X3 vs XC60
This is a classic rivalry: the X3 against the XC60, BMW against Volvo, both in compact luxury suv territory. The gap between the X3 and the XC60 is narrow enough that price, looks or habit could reasonably tip it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t engine & performance. Don’t let engine & performance decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The X3 and the XC60 match each other closely in this area. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X3 | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 247 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | AWD |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X3 | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X3 | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X3 | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Price
| Spec | X3 | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $49,500 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the X3 or the XC60?
The X3 and the XC60 split the comparison (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the X3, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the XC60), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the X3 and the XC60, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest.
If you’d rather have strength in the things a spec sheet can’t capture, go with the X3. If the things a spec sheet can’t capture is what you’d miss, go with the XC60.
My pick: I’d go with the X3 if I cared most about the things a spec sheet can’t capture, and the XC60 if the things a spec sheet can’t capture mattered more.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.