2012 BMW X3 vs. Its Competition

2012 BMW X3 AWD 4-door 28i Side Exterior View
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

BMW's bred one of the most carlike crossovers, and the X3 has good passenger space, too.

All of its competition suffers in one way or the other: the Acura RDX feels tight on room, and its interior doesn't meet most other luxury crossovers head-on.

The Audi Q5's cabin does, 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--and the same is true for the Land Rover LR2.

Of all the luxury crossovers, the Volvo XC60 has one of the best combinations of on-road handling, space, and fit and finish--and it's rated tops for safety, too.

2012 BMW X3 AWD 4-door 28i Side Exterior View2012 BMW X3
Browse Used Listings		2012 Acura RDX AWD 4-door Tech Pkg Angular Front Exterior View2012 Acura RDX
Browse Used Listings		2012 Audi Q5 quattro 4-door 2.0T Premium Plus Angular Front Exterior View2012 Audi Q5
Browse Used Listings		2012 Land Rover LR22012 Land Rover LR2
Browse Used Listings		2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class RWD 4-door Side Exterior View2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class
Browse Used Listings		2011 Volvo XC60 FWD 4-door 3.2L Angular Front Exterior View2012 Volvo XC60
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.4
A great-looking crossover with its most carlike performance yet, the BMW X3 also has more interior room and better materials than before.
7.4
The 2012 Acura RDX satisfies those who want more driving excitement, but it might leave luxury- or tech-hungry shoppers wanting.
8.2
The 2012 Audi Q5 is one of the
7.8
More street-friendly than other Land Rover utes, the 2012 LR2 has some of the SUV hallmarks in a much more city-friendly size.
8.2
Rugged looks and lower gas mileage put the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class in an SUV state of mind, but its ride and handling are more carlike than you'd think.
8.6
The 2012 Volvo XC60 is an attractive, well-designed family luxury vehicle, with a class-leading roster of innovative safety and tech features.
MSRP From     
$37,100$32,895$35,600$35,700$35,880$33,300
Gas Mileage     
19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Gas I6Turbocharged Gas I4Turbocharged Gas I4Gas I6Gas V6Gas I6
EPA Class     
4WD Sport Utility VehicleSport Utility Vehicle4WD Sport Utility VehicleSport Utility2WD Sport Utility Vehicle4WD Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name     
AWD 4-Door 28iFWD 4-Doorquattro 4-Door 2.0T PremiumAWD 4-DoorRWD 4-Door GLK 350AWD 4-Door 3.2L
Drivetrain     
All Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll wheel driveAll Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport Utility Vehicle4 DoorSport Utility VehicleSport UtilitySport Utility Vehicle5 Door Wagon
Transmission     
AutomaticAutomaticAutomatic w/Manual TransmissionAutomaticAutomaticAutomatic w/manual shift
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 BMW X3 vs. 2012 Acura RDX2012 BMW X3 vs. 2012 Audi Q52012 BMW X3 vs. 2012 Land Rover LR22012 BMW X3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class2012 BMW X3 vs. 2012 Volvo XC60