If you’re considering a luxury subcompact SUV, you may be deliberating between the 2025 Lexus UX and the Audi Q3. The Lexus UX offers outstanding gas mileage and excellent reliability, while the Audi Q3 prioritizes performance and advanced technology. Our team at Longo Lexus breaks down each SUV’s features to help you choose the best one for you.
Pricing and Value for Money
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h starts at $38,035 for front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions and $39,605 for all-wheel-drive (AWD) models. The 2025 Audi Q3 starts at $39,800 before delivery. Both SUVs represent attainable luxury while showcasing different features and tech innovations.
Performance and Efficiency
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h produces 196 horsepower from its hybrid powertrain, up from 181 horsepower in the 2024 model year. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds with AWD, speedy enough for highway merging. The Audi Q3 counters with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine generating 228 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque, and its 0-to-60 sprint time is slightly faster at 7.1 seconds. Every Q3 has standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
If you’re focused on fuel economy, the UX is the clear winner. FWD models hit 45 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 43 mpg combined. AWD versions deliver 44 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and 42 mpg combined. The Q3’s gas-powered turbo manages just 21 mpg on the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The hybrid Lexus’s efficiency means stopping at fewer gas stations and feeling eco-conscious on your weekend road trips.
Design, Comfort, and Technology
Space matters with compact luxury SUVs. The UX offers 37.3 inches of front headroom (35.8 inches with sunroof), 36.3 inches of rear headroom, 42.1 inches of front legroom, and 33.1 inches of rear legroom. The UX’s cargo space measures just 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats — good for grocery runs and weekend getaways. The Q3 takes cargo seriously with 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48 cubic feet with the seats down.
The UX’s infotainment system handles wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity through an 8-inch touch screen with cloud navigation, Intelligent Assistant, and Destination Assist. Upgrade to a 12.3-inch touch screen for effortless app integration. All trims include Bluetooth and four USB-C ports, with wireless charging and a head-up display available. Other standard features include dual-zone climate control and eight-way power seats.
Safety and Reliability
The Lexus UX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control that works in stop-and-go traffic, forward automatic braking that spots left-turn dangers, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts. The Q3 matches with blind spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, and adaptive cruise control.
Consumer Reports ranks Lexus as the second most dependable luxury brand. For used cars 5 to 10 years old, Lexus takes the top spot for dependability. In luxury subcompact rankings, the Q3 earns a score of 8.6/10, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Which Luxury SUV Delivers the Best Value?
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h fills a specific, hard-to-fill niche in the car market, offering a blend of value, reliability, and fuel economy in a stylish compact SUV. Rivals, including the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA, may have more horsepower and quicker acceleration, but none offer hybrid options that match the UX’s efficiency.
If you care about fuel costs, reliability, and long-term value more than 0-to-60 times but don’t want to give up premium details, the UX makes perfect financial sense. Plus, the smoother, quieter hybrid motor feels more luxurious during your daily commute than a noisy gasoline engine.
The Audi Q3 is better if you need more legroom, cargo space, or a more spirited driving feel from the turbocharged engine instead of maximum gas mileage. It may be a better choice if you have an active family and need to haul sports gear or camping equipment. The tradeoff is that you’ll pay more at the pump and sacrifice some reliability.
Test-Drive the Lexus UX at Longo Lexus Today
To test-drive the 2025 Lexus UX and see if its hybrid tech and long-term savings match your lifestyle, head over to our dealership in El Monte where our friendly, knowledgeable team can answer your questions and help you choose a new Lexus hybrid that suits your needs and lifestyle. Our finance department can work with your budget, and our service department will help keep your new Lexus in great condition for your next California road trip.
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