BMW X3
A capable compact SUV with a Good reliability verdict, the 2026 BMW X3 offers a refined driving experience.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2026 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km | Fuel-economy range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25 | 30 | 27 | 9.41 | 7.84 | 8.71 | — |
| 2025 | 25 | 30 | 27 | 9.41 | 7.84 | 8.71 | — |
| 2024 | 15 | 20 | 17 | 15.68 | 11.76 | 13.84 | — |
| 2023 | 15 | 20 | 17 | 15.68 | 11.76 | 13.84 | — |
| 2022 | 15 | 20 | 17 | 15.68 | 11.76 | 13.84 | — |
| 2021 | 14 | 19 | 16 | 16.8 | 12.38 | 14.7 | — |
| 2020 | 14 | 19 | 16 | 16.8 | 12.38 | 14.7 | — |
| 2019 | 20 | 27 | 23 | 11.76 | 8.71 | 10.23 | — |
| 2018 | 20 | 27 | 23 | 11.76 | 8.71 | 10.23 | 20-29 mpg combined |
| 2017 | 19 | 26 | 21 | 12.38 | 9.05 | 11.2 | — |
| 2016 | 19 | 26 | 21 | 12.38 | 9.05 | 11.2 | — |
| 2015 | 19 | 26 | 21 | 12.38 | 9.05 | 11.2 | — |
| 2014 | 19 | 26 | 21 | 12.38 | 9.05 | 11.2 | — |
| 2013 | 19 | 26 | 21 | 12.38 | 9.05 | 11.2 | — |
| 2012 | 19 | 25 | 21 | 12.38 | 9.41 | 11.2 | — |
| 2011 | 19 | 25 | 21 | 12.38 | 9.41 | 11.2 | — |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Engine code | Transmission | Drivetrain | Horsepower | Torque | Engine configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2025 | suv | 4 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2024 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2023 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2022 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic | AWD/All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2021 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic | AWD/All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2020 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2019 | — | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic | AWD/All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2018 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | B58b30m0 | Automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 248-355 hp | 258-369 lb-ft | Inline-4 / Inline-6 |
| 2017 | — | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2016 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2015 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2014 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2013 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2012 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2011 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | pricing | Trim | Base price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | Trim: X3 M/M Competition | X3 M/M Competition | — | — |
| 2022 | Trim: xDrive30i | xDrive30i | — | — |
| 2021 | Base price: $43,000, Trim: M40i, Note: HD Radio, Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, Auxiliary Audio Input, MP3 Player | M40i | $43,000 | HD Radio, Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, Auxiliary Audio Input, MP3 Player |
| 2020 | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | Base price: $41,000, Trim: sDrive30i | sDrive30i | $41,000 | — |
| 2018 | Base price: $41,000, Trim: xDrive30i | xDrive30i | $41,000 | — |
| 2017 | Base price: $42,050, Trim: xDrive35i | xDrive35i | $42,050 | — |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Keyless ignition | Seat rows | Steering location | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | — | Standard | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 112.8, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 112.8 | 18 | 18 |
| 2020 | 5 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 112.8 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 112.8 | — | — |
| 2019 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 112.8, Front wheel: 19, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 112.8 | 19 | 18 |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 645 | 28.7 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 112.8, Front wheel: 19, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 112.8 | 19 | 18 |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Optional, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 110.6, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | Optional | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 110.6 | 18 | 18 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 5 | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 5 | 5 | 550 | 19.4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotMonitoring | blindSpotIntervention | laneDepartureWarning | laneCenteringAssist | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | rearAeb | parkAssist | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | nhtsaSafetyRatings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2026 BMW X3 SUV N/A AWD | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2026 BMW X3 SUV N/A AWD |
| 2025 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2025 BMW X3 SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2025 BMW X3 SUV AWD |
| 2024 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2024 BMW X3 SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2024 BMW X3 SUV AWD |
| 2023 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2023 BMW X3 SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | — | standard | — | standard | — | standard | standard | — | optional | standard | standard | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2023 BMW X3 SUV AWD |
| 2022 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2022 BMW X3 SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | — | standard | — | standard | — | standard | — | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2022 BMW X3 SUV AWD |
| 2021 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2021 BMW X3 SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | optional | standard | standard | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2021 BMW X3 SUV AWD |
| 2020 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2020 BMW X3 SUV RWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | standard | standard | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2020 BMW X3 SUV RWD |
| 2019 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2019 BMW X3 SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | standard | standard | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2019 BMW X3 SUV AWD |
| 2018 | — | — | — | — | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | optional | optional | — | optional | — | standard | — | — | optional | optional | standard | — |
| 2017 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2017 BMW X3 SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | optional | — | optional | — | optional | — | standard | — | — | optional | optional | standard | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2017 BMW X3 SUV AWD |
| 2016 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2016 BMW X3 SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2016 BMW X3 SUV AWD |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Technology & electrification
Listed infotainment, equipment, battery, and charging data.
Model year reports
2026
NewestA capable compact SUV with a Good reliability verdict, the 2026 BMW X3 offers a refined driving experience.
2025
The 2025 BMW X3 offers average reliability, but a high number of critical safety recalls at launch warrants careful inspection.
2024
The 2024 BMW X3 offers a solid luxury SUV experience with excellent safety scores, but potential buyers must prioritize confirming the critical steering gear recall has been addressed.
2023
The 2023 BMW X3 offers a compelling blend of performance and practicality, earning a 'Good' reliability verdict.
2022
The 2022 BMW X3 offers a compelling blend of performance and luxury, but used buyers must prioritize inspecting the **fuel rail** for potential cracking and leaks.
2021
The 2021 BMW X3 offers a compelling blend of luxury and performance, but its "Average" reliability verdict, driven by multiple recalls affecting critical systems like the traction battery and fuel tank, warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
2020
The 2020 BMW X3 offers a premium experience with strong safety scores, but a high number of critical recalls, particularly concerning steering and airbags, necessitates a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
2019
The 2019 BMW X3 offers a compelling blend of luxury and performance, but a significant number of safety recalls warrants careful inspection.
2018
The 2018 BMW X3 presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2017
The 2017 BMW X3 presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2016
The 2016 BMW X3 presents a mixed bag for used car buyers.
2015
The 2015 BMW X3 is a capable luxury SUV, but its "Below Average" reliability verdict, driven by significant engine and electrical system concerns, makes it a high-risk used purchase.
2014
The 2014 BMW X3 presents a mixed reliability picture.
2013
The 2013 BMW X3 presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2012
The 2012 BMW X3 presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2011
The 2011 BMW X3 presents a mixed reliability picture.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the BMW X3?
Carfocal currently has 16 published X3 reports, covering 2011 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: A capable compact SUV with a Good reliability verdict, the 2026 BMW X3 offers a refined driving experience.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
Is the BMW X3 reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every BMW X3. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include a capable compact suv with a good reliability verdict, the 2026 bmw x3 offers a refined driving experience. and the 2026 bmw x3 offers good value for buyers seeking a premium compact suv with a strong reliability record. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
16 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the BMW X3?
Across Carfocal's published X3 guides, recurring problem areas include Steering Control Module, Brake Pads and Rotors, and Suspension Components (e.g., Shocks/Struts). The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Steering Control Module, Brake Pads and Rotors, and Suspension Components (e.g., Shocks/Struts).
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 16
- Years tracked
- 16
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints