Audi A3 vs Scion XB

The Audi A3 is more fuel-efficient at 32 MPG combined, against 24 MPG for the Scion XB. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)

Side by side

	Audi A3	Scion XB
Complaints (NHTSA)	51	61
Most reported problem	Air bags	Air bags
Crashes and fires	0 and 3	5 and 3
Typical mileage at complaint	56,000 miles	65,000 miles
Recalls	4	5
Fuel economy, combined	32 MPG	24 MPG
City and highway	29 and 37	22 and 27
Yearly fuel cost (EPA)	$3,000	$2,800

What the numbers say

NHTSA has 51 complaints for the Audi A3 and 61 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