XT4 vs UX 300h
It’s Cadillac against Lexus in the subcompact luxury suv class, and the XT4 and the UX 300h are the models carrying each flag. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The XT4 is ahead in 2 of 4, led by a clear margin in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance XT4 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range UX 300h wins
- Space & Practicality XT4 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price UX 300h wins
- Fuel Economy & Range4.3
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The UX 300h has better fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The UX 300h brings 43 mpg to the table; the XT4 brings 26 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The XT4 has 31% more cargo space
When it comes to cargo (behind rear seats), the XT4 wins comfortably with 22.5 cu ft against 17.2 cu ft. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The XT4 has 39 hp more power
It’s a lopsided result (235 hp for the XT4, 196 hp for the UX 300h) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The UX 300h has better city fuel economy
The spread here is large: 45 mpg on the UX 300h versus 24 mpg on the XT4. Expect to notice it. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the UX 300h has the better rating here.
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The UX 300h has better highway fuel economy
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the UX 300h makes its strongest case: 41 mpg against 29 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
The XT4 simply takes up more room than the UX 300h, whether that’s on a desk, in a bag or in a parking space.
Dimensions
| Spec | XT4 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.1 in | 177 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 60.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 109.4 in | 103.9 in |
Engine & Performance
XT4 leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the XT4 leads, and not by a little. On the XT4, you get 39 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Net result: the XT4 leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
XT4: 235 hp UX 300h: 196 hp The XT4’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
UX 300h leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the UX 300h isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The UX 300h gives you better fuel economy. The UX 300h uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the UX 300h is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
XT4: 26 mpg UX 300h: 43 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
XT4: 24 mpg UX 300h: 45 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
XT4 leads
When it comes to space & practicality, the XT4 is comfortably ahead. The XT4 adds 31% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. Weighing only space & practicality, the XT4 comes out ahead.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
XT4: 22.5 cu ft UX 300h: 17.2 cu ft The XT4’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the XT4 and the UX 300h are effectively level. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
The XT4 and the UX 300h differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | XT4 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 235 hp (winner) | 196 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | XT4 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg | 43 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 45 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 41 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 10.6 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | XT4 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 22.5 cu ft (winner) | 17.2 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 48.9 cu ft Least room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | XT4 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | XT4 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | XT4 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.1 in | 177 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 60.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 109.4 in | 103.9 in |
Price
| Spec | XT4 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,795 Priciest in class | $37,455 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Price is almost a tie, with the UX 300h launching $3,340 below the XT4. If $3,340 isn’t a stretch, the XT4 gives you 31% more cargo space and 39 hp more power.
Launch prices (US) as of launch. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the XT4 if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (22.5 cu ft vs 17.2 cu ft)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (235 hp vs 196 hp)
- you prefer a larger car and have the room for it
Choose the UX 300h if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (43 mpg vs 26 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (45 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (41 mpg vs 29 mpg on the highway)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($3,340 less)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the XT4 or the UX 300h?
We’d point most buyers to the XT4. The main exception is if what you want most is better fuel economy.
Which is larger, the XT4 or the UX 300h?
The UX 300h is actually the more compact one. It measures 177 × 72.4 × 60.6 in, while the XT4 comes in at 181.1 in.
Is the XT4 cheaper than the UX 300h?
The XT4 launched at $3,340 more than the UX 300h, based on prices as of launch.
Executive Summary
The XT4 and the UX 300h are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the XT4 brings 31% more cargo space. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the XT4 has 39 hp more power. Don’t write off the UX 300h entirely: it has better fuel economy.
Who should get which? The XT4 for engine & performance, the UX 300h for fuel economy & range.
My pick: the XT4. The UX 300h only comes out ahead if you specifically want better fuel economy, where the UX 300h has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.