2021 BMW X3 vs. Its Competition

2021 BMW X3
Andrew Ganz Andrew Ganz Senior Editor

It’s not easy to pick a favorite luxury crossover, though the Mercedes-Benz GLC range sure does a lot while always looking unflustered.

From docile 300 to snarling AMG 63, the GLC lineup is tough to beat.

The Audi Q5 comes close with its polished feel and approachable tech, while the polite Volvo XC60 is a serene, soothing machine perfect for any commute.

The Acura RDX boasts terrific driving dynamics unfortunately paired with a frustrating infotainment setup.

A surprising highlight is the new Lincoln Corsair with its buttoned-up looks and manageable tech—plus it’s a good value, too.

2021 BMW X32021 BMW X3
2021 Acura RDX2021 Acura RDX
2021 Audi Q5 Sportback2021 Audi Q5
2021 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring2021 Lincoln Corsair
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (GLC300)2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class
2021 Volvo XC602021 Volvo XC60
#3 in Luxury Mid-Size SUVs
Quick Specs
7.3
The 2021 BMW X3 is a do-all small crossover loaded with luxury, technology, and usability, with a dash of sporty personality.
6.7
The 2021 Acura RDX satisfies sport-sedan drivers and crossover needers alike with strong performance and scads of space.
6.7
The 2021 Audi Q5 crossover puts a new face on a best-selling formula that doesn’t show signs of getting old.
7.2
The 2021 Lincoln Corsair builds its brand on serenity and luxury.
7.0
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class can be a soothing urban oasis—or a roaring twin-turbo V-8 track star. It’s your call.
7.7
The 2021 Volvo XC60 drops the luxury-car attitude and delivers all the luxury-car feels.
MSRP From     
$43,000$38,400$43,300$36,105$43,200$41,700
Gas Mileage     
14 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Small SUV 2WDSmall SUV 2WDSmall SUV 4WDSmall SUV 2WDSmall SUV 2WDSmall SUV 2WD
Style Name     
sDrive30i Sports Activity VehicleFWDPremium 45 TFSI quattroStandard FWDGLC 300 SUVT5 FWD Momentum
Drivetrain     
Rear Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sports Activity VehicleSport Utilityquattro Sport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport Utility
Transmission     
Automatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAuto-Shift Manual w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2021 BMW X3 vs. 2021 Acura RDX2021 BMW X3 vs. 2021 Audi Q52021 BMW X3 vs. 2021 Lincoln Corsair2021 BMW X3 vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class2021 BMW X3 vs. 2021 Volvo XC60