Audi Q3 vs Lexus UX
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 63% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Q3 | UX | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 814 200 | R 957 100 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 14 231/m | R 16 729/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 63% |
| Value after 3 years | R 498 481 | R 601 811 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 315 719 | R 355 289 |
| Value after 5 years | R 371 952 | R 456 162 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Audi Q3 →
One of Audi's best sellers in South Africa, the Q3 entered its third generation here in 2026 in SUV and Sportback body styles. Petrol and diesel engines are both offered, which is now rare in the segment. Used stock from the previous generation is plentiful and holds value reasonably well for a premium SUV.
Known for: family-friendly premium compact suv
Lexus UX →
Lexus SA's smallest crossover arrived in 2019 and is now sold exclusively as the UX 250h hybrid. It targets the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 crowd with lower fuel bills and the brand's seven-year maintenance plan. Cabin space is tight for the price, which keeps volumes modest.
Known for: compact hybrid crossover economy
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi Q3 or the Lexus UX?
They are close to inseparable: 61% vs 63% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Audi Q3 loses about R 315 719 over three years and the Lexus UX loses about R 355 289. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Audi Q3 runs about R 14 231 per month and the Lexus UX about R 16 729, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.