BMW has quite the concentration of vehicles in the X3's size range, each blending different amounts of performance and utility in a relatively compact footprint.
Besides the X3, which was BMW's most carlike crossover yet, there's also now the X1, which is essentially a tall hatchback based on the BMW 1-Series, and a size smaller.
Then there's the BMW 3-Series Sports Wagon--the pick for driving enjoyment--but the X3 is the pick for those who need good passenger space and a little more versatility.
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 Acura RDX was completely new this past year, and its new V-6 powertrain and more conventional design aims right at the luxury mainstream.
With a lower sticker price, the Volvo XC60 is rated tops for safety and has decent on-road handling, space, and fit and finish.
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 2014 BMW X3Browse Used Listings |  2014 Acura RDXBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Audi Q5Browse Used Listings |  2014 BMW X1Browse Used Listings |  2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Volvo XC60Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2014 BMW X3 is one of the sportiest-driving yet most fuel-efficient compact crossovers; and especially if you're not budget-limited you'll almost certainly be happy with its useful technology options and finely detailed cabin. |
The 2014 Acura RDX offers a relatively sporty look and driving feel, as well as a quiet, comfortable interior and top-notch safety; but features or flair it's no standout. |
The 2014 Audi Q5 gets quite serious about fuel economy with TDI power; it's still one of the most elegant, truly carlike luxury crossover SUVs. |
The 2014 BMW X1 has plenty of style and enthusiasm, although it's a little short on some of the versatility and utility you might expect. |
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK has car-like road manners, despite its rugged-looking exterior. Following 2013's engines updates, it's now more fuel-efficient, too. |
The 2014 Volvo XC60 keeps in sync with Volvo's reputation for safe, luxurious wagons–just in a taller crossover package. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $39,800 | $34,520 | $37,300 | $30,900 | $37,480 | $34,850 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded I-6 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small SUV 4WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 4WD | Large Cars | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD |
| Style Name | |||||
| AWD 4-Door xDrive28i | FWD 4-Door | quattro 4-Door 2.0T Premium | RWD 4-Door sDrive28i | RWD 4-Door GLK 350 | 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 | |||||
| Sports Activity Vehicle | Sport Utility | quattro Sport Utility | Sports Activity Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2014 BMW X3 vs. 2014 Acura RDX | 2014 BMW X3 vs. 2014 Audi Q5 | 2014 BMW X3 vs. 2014 BMW X1 | 2014 BMW X3 vs. 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class | 2014 BMW X3 vs. 2014 Volvo XC60 | |
