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  1. Cars
  2. Popular Car Comparisons
  3. Compare 2026 BMW X3 vs. 2026 BMW X5
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2026 BMW X3 vs. 2026 BMW X5 Comparison

See how the 2026 BMW X3 and 2026 BMW X5 performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

X3 2026

Luxury compact SUVs

2026 BMW X3

$51,300 - $66,500

All Test Results

X5 2026

Luxury midsized SUVs

2026 BMW X5

$68,300 - $131,000

All Test Results
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CR membership is here to help you buy smarter, own with confidence, and save every day—so you can spend your hard-earned money on cars and products that really work and are proven to last.

About
About
The fourth-generation X3 took an evolutionary step forward for 2025, gaining power, fuel economy, and equipment. It remains one of the best compact luxury SUVs, thanks to its spirited and fuel-efficient powertrain, nimble handling, and comfortable se...
 
Recent updates have given the X5 a 14.9-inch curved touchscreen with the new iDrive 8.5 infotainment system and a digital instrument display. Many of the physical climate controls have been replaced by touchscreen-based buttons. The standard 3.0-lite...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Smooth engine and transmission
Green Checkmark Icon Quick acceleration
Green Checkmark Icon Good fuel economy
Green Checkmark Icon Agile handling
Green Checkmark Icon Short stopping distances
Green Checkmark Icon Quiet cabin
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable front seats
Green Checkmark Icon Fit and finish
 
Green Checkmark Icon Ride
Green Checkmark Icon Quietness
Green Checkmark Icon Acceleration
Green Checkmark Icon Transmission
Green Checkmark Icon Braking
Green Checkmark Icon Seat comfort
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Unintuitive controls
Red 'X' Icon Center dashboard air vents are too low
 
Red 'X' Icon Controls require a learning curve
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100
2026 BMW X3

$51,300 - $66,500

2026 BMW X5

$68,300 - $131,000

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

4-door SUV

 

4-door SUV

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

30 xDrive, M50 xDrive

 

M Competition, xDrive40i, xDrive50e, M60i xDrive, sDrive40i

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$51,300 - $66,500

 

$68,300 - $131,000

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD

 

AWD, RWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

2-liter 4 turbo (255 hp); 3-liter 6 turbo (393 hp)

 

3-liter 6 plugin hybrid (483 hp); 3-liter 6 turbo (375 hp); 4.4-liter V8 turbo (523 hp); 4.4-liter V8 turbo (617 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

8-speed Automatic

 

8-speed Automatic

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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CR membership is here to help you buy smarter, own with confidence, and save every day—so you can spend your hard-earned money on cars and products that really work and are proven to last.

130+

researchers, engineers, and testing experts

89 years

of fighting for what's right

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members strong

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.
See how we test cars

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.

See how we test cars