are just three of the eight top competitors of the BMW X3.
The BMW X3 is one of the best compact SUVs on the road—but it’s far from your only option for a new car.
The Porsche Macan and Mercedes-AMG Class come with powerful engine options.
The Volvo XC60 offers appealing style and good fuel economy.
1. Porsche Macan
Starting price: $56,250 to $81,250
Selling points: Strong powertrain, athletic styling, and impressive handling
Weak spot: Limited cargo space and a tight back seat
This high-class SUV delivers everywhere from the racetrack to picking up the kids from soccer. Not only will you be riding in style, but the Porsche Macan is a powerful SUV.
All three trim levels come with impressive engine options, particularly the GTS model’s twin-turbo V6 engine generating up to 434 horsepower.
While every model comes standard with all-wheel drive, there are plenty of options to elevate your Macan’s handling. A few noteworthy options include adaptive suspension, tungsten-carbide-coated rotors, summer tires, and torque-vectoring differential.
With a 10/10 ranking from Car and Driver, the Porsche Macan is a top choice in its class.
2. Mercedes-AMG GLC-Class
Starting price: $60,950 to $82,000
Selling points: Luxury cabin, athletic handling, and great high-performance engine options
Weak spot: Loud when cruising and can be a bumpy ride on imperfect roadways
With an almost perfect score of 9.5/10 from Car and Driver, the
hit the nail on the head with their first attempt at a compact luxury SUV. The 2022 Genesis GV70 was inspired by the G70 sports sedan, featuring a comparable driving experience with extra cargo space and a higher seating position.
With a wide variety of trim levels to choose from, each model comes with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Like many Genesis vehicles, even the base trim boasts impressive luxury features. The Genesis GV70 is a top contender amongst compact SUVs, earning a 9/10 rating from Car and Driver.
4. Volvo XC60
Starting price: $43,745 to $70,595
Selling points: Stylish, good standard driver-assistant technology, and impressive fuel efficiency
Weak spot: Infotainment isn’t intuitive and the hybrid powertrain needs refining
If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient compact SUV with a hybrid option, the 2022 Volvo XC60 might be the car for you! This top-seller for
is a classic Swedish design: stylish and thoughtful.
When it comes to engines, the Volvo XC60 comes with three strong options, including a hybrid. For eco-conscious buyers, this car also has the best fuel economy out of our eight competitors, at 26/23/30 mpg.
5. Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Starting price: $86,575
Selling points: Great look, drive, and sound
Weak spot: Lacking back seat and cargo space, questionable reliability
This Italian beauty is a compelling choice among SUVs. With a V6 engine that boasts 505 horsepower and sporty drive-mode settings, you’ll be flying from zero to 60 in an impressive 3.3 seconds.
With its leather interior and 14-way power-adjustable front seats, drivers sit supported nice and close to the road. The QF’s ambient lighting and heated steering wheel and front seat allow for a luxurious cabin experience.
Unfortunately, the back seat and cargo area are on the small side, but you can still fit plenty of luggage with the seats folded down.
6. Audi Q5
Starting price: $44,495 to $65,145
Selling points: Ample trim options, high-tech cabin, and beautiful styling
Weak spot: Limited storage, less engaging drive, and basic warranty
While some of our other options may provide a more engaging drive, the 2022 Audi Q5 still brings style and plenty of high-end features to the table. It’s also one of the few SUVs on our list to offer a plug-in hybrid and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine option.
Tech lovers will enjoy everything from the Q5’s touchscreen infotainment system to its digital gauge display. While the
is set up more for everyday comfort than performance, it still received a respectable 8/10 ranking from Car and Driver.
7. Acura RDX
Starting price: $40,345 to $55,295
Selling points: Affordable, plenty of standard features, and athletic handling
Weak spot: Some awkwardness with the transmission
While the Acura RDX may not be the most luxurious of our options, it is both the most spacious and affordable. It doesn’t skimp on power either, with a spunky turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 272 horsepower.
With its 8.2 inches of ground clearance and all-wheel drive options, it could also make a decent off-road contender.
While the cabin isn’t as deluxe as the competition, it is well-built with many desirable standard features, including power-adjustable, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and ambient lighting.
8. Jaguar F-Pace
Starting price: $52,050 to $66,650
Selling points: Incredible SUV handling, spacious cargo bay, and refined engines
Weak spot: Imperfect infotainment system and a stiff ride on larger wheels
The Jaguar F-Pace is both practical and fun to drive. Inspired by the F-Type sports car, the F-Pace holds its own alongside the Audi, Mercedes, and BMW compact SUVs.
The interior boasts a luxurious, but minimalist, cabin designed with fine materials, a high-tech infotainment system, and many useful driver-assistance features.
The F-Pace also shines above the competition in its impressive towing capacity of 5,291 lbs.
BMW X3 vs. the competition
Now that we’ve taken a comprehensive look at the competition, let's look at the key specs side-by-side:
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