VS
At a Glance
Power
393hp @ 5200
375hp @ 5200
Torque
428lb-ft @ 1900
398lb-ft
Fuel
28 mpg est.
25 mpg est.
Towing
4850lbs
—
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the BMW X3 and the BMW X5 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW X3 delivers 393hp @ 5200 while the BMW X5 produces 375hp @ 5200. On fuel, the X3 returns 28 mpg est. while the X5 uses 25 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $65,900 for the X3 and $66,300 for the X5. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW X3M50 xDrive Sports Activity Vehicle 2026 - From $65,900
BMW X5sDrive40i Sports Activity Vehicle 2025 - From $66,300
Performance
Power Output (hp)
393hp @ 5200
375hp @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft)
428lb-ft @ 1900
398lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
Inline
Inline
Cylinders
6
6
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
25 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25mpg
23mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
30mpg
27mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.2gal
21.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.2in
194.3in
Width (in)
75.6in
78.9in
Height (in)
65.4in
69.5in
Wheelbase (in)
112.8in
117.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4535lbs
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
4850lbs
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X3
Fuel Economy
X3
Value
Tied
Practicality
X3
Pros & Cons
BMW X3
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($65,900)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW X5
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (25 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X3 or X5?
The X3 gets 28 mpg est. and the X5 gets 25 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The X3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X3 or X5?
The X3 produces 393hp @ 5200 and 428lb-ft @ 1900 of torque while the X5 delivers 375hp @ 5200 and 398lb-ft of torque. The X3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X3 and X5?
The X3 starts from $65,900 and the X5 from $66,300, a difference of just $400, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X3 or X5?
The X3 has a braked towing capacity of 4850lbs and the X5 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X3 or the X5?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.