Audi A3 vs Scion XB

The Scion XB is more fuel-efficient at 28 MPG combined, against 25 MPG for the Audi A3. At EPA assumptions that is about $900 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)

Side by side

	Audi A3	Scion XB
Complaints (NHTSA)	140	301
Most reported problem	Air bags	Wipers, windshield & visibility
Crashes and fires	3 and 0	25 and 0
Typical mileage at complaint	72,000 miles	30,000 miles
Recalls	4	5
Fuel economy, combined	25 MPG	28 MPG
City and highway	22 and 29	26 and 31
Yearly fuel cost (EPA)	$3,300	$2,400

What the numbers say

NHTSA has 140 complaints for the Audi A3 and 301 for the Scion XB. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.

Safety recalls on file: 4 for the Audi A3, 5 for the Scion XB.

Work out the fuel cost of each on your own mileage