’s whole lineup. But there’s more to its value than just its approachable pricing; it also has an excellent fuel economy and boasts the best resale value in its class. No brand blends luxury with practicality and value quite like Lexus, and the UX is no exception.
Lexus UX Highlights
Hybrid efficiency: The Lexus UX comes standard with a hybrid powertrain, which makes it significantly more fuel-efficient than the Audi Q3. It gets a fuel economy rating of up to 43 combined mpg, while the most efficient Q3 gets 25 mpg. Additionally, the Lexus uses regular-grade gas while premium is recommended for the Audi. Better fuel economy and cheaper gas make the EPA-estimated annual fuel cost of the Lexus UX less than half that of the Audi Q3.
Longer warranty: The Lexus UX’s better warranty coverage further enhances its value proposition compared to the Audi Q3. Both SUVs have a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, but the Lexus carries a separate, longer 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, plus an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on hybrid/electric components.
Class-leading value: Lexus has another win in the value category. The UX earns our Best Resale Value Award in its class, while the Audi Q3’s resale value is merely average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the UX models for sale near you.
2025 Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 does an excellent job of packaging the Audi brand ethos into a subcompact SUV. It’s luxurious and engaging to drive while keeping the price reasonable and delivering everyday practicality. If you want to experience luxury car ownership without breaking the bank, the Audi Q3 might be your ideal SUV.
Audi Q3 Highlights
Better performance: Perhaps this won’t surprise you, but the Audi Q3 drives like a German luxury vehicle. The Q3 45 TFSI delivers more excitement than the UX 300h thanks to its turbocharged engine, making 228 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque.
Bigger interior: The rear seats and cargo hold of the Lexus UX are a little cramped compared to the roomier Audi Q3, which delivers an extra three inches of rear legroom and 37% more cargo room behind the back row compared to the Lexus.
Standard AWD: All-wheel drive is optional on the Lexus UX, while Audi’s famous quattro system comes standard on every Q3. In addition to adding more confident traction on slippery roads, it contributes to the livelier driving character of the Audi on dry pavement.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Q3 models for sale near you.
Similarities
These small SUVs serve different purposes, but they both compete in the same class of subcompact luxury SUVs with similar sizing and pricing.
Pricing
New 2025 Lexus UX Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$37,690 |
$36,042 |
|||
$40,890 |
$38,923 |
|||
$41,640 |
$39,999 |
|||
$46,155 |
$43,159 |
New 2025 Audi Q3 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$41,095 |
$37,823 |
|||
$43,895 |
$40,782 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Lexus UX vehicles and New 2025 Audi Q3 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Lexus UX | 2025 Audi Q3 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Drive Wheels | FWD | AWD |
| All-Electric Range | N/A | N/A |
| Total Range | N/A | N/A |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Payload Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Ground Clearance | N/A | N/A |
| Horsepower | 196 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 228 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | N/A | 251 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, ECVT | automatic, 8-speed w/tiptronic |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | N/A | N/A |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 inches | 105.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 177.0 inches | 176.6 inches |
| Width With Mirrors | 72.4 inches | 79.7 inches |
| Width Without Mirrors | N/A | 72.8 inches |
| Height | 60.6 inches | 62.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | N/A | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 37.3 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 36.3 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 42.0 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 33.1 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.0 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 52.9 inches | 55.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | N/A | 23.7 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | N/A | 48.0 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
Choosing between these subcompact luxury SUVs is pretty easy when you know what you’re looking for. If you want the most bang for the buck in this class, the Lexus UX is arguably the best value in its segment, thanks to its affordable starting price, low fuel costs, and class-leading resale value. Meanwhile, the roomier Audi Q3 has a distinctly German personality with top-notch interior quality and a bit more verve in how it drives. Given these strengths, pick the one that better suits your tastes.
