10 BMW X3 Competitors to Consider

2018 BMW X3 hero ・ Photo by BMW

The BMW 3 Series has set the standard in the luxury compact car segment for decades now, and when the European manufacturers began to offer SUVs, the BMW X3 became a “go-to” choice immediately. Its alluring combination of sports-sedan handling, superior interior space, and a higher seating position make the 2018 BMW X3 a solid choice for those who want to have their schnitzel and eat it too. It offers a 248-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the expected BMW handling chops.

At the same time, the luxury SUV/crossover segment has attracted a bevy of contenders, and many of them are no less alluring. If you’re eyeballing an X3 as your next set of wheels, number one, congratulations and, number two, here are some other worthy choices.

1. 2018 Porsche Macan

Certainly, the BMW X3’s handling prowess is its key calling card. Well, Porsche knows a little bit about sports-car handling, too. That is expressed by the Porsche Macan’s sophisticated suspension, its willing turbocharged engine, and its available performance upgrades, like the carbon-ceramic brakes. The 2.0-liter engine delivers 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

If you decide to go all in, you can order adaptive suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a two-screen rear-seat entertainment system. Even if you opt for a less pricey version, you’ll still get a collision mitigation system, a power-operated liftgate, a backup camera, and front and rear parking sensors. The base audio system includes a 7-inch touchscreen and 10 speakers. And the Macan looks like a Porsche.

Photo by Porsche

2. 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has zoomed to the top of the compact luxury crossover set, and one of the reasons is its handsome styling. Not gimmicky, the GLC is great-looking for every angle. And, as my mother used to say, “handsome is as handsome does.”

The GLC has impeccable road manners, too, with its standard adaptive shock absorbers getting some of the credit. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, so it has the juice to get things done. It is very well-equipped in base form. Two of the most notable options are 110-volt electrical outlets (to plug in your blender) and the 14-speaker Burmester audio system. And the well-configured dashboard is one of the best in the class.

Photo by Mercedes-AMG

3. 2018 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 was fully redesigned for the 2018 model year, but you can be excused if you didn’t notice. The Audi stylists didn’t want to fiddle too much with success, so the new Q5 has the clean, well-tailored lines of the previous model. It’s an attractive five-passenger people-hauler that delivers Audi’s signature interior style. An especially nice feature is the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation, which is available as an option on the base model and extends across the line. The controls for the infotainment system are so intuitive that we suggest that other carmakers copy them forthwith.

The Q5 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 252 horsepower and a fairly rich torque curve. Its ride and handling are not as precise as the Porsche Macan, but for everyday driving, it might be superior.

Photo by Audi

4. 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers a charming combination of genuine utility and a performance-oriented personality that we find hard to resist. There are larger crossover SUVs. There are less-expensive crossover SUVs. There are SUVs that might be safer choices. But we love the hot-spirited nature of the Stelvio.

With standard all-wheel drive and a 280-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the crossover is born to run. The chassis and suspension make especially good use of the 306 pound-feet of peak torque channeled through the eight-speed automatic transmission. By all means, shift gears yourself — you’re in a tall sports sedan. Inside, the interior captures a masculine Italian feel accompanied by amenities like a 7-inch instrument display, a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Photo by Alfa Romeo

5. 2019 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX, redesigned for the 2019 model year, is a tall hot rod. Like virtually every vehicle on this list, it is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. But the RDX’s engine whirs out 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of peak torque, making the Acura crossover one of the hottest in this august group. Low-end torque with the new powerplant is up 40 percent versus the 3.5-liter normally aspirated V-6 that propelled the previous version.

The new RDX also offers a segment-first 10-speed transmission and Acura’s sophisticated Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which aids maneuverability. The seats adjust 16 different ways, and the infotainment system can be controlled by a touchpad or voice-recognition software. The RDX is not the most luxurious crossover in its class, but it is arguably the most fun.

Photo by Acura

6. 2018 Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 is a new version of a vehicle that was both a break-out hit and a life-saver for the brand. Transitioning in ownership, Volvo didn’t change the previous XC60 for a decade, and yet the vehicle continued to sell in large numbers. This newly redesigned edition of the XC60 took the soul — and the basic styling — of the previous version and brought it up to date.

The expected emphasis on safety is very obvious with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping standard. A semi-autonomous driving mode is optional. Several powertrains are available including a plug-in hybrid. The base powerplant is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offering 250 horsepower. Inside the XC60 provides one of the most attractive interiors in the class, complete with a mammoth center-mounted infotainment touchscreen.

Photo by Volvo

7. 2018 Jaguar F-Pace

The Jaguar F-Pace exploded onto the scene to become one of the most popular vehicles in the Jaguar lineup. Somehow, Jaguar engineers and stylists were able to differentiate the brand's crossover from its Land Rover cousins. One big difference is the F-Pace’s on-road emphasis. If you want an off-roader, shop Range Rover. The F-Pace looks like a Jaguar inside and out — and that’s a good thing.

Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of peak torque, enough to propel the vehicle with alacrity. Standard equipment includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system but, interestingly, real leather upholstery is an optional extra. The F-Pace has handling that can be mentioned in the same breath as the X3.

Photo by Jaguar

8. 2018 Lexus NX

The BMW X3 straddles the Lexus NX and RX models in size and power. For those seeking additional interior space, the Lexus RX is the better choice, but for those seeking handling in the X3 idiom, the NX300 is probably the best bet. The NX’s smaller overall size helps it feel light and agile, though even in Sport trim, it is not on the handling plane of the top European vehicles in this class.

The NX uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of peak torque. The six-speed transmission seems a bit dated, but it provides exceptionally smooth shifts. A hybrid version is available, but we much prefer the conventional gas-only NX300. It is filled with luxury features like leather seating, LED exterior and interior lighting, and an eight-speaker audio system.

Photo by Lexus

9. 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport

While the BMW X3 is designed for on-road use with occasional forays onto dirt roads or through snow, the Land Rover Discovery Sport has serious off-road capabilities. All-Terrain Progress Control and hill-descent control enable the Discovery Sport to feel right at home in the wilderness.

At the same time, the Discovery Sport — not to be confused with the larger Discovery — has features fit for the urban jungle. You probably won’t be surprised to learn the Discovery Sport is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It delivers 237 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. Its interior makes you feel like British royalty, but the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is awkward to use. Still, the Discovery Sport can hold its head up in this elevated company.

Photo by Land Rover

10. 2019 Lincoln MKC

Not many think of Lincoln as a heads-up competitor to BMW, but the MKC crossover deserves a look. It has an attractive shape, and its tidy size contributes to a feeling of agility, though from a performance-handling point of view the X3 outpoints it. On the other hand, should you be seeking luxury and quiet from your upscale SUV, the MKC delivers.

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offering 240 horsepower and 270 peak pound-feet of torque. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, a power-operated rear liftgate, and rear parking sensors accompanied by a parking camera system. The infotainment system is a knockout with an 8-inch touchscreen and nine speakers. The options list includes a giant panoramic sunroof, a collision-mitigation system, and automatic parking assistance that makes quick work of parallel parking.

Photo by Lincoln