2013 BMW X3 vs. Its Competition

2013 BMW X3 AWD 4-door 28i Angular Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 8.4 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Bengt Halvorson

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Bengt Halvorson is Deputy Editor of High Gear Media's portfolio of car sites, overseeing the production of reviews, evaluating vehicles firsthand... More

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Jan 25, 2013

With the X3, BMW's bred its most carlike crossover yet.

If you want a higher level of driving engagement, you should go for the BMW 3-Series Sports Wagon, but the X3 is the pick for those who need good passenger space and a little more versatility.

The Acura RDX was completely new this past year, and its new V-6 powertrain and more conventional design aims right at the luxury mainstream.

The Audi Q5's cabin wows, but a stiff ride upsets its pleasant demeanor.

The Benz GLK is a great choice for steering and ride, and for acceleration, but its cargo space is smaller than the X3's.

The Volvo XC60 costs a bit less, and it has one of the best combinations of on-road handling, space, and fit and finish; it's rated tops for safety, too.

2013 BMW X3 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Acura RDX Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Audi Q5 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 BMW 3-Series Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Volvo XC60 Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.4 The BMW X3 is a great-looking crossover, with a spacious, versatile, and classy interior; and with the introduction of a new base turbo four for 2013 in the xDrive28i, it gets better mileage with no compromise in performance.	7.4 The 2013 Acura RDX improves on the sporty crossover theme with refined ride quality, more features, and better fuel economy.	8.4 The 2013 Audi Q5 is one of the more carlike crossovers, with elegant execution, smart high-tech features, and very good passenger space.	8.6 The 2013 BMW 3-Series is safe, fuel-efficient, and well-connected, yet it delivers the class-leading performance and handling that enthusiasts have come to expect.	8.2 It looks more like an authentically rugged SUV, but the improved 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK has carlike road manners and now, better fuel economy with both its gas V-6 and its new turbodiesel four.	8.6 The 2013 Volvo XC60 carries on the tradition of Volvo wagons--even their top-of-the-class safety--only in a modern, fashion-conscious crossover.
MSRP From
$38,850	$34,320	$35,900	$32,550	$37,090	$34,350
Gas Mileage
19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy
Engine
Turbocharged Gas I4	Gas V6	Turbocharged Gas I4	Turbocharged Gas I4	Gas V6	Gas I6
EPA Class
4WD Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	4WD Sport Utility Vehicle	Compact Cars	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name
AWD 4-Door 28i	FWD 4-Door	quattro 4-Door 2.0T Premium	4-Door Sedan 320i RWD	RWD 4-Door GLK350	FWD 4-Door 3.2L
Drivetrain
All Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sedan	Sport Utility Vehicle	Wagon
Transmission
Automatic	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic w/Manual Shift