The 2016 BMW X3 birthed a new variant, the X4, this past year; and with the 3-Series GT as well, BMW now has several nearly like-sized models, each with a slightly different balance of performance and utility.
Among all of those, the X3 has the most height and versatility, and it's the more conventional entry that tackles a host of rivals from all the major luxury brands.
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 Audi Q5's cabin wows, but a stiff ride upsets its pleasant demeanor.
The Acura RDX goes in a different direction, with a V-6 powertrain and more conventional design aiming right at the luxury mainstream.
The Volvo XC60 is rated tops for safety and has decent on-road handling, space, and fit and finish.
And the new BMW X1, with its redesign on a new, front-wheel-drive platform for 2016, promises more comfort, utility, and space than before, closing the gap with the larger X3.
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 2016 BMW X3Browse Used Listings |  2016 Acura RDXBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Audi Q5Browse Used Listings |  2016 BMW X1Browse Used Listings |  2016 Volvo XC60Browse Used Listings |  2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The stylish 2016 BMW X3 skips the ruggedness thing entirely and instead succeeds in being one of the sportiest and tech-loaded yet fuel-efficient compact crossovers. |
The 2016 Acura RDX is a smooth and responsive crossover SUV; it’s easy to live with, as long as the back seat fits your passengers. |
The 2016 Audi Q5 offers one of the greatest range of powertrain choices in its class, ensuring that almost anyone can find a version of this handsome small crossover to fit their tastes. |
The 2016 BMW X1 is heavy on sport and light on utility -- a combination that's likely to please a number of buyers. |
The 2016 Volvo XC60 remains a luxury-SUV contender, though a plethora of powertrains and options can take the $36,000 base price well over $50,000. |
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK offers two great engine options in a baby-SUV shell, but with the comfort and dynamics of a crossover. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $38,950 | $35,370 | $40,900 | $34,800 | $36,600 | $37,900 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 19 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 33 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 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded V-6 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 4WD | Large Cars | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD |
| Style Name | |||||
| RWD 4-Door sDrive28i | FWD 4-Door | quattro 4-Door 2.0T Premium | AWD 4-Door xDrive28i | FWD 4-Door T5 Drive-E | RWD 4-Door GLK 350 |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear 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 | |||||
| 2016 BMW X3 vs. 2016 Acura RDX | 2016 BMW X3 vs. 2016 Audi Q5 | 2016 BMW X3 vs. 2016 BMW X1 | 2016 BMW X3 vs. 2016 Volvo XC60 | 2016 BMW X3 vs. 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class | |
