Audi A3 vs Lexus RC
The Audi A3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 39 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus RC, a 13 mpg advantage and costs about $1,000 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Audi A3 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Audi A3 | Lexus RC |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 39 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 37 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 41 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,900 ✓ | $2,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 138 g/mi ✓ | 345 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0 | SIDI & PFI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (AM-S6) | Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Regular, Premium and Electricity | Premium |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2025 |
| Configurations on record | 36 | 50 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
A3 vs RC: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Audi A3 or the Lexus RC?
The Audi A3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 39 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus RC, a 13 mpg advantage and costs about $1,000 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Audi A3 runs about $1,900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,900 for the Lexus RC — a difference of roughly $1,000 per year.
What engines do the A3 and RC offer?
Audi A3: SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0. Lexus RC: SIDI & PFI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Audi A3 and the Lexus RC as Subcompact Cars, so they compete directly.
More A3 comparisons
Comparison id: audi-a3-vs-lexus-rc