Infiniti
Q30
Lexus
CT
Infiniti Q30 vs Lexus CT: 2017 Comparison
The short answer
The Infiniti Q30 offers power, while the Lexus CT excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Infiniti Q30 if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Lexus CT if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Q30
Overall
Owner sentiment is mixed, with a clear divide between appreciation for its driving dynamics, fuel economy, and perceived value, and significant criticism regarding reliability, maintenance costs, and brand support. The vehicle is frequently praised for its Mercedes-Benz-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and AWD system, which contribute to a driving experience described as responsive and enjoyable, particularly in Sport mode. Fuel economy is noted as a strong point, with diesel models reportedly achieving 60-65 MPG (UK) on short drives and 40-55 MPG on longer journeys.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific trim as "best." Discussions suggest the 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are the primary powertrains of interest. The Sport trim is mentioned for its driving mode, but no trim-level consensus emerges from the available feedback.
Known issues
- ⚠Major electrical/system failures: simultaneous failure of power steering, 4WD, ABS, and emergency brake systems with multiple warning lights; suspected software glitch or wiring harness issue. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠Expensive and frequent mechanical repairs: reports include cracked coolant pipes (£2,800 / ~$3,500 USD), complete A/C system failure (£3,400 / ~$4,300 USD), and persistent headlight issues that could not be resolved even after replacement…
- ⚠Engine reliability concerns: the Mercedes-sourced 2.0L turbocharged (M274) engine is noted as being prone to piston failures, turbo issues, and water pump failures by those familiar with the platform.
CT
Overall
The sentiment among owners is overwhelmingly positive, centered on exceptional reliability, low running costs, and high fuel economy. The vehicle is consistently described as a "superb commuter car" and a "luxury Prius," offering a more engaging driving experience, better interior quality, and superior sound insulation compared to its Toyota counterpart. The primary trade-off is universally acknowledged as a lack of power and acceleration, with the hybrid powertrain described as "slow" but adequate for daily commuting and highway merging.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. The F-Sport trim is mentioned for its stiffer suspension and sportier aesthetics, but one owner notes that professional reviewers found even the base suspension to be stiff, and the F-Sport's setup is not necessarily "better." The Premier/Premium trim levels are sought for their additional features.
Known issues
- ⚠Head gasket failure: A known issue on higher-mileage examples (typically above 150,000 miles) related to the shared Prius 1.8L engine. Can be a costly repair. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Excessive oil consumption: Linked to piston ring wear on high-mileage vehicles, with one report of burning 1 quart every 1,000 miles. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠Hybrid battery aging: Acknowledged as a potential long-term wear item with replacement costs around $2,000 (USD), but batteries are reported to be very dependable, often lasting well beyond 200,000 kilometers.
The verdict
The Lexus CT is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Infiniti Q30, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Infiniti Q30 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Infiniti Q30 or the Lexus CT?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Infiniti Q30 and the Lexus CT. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Infiniti Q30 or the Lexus CT?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Infiniti Q30 or the Lexus CT?
The Lexus CT is more fuel-efficient on paper: 4.1 L/100km combined versus 6.7 L/100km for the Infiniti Q30, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Infiniti Q30 or the Lexus CT?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Infiniti Q30 than the Lexus CT. See the known issues comparison above.