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Lexus RC vs Tesla Model 3

2025 Lexus RC vs 2025 Tesla Model 3 — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lexus RC

2025 Lexus RC

Subcompact CarsAWD/4WD
VS4 – 1Lexus RC wins 4 of 5 categories
Tesla Model 3

2025 Tesla Model 3

Midsize CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $2,750 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model 3 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus RC has had fewer recall campaigns (3 vs 36).

The two cars

The 2025 Lexus RC is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 5.0L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,891 lb.

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 is a midsize car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,030 lb (4dr Sedan Long Range AWD).

Buying used? The 2024 RC and the 2017 Model 3 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2017 RC and the 2018 Model 3.

Basics

Subcompact Cars
Class
Midsize Cars
Premium Gasoline
Fuel
EV
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl
Engines
EV
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

25 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
21 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
363 mi
$3,300
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$550

Performance & space

311 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
–
Seats (most)
5
185 in
Length
185.8 in
72.4 in
Width
72.8 in
55.1 in
Height
56.7 in
3,891 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
3,805 lb

Safety & reliability

13
Driver-assist features standard
11
0
Recalls (2025)
3
3
Recalls, all years since 2005
36
1
Owner complaints (latest year)
122

Interest

7,571
Wikipedia views, 30 days
25,701

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2017
2017
Year to avoid
2018

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus RC if…

  • You want more standard driver-assist tech
  • You put reliability history first (3 vs 36 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Tesla Model 3 if…

  • You want an EV with more range (363 miles)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option

Pros & cons of each

2025 Lexus RC

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • No recalls so far
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2025 Tesla Model 3

  • Long EV rangeUp to 363 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Many owner complaints122 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 1 for similar models — most often about the steering.

Full 2025 Lexus RC specs →Full 2025 Tesla Model 3 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →